Mazda B-Series
Encyclopedia
The Mazda B-Series is a pickup truck
, first manufactured in 1961 by Mazda Motor Corporation
. From the first B-Series, Mazda
has used the engine displacement to determine the name. Thus, the B1500 had a 1.5 L engine and the B2600 had a 2.6 L engine. In Japan, Mazda used the Proceed name on its compact pickup trucks, and another line of larger trucks is available called the Mazda Titan
. Other names used for this line include Mazda Bravo (Australia), Mazda Bounty (New Zealand), Mazda Magnum / Thunder / Fighter (Thailand), and Mazda Drifter (South Africa).
Mazda's partnership with Ford
has resulted in the sharing of this vehicle as the Ford Courier, and later as the Ford Ranger. However, it should be borne in mind that the Mazda B-Series and Ford Ranger
twins sold in North America are unrelated to the ones sold elsewhere. These are engineered by Mazda, whereas the North American models are developed by Ford.
B-Series bonnet truck was introduced in Japan in August 1961 as the B1500. This model was the only JDM model to be badged as itself, i.e. B1500. The BUD61 that followed started the long running name of Proceed in Japan. It had a 1484 cc OHV water-cooled engine with wet sleeve cylinders which produced about 59 hp. It had a 1 ton payload. This model also ran a torsion bar front/leaf spring rear type suspension, which was advanced for its time, giving it a relatively smooth ride.
It presaged many of the compact pickups of today.
-powered Rotary Pickup. The engine was enlarged to 1.8 L for 1975's B1800. Known in the Japanese market as the Proceed, it was also sold as the Ford Courier
.
Engines:
d pickup truck
. It was sold from 1974 to 1977 and appears to have been available only in the United States
and Canada
. The Rotary Engined Pickup (REPU) had a 4-port 1.3 L 13B 4-barrel carbureted engine, flared fenders, battery mounted under the bed, a different dash, front grille, and round taillights.
It is estimated that just over 15,000 total units were built. Most were made for the 1974 model year, due to the energy crisis
putting a damper on sales, Mazda restamped many of the 1974 models with a prefix "S" designating it as a "1975" model. Approximately 700 units were built for the 1976 model year. Mazda invested in a moderate redesign for the 1977 model, updating electrical systems, adding an additional 4 inches (101.6 mm) cab stretch for more comfort, and adding a 5-speed manual transmission with different differential gearing. However, after about 3,000 units, the REPU was discontinued due to poor sales.
Road & Track
magazine was impressed with the "smooth, quiet power" and the "nice" interior. Price at the time was about US$3500, and observed fuel economy was 16.5 mpgus . Most of the trucks are found on the west coast of the US, and they continue to be sought out by enthusiasts.
Like many of the other Mazda rotary vehicles, the REPU was raced. Its most notable finish was an overall victory at the 1975 SCCA Mojave 24 Hour Rally at the hands of drivers Malcolm Smith
and Jack Sreenan.
The first generation Ford Courier was introduced for the 1972 model year and sold for a little over US$2,000 when introduced—close to the price of an F-100.
The Courier was manufactured by Toyo Kogyo (Mazda
), and imported and sold by Ford Motor Company as a response to the unforeseen popularity of the small Toyota and Nissan/Datsun pickups among young buyers in the West. Like the other mini-pickups of the time, it featured a sub-2 liter four cylinder engine, a four speed manual transmission, rear wheel drive, an impressive load capability of 1400 lb (635 kg) considering its size, and a fairly small price tag compared to full size pickups of the time. To circumvent the 25% Chicken tax
on light trucks, Couriers (as with Chevrolet LUV
's) were imported in "cab chassis" configurations, which included the entire light truck, less the cargo box or truck bed and were only subject to a 4% tariff. Subsequently, a truck bed would be attached to the chassis and the vehicle could be sold as a light truck.
The body styling was effectively that of the related Mazda B-series, however its frontal treatment was unique, with a grille designed to emulate the larger Ford F-series
, and large single headlights, instead of the B-series' smaller twin units.
When the Courier was introduced it came standard with a 1.8 liter overhead cam engine, which produced 74 hp at 5,070 rpm, and 92 lbfft at 3,500 rpm. A 4-speed manual transmission was standard, and there was also a 3-speed automatic option (the 5-speed manual option came in 1976).
