Mazda MPV

Price Paid:  $0.00 from HERZOG-MEIER

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 MPV LX

Summary:
Recently purchased an 2004 MPV after much research. MPV represents a great value with virtually all of the same features of the class-leading Odyssey, with a small sacrifice in cargo size. New styling for '04 makes the MPV arguably the best looking minivan available (especially with All-Sport package that includes 17" wheels and fog lights). The MPV drives much like a car, and definitely feels more agile than the Odyssey we also test drove. Inside, the MPV has all of the fit and finish quality that any import buyer has come to expect. Ergonomics are very good and control layout is logical. Only issue is that the shifter lever obstructs radio volume knob, but those controls are also located on the steering wheel, so this isn't a big deal. The roll-down windows on the sliding doors are a big hit with passengers and really help with ventilation. Middle seats cleverly slide together to ease access to third row seat. The versatile third row seat folds flat into the floor or flips back to allow tailgate type seating. The 200hp engine (with five spd auto transmission) provides plenty of power for accelerating into traffic and highway passing. Reliability history has been very good for these vehicles and certainly guided our purchase decision. Looking forward to many years of reliable service.

Strengths:
Drives and rides like a car. Versatile seating. Looks great. Roll-down side windows. Better value than import competition.

Weaknesses:
Upgraded stereo (180 watt, 6 disc in-dash CD player) sounds good, but not great. Right foot gets hot with heater cranked up.

Similar Products Used:
1999 Nissan Quest 1992 Mazda MPV

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $24000.00 from McGough

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 MPV

Summary:
I loved this van when I saw the side door windows roll down. I had never seen such a feature on a minivan. Standard minivans don't have that feature. It handles like a dream. Yes! This is my first minivan so I wanted to know how the Mazda MPV stood up to the so called famous names of minivans. I have noticed that most of the reviews talk about transmission problems. Thanks for that and I will be asking the Mazda mechanic about this on Monday. I will keep you updated on this vehicle. I only plan to keep this vehicle for a year so I pray that nothing major happens.

Strengths:
The sporty look and the way it handles. The accelloration from the line. The folding seats. The over all room. The radio controls on the steering wheel.

Weaknesses:
None so far

Similar Products Used:
Never purchased a Mazda before.

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 6.00 votes

Price Paid:  $20700.00 from horne

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 mazda mpv

Summary:
Just bought couple weeks ago & am pleased except for transmission seems to be hanging up in 20-40 mph range.Have noticed other reviews stating same problem & am concerned about it.Will keep eye on it & probly contact dealer

Strengths:
Middle window rolldown.Great on interstate.

Weaknesses:
Transmission hanging up or hesitating around 2nd & 3rd gear.

Similar Products Used:
voyager;aerostar

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 4.00 votes

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

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $18000.00 from Long Beach Mazda

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Mazda MPV

Summary:
Actually, this is a shining new 2005 Mazda MPV. I guess this site is not updated for this year yet since the latest model year is 2004. I bought this brand new Mazda MPV at Long Beach Mazda 21 days ago on March 1st, 2005 at a price of 17000 after 4000 cash rebate. I did a detailed research on the internet before I decided on the model. Carreviews.com is one of my most visited site and I read all the reviews on Mazda MPV before I took the dive. The reasons: 1. Cheap, 2. it is a Japanese car which supposed to be "reliable". Well, I am starting to feel this is a wrong decision. After 6 days we took the car home, the "check engine light" (or CEL) is on when I was driving on the highway. I took it right back to the dealor and they took a whole morning to pull the codes and check the connections. They found nothing wrong and send us home. Then yesterday again on the highway, the "O/D off" light (over-drive off) was flashing which according to Mazda is an indication of an electrical problem in the transmission and can cause damage to the vehicle if we continue to drive. So we pulled off and restarted the engine. The light went off. Being a honda owner, I know what "care free" means. Now, I dont expect the same thing on the Mazda MPV. I expect to get it into the dealor every month and waste a half day there then be sent back home knowing nothing is found. False alarm? How many more times it will be turned on before it turns into a true alarm and break down on the highway? My advise: "Dont Buy".

Strengths:
Price. Appearance.

Weaknesses:
Very poor build quality. Expect to have a lot of trouble.

Similar Products Used:
Honda, Toyota.