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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  2004 Mazda MPV - only get the rare ES!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Tyler - June 13 - 12:26 pm

  I had a 2003 MPV LX and loved it but then I decided to go for some new technology like the 2004 has. I looked at Odyssey and Sienna but they are really too bulky and wide which makes them unsafe to manuever out of someones way. I loved the 2004 MPV (the new body style) but had to order an ES. ESes are very rare since they are the top model and I also wanted all the options and packages, DVD, sport package - very rare, sunroof.

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  A Dissappointment - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By lindseyg2324 - May 14 - 9:40 am

  We bought our MPV used about 1 yr ago. We bought it knowing the trans drove rough, but thought it would get us through what we needed it to. The previous owners seemed to have no issues with it. Within 3 months the radiator went out. Replaced it right away. 6 months later, engine heads went out. Due to the config. of the engine, it is a very timely & costly repair, in total around 48 hrs. My husband took on the task to save $. It took us 8 months to get that finished. 1 day after the engine was done, the trans finally went out. Replaced it. I dont have faith that this car will last much longer. Sad that its not working out. Husband is determined to make it last after working so hard.

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  Great car - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Peter - May 7 - 4:56 pm

  Its a great choice for people who are looking for a small minivan. Definitely many notches more practical than most SUVs. Use it to transport people & large items. Fuel economy is pretty good.

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  Never again, never Mazda! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By DC Sienerth - April 13 - 5:46 am

  Absolutely the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. Purchased with 84000 miles, at 88000 the transmission blows up (luckily it was under warranty).Two weeks after trans is replaced, the famous ill-designed PCV hose has to be replaced (not under warranty, cost $300). Now it refuses to run in the rain - water apparently getting into the other famously ill-designed item: coil packs have a vent that allows water to get into pack and interfere with spark! Do yourself a favor and avoid Mazda products - I can guarantee I will avoid like a plague!

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  Bigger not better for us - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By bborgerson - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Like many other happy MPV buyer, we looked at the Odyssey first and decided to look around some more. Nice, but nobody wanted to deal. So we shopped. Glad we did. Were a family of four and dont really need the extra space in the Ody, which isnt all that much. Havent found anything yet that we couldnt carry in the MPV. Took a a full load of fifth graders on a 4-hour (round trip) field trip drive with no complaints. And, hey, its fun to drive!

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  $500.00+ for 6 spark plugs/tune up - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By no more mazdas 4me - March 25 - 7:16 am

  Transmission went out at 50,100 miles during my stay in Dallas after evacuating hurricane katrina. Mazda paid about 45%. I have no boat, have not pulled anything, just three small kids then. The coil packs that replaced the spark plug wires are terrible. If you have a problem with any of the back 3 cylinders bend over!!! Tires seem to wear very fast, though evenly, on the potholes of New Orleans streets. I see I am not alone with these problems.

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  Love My Van,Not The Dealer - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Barbara Olson - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my van for 3and a half years now. I dont think I could ever go back to driving a car. I love the extra protection I feel being up higher and with the size of the van. The only problem I had was it pulled to the left, which my original dealer claimed they fixed. I found my tires on the left side wore out at only 41,000 miles,even though I had them rotated regularly.

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  No Magic Minivan Bullet - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By J-Dog - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I like its maneuverable size, with good brakes and good steering feel. Overall, it has a nice interior (with a few ergonomic miscues) and seems well thoughtout. Nevertheless, it is far from a drivers car. It lacks enough engine power when loaded. The suspension has too much impact harshness at recommended tire psi. I have had two warranty repairs (cooling system,A/C)and 2 issues that were the subject of TSBs(transmission, brake clunk)in less than one year. I expected more from a Japanese brand with an ostensible reputation for quality. Fuel economy is poor for a 3.0 liter V-6.

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  Very reliable - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Jeff - March 9 - 2:46 pm

  Excellent and good looking vehicle, no major problem as of today. Good handling, braking is average in winter conditions and the windshield seems to be a problem (had to be changed twice - cracked by small rocks impacts). You should consider buying a rear step protector because the paint can be easily scratched when loading or unloading from the cargo bay. Too bad that Mazda want to replace it with a cross-whatever vehicle (Mazda 7).

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  Great Minivan - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Eric Goodman - March 5 - 7:16 am

  This January 2005 myself, wife, three year old son and five month old daughter made the jump to our first minivan. We just got rid of our Nissan Sentra and what a world of difference. We spent over a year looking at all the different makes and models and in the end, the Mazda MPV is the bang for the buck. No doubt about it. You can receive a loaded equipped LS model for 5 to 7 thousand dollars less than Toyota, Nissan and Honda. The MPV has over 17.0 cubic feet in luggage capacity and 127 cubic feet in maximum cargo capacity, which is more room than the huge Ford Expedition, the GMC Yukon and other big SUVs out there. This vehicle is fun to drive, good gas mileage and has plenty of room.