Badging changed a few times in the first-gen series. In 1972, the tailgate read "FORD COURIER" in large raised letters, with a small "COURIER" badge on the front of the hood (from '73 on through '76 the hood badging read "FORD"). In '73 the tailgate read "COURIER" in large letters, with a small "FORD" badge on the upper left. In '74 it read "FORD" in large letters, with a small "COURIER" badge on the lower right. In 1976 the cab was lengthened 3 inches (76.2 mm), and the grille received added trim.
The B2000 was also available in a long bed version which was given the model name Sundowner
– a reference to nomadic Australian herders who would make camp wherever they were at sundown.
In Australia
and New Zealand
, the Courier was a compact pick-up built for Ford by Mazda
in Japan
. It was first offered on the Australian market in 1979.
Engines:
and Mustang II). The key identifying feature of the Courier from Mazda's B-Series was still the singular headlights, although with park and indicator lights placed inset starting in '78 ('77s still had the turn signal lights in the bumper).
In 1979 the base model engine was increased in size to 2.0 liters (120.1 CID). The optional Ford 2.3 l (140 cu in) engine was produced in Brazil.
The Courier was never available with a diesel engine in the US. However, the 1980 Mazda B2200 was available with the S2, a Perkins-built 4.135 (4 cylinder, 135 CID) 2.2 liter diesel engine, producing 66 hp at 2,100 rpm. This same diesel engine was available in the 1983 and 1984 Ford Ranger, however it was replaced by the Mitsubishi
4D55T 2.3 liter Turbo Diesel (also used in Mitsubishi's own Mighty Max
and the Dodge Ram 50
) for the 1985 to 1987 Ford Rangers.
The Courier continued to be sold in North America until the model year 1982, in which year power steering was added. For 1983, Ford of North America introduced its own Ford Ranger
to fill its compact truck segment, which replaced the Courier in the U.S. and Canadian markets.
However, in other markets (such as Australia), this generation of Courier continued on until the 1985 calendar year when the next generation was introduced. Australian models received a facelift around 1982/1983.
Electric variants
Between 1979 and 1982 a number of electric Ford Couriers were produced – Jet Industries purchased "vehicle glider
s" (Ford Courier bodies minus their engines), and put in a series DC
motor and lead acid batteries, to produce the Jet Industries ElectraVan 750. These were sold mainly for service trucks, general to local government departments. They had a top speed around 70 mi/h, and would go 50 to 60 miles (97 km) on a full charge. A number of these vehicles still exist, usually with upgraded motor control systems and higher voltage battery packs.
was the primary choice, with a 5-speed manual transmission
through 1989. Part-time four wheel drive was another option. The 2.6 L Mitsubishi-powered B2600 was introduced in 1986. 1987 saw the Mazda I4
enlarged to 2.2 L in the B2200, with the smaller engine phased out after that year. The Mitsubishi engine was gone for 1988, replaced by a new family of Mazda powerplants. A SUV/RV version of this generation was made as the Proceed Marvie starting in 1991, which was sold as the Ford Raider in Australia
and New Zealand
.
Mazda spent more than 100 million USD to design and develop 1986-93 B-Series pickups to specifically meet the needs of the North American market. Starting with the 1994 model year, Mazda built a badge engineered
version of the Ford Ranger, adopting Ford's vehicle design and engines. Due to declining sales and a lack of significant updates to its parent platform, the Ford-based B-Series was discontinued in the United States in 2009 and in Canada in 2010. The North American Ranger is scheduled to be phased out by 2011.
Engine options:
plant began in May 1998. This model was also sold as the Ford Ranger
in Europe and Asia, and the Ford Courier
in Australia and New Zealand. Production began that year at the AutoAlliance Thailand
and Ford Motor Company Philippines
factories. CKD versions are also assembled in South Africa
and Ecuador
.
The truck is sold in more than 130 countries under a variety of names. Along with the Fighter and Ranger badges in Southeast Asia (except Singapore, which used Proceed badge as Japan models), it was sold as the Mazda Bounty and Ford Courier in New Zealand, Mazda Bravo in Australia, and Mazda Drifter in South Africa.
