4 Star Reviews for 2002 Mazda MPV

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.51/5 Average
139 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Mazda adds power to the MPV in the form of a 200-horsepower V6 engine governed by a five-speed automatic transmission, which is just what the doctor ordered for this previously underpowered minivan. The MPV also gains power-sliding doors, available 17-inch alloy wheels, traction control, an improved braking system and revised suspension tuning.

Pros:
  • Compact and maneuverable, confident handling manners, roll-down windows in sliding doors.
Cons:
  • Limited maximum cargo capacity, lacks some features found in the other minivans.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 139.00
  • Great car - 2002 Mazda MPV
    By -

    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.

  • $500.00+ for 6 spark plugs/tune up - 2002 Mazda MPV
    By -

    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.

  • I Cant Complain - 2002 Mazda MPV
    By -

    We purchased our MPV used in 2005 with about 45,000 miles on it. With an extended warranty, we paid total about $11,000. It now has 227,000 miles on it (365,000km). We had to have the transmission replaced at 95K miles, but it was covered under our extended warranty. We had coils replaced at one point, and a couple of other repairs around the $300 mark. Regular oil changes and routine maintenance (brakes, trans. fluid, etc), this van has kept chugging along. Along with daily driving, we drove from Auburn, WA to B.C. Canada twice a week for 2 years (6 hours round trip), while hauling 2 drums, harnesses, 2 sets of bagpipes, and 4 teenagers, 2 adults. We averaged 22-24 hwy mpg

  • Disappointing Mazda - 2002 Mazda MPV
    By -

    My husband and I purchased this minivan used with 40,000 miles on it. It was our first mini van. It is fully loaded with all the features we wanted. The first year was fine with no problems. Since the summer of 2007 we have been to the dealership (not where we purchased it) at least 6 times or more for repairs. We have 2 kids and having to go back and forth for repairs is a real inconvenience. Our main problems have been faulty ignition coils, idle control valve and an oil pan seal gasket. Lucky for us we purchased an extended warranty which has covered about two thirds of our costs thus far. This is the first vehicle that we have ever owned that has given us this much trouble.

  • From M3 to Minivan - 2002 Mazda MPV
    By -

    Sold the M3 for a Forester for a minivan. Test drove the Honda, and it was 2nd best - the handling wasnt as good. The extra size of the Honda wasnt appealing to a family of 3. Regarding the 3yr/30K warranty, "Honda doesnt need a good warranty to sell it" was the dealer response. Laughable. Heres our take so far on the MPV. Handling is excellent. AC is excellent. The stereo is also very good. There is NO rotten egg smell (they must have fixed that. You can feel the bumps (reminds me of the M3), but more so in the back (where I never am!). Liked the 3rd row conversion options. The engine power is OK (we tow a sailboat).

  • was in love for six years; now betrayed! - 2002 Mazda MPV
    By -

    I absolutely have loved this vehicle until this week. Bought it new off the lot, invested in all the recommended maintenance. So easy to handle, with a sportier look than most mom-vans. I have loved its versatility; it has been spacious enough inside for 2 kids and a dog on many 1,000-mile round trips. No problems, but last week stopped cold in the middle of a busy road. Two dealers havent been able to isolate the problem, but were getting a new (refurbished) $3,000 engine. Thought it was the coil, but replacing that didnt help. Now I dont trust that it wont do the same thing to me somewhere else! Really thought doing so much preventive maintenance would put us better off than this

  • Good value - 2002 Mazda MPV
    By -

    My wife & I purchased this mini-van with 12,000 and we now have 66,000 miles on this vehicle. Initial problems included the Shift Solenoid for the transmission, oil gasket and seals around timing chain case cover were replaced and a noise with the fan was fixed. All work was covered under the warranty. We have put on 40,000 miles since our problems without any other issues. The car has a V6 dohc Ford American made engine that was used in the Taurus. Funny thing is our problems were all related to the Japanese parts - go figure! Anyway, I would consider buying another if they were still being made. We plan to keep this car until it dies (hopefully not anytime soon)!

  • My 1st mini-van and I like it - 2002 Mazda MPV
    By -

    We have been pretty much anti-mini-van until we found out that 3rd kid is on the way. Test drove the Oddy, Sienna & Quest and the MPV. The MPV is the best handling and most maneuverable of the lot. Picked up a 2002 Silver LX, security pkg, rear a/c, roof rack and couldnt be happier. Really like the space and handling (for a mini-van).

  • FUN to drive but at a cost - 2002 Mazda MPV
    By -

    Purchased fully loaded and with ground effects package. True to the advertising, the MPV is FUN to drive with quick acceleration and excellent cornering. Plus, for a mini-van this just looks great! Great compromise between sporty car and mini-van. Drinks A LOT of fuel but I knew that beforehand based on MPG ratings. Smaller size makes it easy to park and u-turn; however, interior gets tight very quickly for people over 510" tall! Definitely NOT roomy.. especially if add a baby seat. Overall, I would definitely buy it again!

  • Fun but Unreliable - 2002 Mazda MPV
    By -

    Lack of reliability has been the biggest disappointment with this vehicle. Tires were bald before the warranty expired. Within a year after warranty expired, oxygen sensors had to be replaced ($500) and engine coils had to be replaced (another $500). My sister-in-law has the exact same make/model/year, and shes had the same problems--its like clockwork. It also emits a stinky sulfur smell immediately after turning off. At least its purty and comfy and fun to drive.

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