What do you get when you take a 1996 Ford Ranger XL 2WD Super Cab ($13,955) and add the optional V6 engine ($1,213), air conditioning ($806), ABS ($610), and a few other goodies? You get a pretty nice truck, priced around $17,000. You also get a close match for the Mazda B4000 2WD LE Cab Plus, which I test drove.

Base-priced at $16,910, the Mazda B4000 comes with many of the features that make a truck a truck, particularly the 160-horsepower V6. Mazda's B-series line once consisted of "mini-trucks," but now "mid-size" is a better description. The B2300, B3000, and B4000 are nearly identical to Ford's Ranger pickups, built in the same factory in New Jersey.

With a five-speed stick, the B4000 is a fun drive. On dry pavement I was able to toss the rear end around a bit and not lose control. The horsepower is no rival for the Chevy S-10's optional 200-horse V6, but its torque is closer at 220 ft.-lbs. The B4000 can tow 3,400 pounds, and fuel economy is impressive (see below).

Two bed lengths are available, as are two cab configurations. I can't imagine doing without the extra storage space of the extended cab. It also allows for greater legroom. In non-extended cabs, tall drivers have been known to complain of insufficient rearward seat travel. New for '96 is a passenger-side airbag that can be disabled with the ignition key. Children in safety seats beside the driver have been injured by the deployment of passenger airbags.

Annoyances: An armrest swings down to cover the center console. It is comfortable enough, but seems designed to foil access to the console, which is too small to boot. Also, the turn signal kept clicking off as soon as I started turning.

But for 17 grand, you get full power, ABS, and air conditioning. And pickup trucks retain resale value better than most vehicles. Compare that to the Trans Am or T-Bird you've been eyeing. And remember, you can hang out the rear end.

1996 Mazda B4000 2WD LE Cab Plus

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