In some countries, the Mazda Fighter and Mazda Bravo names are used for this line.
The B2600/B2200 sold in Venezuela and other Latin American countries nearby were assembled in Colombia by "Compañía Colombiana Automotriz S.A. (CCA)". They had a 2.6 L straight-4 4x4 model and an entry level model with a 2.2 L straight-4 4x2.
In 2002, a 'Freestyle' model became available on this platform, with rear suicide doors. Revisions to the rest of the range came in 2002 and 2004. These models are totally unrelated to the Mazda B-series and Ford Ranger models in North America.
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An SUV version of the Ranger, the "Ford Everest", shares more than 30 percent of its components with the donor model. The midsize Everest SUV is sold in Asia, Central America and the Bahamas.
The Everest was introduced in March 2003, and is built at the AutoAlliance Thailand
plant in Rayong
, and as CKD kits in other countries (Chengalpattu, India
; Jhongli, Taiwan
and Hai Duong
, Vietnam
). In India
it is called "Ford Endeavour".
This vehicle has had its origins from the Ford Ranger, which is built for the southeast Asian markets at the Ford-Mazda JV plant at the Thai port city of Rayong. Its underpinnings remain very much that of a pickup truck, while its engine is a Mazda derived unit used for its low cost of manufacture coupled with the requirements of these markets in terms of emission norms, fuel efficiency and most of all – affordability. A Hiroshima based design team worked to develop the Endeavour aka Everest and give it the qualities desired by the developing markets.
In 2006, the Everest, along with the Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series pickups were replaced by the new Mazda BT-50
and its derivatives. While the Mazda versions introduced the new "BT-50" name, Ford versions continued under the "Ranger" (pickup) and "Everest" (wagon) names.
Engines:
Pickup truck
A pickup truck is a light motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area .-Definition:...
, first manufactured in 1961 by Mazda Motor Corporation
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
. From the first B-Series, Mazda
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
has used the engine displacement to determine the name. Thus, the B1500 had a 1.5 L engine and the B2600 had a 2.6 L engine. In Japan, Mazda used the Proceed name on its compact pickup trucks, and another line of larger trucks is available called the Mazda Titan
Mazda Titan
The Mazda Titan is a commercial truck produced by Mazda. From the fourth generation model, the vehicle had become a rebadged Isuzu Elf truck.- First generation :1971: E Series first presented as a successor....
. Other names used for this line include Mazda Bravo (Australia), Mazda Bounty (New Zealand), Mazda Magnum / Thunder / Fighter (Thailand), and Mazda Drifter (South Africa).
Mazda's partnership with Ford
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
has resulted in the sharing of this vehicle as the Ford Courier, and later as the Ford Ranger. However, it should be borne in mind that the Mazda B-Series and Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger (North America)
The Ford Ranger is a pickup truck produced by the Ford Motor Company. The "Ranger" name had previously been used for a premium styling package on the F-Series full-sized pickup trucks since 1965. The name was moved to this line of North American compact trucks for the 1983 model year.In North...
twins sold in North America are unrelated to the ones sold elsewhere. These are engineered by Mazda, whereas the North American models are developed by Ford.
First generation (1961–1965)
The MazdaMazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
B-Series bonnet truck was introduced in Japan in August 1961 as the B1500. This model was the only JDM model to be badged as itself, i.e. B1500. The BUD61 that followed started the long running name of Proceed in Japan. It had a 1484 cc OHV water-cooled engine with wet sleeve cylinders which produced about 59 hp. It had a 1 ton payload. This model also ran a torsion bar front/leaf spring rear type suspension, which was advanced for its time, giving it a relatively smooth ride.
It presaged many of the compact pickups of today.
Second generation (1965–1971)
The 1966 B1500/Proceed continued with the same 1,484 cc OHV I4, with minor changes in the cylinder head/valves and the use of a downdraft carburetor instead of a sidedraft unit as used on the 1961 to 1965 models. The UA engine now produced 73 hp. The chassis, now called the BUD61, had a major facelift and changed to four headlights. It looked very similar in appearance to the B1600 that succeeded it in 1971.Third generation (1971–1979)
The B-Series was introduced to the United States with the 1972 B1600. It was joined in 1974 by the similar rotaryMazda Wankel engine
The Mazda Wankel engines are family of car engines derived from experiments in the early 1960s by Felix Wankel, a German engineer...
