Overview & Reviews

Mazda wasn't the first to arrive at the modern minivan soiree in the 1980s -- that honor belongs to Chrysler. However, Mazda did shine (albeit briefly) as the guest that brought the most unusual gift to the party.

Introduced in 1989, the Mazda MPV did more than simply ape the competition. It was the first true minivan that was rough-weather-friendly, thanks to available all-wheel drive -- Mazda's marketing at the time played this up by calling the MPV the only "go anywhere" minivan on the market. It was also fairly compact and distinguished itself from the burgeoning minivan field with its right-side traditionally hinged rear door (as opposed to a sliding door). In addition, rear-wheel drive was standard. Powered by a four-cylinder or optional V6 engine, the MPV met with a warm response in its early years from both buyers and journalists. Its moment of glory was short-lived, however; by the mid-'90s, other minivans had sailed past the MPV in terms of handling, versatility and engine power.

A much-improved second generation of the Mazda MPV came in 2000. This van maintained its predecessor's bantam dimensions, but in almost every other respect, it was a new animal. Gone was the country-cousin awkwardness of the early MPV, replaced with a look that was more coiffed and urbane. The new minivan had a front-wheel-drive layout and more convenience features -- it also offered unique touches like roll-down windows in its sliding doors. These qualities won this Mazda a few new fans, but at the end of the day, the MPV still came up short in two areas that were of prime importance to most minivan buyers: power and interior room.

Waning sales made 2006 the end of the line for the Mazda MPV, but its "compact minivan" philosophy lives on (with better execution) in a recent addition to the Mazda fleet, the Mazda 5.

Most Recent Mazda MPV

By the time the turn of the century rolled around, the MPV needed help. Other vans like the Honda Odyssey had raised the bar in areas like feature content and performance, and Mazda's seven-passenger hauler was left lagging in the distance. The second-generation MPV was Mazda's effort to close the gap, and it went a long way toward making the minivan more competitive.

With this all-new, more attractive front wheel-drive MPV, Mazda discontinued the van's four-wheel-drive availability, and traded its hinged rear doors for sliding-door convenience. Its size remained constant, though, and the MPV continued to be the runt of the minivan litter; as a result, cargo capacity wasn't as generous as that of others in its class. However, the redesigned minivan made up for it with a wealth of unique features. Second-row captain's chairs were multiconfigurable, easily sliding fore and aft; they could also be positioned together for instant bench seating. The third-row bench seat could be readily folded into the floor. It could also be turned to face the tail end of the vehicle when the tailgate was up, in case its owner was ever invited to a soccer-mom tailgate party. It's worth noting, too, that the MPV's compact size had a silver lining -- it was one of the most maneuverable choices on the market.

Those who wanted the most affordable Mazda MPV could opt for the base DX trim, which offered 15-inch wheels, dual manual-sliding doors and a CD player. The next step up was the LX, which added full power accessories and cruise control, as well as center and overhead consoles. Keyless entry was yours to enjoy with the ES trim, along with leather upholstery, 16-inch wheels and heated mirrors. Options included rear air-conditioning, a power moonroof and a CD changer. Power sliding doors were not available, however.

Mazda took steps to address the first-generation MPV's lack of power by installing a standard 2.5-liter V6 good for 170 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque; this V6 was wedded to a four-speed transmission. This engine was an improvement, but Mazda hadn't gone far enough -- the MPV still felt underpowered relative to its rivals.

Mazda did its part to keep the van current, lavishing it with updates over the years. The MPV got a power upgrade in 2002 via a 3.0-liter 200-hp V6 and a five-speed automatic transmission. That year, MPV buyers could also enjoy the blissful convenience of the van's new power sliding doors; other 2002 upgrades included available 17-inch alloys, traction control, a refined braking system and revised suspension tuning. In addition, the DX trim was dropped that year, leaving just the LX and ES.

In 2003, a new base-model trim joined the lineup -- the LX-SV -- and a rear DVD entertainment system appeared on the options list. (A VHS-based system was offered in 2001 alone.) The LX-SV model disappeared (temporarily) in 2004. Also that year, the Mazda MPV also got revised front-end styling, a rear air-conditioner and four-wheel disc brakes.

In reviews, our editors agreed that the Mazda MPV was a stylish-looking vehicle and a respectable choice for small families who desired a vehicle that was bigger than most station wagons, yet still more maneuverable than larger competing minivans. Plus, the MPV had a coolness to it that other family haulers were hard-pressed to match: Get this youthful van side by side with its sedate competitors, and the contrast is what you'd see if a twentysomething crashed a party at a retirement home. And in more practical moments, the MPV's multiconfigurable seats lent it a great deal of versatility.

However, the van was stymied by its lack of power relative to the competition; our editors noted that minivans by Honda and Toyota easily managed freeway maneuvers that the MPV struggled to accomplish. Acceleration wasn't helped by the MPV's five-speed transmission, which had a tendency to upshift too quickly in certain situations. And though the MPV scored top marks in government crash tests, safety was an issue, since the van didn't offer common minivan features like stability control or side curtain airbags.

