2005 MAZDA MPV

a few years in

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought our MPV ES in Oct 2008 with 46,000 on it. It currently has about 114,000 on it and doesn't seem to be much different from when we bought it. To date, it has required relatively infrequent and minor fixes: a minor ($300) fuel thing (forgotten what precisely) at 90k, a small water pump leak at 108k.

nice car so far

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this a few months ago with 53,000 miles on it. Except for a vacuum hose which was expensive, it is serving us well. The vehicle is easy to handle because it is smaller but easy to adjust for different uses. Rear seat folds down into floor or you can flip it back for tailgating. Has a/c vents front and rear, seats 7 and is easy getting in and out. Have driven it back and forth across west Texas twice now and did what I asked it to do.

Rust Problems

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

I decided to sell my MPV just 5 years after I bought it because it was rusting so badly at the base of both the passenger and driver doors as well as on all 4 wheel wells. In this day and age you don't expect a vehicle to rust before it's even 10 years old and this car began rusting when it was just 3 years old. When I brought the problem up to Mazda they were only willing to go by the book: The rust warranty only kicks in when the rust has perforated the metal. Well it's perforated now--now that the warranty has expired. Between fixing the rust and some other scheduled maintenance I was going to be spending more on the car than it was worth. So I cut my losses and sold the car.

Used Car Purchase

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I noticed most of these reviews are older and mostly new car purchases. Reviews have nonetheless been very helpful in our decision. Like most family van purchasers, we compared with used Sienna's and Odyssey's. In the end, the MPV was such a better value as they seem to depreciate at a faster rate. My wife it the primary driver for this car, so the smaller exterior size was easier for her to drive. Handling is substantially better as it is shorter and narrower. Parking and general driving was much easier. Of course with better handling comes at a cost, because you need to sacrifice interior space. As a family 4, this was not a factor at all, so this was by far the best fit.

Sauna in the Summer

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

We bought the MPV when we were expecting our first child. We were very pleased at first until we realized that the van was not equipped with rear air vents. There are four vents for the entire van. The summers in the south are brutal. We can no longer make our children endure the heat with no air vents. Needless to say we are now in the process of finding a new vehicle. Aside from that we are pleased. The only other complaint is the driver side window motor had to be replaced. We have put 36,400 miles on it and it still is going strong.

MPV Van

Performance: 4 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

The driver's seat is uncomfortable to me. I am a tall woman and the armrest is way too low for comfort. Seat will not lower down enough. The gas mileage is awful. Lots worse than we thought. At $3.50 a gallon we would prob. not have bought this van if we had known how bad it was going to be. It does seem to be reliable however and had some good features as far as lots of good seating to haul my kids and their friends around.

Too Bad They Don't Still Make Them

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Spent a lot of time researching for our first minivan since baby no. 3 is on the way and I abhor the idea of being a minivan owner. Looked at everything, but had to go with something small enough to fit down my ridiculously narrow drive way. Ended up looking for a MPV ES used since they stopped making them with the '06s. We're not the biggest people and our kids are all small at this point so this van is just the right size for us. Only had it a couple weeks but it really works well for us. It handles great, rides like a car and has sporty looks. Friend of mine just bought an '04 Honda Odyssey EX cloth seats and 35000 miles and paid the same that I did for my 05 MPV ES that's loaded.

2005 Mazda MPV - certified used car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have owned this car for a little over a year. It had 24000 miles, I found out it was a rental car from Florida but it was in great condition. It has been the most versatile vehicle I have owned. We are avid Ikea people and hauling furniture is one of the best things about this van. I pulled out the middle row dropped the back and made it into a cargo van. I hauled an L shaped couch and it fit. Even though it's smaller than the Sienna or Odyssey, it still has a lot of room. I have hauled appliances and also building supplies to my rental unit. When relatives come to visit, I can fit all seven of us plus put a stroller in the back! A+

The Best

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Tried to buy an '07 but found out Mazda quit importing these to the US. Bad mistake but my new '05 will do me fine. Mine was a dealer loaner and was like new. I put 250000 miles on my '94 MPV so I expect this one to do the same. This vehicle has everything in the same spot so there was no learning curve. Pulling a trailer is no problem. I use this for camping and everyday use, at 6'2" I find it roomy and very comfortable on long trips. The sticker said 25 mpg and I find this to be true even pulling a trailer. I get the same mileage in the city too. The middle seats are a snap to get out.

fun van, right size for city

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought an 05 demo with 5k miles. Really like this van. Maybe it's just that it was a full option demo, but I find it preferable to all but the new Honda. But paid $15k less than equally optioned Honda would have cost.

Average car for below average cost

Performance: 3 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 3

You get what you pay for. The ride is harsh and the space limited for a minivan but if you compare with small to mid size wagon and have only one or two children to transport, then it's an OK vehicle with a few extras for a limited budget. The model is discontinued and for good reasons. If you can live with the limitations you should get great deals from eager dealers. Just do not expect a Sienna or an Odyssey.

