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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  Best all-around value - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By jasnyberg - October 28 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I looked at the Nissan Quest, Honda Odyssey , and the MPV. We loved the extra room of the Honda, but to have it you also need to accept another $7000 on the price, no buying incentives (rebates,etc) and the fact that the Honda drives like a much larger vehicle. The new Quest was an immediate "no" because the console looks like a coffee table with a video game joystick sticking out of it. So we took the MPV, and got 0% financing plus an instant $3000 off the sticker right up front. Its a great value, and has lots of family-friendly features.

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  ZOOOM ZOOM Zooom - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Ichibon - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The Vehicle Is Tight"" No Rattles. Has Wondeful Road Feel. Shifts A Little Iffy When starting Out In O/D. Drove It From NYC Brooklyn, To Las Vegas NV.{Brand New 4 Miles On Odometer} Drivers Seat a Little Pain On Right Hip While Driving, Possibly Seat And Seat Belt Position. {Drove On Average 800 Miles Per Day}

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  Not your Mamas Mini-Van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By TrueBeliever - October 19 - 5:40 pm

  This is the mini-van for you if youre looking for space but dont want to sacrifice sportiness. Its fun to drive and extremely comfortable. Handling is more car-like than you can imagine. Its loaded with convenient features. Mazda scored a BIG hit with this MPV. I highly recommend a test drive.

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  MPV great van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By cronin722 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I ever owned. Fun to drive for a van, fits everyone and the fold down seat is great.

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  Decent van for the price - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By kazmojo - October 3 - 3:33 am

  I had my eye on this van since I bought our last car several years ago. Mazda had built this generation MPV for 8 years or so, and so had plenty of time to work out any kinks. And it shows in terms of reliability and quality.

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  TRANSITION - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By massman - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle so far. Those looking for more space and versatility without spending a fortune for an SUV and the gas to put in it should consider the MPV. Sporty looks and sporty feel in a minivan that doesnt look, feel or drive like a normal minivan.

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  What I Want It! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By mxfem - September 27 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Dodge Carvan 2001 for the last 2.5 years, I decided to purchase a reliable and cost effective vehicle (minivan). I searched and checked the Honda (overprice), the Toyota (not quite what I was expecting for $26k), and then the Mazda MPV. So far the minivan has performed well and my family is comfortable. I have owned Mazda vehicles before, and I am very satisfied with this one.

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  Zoom Zoom - and its a van?? - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By fiedlerclan - September 27 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased a Midnight Blue Mica MPV LX with the following accessories: Traction control, side airbags, 4 season pkg, luggage rack for under 20G. With 2,000 cash back, nice standard features and dealers willing to go below invoice price, You cant go wrong with the MPV. No buyer remorse here. Did I mention - 5 star crash ratings.

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  Check out all minis - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By M and M - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent value. Kids are in college but wife still wanted room for 6. I wanted fun to drive and easy on gas. This van fits the bill for both. It really zooms and handles like a car. I could not justify the extra cost of the Honda or Toyota when this van was available (LX) for under $20K.

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  nice car - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By petros87 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  very nice car . it could be a little havier with better matrrials and a four wheel drive .