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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  FUN to drive but at a cost - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By jamesandlisa - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Purchased fully loaded and with ground effects package. True to the advertising, the MPV is FUN to drive with quick acceleration and excellent cornering. Plus, for a mini-van this just looks great! Great compromise between sporty car and mini-van. Drinks A LOT of fuel but I knew that beforehand based on MPG ratings. Smaller size makes it easy to park and u-turn; however, interior gets tight very quickly for people over 510" tall! Definitely NOT roomy.. especially if add a baby seat. Overall, I would definitely buy it again!

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  brakes - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By ND53 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Legroom is good for driver. 3rd fold- down seat is desirable. Brakes could be a lot better. They take much longer to bring van/wagon to a stop. I had a 97 Odyssey & brakes were great. Is that due to rear drums? ConsumerReports also listed brakes. The brakes react fine on my ES but it takes a lot more distance to stop and I find myself having to press harder. Of course I could start pressing them sooner,but in a quick-stop sutuation I wish theyd quicker.

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  Fun but Unreliable - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Zach - December 29 - 5:13 pm

  Lack of reliability has been the biggest disappointment with this vehicle. Tires were bald before the warranty expired. Within a year after warranty expired, oxygen sensors had to be replaced ($500) and engine coils had to be replaced (another $500). My sister-in-law has the exact same make/model/year, and shes had the same problems--its like clockwork. It also emits a stinky sulfur smell immediately after turning off. At least its purty and comfy and fun to drive.

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  One Moms Opinion - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Mom Hickson - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I researched this van for 2 years. Was very pleased that Mazda upd the engine to a 3.0, for the power. Have owned it for 1 week. It is so fun to drive and holds plenty of kids. Interior is very versatile. A/C in front is great. Kids are complaining somewhat about the rear A/C. They cant feel it unless its up to the max setting. Gear stick is too long, but getting used to it. To bad the base van doesnt come with the cassette and cd combo. Ultimatly, I love it! It has all the conveniences of the Honda Odyssey, but not the price tag.

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  Been very reliable, gas consumption bad - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Kim - December 12 - 10:33 am

  Bought this car new to replace a 1991 MPV. Gas mileage was good to start but as it gets older its terrible. Hate the spare tire setup. Its the worst to try and change to the spare. It broke right after the warranty expired. Mazda needs to re-think the mechanism of storing the spare. Mazda also needs to be real on the carpet color choices. Kids, pets, etc. are riding in this vehicle and the light colored carpeting takes a severe beating. Thank goodness for steam cleaners. Upholstery is light but cleans up nicely. Leg room and clearance between back seat and middle seats are hard to maneuver unless youre a kid. I like the middle seat feature of being able to move them apart.

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  Dont Do It - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Joe - December 3 - 5:03 pm

  Heres the thing: The transmission is a joke. It constantly wants to downshift on interstate hills to jerk your neck out of joint. Then at low speeds it has an abupt upshift and it feel like someone has rear-ended you. Did I mention that the fuel economy stinks? I didnt? Well, it does. Did I mention I had body rust in the fourth year? Im an angry white MPV owner, man. Good thing they quit making this bomb.

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  minivan alternative to pork-mobiles - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By StarTrekking - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Our MPV has been wonderful. It is just what we needed. Not too big (unlike pork-mobiles disguised as minivans), and not too small (more than adequate storage capacity). The engine is quiet and accelerates quickly. Interior comfort, versatility and quality are first-rate. Exterior finish is top quality as well. Overall, a very versatile and balanced minivan that should appeal to anyone looking for a respectable powertrain, above-average passenger & cargo capacity, top-notch safety features, interior comfort and excellent reliability.

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  What a relief! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By mommasavannah - November 19 - 2:00 am

  What a relief to be out from under my Dodge Caravan! Lemon with a capital "L." The MPV is wonderful. Quick and responsive. Great braking even in slimey conditions. Second air/heating system that comes with winter package is a great option and well worth it!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By rc168 - November 12 - 10:00 am

  We had our mind set on Sienna for months because I have driven nothing but Toyota. It only took one recent ride in my friends MPV though to change my mind. We also had an excellent experience at the dealership--something we were not getter at the Toyota dealerships we visited. No, bigger is not better, better is better.

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  Excellent Not enough Credit given - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By NOBRAINNER - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This van is Great. It is fun to drive and is comfortable for my 12 year old and her friends. It is everything Mazda gives its automobiles. My 12 year old said I dont look like a soccer/softball mom in this van. I drove other mini vans and this one was the best fit for our family.