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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  Zoom Zoom I love this Van!!!!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By K.Hess - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Torn between the Odyssey and the MPV. My wife and I decided on the MPV. I am happy to say we made the right choice. although smaller then most of its counter-parts. This van definitely makes up for it in style, comfort, and other features(too many to name).

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  Love our MPV - the ultimate family taxi - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Johnny Mac - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Our family loves our MPV. Great size, easy to manuever and holds everything weve needed to haul. The tumble-under third row seat is a great feature. The kids love the working rear windows.

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  My Unreliable Mazda - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Joe - August 19 - 4:50 pm

  This vehicle has given us nothing but problems. We have 47,000 miles and the warranty is out. Repairs: we have already had the transmission replaced (we do not own a boat or tow anything except the 2 kids). It took the dealership 3 weeks to get a new transmission because they were on backorder. Mazda paid 1 week on the rental but I was responsible and out of pocket for 2 weeks. The power sliding doors dont work and the dealership cant figure out the problem or take responsibility. The electronic coil on valve #3 went out and Mazda would do nothing to back up the product (cost $500 to replace coils on valve #1, 3, and 5). This was my 3rd Mazda product and now is my LAST.

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  30 Day Report - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By glideslopes - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Well, I wanted to wait 30 days before posting my review. We just love our MPV. We had a Quest prior to this. The size was nice for us. We did consider going larger to the Ody, but the price of the MPV was simply a much better value for us. It is extremely well engineered, built, and uses high quality materials throughout. We did not feel there were any quality advatages to the Ody, and resale is not a huge issue to us as we keep our vans 6 years and put around 150,000 on them. We were fortunate that we found a vehicle meeting our needs on the lot. The DW and I actually attempt to out maneuver each other these days to see who takes the MPV on an event.

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  Disgusted - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By disgusted - August 13 - 11:03 pm

  Today 5/06/05 was the 7th time the vehicle has been in for service. At 50,000 miles it needed new brakes. It has been in for service 3 times for the transmission, only to be told each time that there is a new software download, which is what I was told today since I could not get it to go in reverse the last time I drove it. Now I have to take it in to the dealer again only this time the warranty has expired!

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  What a van! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By new van owner - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive always hated vans but my wife wanted something roomy and SUVs are overpriced. We picked up an 03 LX for $20,500 after rebate with 4-seasons pkg, rear heat & rear a/c, bumper step, fog lights, roof rack. This thing RUNS! It drives and rides like a car with tons of room considering its considered a compact mini-van. We get 20mpg city with 4300 miles on it so far. I just couldnt touch the Toyota or Honda for the price and the extra room they have isnt worth it for me.

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  Im Sold! - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By C. Wells - August 1 - 2:23 pm

  I just bought this vehicle about 2 weeks ago, and I LOVE it. Test drove Toyota, Ford, etc., and I kept telling my husband that they made me feel like a domestic slave (mom taxi). When I got into the Mazda, though,I feel like a DOMESTIC GODDESS! If you dont look back (and with that great view through the sunroof, who needs to?), youd never know you were driving a minivan. I am absolutely thrilled!

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  Too Bad They Dont Still Make Them - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By ANewcomb - July 29 - 1:16 pm

  Spent a lot of time researching for our first minivan since baby no. 3 is on the way and I abhor the idea of being a minivan owner. Looked at everything, but had to go with something small enough to fit down my ridiculously narrow drive way. Ended up looking for a MPV ES used since they stopped making them with the 06s. Were not the biggest people and our kids are all small at this point so this van is just the right size for us. Only had it a couple weeks but it really works well for us. It handles great, rides like a car and has sporty looks. Friend of mine just bought an 04 Honda Odyssey EX cloth seats and 35000 miles and paid the same that I did for my 05 MPV ES thats loaded.

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  The best Minivan!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By ehdesi - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased this loaded EX for $27K!!!! Other minivans we were interested in: Toyota Sienna 04 (have to wait 4 months and pay $34K) and Chrysler T&C limited 03 (we had a Dodge for 6 years). The MPV just felt right, smaller size, more nible handling, stylish (with GFX package), kids love it (6 & 9). Everyone has commented on it-saying how great it looks. You cannot go wrong here!!

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  Sad to see the coming to an end - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Ted - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Probably will have to replace the MPV soon, as it is getting up there in miles. It has been a good, reliable family vehicle for almost ten years. Still wish it had more power and a 5- speed automatic. The Ford engine (from the Contour) was the only mechanical challenge. It has a minor oil leak now, and the exhaust manifolds are leaking a bit, making warm-up slightly loader than normal. The van still looks great and rides and handles great, and the interior is tight and solid with no squeaks, rattles or broken/loose parts. Highest quality car I have ever owned, other than the aforementioned engine. I wish Mazda had not discontinued. Will likely go with the new for 2011 Honda Odyssey.