Powerful, well designed and versatile interior.

Ever since I have purchased this vehicle, I have had to drive with the windows closed and the vent selector on recirc, otherwise the horrible sulphur smell enters the vehicle. Mazda has refused (in writing) to take the car in for inspection even once! (Obviously this points to a problem they know about and probably have no fix for). I am really disappointed with Mazda's position, a company that I thought was very reputable and dedicated to customer satisfaction.

The major flaw with this vehicle which marrs all of its other good points is what seems to be a poorly engineered catalytic converter. This results in a continuous strong sulphur smell that is emitted from the vehicle. Mazda, unfortunately is not willing to do anything about this problem and I am stuck with a $30,000 stink producing machine.

safety tests, cargo room, people carrying capacity, sportier than other minivans (the smaller size is an asset for driveability and looks), good gas mileage, traction control, ample power with the new motor, comfort, looks

no all-wheel drive. Mazda should wake up to that shortfall or they will miss a killing in the US market. I read that the company makes awd models for Japan.

I've only driven it for two weeks. But I've done almost 1,000 miles. So far it looks easily like the best car I've ever owned. I did two months of research befor buying it. Originally, I thougt to get an SUV to replace my Explorer. But I found that SUV can't carry much weight before they get tippy. That elimiminated my original first choices -- the Xterra and Highlander. Consumer reports says they can carry 850 lbs. and 950 lbs. before they get over tippy. The MPV can carry over 1,000 lbs..I ruled out the Forester because it's too low to the ground. I've been T-boned. I also like the MPV side crash test results. It doesn't have the all-wheel drive I was looking for (for snow and wet). But it has traction control, which will do. It drives much more easily than my three previous cars -- an Explorer, a Suburban and an Aerostar. It really does move a bit like a sports car. It took the curves in Point Reyes very well. And the 22-miles-per-gallon is much better. The MPV has more cargo room than either. I pulled out the middle seats and went camping. It was easy to sleep in. It doesn't give off any sulphur smell. Initially, the seat bothered by bad lower back. But I discovered the seat is highly adjustable and I adjusted out the pressure. I think it's the best all-round car I've ever owned. I do a lot of sports (mountain biking, kayaking etc.) and it has as much sports utility for gear as any of them. Oh, I almost bougt a Honda CRV. One thing that decided me is the added weight of the MPV. I've been in crashes and I know the extra beef helps. I went through a middleman (CU) because I didn't think the dealers would give me a break on the price.

Similar Products Used:

Xterra, Highlander (way too pricey. A good alternative choice. But lacks easily accessable cargo space), Honda CRV (a perfect piece of work. I almost bought it. But there's not enough space to sleep i

New engine, clever use of interior space, well equiped, Made in Japan

It can suprise you with it's quickness

A Great choice for a mini van. Very well thought out. Rides like a car, Better than a SUV. Easy to get in and out of and very smooth and good power with the new engine, I used to sell cars and did my research this van is a good deal and a good call.

Similar Products Used:

Drove all brands except Honda, I refuse to be screwed for thousands over sticker, Sorry Honda

More horsepower and torque than previous model year. Flip down rear seat, sliding side door windows that roll down, sporty looks with 17" alloys and fog lights, and car like handling.

None I can find so far.

This van is great. Don't have the sulphur smell some others are writting about. The new engine and transmission are a vast improvement over the previous model years. The new suspension and sway bars make this van ride like a car. Power sliding doors are nice too. Absolutely no complaints so far.

Similar Products Used:

Plymouth Voyager

Sulfur stench above has really ruined our opinion of the van and Mazda.

See above.

Van still gives off a terrible sulfur smell. See other posts here- it is not a little odor, it is nauseating.I will probably pursue under Connecticut's lemon law. Any one else who has the same problem, please feel free to contact me at sidiggie@aol.com, maybe we can work together on this problem

Similar Products Used:

Toyota Sienna

car like, run much faster than my 96' accord EX

no navigation system

http://townhall-talk2.edmunds.com/WebX?50@8.Cy83aMrDaA9^1@.ee93de8/851 go to edmunds.com web site under "MY 2000+ Mazda MPV Problems" message board and you will find the discussion of rotton egg (sulfur) smell. not a big deal compared to other minvans' problems

Sport Utility Van styling/All-Sport package; 7-passenger seating with captain chairs; leather seating surfaces and leather-wrapped steering wheel; swing-out rear doors with windows that roll all the way down; dual a/c and rear heater; multi-mode 4-wheel drive with lockable center differential; Automatic Load Leveling with 4000lb+ towing capacity; full-size spare tire; 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS; standard 3.0L V6.

WHAT I DISLIKE IS THAT THIS PARTICULAR MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE IS NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION. BLAME FORD/MAZDA FOR NOT CONTINUING WITH THEIR ORIGINAL SPORT UTILITY VAN CONCEPT

I had to look far and wide for this specific model. These are rarest MPV's out there. I bought it with 28k. I have now logged 37k, and have had no mechanical problems whatsoever. This MPV is truly a unique vehicle in its own class. In this day and age of hybrid-type vehicles, this was the first to cross the boundary between minivan and sport utility, and do it well. I would most definitely recommend this ES 4WD All-Sport MPV. In my opinion, 1996-98 were the MPV's best years. Mazda defenitely had something going here, but they chose to end it. They could've came out with a 10th anniversary edition for the MPV in '99. The 2002 MPV also has a 3.0L engine, but it's able to pump out 200 horses so it's not always about bigger engine displacement in order to get more power.

Similar Products Used:

'90 MPV '96 Voyager '97 Voyager '87 Nissan Van

car like ride

sulfer smell

Update on my previous review about sulfur smell. took it to the service dept. smell is coming from converter and there is nothing they can do about it - am very unhappy, regret buying the van

Similar Products Used:

none

Compact size, visibility.

STENCH,see above!!!. Also, transmission shifter blocks radio controls.

We bought a new 2002 MPV.We have the same problem as other postings here, there is a terrible rotten egg smell from the car. Yesterday, in the rain when we turned on the defroster to clear fogged up windows the van smelled so bad we were gagging.Some choice, fogged up windows or gagging. This is not just a little smell, there is a MAJOR problem and the stench is horrible. From number of postings on this it is a fairly widespread problem.—

Similar Products Used:

Toyota Sienna

Looks, space, storage, good engine pwr, great handling, sliding mid seat, and fit and finish.

SULFUR Smell!!!!, weak radio, some wind noise above dash/lower windshield area, trans seems a little busy.

We love the sporty looks, handling, lots of room, and power. In comparison to Villager and Sienna, we loved this one the best. The price was right as I get a discount and you get lots of features standard. To the person just before me... I too am smelling sulfur and was told by the dealer that is was "undercoating".... I dont think so!!!! I have work in the auto industry for 15 years and this is coming from the exhaust...internally. Has anyone noticed a wind noise from center of dash/lower winshield area? We really do love our van and I was one to say... never..ever would I own a van, but this vehicle feels more like a SUV than a van. Very peppy for a van and decent mileage. The radio....well is a little under powered. My vehicle has a 6 chang/cd with cassete, but its just doesn''t have really rich sounding music. Fit and finish seem very good and rides very comfortably..maybe a little "sporty" for some, but handles as good as most cars. I am thinking about ordering a rear spoiler from my dealer as I think it would add a touch of Zoom Zoom... :)

Similar Products Used:

None