-powered Rotary Pickup. The engine was enlarged to 1.8 L for 1975's B1800. Known in the Japanese market as the Proceed, it was also sold as the Ford Courier
Ford Courier
- North America :This was a commercial model based on Ford's full-size stationwagon line. Its model code was designated 78A.From 1952 to 1956 access to the rear storage area was through a unique door hinged on the side. For 1957 and 1958, the rear access door was a combination of the lift gate and...
.
Engines:
- 1972–1976 – 1.6 L (1,586 cc) NA I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
- 1975–1979 – 1.8 L (1,796 cc) VB I4
- 1974–1977 – 1.3 L (654 cc x 2) 13B
Rotary Pickup
The Rotary Pickup (REPU) was the world's first and only Wankel engineWankel engine
The Wankel engine is a type of internal combustion engine using an eccentric rotary design to convert pressure into a rotating motion instead of using reciprocating pistons. Its four-stroke cycle takes place in a space between the inside of an oval-like epitrochoid-shaped housing and a rotor that...
d pickup truck
Pickup truck
A pickup truck is a light motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area .-Definition:...
. It was sold from 1974 to 1977 and appears to have been available only in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. The Rotary Engined Pickup (REPU) had a 4-port 1.3 L 13B 4-barrel carbureted engine, flared fenders, battery mounted under the bed, a different dash, front grille, and round taillights.
It is estimated that just over 15,000 total units were built. Most were made for the 1974 model year, due to the energy crisis
Energy crisis
An energy crisis is any great bottleneck in the supply of energy resources to an economy. In popular literature though, it often refers to one of the energy sources used at a certain time and place, particularly those that supply national electricity grids or serve as fuel for vehicles...
putting a damper on sales, Mazda restamped many of the 1974 models with a prefix "S" designating it as a "1975" model. Approximately 700 units were built for the 1976 model year. Mazda invested in a moderate redesign for the 1977 model, updating electrical systems, adding an additional 4 inches (101.6 mm) cab stretch for more comfort, and adding a 5-speed manual transmission with different differential gearing. However, after about 3,000 units, the REPU was discontinued due to poor sales.
Road & Track
Road & Track
Road & Track is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, and is published monthly. The editorial offices are located in Newport Beach, California.-History:...
magazine was impressed with the "smooth, quiet power" and the "nice" interior. Price at the time was about US$3500, and observed fuel economy was 16.5 mpgus . Most of the trucks are found on the west coast of the US, and they continue to be sought out by enthusiasts.
Like many of the other Mazda rotary vehicles, the REPU was raced. Its most notable finish was an overall victory at the 1975 SCCA Mojave 24 Hour Rally at the hands of drivers Malcolm Smith
Malcolm Smith (motorcyclist)
Malcolm Smith is a Hall of Fame American off-road racer.-Career:Smith first raced in 1956 atop a 1949 Matchless 500cc motorcycle. Later, he was associated with Husqvarna motorcycles. His renown grew as he won races in the 1960s and 1970s...
and Jack Sreenan.
Ford Courier
The Courier was manufactured by Toyo Kogyo (Mazda
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
), and imported and sold by Ford Motor Company as a response to the unforeseen popularity of the small Toyota and Nissan/Datsun pickups among young buyers in the West. Like the other mini-pickups of the time, it featured a sub-2 liter four cylinder engine, a four speed manual transmission, rear wheel drive, an impressive load capability of 1400 lb (635 kg) considering its size, and a fairly small price tag compared to full size pickups of the time. To circumvent the 25% Chicken tax
Chicken tax
The Chicken tax was a 25% tariff on potato starch, dextrin, brandy, and light trucks imposed in 1963 by the United States under President Lyndon B. Johnson as a response to tariffs placed by France and West Germany on importation of U.S. chicken...
on light trucks, Couriers (as with Chevrolet LUV
Chevrolet LUV
The Chevrolet LUV is a pickup truck marketed in the Americas since 1972 by Chevrolet, a division of General Motors . All generations of the LUV pickup have been Japanese Isuzu designs...
