Mazda B-Series was created in 1961.

im assuming you mean "ranger... Ford Ranger" Mazda and ford formed a partnership in 1979. which is still in effect to this day. ford owns a large chunk of Mazda and their cars/trucks are brother/sisters. Mazda used fords ranger platform for their B-series trucks. for more info on this topic go to wiki and search Mazda it has their whole history.

Everyone knew it was just another Ford platform

The vast majority are manufactured by Mazda. Exceptions are the Mazda B-series pickup, Mazda Tribute, which are made by Ford.

No, the GE platform produced from 1993 to 1997 shares engines with the 1993-1997 Ford Probe, Mazda MX-6, and Autozam Clef. However, in 1998, to meet OBD-II requirements, many electronic and diagnostic equipment in the car was updated. The platform was changed to the GF platform and, for all intents and purposes, is not compatible with the GE platform from 1993-1997 without major drivetrain and electronics/harness modification or replacement.