Are Mazda trucks and Ford Rangers the same?
When it comes to compact pickup trucks, the Mazda B-Series and the Ford Ranger often come up in discussions. Many people wonder if these two vehicles are essentially the same. As an experienced auto service provider, I’ll break down the history and relationship between these two trucks to help you understand their similarities and differences.
The Shared History of Mazda Trucks and Ford Rangers
The connection between Mazda and Ford dates back several decades. During the 1970s and 1980s, Ford and Mazda entered into a partnership that allowed them to collaborate on vehicle development. This partnership extended to their compact pickup trucks, resulting in the Mazda B-Series and the Ford Ranger sharing many components and designs.
From the mid-1980s to the early 2000s, the Mazda B-Series trucks sold in North America were essentially rebadged versions of the Ford Ranger. This means that while the trucks carried different brand names and badges, they were built on the same platform and shared engines, transmissions, and other key components.
Key Similarities Between Mazda Trucks and Ford Rangers
Here are some of the main similarities between the Mazda B-Series and Ford Ranger during their shared production years:
- Shared Platform: Both trucks were built on the same chassis, meaning their structural design was identical.
- Engines and Transmissions: The powertrains were often identical, with both trucks offering the same engine options and transmission types.
- Interior Features: The interior layouts, including dashboard designs and seating, were nearly identical, with only minor differences in branding and styling.
- Manufacturing: Both trucks were manufactured in the same Ford assembly plants, further emphasizing their shared DNA.
Differences Between Mazda Trucks and Ford Rangers
Despite their similarities, there were some differences that set the Mazda B-Series and Ford Ranger apart:
- Branding and Styling: Mazda trucks featured unique grille designs, badges, and minor exterior styling tweaks to differentiate them from Ford Rangers.
- Market Positioning: Mazda marketed the B-Series as a more affordable and slightly sportier alternative to the Ranger, appealing to a different segment of buyers.
- Trim Levels: The available trim levels and optional features sometimes varied between the two brands.
The End of the Partnership
By the early 2000s, the partnership between Ford and Mazda began to wind down. Mazda stopped selling the B-Series in North America after the 2009 model year, while Ford continued to produce the Ranger. In recent years, Ford has reintroduced the Ranger as a midsize truck, while Mazda has focused on other vehicle segments.
Conclusion
In summary, Mazda trucks and Ford Rangers were essentially the same vehicles during their shared production years, with only minor differences in branding and styling. If you’re considering purchasing a used Mazda B-Series or Ford Ranger, you can expect similar reliability and performance from either truck. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help with all your truck maintenance and repair needs—whether it’s a Mazda or a Ford!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ford Ranger use a Mazda engine?
From 1983 to 1992, the first-generation Ranger was powered by 2.0L and 2.3L versions of the Ford "Lima" inline-4; the 2.8L, 2.9L, and 4.0L Ford Cologne V6; the 3.0L Ford Vulcan V6; and four-cylinder diesel engines sourced from Mazda (Perkins) and Mitsubishi.
Are Ford Rangers and Mazda B3000 the same?
The Mazda B-Series trucks were simply the Ford Ranger with different badges.
Are Mazda trucks made by Ford?
Through its association with Ford, Mazda produced the B-Series as the Ford Courier and the Ford Ranger. Conversely, the Ford Ranger was sold in North America as a Mazda B series from 1994 until 2011. In 2006, the Mazda B-Series was replaced by the Mazda BT-50.
Who makes a B3000 truck?
Rear-wheel drive
View all 1999 Mazda B3000 specs .
Who owns Mazda trucks?
If you're wondering who makes Mazda vehicles, we have the answer for you! For decades, Mazda was owned in part by the Ford Motor Company, but as of 2015, the Mazda Motor Company is now its own entity with sole ownership.
Is a Mazda B2000 the same as a Ford Ranger?
As everyone else has said, they are the same truck (other sheetmetal). Basically the Mazda B-Series was a way for Ford to import the Ranger to Asia and the middle east. Ford wanted to sell the Ranger in Asia, and by rebading it as a Mazda they could import them without paying an import tax.
What Fords have Mazda engines?
Ford has developed an Atkinson cycle variant of the Mazda L5 engine for use in the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid and Ford Maverick Hybrid vehicles. They also used this variant under the Duratec engine family name in the 2010-2019 Ford Fusion.
Why did Ford discontinue the Ranger?
While among the highest-selling vehicles in the compact segment for nearly its entire 29-year production, an overall decline in demand for compact trucks led to its discontinuation after the 2011 model year (a short 2012 run was produced for fleet sales).
Does Mazda make Ford engines?
Mazda has created three families of in-house V6 engines. As of 2000, they build and use the Ford Duratec V6 design. AJ/MZI – 2.5 L and 3.0 L V6 - The Mazda version of the Ford Duratec DOHC V6. The 3.5 L MZI is the Ford Cyclone engine.
Are Mazda and Ford Ranger the same truck?
From 1998 to 2011, the Ranger nameplate was used for models developed by Mazda for sale outside the North American market. In 2011, Ford introduced the first Ranger based on the T6 platform. Considered a mid-size pickup truck, the model was developed in-house by Ford Australia.