's) were imported in "cab chassis" configurations, which included the entire light truck, less the cargo box or truck bed and were only subject to a 4% tariff. Subsequently, a truck bed would be attached to the chassis and the vehicle could be sold as a light truck.
The body styling was effectively that of the related Mazda B-series, however its frontal treatment was unique, with a grille designed to emulate the larger Ford F-series
Ford F-Series
The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company which has been sold continuously for over six decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150...
, and large single headlights, instead of the B-series' smaller twin units.
When the Courier was introduced it came standard with a 1.8 liter overhead cam engine, which produced 74 hp at 5,070 rpm, and 92 lbfft at 3,500 rpm. A 4-speed manual transmission was standard, and there was also a 3-speed automatic option (the 5-speed manual option came in 1976).
Badging changed a few times in the first-gen series. In 1972, the tailgate read "FORD COURIER" in large raised letters, with a small "COURIER" badge on the front of the hood (from '73 on through '76 the hood badging read "FORD"). In '73 the tailgate read "COURIER" in large letters, with a small "FORD" badge on the upper left. In '74 it read "FORD" in large letters, with a small "COURIER" badge on the lower right. In 1976 the cab was lengthened 3 inches (76.2 mm), and the grille received added trim.
Fourth generation (1978–1985)
Introduced in 1978, In the U.S. in 1980, the B2000 used a 2.0 liter F/MA engine, replacing the B1800. The diesel 2.2 L B2200 joined this truck in 1982. The US B-Series continued through 1985, one year past the international version, though the 2.0 L engine was updated that year.The B2000 was also available in a long bed version which was given the model name Sundowner
Sundowner
Sundowner may refer to:* Sundowner , a model of Mazda truck* Sundowner , the solo acoustic project of Chris McCaughan* Sundowner , an alcoholic cocktail* Sundowner , a model of Beechcraft airplane...
– a reference to nomadic Australian herders who would make camp wherever they were at sundown.
In Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, the Courier was a compact pick-up built for Ford by Mazda
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. It was first offered on the Australian market in 1979.
Engines:
- 1980–1984 – 2.0 L (1,970 cc) F/MA I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
- 1985 – 2.0 L (1,998 cc) FE I4
- 1982–1985 – diesel 2.2 L (2,209 cc) S2 I4, 59 hp (US)
Ford Courier
In 1977 the Courier was redesigned, and a host of new options was available. The truck was available with front disc brakes, as well as a Ford built 2.3 liter engine option (which was the same as that of the Ford PintoFord Pinto
The Ford Pinto is a subcompact car produced by the Ford Motor Company for the model years 1971–1980. The car's name derives from the Pinto horse. Initially offered as a two-door sedan, Ford offered "Runabout" hatchback and wagon models the following year, competing in the U.S. market with the AMC...
and Mustang II). The key identifying feature of the Courier from Mazda's B-Series was still the singular headlights, although with park and indicator lights placed inset starting in '78 ('77s still had the turn signal lights in the bumper).
In 1979 the base model engine was increased in size to 2.0 liters (120.1 CID). The optional Ford 2.3 l (140 cu in) engine was produced in Brazil.
The Courier was never available with a diesel engine in the US. However, the 1980 Mazda B2200 was available with the S2, a Perkins-built 4.135 (4 cylinder, 135 CID) 2.2 liter diesel engine, producing 66 hp at 2,100 rpm. This same diesel engine was available in the 1983 and 1984 Ford Ranger, however it was replaced by the Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi Group , Mitsubishi Group of Companies, or Mitsubishi Companies is a Japanese multinational conglomerate company that consists of a range of autonomous businesses which share the Mitsubishi brand, trademark and legacy...
4D55T 2.3 liter Turbo Diesel (also used in Mitsubishi's own Mighty Max
Mighty Max
Mighty Max may refer to:* Mighty Max , a series of toys from Bluebird Toys** Mighty Max , a television series based on the toys* Max Weinberg, an American drummer and television personality...
and the Dodge Ram 50
Dodge Ram 50
The Dodge Ram 50 was a compact pickup truck produced by Mitsubishi Motors and sold by the Chrysler Corporation from 1979 to 1993. Plymouth also received a version of the truck known as the Arrow Truck, sold from 1979 to 1982. This was Chrysler's belated answer to the Ford Courier from Mazda and...
