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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  Decent family van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Andrea - July 5 - 2:50 pm

  Ive enjoyed the benefits of this smaller-sized van. Our family fills it, but it has met our needs. With wise packing and a rooftop carrier, we can carry whatever we need. Ours has about 115 k miles on it, and ran well until about a year ago. We have spent quite a bit of money on repairs recently, and the "check engine" light continues to indicate a problem. I think it is nearly time to replace it, but it has served us well.

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  Educated on Minivans! ~ Mazda MPV ~ - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Greentrk - June 30 - 10:00 am

  We 24 hour test drove ALL of the 2004 minivans available in our area. Toyota, Honda and Mazda were top ranking for us. The toyotas and hondas were very hard to find, as they are popular this year. The Nissan was a good van, but the queer interior was too much to get past. We eventually chose the Mazda MPV based on reliability, price and our test drive. We were overall more satisfied with the Mazda. Visabilty is much better that all the others and the overall drive was pleasing. We relied heavily on the Consumer Reports ratings for reliability. If you are "on the fence" we would definately recommend the Mazda MPV. Good Luck!

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  Love This Van!!! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Love This Van - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Just sold my Windstar with 42K miles. Bought an 02 Mazda after much research. I totally love this van! Its awesome! Most stylish design on the road by far. Tumble down seat and back "well" with cargo net is so handy! Beats my Windstar for keeping things controlled in the back. I sit up higher, the engine is quiet and smooth. Drives so pleasantly and is so easy to park and manuver. Much, much like a car. Dealership very willing to deal, walked out with a SWEET deal including a factory-installed DVD!Hope my feelings havent changed in a year! Dont be afraid of this van-its a definate winner.

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  Found my Mini Van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By SkyArt - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Being a young Couple with two Kids, It was difficult to accept we were going into a mini van, Well Mazdas MPV ES made the transition feel natural, with the roof rack, spoiler, fog lights and leather, we were very impressed it looked sporty and most of all it fit our needs, So far no complaints, we wanted the 04" with the better looking front grill and standard features, but a price of $21,000 before taxes we couldnt resist. and most of all the kids seem to love it : )

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  Could use some fine tuning - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By JZA_459 - May 23 - 6:00 am

  We have had the van for about 9 months now with no real issues. I was looking more for an SUV but my wife fell in love with the roll down rear passenger windows, and power opening rear passenger doors. Also, it was easy enough to get the overhead DVD system in even with the large moonroof.

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  MPV still Zooms - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Cysfans - May 16 - 5:40 pm

  Purchased new because it was NOT a big minivan and had a fold-under 3rd row seat. Handles better than some cars of similar weight and size. Power is adequate or better in most situations. @ 90,000 miles and 7 years, has original brakes and battery, no light bulb has ever burned out. No problem with any major system. MPG rated 23 highway, 18 city, all-around experience is about 22 MPG; have gotten 25+ on highway. Can easily remove 2nd row seats and fold under 3rd row for versatility. No power seat, but ergonomics are very good. Smaller outside dimensions means easy to maneuver.

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  Great Choice - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By JimiJames - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I never thought Id buy another vehicle after my first Honda. A vehicle that I still have after 12 years and 200,000 miles. However my Mazda MPV is everything that I wanted in a vehicle as a young father. Im a believer now.

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  Not bad at all..... - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Anthony - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Very nice van....Its well designed with a nice 200hp. engine. I got the ES model fully equipped.

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  Best Minivan ever! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By CA_Dreaming - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a Honda and a Dodge minivan and they just arent as nice. The MPV is the anti-minivan minivan! Its fast, it handles well, its quiet and comfortable. No rattles! (The Dodge felt and sounded like you were leaving a trail of nuts and bolts as you motored down the highway!) The Honda was nice, but it was always having little stuff go wrong... unusual for Honda Im told, but thats what I experienced.

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  Love my MPV - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By ventura_man - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I love this van, it drives wonderfully, corners and brakes well, and for $7,000 less than the comperable equiped Honda... its a better buy.