3 Star Reviews for 2003 Mazda MPV

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.51/5 Average
206 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For 2003, power sliding doors are an option for both the LX and ES trim levels. A towing package and a cargo organizer are two other new options. Also, an alarm and engine immobilizer are now part of a security package, and a cassette player is available on the ES trim level. The LX trim now rides on 16-inch wheels. Inside, floor and cargo mats are now standard on both trim levels, while outside, you'll see a new exhaust tip.

Pros:
  • Compact and maneuverable, confident handling manners, roll-down windows in the sliding doors.
Cons:
  • Limited maximum cargo capacity, lacks some features found in the other minivans.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 206.00
  • Stay clear of this vehicle! - 2003 Mazda MPV
    By -

    I have had engine oil leaking problems since I bought this van in May 2003. I have learned recently that Mazda has issued an advisory that the particular V-6 used in the MPV had a faulty die that was miscasting engine block parts that cause seals to leak where the cam housing meets the block. This vehicle has been a service nightmare. Mazda is currently trying to fix the problem at their dealers. Catalytic converters and O2 sensors have also been faulty and have had to be replaced. I am currently applying for Lemon Law status with the State of Florida and have appealed for replacement by the dealer.

  • Bought it new and it was the worst van - 2003 Mazda MPV
    By -

    I bought this van in 2004 brand new.By the time I traded it in at 82,000 miles,the service people knew me too well.I did all scheduled maintenance yet had to replace:transmission sensor, CV joint,all coil packs, EGR boost sensor,starter,radiator,engine mounts, oxy sensor, coolant reservoir, control arms,range selector switchpurge valve, manifold ans more to the tune of thousands. The body was rusting and the carpet wore out quick. After forking out 20,000 to buy it and all the expensive repairs on parts that should not have been worn until after 100,000 miles, I am upset with Mazda makers.I paid 400 for a sensor and was told the convertor, tranny coolant hoses and water pump were bad.Trade in!Grrr

  • Breakdown - 2003 Mazda MPV
    By -

    Purchased vehicle new. Unresolved problems with automatic sliding doors (sometimes they work other times not) 68k miles, engine light on, transmission range switch inoperative, replaced at cost of $326. 70k pull off interstate for lunch car stalled in parking lot. Able to restart by depressing gas pedal to floor, but stalls when gear is engaged. Tow to dealer $87.50, two nights in motel awaiting part and repair $236.00, replace AJ57-18-84A water thermo switch, $178.

  • No Magic Minivan Bullet - 2003 Mazda MPV
    By -

    I like its maneuverable size, with good brakes and good steering feel. Overall, it has a nice interior (with a few ergonomic miscues) and seems well thoughtout. Nevertheless, it is far from a drivers car. It lacks enough engine power when loaded. The suspension has too much impact harshness at recommended tire psi. I have had two warranty repairs (cooling system,A/C)and 2 issues that were the subject of TSBs(transmission, brake clunk)in less than one year. I expected more from a Japanese brand with an ostensible reputation for quality. Fuel economy is poor for a 3.0 liter V-6.

  • Soccer mom has got some go! - 2003 Mazda MPV
    By -

    Im 12 so I thought Id give my Idea of this van. My mom found a brand new MPV; it was a 2003. So far we have found some cons on this. One positive is it has the power to pass a Ford Expedition or a Chevy Suburban and my dads Mercedes Benz for that matter. Some problems are that for what ever reason it sucks gas! The dealer cant seem to describe what the van does but it does this thing were when you put it in gear the tranny clunks, shaking the van. It doesnt really do that though, only when its hot.

  • Do Not Buy This Van! - 2003 Mazda MPV
    By -

    This is the worst experience I have ever had with a vehicle. Purchased used. One owner lease. Good price and had all I wanted. Well the engine started coughing. 2 coils replaced, transmission, fan cooling system, and then another enginge. That engine was coughing. Another lower mileage engine around 40,000 installed. Now that engine is coughing since it now has around 75,000 miles on it, the engine not odometer. New driver window motor, 4 o2 censons, and a new cadallidic converter. I have put more money in this van than its worth. Mazda is not coming clean on the engine problems and they should be recalled. Shame on you! Just paid off my van and cant afford another vehicle or more repairs!

  • Disgusted - 2003 Mazda MPV
    By -

    Today 5/06/05 was the 7th time the vehicle has been in for service. At 50,000 miles it needed new brakes. It has been in for service 3 times for the transmission, only to be told each time that there is a new software download, which is what I was told today since I could not get it to go in reverse the last time I drove it. Now I have to take it in to the dealer again only this time the warranty has expired!

  • Transmission - 2003 Mazda MPV
    By -

    I have experienced problems with the transmission of this vehicle. When it automatically shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear it slams into gear. The more passengers you have the bigger this problem becomes. Mazda knows about the issue and is currently trying to work on a fix, however the past 4 months have been unpleasant. Still waiting.... The dealer claims they have 3 other vans with the same problem.

  • Dont Do It - 2003 Mazda MPV
    By -

    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.

  • Disappointing - 2003 Mazda MPV
    By -

    I used to own used 1994 MPV that I was very satisfied with. it ran over 180k miles without any major problems. and that is main reason for buying an MPV again. The van drives like a sports car, totally satisfied the way it drives. I took in for service 3 times and I still have transmission hard/erratic shift problem (slightly better now), severe vibrating at more than 80 mph, and brake noise. Ive owned new Nissan, Acura, and Toyota cars and all had some problems initially but were fixed, and they were nothing major. but this MPV is different; either dealers mechanics are not capable or its just plain bad manufacturing.

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