Description: Minivan
Base MSRP Range: $23,260 - $28,230
Invoice Price Range: $21,497 - $26,080

Mazda makes a minivan feel exuberant and expressive to operate. It's charged with a keen edge for all movements, much like other vehicles in Mazda's fleet. It's also enthused with power, thanks to a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 200 hp.

Models for 2004 come with a facelift and revamped cabin showing new fabrics and trim. MPV's front end has new headlamps and restyled hood, fenders and grille, while in back there are new shapes for taillamps and a new bumper design. More body paint colors also work, such as Tsunami Blue Mica and Nordic Green Mica.

Inside, upgrades include lumbar support added to the driver's seat, intelligent dual-stage deployment for frontal air bags and revised designs for headrests. The cabin layout sets two tall bucket seats in front flanking consoles on floor and ceiling. On the second row, seats split and slide laterally to form either a continuous bench for two or two stand-alone chairs. The third-row bench, sized for three but more comfortable for two, folds down and disappears into a flat floor to increase rear cargo space.

MPV LX edition adds power equipment but deluxe ES lays on leather upholstery and premium audio equipment. Power sliding rear side doors are optional for both trims and side-impact air bags plus a traction control system (TCS) come in a package for the LX.