Teresa’s View
When Mazda rolled out the MPV — it stands for multiple-passenger van — in the late eighties, it wanted to differentiate itself from the rest of the flock. Where the others had sliding rear doors, the MPV had hinged doors. Rather than motivating WITH front-wheel drive, the MPV offered rear-wheel AND — this was innovative — all-wheel drive options. In fact, the MPV was designed as a “crossover vehicle” to blur the line between minivan and the newly hot sport-ute. Cribbing from the wildly popular Subaru Outback, the handsome MPV even had a model that sported lower body cladding and a higher stance that further muddled the minivan/SUV issue. In 2000, Mazda caved to convention and converted the MPV to front-wheel drive and added sliding doors.
This year, the MPV gets a refreshed exterior. New headlights flank an integrated grille, rear lights set off a revised rear bumper, and extended side skirts provide a new look all around. The inside remains basically unchanged with the exception of upgraded upholstery, a sporty new steering wheel and splashes of carbon-fiber-esque trim.
What has remained the same in throughout its lifetime is the MPVs car-like ride and small physique.
Unfortunately, the MPV still uses a clunky, steering-wheel mounted shift stalk that blocks the driver’s use of the audio controls. I don’t like stuff getting between me and my tunes.
What Is It?: Mazda offers the seven-seat MPV minivan in two trims — the entry-level LX and up-scale ES — both with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and automatic transmission. Prices start at $24K for the LX; $29K for the ES.
Gadget Rating: 6 out of 10 Like most minivans, the MPV comes with a healthy standard equipment list that includes front- and rear-seat air conditioning, CD player, cruise control, tilt steering wheel with redundant controls, and power windows, mirrors and door locks. The ES adds leather, power driver’s seat and a six-disc CD changer. There’s also an optional moonroof and DVD entertainment system with infrared headphones. Both trims are wired for Sirius satellite radio. Anti-lock brakes are now standard. The ES trim includes traction control. Oh, oh. Side curtain airbags are not available and demerits for that stalk issue.
The Back Seat: A third-row seat was added in 1996. Like the Honda Odyssey, it folds into the floor when not in use. (Guess that cribbing habit is hard to break.) The seat is rather hard. Fortunately, it’s difficult to hear the kids complain from back there.
Favorite Feature: The windows on the rear sliding doors roll down. Sweet!
Safety Rating: The MPV passes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests with a perfect five-star score for front and side protection.
Trivia: The Japanese automotive maker was founded in 1920 as a cork manufacturer.
The Cheat Sheet: Mazda is owned by Ford Motor Company.