Mazda has sold two entirely different compact pickup trucks under the B-Series name. The basic B-Series, like many vehicles, is named for its engine displacement. For example, the B2300 used a 2300 cc engine, while the B4000 used a much larger 4000 cc engine.

The B-Series line began in Japan in 1961 with the B1500 and continues to this day, though it is no longer available in the home market of Japan. The line split in 1994, with the North American B-Series becoming a rebadged Ford Ranger and the international version continuing development as a Mazda. Confusingly, the Mazda truck is sold with the Ford Ranger name in many markets. An offshoot SUV, the Ford Everest, is also produced. The B-series is also sold as the Bravo in some markets, including Australia.

From the first B-Series pickup truck, Mazda has used the engine displacement to determine the name. Thus, the B1500 had a 1.5 L engine, and the new B4000 has a 4.0 L V6. 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 Fighter (Thailand), and Mazda Drifter (South Africa).

Mazda's partnership with Ford has resulted in the sharing of this vehicle—the Mazda B-Series and Ford Ranger are essentially the same. In Australia and New Zealand, since the 1970s, the Ford Courier name is also used and the line continues today.

However, it should be borne in mind that the Mazda B-Series and Ford Ranger twins found inside North America are unrelated to the ones sold elsewhere. These are engineered by Mazda, whereas the North American models are developed by Ford. See Mazda B-Series for more information on the variations on the B-Series line.