Past Mazda MPVs

The first-generation MPV lived from 1989-'98 and distinguished itself from its rivals with features like available all-wheel drive and slight dimensions. The model's traditionally hinged passenger-side rear door opened wide and helped give the vehicle a clean look, but it lacked the functionality of other minivans' sliding rear doors. Originally, Mazda offered a 2.6-liter, 121-hp four-cylinder engine with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. Optional was a 150-hp 3.0-liter V6. The van had seating for up to seven passengers.

Mazda made a few upgrades over the years. In 1992, eight-passenger seating became available and the manual transmission was dropped. In 1993, a driver-side airbag was added; for '95, the V6 engine became standard. Versatility was enhanced for 1996 when Mazda added a driver-side rear door; the MPV was, in fact, one of the first minivans to have four doors.

Though always distinctive, this generation of the Mazda MPV was outclassed by the early '90s. Many shoppers at the time found the vans from Chrysler or Dodge more appealing due to their more useful interior designs and extra power and convenience features.

User Reviews:

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  mazda mpv - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By dak - September 15 - 2:00 am

  A great family van that stands out from the crowd. Turns heads with its style, like an Infiniti or BMW, but its as affordable as a KIA. Have found it to be much more reliable than the Chrysler vans and the ride is smooth and agile. Truly fun to drive given the pleasure of driving around a pack of kids.

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  happy - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By dino - July 21 - 10:00 am

  this is my fourth mpv.only problem not enough horses.this one great though i miss 4x4...get 21 + m pg time will tell

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  money pit - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By laylow26101 - July 20 - 5:56 pm

  do not buy this vehicle. they are money pits. the coil packs go out in all of them over and over again. the pvc hoses always crack in them, the power door cables break in them, and the newest problem is the radio, interior lights, and power doors quit working and none of the fuses are blown. noone knows how to fix the newest problem. these vehicles are built to fail and to be a money pit.

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  5 weeks in with the 04 MPV - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By jbond - July 12 - 10:00 am

  After test driving EVERY minivan, we went with the MPV. Smaller-sure but handling is amazing, parking easy, braking unbelievably short, quality high, price well-we bought the LX fully loaded with every option and package except tow package, got a 5000 dealer discount, 500 loyalty bonus, 500 graduate bonusand a great price to start with. Out the door with TTL $20,100. Add to that the unbelievable tradein allowance for our Jetta $12, 500, and we owe less than 7 grand after tax allowance. What a dealership! Oh yeah, and they thru in a 100000 mile/7 year extended warranty and 3 oil changes for free! A similarly equiped, honda was even close $26000. if you prize style over size, get this van.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom.......................... - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By oconn11 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had my eye on this van for quite awhile. I also have a 99 Ford Taurus. One selling point for me was that the Mazda MPV has the same engine. My Ford, which is 10 inches longer and weighs just as much, has fanatastic get up and go. So does this MPV. The MPV looks great and catches everyones attention. I paid 21300 with a roof rack, fog lights, and alarm. Also I got a 5 year 60k mile warranty included. Truly is a sports van. Zoommmm

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  Best Buy Minivan! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Victor - July 4 - 10:00 am

  You have to drive one to know what the rave is all about. Its the best driving feel I ever had in a mini-van. Does not feel you are driving one big hauler. Got $5000 worth of discounts! What more can I say

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  MPV Best for the Money - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Eric Freeman - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle! Fun to drive, lots of power and has more standard features than any other van I test drove within $3000 of my purchase price. That includes the Honda, Toyota and Chrysler vans! Most will say the Honda is the best van on the market. I say test drive the MPV and you may change your tune. Plus, you will pay the dealership at least $6000 less.

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  The greatest vehicle EVER - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Alotaluv - June 23 - 11:13 am

  When I went shopping for a new automobile, I was convinced that an SUV was right for me. That was until I drove a MPV. When Mazda says it has the soul of a sports car, they mean it. With better fuel economy that SUVs of comparable size, pick up better than most sedans and enough room to fit a love seat in the back, the MPV is the GREATEST automobile I have EVER had the pleasure of purchasing.

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  Breakdown - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Ed Darnell - June 22 - 3:30 am

  Purchased vehicle new. Unresolved problems with automatic sliding doors (sometimes they work other times not) 68k miles, engine light on, transmission range switch inoperative, replaced at cost of $326. 70k pull off interstate for lunch car stalled in parking lot. Able to restart by depressing gas pedal to floor, but stalls when gear is engaged. Tow to dealer $87.50, two nights in motel awaiting part and repair $236.00, replace AJ57-18-84A water thermo switch, $178.

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  2002 MPV is OK - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Nigel Chubb - June 16 - 5:06 am

  Has been reliable and fun to drive. The five speed transmission sometimes bangs audibly between 1->2 and 2->3, especially after braking and then accelerating. Im worried about what this might mean we keep it past the warranty period. The rotors went at 18,000 km but replaced under warranty. The Dunlop tires it came with wore out way too fast - before 48,000 km for the first set and the second set almost done at 56,000 km now. Dealership would not compensate, Dunlop would not answer my emails to discuss. Otherwise service very good at Mazda dealers - due to job changes and moves Ive used three different ones regularly.