) for the 1985 to 1987 Ford Rangers.
The Courier continued to be sold in North America until the model year 1982, in which year power steering was added. For 1983, Ford of North America introduced its own Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is a pickup truck produced by the Ford Motor Company. The "Ranger" name had previously been used for a premium styling package on the F-Series full-sized pickup trucks since 1965. The name was moved to this line of North American compact trucks for the 1983 model year.In North...
to fill its compact truck segment, which replaced the Courier in the U.S. and Canadian markets.
However, in other markets (such as Australia), this generation of Courier continued on until the 1985 calendar year when the next generation was introduced. Australian models received a facelift around 1982/1983.
Electric variants
Between 1979 and 1982 a number of electric Ford Couriers were produced – Jet Industries purchased "vehicle glider
Vehicle glider
In automobiles, a glider is a vehicle without a powertrain . It is generally a brand new car, but a second-hand car can also be used...
s" (Ford Courier bodies minus their engines), and put in a series DC
Direct current
Direct current is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. Direct current is produced by such sources as batteries, thermocouples, solar cells, and commutator-type electric machines of the dynamo type. Direct current may flow in a conductor such as a wire, but can also flow through...
motor and lead acid batteries, to produce the Jet Industries ElectraVan 750. These were sold mainly for service trucks, general to local government departments. They had a top speed around 70 mi/h, and would go 50 to 60 miles (97 km) on a full charge. A number of these vehicles still exist, usually with upgraded motor control systems and higher voltage battery packs.
Fifth generation (1985–1998)
A new Proceed/B-Series was introduced in 1985 and was produced until 1998. A 4-speed automatic transmissionAutomatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
was the primary choice, with a 5-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
through 1989. Part-time four wheel drive was another option. The 2.6 L Mitsubishi-powered B2600 was introduced in 1986. 1987 saw the Mazda I4
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
enlarged to 2.2 L in the B2200, with the smaller engine phased out after that year. The Mitsubishi engine was gone for 1988, replaced by a new family of Mazda powerplants. A SUV/RV version of this generation was made as the Proceed Marvie starting in 1991, which was sold as the Ford Raider in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
.
Mazda spent more than 100 million USD to design and develop 1986-93 B-Series pickups to specifically meet the needs of the North American market. Starting with the 1994 model year, Mazda built a badge engineered
Badge engineering
Badge engineering is an ironic term that describes the rebadging of one product as another...
version of the Ford Ranger, adopting Ford's vehicle design and engines. Due to declining sales and a lack of significant updates to its parent platform, the Ford-based B-Series was discontinued in the United States in 2009 and in Canada in 2010. The North American Ranger is scheduled to be phased out by 2011.
Engine options:
- B2000
- 1985–1986 – 2.0 L (1,998 cc) FE I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
- 1985–1986 – 2.0 L (1,998 cc) FE I4
- B2200
- 1987–1991 – 2.2 L (2,184 cc) F2 I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 85 hp
- 1987–1991 – 2.2 L (2,184 cc) F2 I4
- B2600
- 1986–1988 – 2.6 L (2,555 cc) G54B I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 102 hp - 1988–1991 – 2.6 L (2,606 cc) G6 I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 121 hp
- 1986–1988 – 2.6 L (2,555 cc) G54B I4
Ford Courier / Raider
From 1991 to 1997 a badge engineered version of the Mazda Proceed Marvie wagon was sold as the Ford Raider. Like the Mazda version, it was an SUV/MPV based on the Proceed/B-Series/Ranger/Courier.Sixth generation (1998–2006)
In 1998 model year, Mazda renewed its own B-Series for international markets. Production at the AutoAlliance ThailandAutoAlliance Thailand
AutoAlliance Thailand is the name of a joint venture automobile assembly firm co-owned by Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation in Rayong province, Thailand...
plant began in May 1998. This model was also sold as the Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is a pickup truck produced by the Ford Motor Company. The "Ranger" name had previously been used for a premium styling package on the F-Series full-sized pickup trucks since 1965. The name was moved to this line of North American compact trucks for the 1983 model year.In North...
