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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  Our best vehicle ever - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Constantin - January 26 - 3:40 am

  Mazda MPV was $10k cheaper then Honda. We bought it and never regret it. Oil, brakes, battery and tires those are four things I ever touched. Never failed. Nothing. Nada. Just put a gas and drive. 120k miles and still driving like it just been taken from a dealers lot. We raised 2 of our kids with this car. We have been to 14 states with our MPV. Best minivan ever.

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  Great Van (desert sand w/GFX) - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By MPV Owner - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Our previous van was a 93 Quest GXE so I am very comfortable with the size of the MPV. The power is excellent (climbing mountains is a breeze. I love the vehicle: great looks, size, handling, power and features. Hate the shift lever. The blower for the rear air could be stronger but if cools nicely (but a little slowly). I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. We wanted a 2003, but they dumped the luxury package but we were able to find an 02 with the luxury and GFX packages. The GFX package makes a huge difference in the appearance.

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  MAZDA MPV - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By VINNY G - January 20 - 10:00 am

  VERY HAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE-TRADED IN A 99 WINDSTAR WHICH WAS NOTHING BUT PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM. SO FAR AFTER 18,000 MILES HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS AND EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH THE HANDLING, FIT AND FINISH AND OVERAL RELIABILITY AND GENERAL BUILD QUALITY. WOULD DEFINATELY RECOMMEND THIS VAN AND WOULD NEVER PURCHASE A FORD PRODUCT AGAIN!!!!!

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By tlauro - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Our MPV has been great. We saw it as the best blend of performance, handling, styling and utility available for the money. The only issues thus far have been a jerking in the transmission on occasion. My understanding is that Mazda is aware and that there is a fix. We just have to bring it in. Overall, no major complaints. Build quality is excellent. No rattles or squeaks even!

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  Good MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Chop100 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  We sold a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee to buy the 2001 Mazda we bought. So far its a great vehicle. By far the easiest vehicle to drive Ive ever owned. great visibility, handling and roads manners. The off the line performance is not great, but generally lack of power is not that noticeable.

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  Better Than A Caravan - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Joel from IL - January 10 - 3:30 pm

  I test drove many makes of minivans. The Mazda was the most versatile for seating except for the Dodge. It has the easy folding rear seat. The standard captains seats also pull together for more room to access the back. What sold me, though, is the car- like handling. The engine and tranny are silky smooth, and theres more than enough acceleration. The fit and finish of the body and interior parts are phenomenal. Definitely better than any domestic make Ive ever owned. Im hoping to have many happy years of driving the MPV. At 37 yrs old, I still have some youth left in me. Oh, I must say there will be no more Chrysler products in my name.

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  soul of a sports car - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By drj - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Have had the MPV ES for two months, love it - handles well, great features and well built

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  Zoom, zoom, zoom - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By B. Foster, Jr. - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Mazda has finally gotten it right. Dont get me wrong, if you want a big minivan, the MPV is not for you. But, if you want a reliable, fun-to-drive minivan with average room for a family of four+, then the MPV is for you. You cant beat the size, price, and value. Also, Zoom-zoom!!

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  Do Not Buy This Van! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Christy - December 23 - 11:36 pm

  This is the worst experience I have ever had with a vehicle. Purchased used. One owner lease. Good price and had all I wanted. Well the engine started coughing. 2 coils replaced, transmission, fan cooling system, and then another enginge. That engine was coughing. Another lower mileage engine around 40,000 installed. Now that engine is coughing since it now has around 75,000 miles on it, the engine not odometer. New driver window motor, 4 o2 censons, and a new cadallidic converter. I have put more money in this van than its worth. Mazda is not coming clean on the engine problems and they should be recalled. Shame on you! Just paid off my van and cant afford another vehicle or more repairs!

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  fun to drive - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By vahun - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Have enjoyed this van. Have gone from a short wheel-based Aerostar to extended Aerostar to Grand Caravan during the past 16 years, and this is by far the most fun to drive. Am a little concerned with the transmission, it shifts harshly when cold, and gas mileage, which has not been stellar (but better than my other vans). The power and handling have been intoxicating for this type of vehicle. And I enjoy the flat-folding rear seat.