It folds with little effort, and easily removable second-row seats weigh just 37 pounds each.Īttractive, readable gauges and simple controls are pleasing, though the gear selector blocks some radio buttons. Mazda’s clever “tumble-under” rear bench, like that in Honda’s Odyssey, flips to create rear-facing tailgate-party seating. Second- and third-row knee clearance is adequate for 6-footers. The sliding second-row arrangement is useful, but exposed floor tracks may collect debris. Front- and second-row cushions are comfortably thick and supportive, though the third-row bench is flat and hard. The 2.5-liter V6 also emits a coarse growl under even moderate throttle, though other sound levels are pleasantly low.ĭespite its relative compactness, the MPV doesn’t feel cramped.
In addition, its automatic transmission tends to settle into the least-optimal gear, then downshifts too late to be of much value. Progress is okay from a standing start and in flatland cruising, but the early MPV feels underpowered in hilly terrain and when passing. On the downside, until the 3.0-liter V6 arrived for 2002, the vehicle was simply too heavy for its engine. Steering is faithful and communicative, antilock braking is linear and strong, the ride is flat, and bumps are absorbed capably. Close-quarters maneuverability also is impressive. With 16-inch wheels, an MPV carves corners with outstanding balance and grip. Trimmer size brings performance benefits, however, led by good handling. Therefore, it’s smaller than American minivan buyers might prefer. Inside, the van received a new steering wheel, gauge surrounds, and a spring assist designed to help the 3rd-row seats fold into the floor this year.įor 2005, rear air conditioning moves from standard on LX to optional it remains standard on ES.įor 2006, a base LX-SV model joins LX and top-shelf ES versions.īecause the MPV serves Mazda globally, exterior dimensions aim mainly at European and Asian use. Mazda’s minivan gets exterior front and rear styling changes for 2004. On sale by spring, the new model had a more powerful (200-horsepower) V6 engine driving a five-speed automatic transmission, power sliding side doors, revised suspension settings, and 17-inch alloy wheels.Ī low-cost LX-SV was added midyear and power operation for the side doors was made optional on both the ES and LX. Mazda extended the 2001 model year into early 2002, awaiting the arrival of a revamped MPV. Leather upholstery remained exclusive to the ES minivan. A sporty optional appearance package for LX and ES models included fog lights and aero body add-ons. Rivals included the Dodge Caravan, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna. Mazda’s ES minivan added front side airbags, leather upholstery, and rear air conditioning. The midrange LX minivan had cruise control, power windows, and power door locks. The three-place, third-row bench seat folded flat into the floor.
Second-row buckets could slide together to create a two-passenger bench. Dual sliding side doors contained roll-down windows, which ranked as a minivan “first.” Power door operation was not available.Īll MPVs seated seven. (Ford was Mazda’s parent company.) A four-speed automatic was the sole transmission.Īntilock braking was standard on LX and ES models, but not available at all on the DX. All used a 2.5-liter, dual-overhead-cam V6 engine, based on a Ford design. Instead of rear-wheel drive, the 2000 model had front-wheel drive.īase DX, upscale LX and luxury-oriented ES versions went on sale. Sliding rear side doors replaced the previous swing-out doors. The Editors of Consumer Guide are regular contributors to the following programs:īuilt in Japan, Mazda’s minivan earned its first redesign since the vehicle appeared back in 1989.Car Shopping From Home: Carvana vs Vroom vs CarMax.Should I Buy a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicle?.
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