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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  Great scores but..... - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By PatrickInAlabama - May 21 - 8:20 pm

  The issue is once we approached 5 years/80K miles, the engine light came on. Its been downhill ever since. After 8 visits to 5 different shops including the dealer, we paid $3K to fix the catalytic converter. The final straw is 1 day after forking over $3,000, the light comes on again and the transmission shifts all over the place. The dealer has no clue. If you ever are told you have to replace the catalytic converter ....dont. Time to go shopping. We were told we need to spend another $300 for some assembly and the guy wasnt sure this would fix the problem.

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  I really like this van - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By verne5 - May 20 - 8:30 pm

  I really love driving this van. It drives like a car and I get comments on it all the time. The power thing has never been a problem, if fact I think it has plenty of power. The tranny problem was fixed right away and has yet to be an issue since (programming error in control module). Im glad I got it loaded, and we paid quite a bit less than invoice with add ons. Im disappointed they are going to stop making this van. I would definitely buy another.

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  Wish Mazda 9 were imported - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Ken - May 19 - 6:26 pm

  Bought this van new, fully loaded for about 25,500. No significant problems. Approaching 100,000 mi. Starting to look for new people mover. MPV is still being made in Japan under Mazda 9 badge. Unfortunately, Ford is trying to get you to buy higher priced Flex, and forced Mazda to drop import. Nothing else on market carries the easy handling, small size, multiple flexibility, and comfortable ride. I still get compliments on the smooth ride.

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  Love IT - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Bren - May 18 - 10:33 pm

  I just bought a new 2006 Mazda LX-SV and love it. The way it drives and handles, the look and layout of the seats. I love that the 2 middle seats can be close or apart from each other. It handles very nicely and comfortable to sit in.

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  Bobbies MPV - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By momatweety - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This an excellant vehicle. It works for Vacation, work and everyday commute.

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  Mpv van - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By John Madden - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I had the 2000 mpv and now i have the 2003 mpv and i am very pleased with both of them. The 2003 has a bigger motor which makes even better.

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  Happy family car - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Todd and Tammy - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Our second MPV used from dealer; wanted to fit two teenage boys, string bass, stroller and baby-seat. With spit seats in second row and roll away third seat, its very versitile! Feels more like a sedan than a van. Runs great in town, but sluggish when loaded for a mountain vacation. Weve had absolutey no mecahnical problems, now with 40k miles and always 21 mpg.Thought wed miss the older car door style rear door at first, but find the sliding nice for parking lots. We do wish there were side door pockets and storage spots for all those children things. Cant even hear the engine at idle! Love the new design and plan on another one next time around.

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  Mazda MPV - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Patty Barnes - April 4 - 9:50 am

  My Mazda MPV van is just the perfect size for my husband and me. There is room for his wheelchair, groceries, our grandchildren, the dog or the 2 cradles we just brought home. The seats are comfortable, and he can lay back and rest while Im driving. There is plenty of room to stretch out and carry lots of luggage when going on a trip but its small enough to zip through traffic.

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  This Van is the WORST EVER! - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Sue - April 4 - 7:50 am

  This vehicle is the worst car I have ever owned. We have had to replace the starter, alternator twice, 2 batteries, ABS sensors, drivers side motor that operates the windows, brackets that hold the rear gate up when open, heating/cooling pipes, and 3 transmissions. Most of which has left us with no vehicle while repairs are being done, and no offer to pay for a rental, and note that most repairs take a minimum of 2 days. Some longer as parts have to be ordered from China or Japan or someplace like that. This is the worst experience EVER! Also note that this is our only vehicle and we have 4 children who all involved in activities, not to mention the things that must be done.

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  mazda mpv - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By smittchell4 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Its not as quite on trips as I would like for it to be,and on same long trip, seats were not comfortable. Drive well plenty of pick up for a van. Asked if was fun to drive? ITS A VAN, not a sports car!