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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  Wanted to Try a Mini Van - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By jaenderby - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I really like the looks and the size of my MPV. However, the pick up is slow and the rear windows make a funny wind tunnel noise. My closest dealer, Cook Mazda is unresponsive. My previous car was a Ford Taurus with over 162,000 miles and I felt the dealerships were superior to Mazda. Dont believe everything they tell you about foreign cars.

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  From boring utility to enjoyment - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By bill m. - May 4 - 10:00 am

  After driving a windstar for 7 years, my wife and I went for a test drive with the new MPV. We were sold by its new looks and great driving performance. I was initally afraid that the interior would be too small and cramped for driving, but I was pleasently suprised. The features of role down side windows, electric side doors,sliding seat for access, and better gas milage fit our lifestyle. Finally, unlike most larger minis, there is no "sway" when making sharp turns. It drives and parks like a conventional car.

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  Mazda MPV truly does go ZOOM with style. - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Have been shopping for a while when I started looking at the MPV. I drove one for a day and feel in love. I had been driving a 2002 Explorer. The MPV moves into traffic very quickly. The handling is very impressive. I was also very surprised at the fit and finish. It put my Explorer to shame. For a relatively speaking inexpensive vehicle it is a lot of car of the money....

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  Function and Reliability - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Martin - April 30 - 6:20 pm

  This is my 4th Mazda product,over 20 years without any problems. Mazda produces the most underrated autos on the market. The MPV is the TRUE 1st minivan to have 3rd row fold flat into floor seats. And it is still the only one that has 2nd row seat windows that roll down and the 2nd row captains chairs slide side ways.FACT:The MPV is still the quickest minivan on the market. ZOOM,ZOOM,ZOOM

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  Happy so far - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Familyoffour - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Just bought an MPV. Great value/features for the price. We have an LX with the LX Plus package, traction control, side airbags, roof rack and power side doors. Love the look of it. Adequate power and very quiet inside. We like the overall size, although there could be a little more leg room in the 2nd row. The fact that the gearshift blocks the radio isnt good but is offset somewhat by the steering wheel controls. Parking brake shouldnt be on the floor, it blocks access to the rear. Full removeable center console would be nice. Transmission a little clunky switching from 1st to 2nd. We are very happy with it so far.

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  Great Van - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Jake - April 25 - 2:13 pm

  Van is very dependable. After 140K miles, still runs great. Issues are sluggish engine, cheap sliding door handles (both broke, one side twice). Only maintenance is shocks/struts, air filter and fluid changes. Check engine light for air intake sensor but I never fixed it and never and had issues after 60k miles!

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  As Fun as Minivan can get - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By bosnia4him - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Really like driving this car around - it handles very, very well and its even fun (if thats possible with a minivan). Had a transmission TCM issue - not shifting well between 2-3 gears, but dealership reflashed the TCM, all is well now.

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  The best van for automotive enthusiasts - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By cartwright - April 19 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda MPV is grossly underrated by automotive writers because of their reverence for the Honda Odyssey. When my wife and I test drove the MPV and Odyssey back-to-back, we expected to be impressed by the Odyssey but we were stunned by its clumsy handling and braking. The MPV handles, maneuvers, and brakes about as well as our 98 Honda Accord EX. In contrast, the Odyssey is ponderous, handles sluggishly, and fishtails under hard braking. The MSRP of the MPV is overpriced relative to the Odyssey. Fortunately, Mazda continually offers incentives. We paid $1500 under invoice.

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  Great minivan - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By kristi - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this minivan for almost 2 years now and Ive been very pleased with it. Only one minor problem fixed under warranty the same day, no other mechanical problems at all. Even though I have the 2001 version with the supposed "under-performing" engine, Ive had no issues with the performance at all. The gas mileage could be a little better but otherwise I have no complaints. I get compliments on it all the time, even though its not brand new anymore.

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  MPV 2004 - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Mims - April 11 - 4:26 am

  Horrible performance with this vehicle. Has been in for service 7 times within 2 years. 4 times requiring tow. Very dissatisfied with vehicle.