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Review 3 of 6
Price Paid:
$32000.00
from Bank St. Mazda Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Mazda MPV Summary:
After much research, I had narrowed down my choice to three mini-vans: MPV, Odyssey, Sienna. Siennas are packaged in such a way that, in order to get a simple roof rack, you MUST buy the mid-scale LE instead of the base CE, a $5420 (Cdn) price increase. A marketing ploy to get you to spend more than you would like to. Toyota also has the highest interest rate for purchase or lease. Pass...
The Odyssey was nice, but it would not fit in an average single-car garage like mine unless you completely emptied the garage, hardly plactical. Also, it does not have roll-down windows and the styling is dated. Second-highest interest rate on lease or purchase, pass...
The MPV I bought is Steel Blue metallic with the GFX package, dual power sliding doors, dual air, upgraded stereo, ABS, traction control, front side air bags and gorgeous 17" wheels. Having already gone on an extended trip with my family, I can tell you this car is an absolute blast to drive. It handles quite well, it's extremely quiet on the highway at any speed (careful...150 KPH can sneak up on you before you know it!). Visibility in all directions is the best in the class. Seats are extremely confortable, although the rear bench is really intended for 3 children or two adults, not three adults. All 7 seats offer ample leg and head room. A/C is excellent, stereo is very good (but not excellent) and the rear seat can be folded down by an 8-year-old. Once done, there is ample space. Bonus, the MPV has excellent ground clearance, as I discovered driving on the extremely rough road to our cottage. Bonus, if you get the 17" wheels, there is an extra half-inch ground clearance. Who needs an SUV? Strengths:
Style, handling, visibility, price (zero percent financing), ground clearance, comfort, safety (ABS, traction control, side air bags, 5-star crash ratings). Salesman was very professionnal. Weaknesses:
The most common complaint is the gearshift lever obstructing the radio power button. Not a big deal. Other weakness I noticed...if driver is over six feet tall and likes a stretched-out driving position, he (she) may not have sufficient leg room. Less interior room than competitors...great for four-to-six-member families but if you frequently travel long distances with seven people, you will need a roof box. Similar Products Used:
1996 Ford Windstar
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