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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  Excellent Car - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By java - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car for the price you pay. Very smooth and quit when running. Own it for 10 month and not regret for buying. I think it is best among minivans. Strongly suggest it.

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  "M"ost "P"leasurable "V"an - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Empeevee - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Wow -- I am only 28 and I never thought of owning a van, but after test driving the MPV on a track at the Mazda Rev It Up event, I was in love with it!! I bought an ES with the GFX package which comes with a body kit carbon fiber interior trim and fog lights. I also have the power dual sliding doors ans six disc in-dash CD changer. Most people think the MPV is an SUV and I have been asked numerous times by bystanders as to what type of vehicle it is. I think the MPV is so under-rated and you never see any on the road. This van is so comfortable and handles like a sports car -- I dont think I will ever buy a car again! ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!!

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  So far, so good - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By KenE - October 27 - 10:00 am

  MPV is smaller than most mini-vans, but I wanted it that way. We have three children in car seats and being 62", I didnt want to climb up and bend down to get to the third row. I can stay outside the vehicle and still reach the third row seat from the passenger side sliding door (when the second row seat is slid toward the other).

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  Good overall minivan - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Steve - October 20 - 4:56 pm

  First family minivan has been a good one. This van purchased at 88K needed a front axle, and minor items up to 115K and still happy. Runs great and been reliable.

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  Great Van For the Value - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By mommyof3 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I love this van! We have the ES model that has leather which is great for clean-ups w/the little ones. Drives very smoothly. Very fun to drive. 0% financing was also a great deal. Not as roomy as other vans, but works well enough for us.

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  Sulfur Smell!! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By SID - September 30 - 2:00 am

  A nice design but Mazda has a serious problem with alot of MPVs having a TERRIBLE sulfur smell. My dealer and Mazda headquarters are not at all helpful. Buy a Honda, Toyota and you will be happier.

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  What a hunk-o-junk - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By NotaHappyCust - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this van after extensive research into general reliability but I musta got a lemon! In the last six months: corroded coolant lines $600; alternator $800; front brakes (12mos old) $250; drivers window mechanism $800; wiper arm (fell off!) $100; front stabilizer links x2 $250. I could have lived with a gutless wonder with bad gas mileage but not with all these repair bills. I called Mazda but they couldnt have cared less. I feel bad unloading it on somebody but this baby is gone!!! Back to Honda/Toyota for this guy.

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  Its a good van - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By itisfine - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Purchased pre-owned with about 31k miles on it, one owner. Have put about 11k on it so far and have had no problems other than a burnt out turn signal bulb. Our work has Dodge Caravans, and I do admit they are smoother riding vans. However, for a personal vehicle, I value reliablity and dependability, and so far the MPV has not let me down. Its a lot of van for the money and I think it will last many miles.

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  Great Minivan - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Twins2000 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  We have had our MPV for just about a month now & still love needing to go somewhere just so we can drive it. We have 3-year-old twins (2 carseats) and find that this vehicle is so functional. We have plenty of room for longer trips, yet the vehicle is the most carlike of the 4 minivans we test drove (Honda, Toyota 04, Chrysler). We opted for the LX with pwr sliding doors, 4 seasons package, sidebags w/tract & roof rack. We paid about 22K! The same in the Toyota or Honda would have been about 4K or so more! In CR the MPVs reliability was 2nd only to that of the Sienna (could this have something to do with it being assembled in Japan?).

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Myco16 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  The handling and comfort are superb. It is the most practical of other minivans and luxury cars I have ever owned including my 1998 Chrysler Town and Country. I am experiencing about 20 miles per gallon during city driving break-in period.