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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  I lost my Manhood to Mazda - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By A Man with a Van - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Yea, well, my reputation is wrecked. Last Mazda I owned was an RX-7. Now this - a mini-van! I bought this minivan cause I loved it! I was suprised by the engine zip. Style is right, too. Keep in mind that Honda and Toyota dealers are stuck-up.

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  THE BEST - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Judy Petrozzelli - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my first MPV and I absolutely love it. The ride is smooth and the looks of it is beautiful. No complaints.

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  Disappointing Mazda - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Donna Roque - July 17 - 5:30 am

  My husband and I purchased this minivan used with 40,000 miles on it. It was our first mini van. It is fully loaded with all the features we wanted. The first year was fine with no problems. Since the summer of 2007 we have been to the dealership (not where we purchased it) at least 6 times or more for repairs. We have 2 kids and having to go back and forth for repairs is a real inconvenience. Our main problems have been faulty ignition coils, idle control valve and an oil pan seal gasket. Lucky for us we purchased an extended warranty which has covered about two thirds of our costs thus far. This is the first vehicle that we have ever owned that has given us this much trouble.

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  I RENTED IT AND IT BLEW ME AWAY!!! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By George Sanidas - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I rented a minivan to transport my family (wife and three children) to Syracuse, NY. I did not know the type of minivan I was going to get but expected a Windstar. We ended up with a Mazda MPV ES. I LOVED driving this minivan. My other car is a BMW. Guess what? Im in love all over again!!!

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  Not a bad van - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By RDW - July 11 - 7:00 am

  No major problems in nearly three years. Dealer service is good. The MPV is not a street racer but it gets around OK in the flatlands of the southeast. Gas mileage is not that good.

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  Best Van for the Buck!!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Joe Ambrosio - July 4 - 9:56 pm

  We bought this Van for $21,000 from the dealer brand new. We looked at the Odyssey, and Sienna first but couldnt justify the cost of those other vans. The MPV is stylish and the power sliding doors always gets comments and looks from bystanders!It also handles like a car much better than a camry or an accord!!!I love my MPV!!!Its also not as cumbersome as the other vans this is good since the wife drives it most of the time and it fits in compact spaces.We used to have an SUV before this and that felt like a truck.I highly recommend this van if you have a small family.

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  Like the van hate the transmission - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Gregg Gagnon - July 4 - 2:00 am

  My wife an I purchased a 2003 MPV and on firts impressions really liked it. However we began to experience problems with the transmission shifting very hard into 3rd gear. We took the van in for service and they said it need a computer update. We got the van back and eveything seemed to be fine, but 2 -3 weeks later the same problem with the transmission started all over. Back to the shop it went and a week later we got it back with a new transmission. Once again everyting was great for 3-4 weeks but the same problem is back.

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  You must try one. - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Don Ehrismann - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great mini-van value for the buck. It is just the right size for a smaller family. It is easy to park, gets good mileage, is fun to drive. It is one of two new autos I have bought new, and have had nothing go wrong with it. It has many features that other 2003 models didnt have. Fold and tumble rear seat, that folds down in a well to be out of the way when not needed. Roll down side door windows, for air during mild weather. It is fun to drive, and very nimble, just right for in town parking and getting into smaller areas. Its quality shows throughout, and it is very reliable.

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  Runs Great - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Camie - June 26 - 3:23 pm

  Prior to purchasing the MPV I looked at the Honda as well as the Toyota and I considered a few things. Although the Honda and Toyota offered more power and size, #1 I realized it’s not a race car and I’m not trying to give the entire world a ride. Bottom line it made more economical since to get the MPV. I purchased the LX loaded including the DVD system. The same options would hurt the pocketbook with the competitors. It looks great and very unique in a positive way. I constantly get comments on it. It runs really smooth but doesn’t float. I’m not sure what the experts are looking for but it drives more like a car than a van. Adjustable second row makes in/out access easy.

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  Mazda MPV worked out great - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By j brabham - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive been very happy with my MPV purchase. It has served me and my family well on long road trips. Yhe fold down 3rd seat and power rear window really come in handy and I have not had one major or minor repair in the last 3 years. I would recommend this vehicle.