MSRP Range: $22,500 to $26,000
Invoice Range: $20,500 to $24,500
Price Quote
MSRP As Tested: $26,000
Versions: LX, ES
Vehicle Category: Minivan
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive
Engine As Tested: 3-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, V-6 cylinder, 200-horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 200 lb-ft torque at 3,000 rpm
Transmission As Tested: 5-Speed Automatic
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 18/25
Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger, front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, "> Antilock Braking System, Remote Keyless Entry.
Competition: Chevrolet Astro, Chevrolet Express, Chevrolet Venture, Chrysler Town and Country, Chrysler Voyager, Dodge Caravan, Ford Windstar, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona, Pontiac Montana, Toyota Sienna, Volkswagen EuroVan
The life of an automotive journalist is sometimes a disjointed one. I thought of using the word dysfunctional but I'll save that for the Osborne's. What makes it feel this way is that one week I'll have the pleasure of driving a new Hummer H2 and the next I could find myself behind the wheel of a Mini Cooper? Talk about being confused when trying to find my weekly ride in a crowded parking lot!
This week's vehicle of choice was the 2003 Mazda MPV. In some ways, the MPV is just as disjointed as my life, though not in the negative way you may think.
While parking lots may be a challenge, personally I like driving all sorts of different vehicles. Climbing into the MPV, I get the same experience all wrapped up in one. Is it a car, or a van, the decision rests with your mood of the moment? Whatever you ultimately decide that it is rest assured of this one important fact. This is a well executed vehicle.
The first thing you notice when sitting in the Mazda MPV is how low the windows are in relation to your body. This is one of the main reasons why it feels so much like a car. Seating position for both driver and passengers is high off the floor. I found few blind spots, vision was clear and unobstructed.
Similar to the two front seats, the middle captain's chairs provided in our test vehicle fully recline and offer dual armrest support. The right passenger mid-seat slides left to right providing rear cargo access, while the rear seats with their 'Tumble Under' functionality store out of the way beneath the floor, increasing storage capacity. Models such as the ES we drove are equipped with a power driver's seat.
Storage space abounds! There are under seat cubbies and cupholders enough for the starting line-up and backup goaltender of any minor league hockey team. With first class stitching and quality fit and finish our leather clad MPV has the feeling of a vehicle twice its price. A 6-speaker AM/FM CD player provides crisp, clear sound, though I was a little disappointed by the signal strength of the AM channels. I need my sports talk radio fix in the morning, or I'm just no good at all and while in the city reception was weak.
The MPV is designed with two sliding mid-doors; in the case of our ES these doors are power. Activated by either the key fob, or a lower dash mounted button, they open quietly and at a comfortable pace. Obstacle sensing detectors keep small fingers out of harms way. Unique to the MPV, the sliding rear doors include windows that roll down. Personally I find power doors to be one of the most useful features on any van, and Mazda's design works very well.
For the most part, controls are within easy reach and straightforward. One annoying exception to this rule is the placement of the gear shift lever. With the transmission in 'D', the gear lever blocks access to the stereo volume knob. As well, the window wiper stalk seems to be the natural choice when selecting a gear. On several occasions I activated the wipers instead of engaging the transmission.
Mechanically it's hard to find fault in the MPV. All controls work smoothly, with windows and mirrors adjusting in relative silence and the cruise control system easy to engage and good at maintaining speed.
Heating and A/C controls offer enormous airflow and the speed of the heating system was appreciated on several very cold days. A handy flip storage tray resides between the driver and passenger seat, increasing the usefulness of this well laid out interior.
New features for 2003 include an optional DVD entertainment system that also plays MP3 encoded audio discs. Kudos to Mazda, as they seem to have a handle on the latest technology and what families are looking for in a vehicle these days.
The performance of the MPV is even more car-like than the interior design. A 3.0-liter, DOHC, V6 is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. With 200-hp at 6,200 rpm and 200 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm, power is potent but not overbearing. Entering a highway or accelerating away from a stop is effortless. The smoothness of the automatic transmission is excellent, shifts points almost imperceptible, with no lurching or clunking as each progressive gear is engaged.
Rack and pinion steering with engine rpm sensitive variable power assist provides a good one center feel and just the right amount of wheel feedback. Independent front suspension and rear torsion beams provide car-like handling, while 4-wheel, 3-channel ABS and traction control add an extra level of comfort and control.
The 2003 Mazda MPV is covered by a 3 year or 50,000 mile vehicle warranty, with the same amount of time provided for roadside assistance. The powertrain and body are covered for 5 years, with selected emission components protected for 8 years.
Driving the Mazda MPV is as close to driving a car as a van can get. Its demeanour and roadside presence are bang on for those of us who could use the room a van provides, but shutter at the thought of being seen in one. As a compromise, or even as an unapologetic people hauler, the Mazda MPV ranks close to the top.
Pros: Lots of great features like the fold-flat 3rd row. Wonderful optional accessories like power passenger doors. Great build quality. Attractive exterior design.
Cons: Layout of the controls.
Ratings (1-10)
Style: 8
Performance: 7
Price: 9
Handling: 8
Ride: 8
Comfort: 8
Quality: 7
Overall: 7.9
MORE DATA
Where Built: Japan
Major Options: enhanced audio system, front-side airbags, leather upholstery, power sliding passenger doors, power sunroof, rear air conditioning, roof rack, theft deterrent system, tow package, traction control.
Seating: 7
Number of Rows: 3
Crash Test Ratings:
- NHTSA Frontal Impact/Driver Crash Test Rating: *****
- NHTSA Frontal Impact/Passenger Crash Test Rating: *****
- NHTSA Side Impact/Front Seat Crash Test Rating: *****
- NHTSA Side Impact/Rear Seat Crash Test Rating: *****
- NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating: ***
- IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test: Overall Rating is Acceptable
Length in Inches: 187.8
Warranties: 5 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/unlimited miles corrosion, 4 years/50,000 miles free Roadside Assistance.
Weight in Pounds: 3,794
Towing Capacity in Pounds: 3,000
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 19.8
Destination Charge: $520
