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 for the family - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Ronno - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive been across the USA in the van, with my wife and 3-children. There was plenty of room for our stuff. It was a comfortable drive and ride. There are some creature comforts that could be added, based upon what were used to with our other vehicle, a VW Jetta with the works. But all in all, its a nice van, equal to the Honda van in performance, handling and comfort, and, with a sticker price comparable to the Honda, about $3,500 less in price (rebate applied.) I highly recommend it.

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  Wow! Im Impressed - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Scottnsc - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our Mazda now for about a month and it has been on two road trips. I love the design, size and flexibility of the interior. The ride seems a little harsh, but I previously drove a big American sedan which was pretty plush. My 2-year-old daughter loves that she can see out of the huge rear windows. The rear air easily handles the South Carolina summer heat. This is a really, really good van!

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  My 1st Mazda, my last Mazda - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Brenda - July 3 - 8:30 pm

  This car has been a lot of trouble. I put on a lot of highway miles, but have put more money into this car in 125,000 miles than I ever did with our Hondas or Toyotas with over 200,000 miles on them. The engine light comes on every 10,000 miles with something wrong. 9 months ago I replaced the catalytic converter, $1100, and now they say the "other" converter needs replacing for another $1100. I am looking at Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna....no more money sucked out for that vehicle. Its not like we dont do every scheduled maintenance either. Gas mileage is poor for the size car. It is priced about $4000 too high and the resale on it is terrible. Mazda has lost our business forever.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Zak - July 2 - 11:36 am

  Our 2004 MPV has been by far the best vehicle I have ever owned, and Ive had a LOT of vehicles. Weve owned this for over 4 years and it now has 105,000 miles. Great fuel mileage, 29 on the highway, very reliable and I still like the styling for a minivan. Interior is a bit small for a van but makes up for it in styling and fuel mileage. I have 3 children, ages 6 and under and we use this vehicle everyday, from short trips taking the oldest to school to LONG road trips to places like Maine and Disney World (We live in PA so it is a long drive to either). We had a few odd issues while under warranty but since then only issues have been parts that were due to be replaced, like coils etc.

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  Extremely Pleased - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By PJ - July 1 - 8:06 am

  Bought this minivan for my business and was so impressed with the ride, gas mileage and features, that we took it on vacation for 10 days. It doesnt ride like a minivan. It rides like a car. The standard stereo and CD with steering wheel controls is excellent. I test drove a 2005 Kia Sedona and found the Mazda MPV to be more quiet, smooth and stable. Dont overlook this one!

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  Like it, but disappointed - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By BobK - June 30 - 6:23 pm

  Ive had way too many minor and medium level problems, although no major problems yet. Both front door actuators have failed, as has the drivers window motor. All have failed where theres a metal to plastic gear meshing. The CD changer jams and has to be removed and unjammed every 3-4 months. The latch for the visor mirror broke so the mirror hangs open if the visor is down. Plastic covers for inside door lights have fallen off because the plastic tabs broke.

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  Zoom Zoom in a Van - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By No Kid Van Driver - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I was wowed by this van when I first saw it on the showroom floor (Actually bought the showroom floor model) My wife really wanted a Jeep Grand Cherokee but this Van was fully loaded with Leather, CD, AIR, Power Moonroof, 7 passenger seating, and great lookgs - the Jeep was the stock model with no upgrades for the same price - I won and it is my car. I love driving it - all my friends are amazed since we do not have kids yet. As for power as I have seen here - Mine gets up and goes with the 2.5 engine - even with a full compliment of passengers. I Just wished I waited a month to buy as they offered the Free TV the following month.

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  Transmission - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Deb - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have experienced problems with the transmission of this vehicle. When it automatically shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear it slams into gear. The more passengers you have the bigger this problem becomes. Mazda knows about the issue and is currently trying to work on a fix, however the past 4 months have been unpleasant. Still waiting.... The dealer claims they have 3 other vans with the same problem.

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  Oustanding Vehicle - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By tazabe - June 27 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our MPV online through Carsdirect.com which was itself a 5- star experience. Mazda was offering 0% financing at the time which sealed the deal for us, but we really liked the overall package Mazda offers with the MPV. We researched several mini-vans before deciding on the MPV. The only real concern we had with the MPV was the interior room, but Mazda did an incredible job with their design. We estimate we saved at least $5000 by avoiding the popular Honda Oddysey and we really believe we found the best value all thing considered.

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  Unhappy Ride - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By walterlee - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this MPV (2000 model)after putting 160,000 miles on a 1990 MPV- I liked both ride and durability of the 1990 better than the 2000!! Transmission jumpy, engine warning light goes on and off without reason, small socket wrench was found inside engine compartment- obviously left behind at the assembly plant- and the ride is stiff and uncomfortable.