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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  Nice Van but Known PROBLEM - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By D.A.G. - November 1 - 2:00 am

  A wonderful van. Very roomy and sporty. However, the known problem about these MPVs (now I know...) is a HARD SHIFT. Check www.edmunds.com in the Car Discussion section - youll see. Mazda hasnt acknowledged the problem yet, which is very frustrating. Other than shifting issue, the van is great...but that is a BIG issue.

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  My 1st mini-van and I like it - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By gakster - October 31 - 10:00 am

  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).

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  Best All around - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Mandi - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The MPV is a great value for mini-van. I wanted something that wasnt big and bulky and drove like a car yet had the seating capacity of a van. I found just that in the MPV. Each day I drive it I like it even more/

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  No Worries!! - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By rdsterl@hotmail.com - October 8 - 10:00 am

  52k+ mi, still wows us. First Mazda, after Camry/2 4Runners. Quality excellent, w/ 2 exceptions: Stowable armrests for the middle row of seats failed, and slide off metal frame occasionally. Primarily due to kids sitting on them, Mazda not to blame? 3rd seat "headrest guides" break off when used in "stadium" seating position, and we use it often. Passing pwr great; drivetrain (?) kicks down when needed right away, though this will affect mileage, i.e. hubby driving. Size, 2 kids/2 dogs, about perfect. More, plus baggage, consider Toyota/Honda. No towing experience. Fuel econ avg 26+ mpg hwy.

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  One of the worst - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By zzz - September 24 - 7:33 am

  Shocked to see average consumer rating is 8.8. One if the worst ever owned. People must not own this vehicle for long, or drive it very much, otherwise how could you not have these persistent problems: coils, pcv hoses, fan control modules (all these have failed multiple times, some even after the recall work). Lesser frequent problem: tranny totally quit, front stabilizer links, control arms, wheel bearing, coolant reservoir cracked, intake bellow gone bad (too lean CEL), O2 sensor, catalytic converter below threshold, driver side window motor, flex pipe leak, rust everywhere. All these problems happened on an MPV bought new and religiously maintained.

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  Not Trust Worthy - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Ernesto - September 21 - 10:40 am

  Purchased this vehicle brand new. After a cross country drive vehicle started showing electrical problems. All started around 08/2004 and it wasnt until 12/2004 and a lemon law lawsuit that they decided to replace literally all the electrical components. Now it works but I dont trust the vehicle. Also noisy front suspension. Will recommend putting your name on the waiting list for other minivans on the market.

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  MPV, Great family Van - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By wolfbear9 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had this van for little over 2 years now. It has 35000 on it, and no problems. Its only been in the shop for oil changes and a brake inspection. Easy to drive. Had a ford windstar for 5 years before this vehicle and the MPV is much nicer. Not only is it about 600 pounds lighter then windstar, its also about a foot shorter, so its easier to park and fits in the garage much better. Power rear door windows, cabin filter standard, hide away third seat that folds forward or backwards and all 3 rows of seat recline. 25mpg freeway, handles well. Have hauled over 1100 pounds of building supplies in the back. Great family van.

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  Ill miss my MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Monique68 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  My MPV was a great van. Alas, I have decided to trade it in for a Mazda Tribute. But, for the two years I had the MPV, it was great. I only decided to trade it in to get lower monthly payments. I knew sticking to a Mazda would be a good deal.

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  MY JUST RIGHT SIZED MPV - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By JerryG - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my MPV. The gas milage is good and it handles like a car. Compared to similar SUVs the MPV has more cargo space and better gas milage. It has better cargo space than similar Wagons. The cost was thousands less than the competing Mini-vans.

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  Dont Buy It - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By 02 Mazda Lx - September 6 - 12:16 pm

  We first saw the Mazda MPV at the 2001 LA Car Show. I fell in love with third row fold and sporty design. My wife and I have two boys and the car was perfect for our needs. Then the nightmare began. We have had the transmission flashed two times because of shift problems. The PCV pipe cracked and caused idle problems. The brake rotors went out of balance and shook the car like helicopter was above us. Now at 72K the transmission failed. Payed 1400 to replace it. 2 months later the radiator fluid has leaked into one of the transmission cooling lines and again the transmission misshifts. It is in the shop more than on the road. Save yourselves and do not buy this vehicle. I am trading mine in!