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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  This is a quality ride. - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Jack Bledsoe - January 21 - 6:13 am

  This vehicle is just comfortable in the extreme. It is easy to drive, and drives like a regular car, not like a truck. It has given reasonable gas mileage and has required only normal maintenance.This is our fourth Mazda; they have all given us 100,000 plus miles of reliable service so as you might expect we are PLEASED.

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  I LOVE THIS VAN!!! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Go Bucks - January 14 - 2:00 am

  We shopped for over a year to be sure of what we wanted... and we are SO glad we did. Larger vans are over rated! I was not impressed with the Honda Odyssey "at all" plus the sales people are way too confident in a van that just isnt that great(when we looked at the honda the salesman cut his finger pulling down the fold under seat in the back, if he cant do it how am I going to do it)!! If you are shopping for a fantastic van that is sporty and comfortable take a look at this van and give it a chance. The MPV has features that the other do not! I like that!! We made the right choice...BUY ONE We give it a "10"

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  My unreliable 2002 MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Nigel - January 11 - 5:20 pm

  My experience started with trading in my 2000 MPV, which had been reliable but underpowered, for the 2002. The tires went bald at 55k km (about 30k miles) and I had to pay lots for Turenzas with a 150k tread warranty. After the warranty expired lots of problems - front axle stabilizers both went during a road trip, hand brake cable ($250 to fix!), rear shocks, tranny cooler, 4 sets of front rotors, and finally the transmission linkage while it was getting serviced at the dealership!! Mileage was always poor for the 3L engine and tranny frequently banged while shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Reflashing the computer didnt help. Happy ending though - I got $3k trade in last week for a Matrix!

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  at home with 2kids - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By homemaker of two - January 9 - 10:00 am

  purchased the ES with 55000 miles after family mechanic evaluation. So,far no major problems.My two kids loves the feaures of the ES especially the tv,windows and the 2nd row seats that can pulled together. My husband likes the way they can be pulled apart ( stop touching he yells! ). We have only taken this car to the mechanic once because it would cut off (needed new battery covered under warranty). Brakes sounds like they are going out coming down hills mechanic says there find.

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  Just Purchased 2003 MPV ES - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By RTB - January 9 - 10:00 am

  We chose this van over 04 Sienna, not only because of the obvious price difference, but because of the driving experience, and comfort. The MPV is relatively quiet, and there is ample power. The quality of interior and exterior fit and finish can stand with any van on the market. Park Mazda of Akron handled everything in a polite and professional way.

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  Fire Mazdas Marketing Dept. - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By robbieboy - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The wife had her heart set on an Odyssey (who doesnt?), then the new Sienna (for some, size DOES matter) until reality set in and cost became a key factor. In willing to compromise on size, I came to Edmunds.com where I learned that the Mazda MPV has that coveted disappearing 3rd row seat, like Hondas and Toyotas. Took a test drive during lunch break, wife drives it later in the day - struck a deal that night. She loves her MPV. No regrets....oh, and no egg smell either. Fire Mazdas marketing crew if the best they can do in selling this wonderful sports van is "zoom zoom"! Zoom, zoom indeed...but its an even better value.

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  Seven great years - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By TT - January 3 - 1:10 pm

  Weve had our 2000 MPV since 2000 and have had seven years of trouble free service. Awesome vehicle!! Has served us well.

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  Our favorite van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Bobaran - December 25 - 2:00 am

  We looked for over a year researching and driving vans, basically waiting for the right deal to come around. If price was not a consideration we would have gone with the Mazda. It just so happened that we got 0% and dealer invoice so we got our dream van, no settling for a Caravan.

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  Initial Delivery Quality questionable - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By E. Lin - December 22 - 3:16 pm

  Within 24 hours of MPV delivery by dealer, the "check engine" light went on. A defective/damaged fuel cap was the cause. Other than that, it is fun to drive this MPV. Engine is powerful but acceleration is not linear. Price is attractive, $17K out to door for LX-SV, probably because this is the last model year.

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  Honda features without the high price! - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By FRed - December 17 - 10:00 am

  My brother bought the Honda Odessey and I figured when he drove my MPV he would pan it. Not so. He loved it. He loved the interior, the CD changer, the moonroof option, the handling. My 2000 didnt have the power door option and has the smaller V6 but other than that is has been a great van. The fold and hide rear seat is great and so easy.