2003 Mazda MPV Review

There's a lot more "zoom zoom'' to the sleek Mazda MPV, which is among the most fun-to-drive minivans. About time, too, because the MPV was embarrassingly underpowered for years.

The MPV seemingly has been around forever. The first-generation model arrived in 1989 and had rear swing-out side doors instead of sliding side doors. It also had rear-wheel drive instead of front-drive--along with available four-wheel drive, which few minivan buyers wanted.

Weak four-cylinder and V-6 engines seemingly made more noise than power, and minivan buyers were puzzled by the standard manual gearbox, which was odd for a family-oriented vehicle. Charms were few, but MPV offered an automatic transmission. Its handy exterior dimensions, decent room and carlike nature attracted a fair number of buyers looking for something different.

The MPV dropped the four-cylinder in 1992 and got a removable third-row seat in 1996. But it remained an oddity in the minivan field until the first major redesign came with the 2000 model, which got front-drive and dual sliding doors with power windows. It also received a third-row bench seat that cleverly folded into the floor.

But the new, more slickly styled MPV still didn't fit Mazda's "zoom-zoom'' advertising image, because its 155-horsepower V-6 was replaced only with a 170-horsepower V-6, which left it in the slow lane.

Mazda finally woke up and gave the 2002 MPV a 200-horsepower V-6, along with a new five-speed automatic transmission. There also were a revised suspension for better ride and handling, along with subtle front-end restyling and slight dimension changes.

Mazda never seemed to have been in much of a hurry to change the MPV, giving the impression that it was largely an afterthought. Last year's model changed that impression.

The new engine provides strong acceleration, although it's not very large at three liters and thus works harder than a bigger engine and growls when pushed. The MPV isn't all that light at 3,794-3,812 pounds, so a 3.4-liter V-6 with more power and torque would be nice. However, there's good mid-range response, and 60 mph can be reached in a respectable 9.3 seconds.

The dual-overhead-camshaft, 24-valve V-6 works in concert with the five-speed automatic, which lets the engine loaf on flat highways at 2,000 rpm at 65 mph. The transmission upshifts smoothly. But the throttle often must be floored to get a downshift, which should come quicker.

The transmission's fifth (overdrive) gear provides admirable estimated highway fuel economy of 25 mpg, while the city figure is acceptable at 18. Only regular-grade fuel is needed.

As always, the MPV comes in only one body length and seats seven adults with the "disappearing'' third seat, which also flips over to face rearward for tailgate party seating. A track allows the two second-row seats to slide together to form a bench seat and a fairly wide pass-through aisle if a center aisle isn't wanted.

While seating is generally comfortable, the driver's seat should move back a little farther for long-legged motorists, and larger minivans provide more breathing room.

It's easy to get in and out, although entering or leaving the third seat calls for extra effort. The standard power side windows go three-quarters of the way down, presumably to keep an unruly kid from jumping out--but making it harder to get goodies in drive-through lanes at fast-food outlets.

The base LX lists at $22,690, while the top-line ES costs $26,090. At 187.8 inches, it's about as long as a regular-length (not extended) Chevrolet Venture minivan and Chrysler Voyager and Dodge Caravan minivans.

The 2002 ES had standard power rear sliding rear doors, but they're now an $800 option for both LX and ES versions. There's a new $1,200 DVD rear entertainment system with a seven-inch wide-angle screen mounted to the ceiling and two infrared cordless headphones. The system plays DVD, MP3 and all other audio files.

The base model's steel wheels go from 15 inches to 16 inches. The ES has new 17-inch alloy wheels for slightly better handling. You also can get 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels for the base model.

Mazda says the MPV has "the soul of a sports car.'' My test ES was fun to drive, with quick steering, adroit handling and good braking, although the brake pedal was a bit soft. The rigidly built MPV has a supple ride.

The LX is so well-equipped that some may wonder if the ES is worth the extra money. The base model includes front air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, anti-lock brakes, and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote entry.

The ES adds such features as rear air conditioning with separate controls, traction control, front side air bags, leather upholstery and a more upscale sound system.

Options for the LX include a $400 traction control/front side air bag package and $595 rear air conditioning. A nicely integrated rear spoiler is $190.

The MPV has received high safety ratings for frontal- and side-impact collisions.

There's a handy pop-up table between the front seats, which offer good side support in curves. Gauges can be quickly read, and controls are fairly large. There are plenty of storage areas and cup and bottle holders.

But what's with the really long steering-column-mounted transmission shifter, which blocks some climate system controls? It was a regular annoyance.

There's a deep cargo area behind the third-row seat. The cargo floor is low and the big hatch has a large plastic handle to pull it down--an item that will be appreciated each time the hatch is shut.

The MPV is among the sportiest minivans and matches Mazda's sporty new product direction.


MAZDA MPV
Prices:
$22,690-$26,090

Likes:
Good performance. Excellent handling. Roomy. Fun to drive. Fold-away third-row seat.

Dislikes:
Steering-column-mounted shifter blocks some controls. Driver seat should slide back more. Transmission should downshift more quickly.