EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MAZDA MPV
Find, Buy, Review, Make offers on, and View more vehicles like the 2004 MAZDA MPV new at UsedNewCars.com!
Click Here For More Reviews On Edmunds.com
| Editors'' Review |
 |
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A quiet and capable van if that''s all you need, but compared to the new and improved class leaders, the MPV lacks the size and features to compete for the top spot.
Pros
Compact and maneuverable, confident road manners, roll-down windows in the sliding doors.
Cons
Lacks the passenger/cargo space and power found in competitors.
What''s New for 2004
The MPV gets a facelift for 2004 that includes a new hood, headlamps, front fenders, grille, side skirts and alloy wheels. A rear air conditioner and four-wheel disc brakes are now standard.
Overview
Introduction:
Mazda''s first attempt at a minivan appeared as a 1989 model. It distinguished itself from the burgeoning minivan field with features like a right-side hinged door (as opposed to sliding) and optional four-wheel drive. Over the next 10 years, Mazda fitted its MPV with a left-side rear door (also hinged), standard ABS, a standard V6 engine and a removable third-row seat. In 1997, the company created an All-Sport model that included special body cladding, distinctive graphics and alloy wheels. Without an SUV of its own, this was Mazda''s closest offering to the hot-selling Ford Explorer. By 1998, however, the MPV''s "uniqueness" had worn thin, as the sales numbers confirmed. With the Chrysler minis continuing to lead market share, and more capable versions coming from Ford, Honda and Toyota, it was time to retire the original MPV and start over from scratch. The current MPV arrived in 2000, and was notable for its disappearing third-row seat that flipped into its own cubby and windows that could still open in the now-sliding doors. However, a weak 2.5-liter V6 and a features list that was lacking some basic safety attributes kept it from attaining a more popular following. In response, Mazda upgraded the powertrain to a 200-hp, 3.0-liter V6 and added some features in 2002, and 2004 brings a freshened appearance and a few additional standard features, including a rear air conditioner. These incremental improvements have made the MPV a much more viable choice, but roomier, competitively priced offerings from Honda, Kia, Nissan and Toyota offer better overall packages. However, for small families who prize style and fun above maximum passenger and cargo capacity, the MPV is worth a look.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The MPV is a four-door, seven-passenger minivan with two available trims. The base LX includes 16-inch alloy wheels, dual manual-sliding doors with roll-down windows, steering wheel-mounted stereo controls, a CD player and front and rear air conditioning. A power driver seat, side airbags for front occupants and traction control are options. Step up to the ES and get all of the above standard, along with 17-inch wheels and leather upholstery. Options on both models include power-sliding doors, an in-dash CD changer, a DVD-based rear entertainment system and a sunroof.
Powertrains and Performance:
The standard drivetrain is a 200-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity is 2,000 pounds, or 3,000 pounds with the optional four-seasons driving package. EPA estimates are 18 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Safety:
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on all models, while traction control and side airbags are standard on the ES and optional on the LX. In government crash tests, the MPV earned a perfect five-star rating in all front- and side-impact categories. In frontal offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS, the MPV received an "Acceptable" rating (the second highest out of four).
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The interior is equipped with three rows of seating for seven passengers. The second and third rows can be reconfigured for multiple seating arrangements. The second row features two comfortable captain''s chairs that have their own flip-up armrests. As in the Honda Odyssey, the right-side second-row captain''s chair can be released by a handle, allowing it to slide sideways to meet up flush with the other seat, creating a bench. Both second-row seats are removable. For maximum convenience, the third-row seat easily folds flat into the floor, creating a spacious cargo hold without requiring owners to remove the seats entirely.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The MPV''s handling is almost carlike, thanks to a well-tuned suspension that reinforces its "zoom zoom" image. With front and rear stabilizer bars and a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system, this minivan feels lighter on its feet than most of its larger, bulkier competitors. The 3.0-liter V6 provides adequate acceleration in most situations, but competing vans offer larger engines that are more suitable for heavy passenger loads or towing a trailer.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ MAZDA Information Index ] [ MINIVAN/VAN Information Index ]
|
