Market Position:
The 2007 Mazda B3000 was positioned as a compact and capable pickup truck, often appealing to buyers seeking a practical work vehicle or a less expensive alternative to larger trucks, sharing much of its platform with the Ford Ranger.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon. The B3000 offered a value proposition often enhanced by Mazda's design flair and driving dynamics, though it was a rebadged product of the Ford/Mazda joint venture.
Key Features:
Reliable V6 engine, durable construction, practical utility, available in various cab configurations (regular cab, extended cab), rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive.
Coverage Areas:
Vehicle operation, safety, maintenance, troubleshooting, technical specifications, emergency procedures, controls, features.
Page Count:
Approximately 250-300 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine, transmission, braking system, steering, suspension, electrical system (lighting, accessories, battery), HVAC, safety systems (airbags, seat belts), instrumentation and controls, interior and exterior features.
Procedures Included:
Dashboard indicator light explanations, fluid level checks, tire pressure monitoring, basic troubleshooting for common warning lights, operation of various vehicle features, jump starting, changing a flat tire, replacing fuses, basic cleaning and care instructions.
Technical Depth:
Designed for the vehicle owner; covers operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Primary Engine:
3.0L V6 (Vulcan Engine)
Horsepower:
142 hp @ 4700 rpm (approximate for 2007)
Torque:
180 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm (approximate for 2007)
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Code:
3.0L Vulcan (Ford ESM, referred to as G in some contexts)
Wheelbase:
Varies by configuration (e.g., 109.9 inches for Regular Cab, 125.7 inches for SuperCab)
Overall Length:
Varies by configuration (e.g., 185.4 inches for Regular Cab Long Bed)
Bed Length:
Available in 6-foot (72.4 inches) and 7-foot (83.8 inches) bed lengths.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3500 - 4000 lbs, depending on configuration.
Payload Capacity:
Up to approximately 1500 lbs.
Towing Capacity:
Up to approximately 5700 lbs (properly equipped).
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Typically 4-star (for models with this rating available).
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on rear wheels, optional on front and rear. Daytime Running Lights (DRLs).
Passive Features:
Front airbags for driver and passenger, three-point seat belts, LATCH child seat anchors (on applicable seating positions).
Restraint System Details:
Occupant classification sensor for passenger airbag, seat belt pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (typical for conventional oil), consult manual for synthetic oil recommendations. Check oil level regularly.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check manual for specific intervals; typically around 30,000-60,000 miles depending on driving conditions (e.g., towing, stop-and-go).
Coolant Flush:
Approximately every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years, using Mazda/Ford specified coolant.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified; consult manual for exact Ford specification WSS-M2C153-H or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
MERCON V (Ford specification)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 (API GL-4 or GL-5 rated, consult manual for specific viscosity and spec)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Coolant Specification:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Yellow) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D.
Power Steering Fluid:
Likely MERCON ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specific power steering fluid; consult manual.
Known Issues:
Potential for intake manifold runner control (IMRC) issues, occasional coolant leaks from the thermostat housing or intake manifold, rear main seal leaks, and potential for transmission issues in high-mileage vehicles. Dashboard lights and climate control panel illumination can fade over time. Check for any applicable recalls from Mazda or Ford.
Oil Filter Part Number:
e.g., Motorcraft FL-820-S, Wix 51515, Fram PH3600 (verify for specific application).
Air Filter Part Number:
e.g., Motorcraft FA-1660, Wix 49430 (verify for specific application).
Brand Heritage:
Mazda has a history of producing reliable and driver-focused vehicles, though the B-Series trucks have often been badge-engineered from Ford products since the late 1970s. The B3000 is part of this long-standing collaboration.
Model Evolution:
The Mazda B-Series trucks, including the B3000, evolved from earlier compact Mazda pickups. The second generation (2001-2009) saw significant updates and shared its platform and many components with the Ford Ranger, including powertrain options.
Production Location:
North America (often produced alongside Ford Ranger in the United States, e.g., Edison, New Jersey or St. Paul, Minnesota).
Production Years:
1994-2009 for the B-Series in North America, with the B3000 nameplate utilized for models equipped with the 3.0L V6.