in Europe and Asia, and the Ford Courier
Ford Courier
- North America :This was a commercial model based on Ford's full-size stationwagon line. Its model code was designated 78A.From 1952 to 1956 access to the rear storage area was through a unique door hinged on the side. For 1957 and 1958, the rear access door was a combination of the lift gate and...
in Australia and New Zealand. Production began that year at the AutoAlliance Thailand
AutoAlliance Thailand
AutoAlliance Thailand is the name of a joint venture automobile assembly firm co-owned by Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation in Rayong province, Thailand...
and Ford Motor Company Philippines
Ford Motor Company Philippines
Ford Motor Company Philippines is a local Ford Motor Company subsidiary focused on manufacturing automobiles for local and regional consumption. Production began in September 1999 with the Ford Lynx, and the company began building the Mazda-based local Ford Ranger in March 2000...
factories. CKD versions are also assembled in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
and Ecuador
Ecuador
Ecuador , officially the Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border...
.
The truck is sold in more than 130 countries under a variety of names. Along with the Fighter and Ranger badges in Southeast Asia (except Singapore, which used Proceed badge as Japan models), it was sold as the Mazda Bounty and Ford Courier in New Zealand, Mazda Bravo in Australia, and Mazda Drifter in South Africa.
In some countries, the Mazda Fighter and Mazda Bravo names are used for this line.
The B2600/B2200 sold in Venezuela and other Latin American countries nearby were assembled in Colombia by "Compañía Colombiana Automotriz S.A. (CCA)". They had a 2.6 L straight-4 4x4 model and an entry level model with a 2.2 L straight-4 4x2.
In 2002, a 'Freestyle' model became available on this platform, with rear suicide doors. Revisions to the rest of the range came in 2002 and 2004. These models are totally unrelated to the Mazda B-series and Ford Ranger models in North America.
Ford Ranger / Courier
The Ford-badged version sold as the "Ford Ranger" in most markets, but also as the "Ford Courier" in Australasia was launched in 1998. A facelifted version with new front-end styling arrived in 2002.Ford Everest
The Everest was introduced in March 2003, and is built at the AutoAlliance Thailand
AutoAlliance Thailand
AutoAlliance Thailand is the name of a joint venture automobile assembly firm co-owned by Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation in Rayong province, Thailand...
plant in Rayong
Rayong
Rayong is a city located on the shore of the Gulf of Thailand, in the east coast region of Thailand. It is the capital of Rayong Province, and covers the tambon Tha Pradu and Pak Nam and parts of tambon Choeng Noen and Noen Phra, all within Mueang Rayong district...
, and as CKD kits in other countries (Chengalpattu, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
; Jhongli, Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
and Hai Duong
Hai Duong
Hải Dương is a city in Vietnam. It is the capital of Hai Duong province. Its name is Sino-Vietnamese for "ocean" .- Geography :Hai Duong city is bordered to the northeast by the Nam Sách District and Thanh Hà District...
, Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
). In India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
it is called "Ford Endeavour".
This vehicle has had its origins from the Ford Ranger, which is built for the southeast Asian markets at the Ford-Mazda JV plant at the Thai port city of Rayong. Its underpinnings remain very much that of a pickup truck, while its engine is a Mazda derived unit used for its low cost of manufacture coupled with the requirements of these markets in terms of emission norms, fuel efficiency and most of all – affordability. A Hiroshima based design team worked to develop the Endeavour aka Everest and give it the qualities desired by the developing markets.
In 2006, the Everest, along with the Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series pickups were replaced by the new Mazda BT-50
Mazda BT-50
The Mazda BT-50 is a 1-ton pickup truck from Mazda. It is a larger version of the predecessor B-Series pickup and is not sold in the Japanese and North American market. Ford has also sold a version of the first generation BT-50 as the Ford Ranger...
and its derivatives. While the Mazda versions introduced the new "BT-50" name, Ford versions continued under the "Ranger" (pickup) and "Everest" (wagon) names.
Engines:
- 2.5 liter WLT water-intercooled turboTurbochargerA turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
-DieselDiesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
, 88 kW (118 hp) and 277 N•m (204 ft•lbf) - 2.6 liter G6E 3-valve petrol, 90 kW (121 hp) and 206 N·m (151 ft·lbf)