2004 Mazda MPV Review

Mazda's first-generation MPV minivan arrived for 1989 as one of the first "crossover'' vehicles because it drove like a car but had a compact minivan's roominess.

Nobody had thought up the "crossover vehicle'' description then, so the conveniently sized MPV seemed peculiar to many minivan buyers. They expected a typical minivan's front-wheel drive and sliding side doors, but the MPV had rear swing-out doors and rear-wheel drive. It also offered optional all-wheel drive, which few minivan buyers wanted.

What do many of the current crossover vehicles such as the Chrysler Pacifica and Pontiac Vibe have? Right -- they've got a convenient size, roomy interior, swing-out rear doors and four-wheel drive availability.

The first-generation MPV was thus ahead of its time, but that didn't help sales. It also didn't help that the MPV had underpowered four-cylinder and V-6 engines. It came with a standard manual gearbox, which few minivan buyers wanted. (An automatic transmission was optional.)

Mazda kept plugging away with the MPV, ditching the four-cylinder engine in 1992 and giving the MPV a removable third-row seat in 1996. Sales remained lukewarm, so Mazda redesigned the MPV for 2000, generally using the hot Honda Odyssey minivan as a template and copying some of its styling and design features.

The new MPV had front-drive and dual sliding doors, along with a third-row bench seat that deftly folded into the floor.

Alas, the 2000 MPV still was underpowered because its 155-horsepower V-6 was replaced by a 170-horsepower V-6, which still needed more power.

Ford controls Mazda, and thus the 2002 MPV got a Ford-supplied 200-horsepower V-6, besides a new five-speed automatic transmission. Minor restyling and an improved suspension also made the MPV more appealing. It remained narrower and shorter than most minivans for a nearly car-like driving experience.

The 2004 MPV comes as the entry $23,260 LX and higher-line $28,230 ES. The LX is pretty well equipped, with such items as power windows, mirrors and doors and even front and rear air conditioning. The ES adds such items as leather upholstery and a power driver's seat.

There's only one body length, making the seven-passenger MPV approximately as long as regular-length Chevrolet Venture and Dodge Caravan minivans. First- and second-row seats offer good room, and the fold-away third-row seat area is fairly roomy, although the third seat is too stiff and flat for long trips.

The third seat is reached by sliding the removable second-row bucket seats together via a track to form a bench seat and allow a fairly wide pass-through aisle on the side. But side doors don't open as far as in longer minivans and thus partly inhibit third-row entry and exit. Entry to first- and second-row seats is easy because of a low floor -- although occupants sit rather high.

The latest MPV has revised styling, with a new grille, hood and front fender design. There also are side skirts for a sportier look and new front and rear bumpers. Newly designed 16- and 17-inch wheels contribute to a more distinctive appearance.

New interior items include a sporty steering wheel, chrome-plated gauge trim rings, adjustable lumber support for the driver's seat, standard in-dash six-disc CD changer for ES models and front door storage pockets with bottle holders. New seat upholstery and trim fabric help liven up the interior.

A spring assist has been added for easier operation of the fold-away third-row seat, which flips over to face rearward for tailgate party seating.

New standard all-disc brakes with an anti-lock system provide better stopping efficiency under trying conditions.

The MPV has a "Triple-H'' safety structure and has received high safety ratings for frontal- and side-impact collisions. Front side air bags and traction control are optional for the LX and standard on the ES, which has slightly larger 17-inch (vs. 16-inch) wheels.

Popular options include a $1,200 rear-ceiling-mounted DVD entertainment system that plays DVD, MP3 and other audio files. It has infrared headphones, hand-held remote control and a seven-inch LCD screen.

The 3-liter V-6 is sophisticated but among the smallest minivan engines. It provides lively performance but must work hard during strong acceleration because the MPV is fairly heavy for its size at 3,772 pounds. However, the MPV is a smooth cruiser, with its engine loafing at 2,100 rpm at 70 mph.

The engine is hooked to a decent five-speed-automatic transmission and delivers an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway. Only regular-grade gasoline is needed.

Providing the MPV's carlike feel are quick steering, good handling and strong braking, although the pedal is a bit soft. The ride is comfortable, without being mushy or floaty.

The interior has upscale materials and is quiet except for some road noise. It has supportive front seats and a handy flip-down storage platform between the seats. Gauges can be quickly read and controls are large and nicely placed, although the steering-column-mounted transmission shift lever blocks some frequently used controls.

There's a low, large cargo opening with an easily used hatch. And a fairly deep well behind the third-row seat allows decent cargo room with all seats in their normal positions.

The MPV isn't speedy enough to fit Mazda's "zoom-zoom'' advertising image, but its practical, user-friendly nature is making it one of the automaker's most popular vehicles.

2004 MAZDA MPV

Prices
$23,260-$28,230

Likes
Roomy. Reasonable size. Fairly lively. Nice ride and handling.

Dislikes
Occasionally noisy engine. Shift stalk blocks some controls. Hard third-row seat.