Great Buy

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The Mazda MPV is an excellent value. All the latest features like power doors, dvd player, power sunroof and seats are all optional but the LX with the sports package is loaded! Great features such as fold away third row seat, captains chairs, rear air and heat, tinted windows, roof rack and a wonderful stereo system.

The Perfect GUV (golf utility vehicle)

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I'm retired and the primary use for my vehicle is to take me and my buddies to and from golf. I've had a pickup for years, but decided I wanted something that would keep the clubs/carts inside and have the capability to carry more than 2 golfers in comfort. Tried several different SUV's and smaller station wagons but none had adequate cargo capacity for my needs. Tried some other minivans but they seemed too big or too pricey. Stumbled on the MPV and found it perfect at the right price!

Love that MPV except....

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

After owning and loving a 2000 MPV we purchased a 2005 Mazda MPV leftover with the $425 towing package. One would assume the vehicle would be ready to accept the hitch receiver and wiring harness but no. Required: new muffler, exhaust tip, and gasket in order to install the hitch. Just shy of an additional $1,000 installed at the dealership. Oh, and lets not forget that the vehicle is rated and advertised to tow 3000 pounds yet the hitch receiver is rated 2000. Include the proper muffler with the tow package or at least include this info in MPV literature. Besides that it is one fantastic versatile vehicle.

2005 MPV

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Our 2004 Odyssey was totaled by another driver. The MPV was the best value for the features. It drives better than our Honda and looks much sportier. We were able to get it for 36 dollars under invoice, then the dealer took off $4000 in rebates. They even delivered it to me and signed the paper work on my kitchen table. This is my 3rd vehicle purchase through the internet and all have been great. I actually enjoy driving this van although it is my wife's. If you are a smaller adult (under 6 foot and under 200 #s) the seats will fit you better than the domestic vans. We have only had it a few weeks, but love it so far.

Mazda MPV LX

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is our second MPV. First one was a 2000 model with very few options. This time we went with the LX Plus model with almost everything but leather. Wife loves this auto as it drives like a car, is smaller than the Honda and Toyota models and allows her the flexibility to shop till she can't cart anymore.

MPV - The less known superstar

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought an MPV about the same time that my brother bought a Sienna. At the time of buying my MPV, the only reason for me buying was that I was getting a good deal from my dealer. But after I bought my van and also experienced the Sienna (also considering what my brother paid for it), MPV is just excellent value for money. It has everything (even more) that a Sienna has to offer. We think MPV is better in driving experience and over all styling but lacks in leg room for the second row and engine noise. If Mazda can make it quieter, MPV is the best considering what you pay for it. My family is all happy for the choice we made and will recommend it to anyone with a small budget & small family.

Great price on a great van

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

Driving the van is very pleasant. The gear shifter gets in the way of the console, but the controls on the steering wheel make up for most of the inconvenience. Gas mileage better than in my previous minivans. Drives more car-like than many other vans I tested.

We Love This Car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My wife and I had been looking at others like the Sienna and Odyssey, but found the MPV a great value. It's just about the perfect size for my family. The power is good, though I have to agree with others that the transmission is a little sluggish. It handles quite nicely and the ride is quiet and comfortable. We purchased the "All Sport Package", the "LX Plus Package" and the DVD system. After rebates and some dealing, we paid about $9,000 less than a base Toyota Sienna LE. Overall this MPV has the most bang for the buck!

Zoom Zoom

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Great MPV for its price. Paid about $20,500.00 for LX model with LX Plus pPackage and power sliding doors (great Needed option). Gets about 21 mpg on mixed hwy/city driving (35/65). It does not have clunky transmission problems as others have reported. Its slow to shift sometimes when you wanna pass people on the interstate. Solution, turn off the overdrive and bring it down to a 4 speed ... zoom zoom. Turns tightly on curves like a car. We picked this because the Toyota and Hondas were just too expensive -- $23,000/$26,000 for low end models. And because it gives a standard 4/50,000 warranty.

I love my new MPV!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

I love the sporty look of MPV and it's so much fun to drive. Much safer than an SUV and it doesn't look like a "Mommy Mobile."

Great looking, Great value!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought this van a month ago and we have been very pleased with our purchase. We needed a more compact van to fit in our small garage spot. Despite its compact size, the MPV still has a very practical interior compared to an SUV. Fold the third row and remove the two middle seats and this baby will swallow anything. We got an ES with leather, sunroof and power doors for $24K. Comparable Toyota and Honda models would have cost thousands more. We've even gotten a few compliments from the neighbors about the looks of the car! On the downside, the interior is definitely due for a redesign, and the motor is not as powerful or refined as the latest offerings from Honda or Toyota.

Very Happy ... So Far

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

We've had our MPV for almost 3 months. So far we're more than happy with it. The ride is comfortable and car like. Its tidy dimensions, compared to rivals from Honda and Toyota, are a plus to our family of 4. The sliding rear doors are a blessing, since our 3 year old doesn't know the meaning of "slowly" or "gently" when opening his door. As far as reliability goes, so far, so good. 2 1/2 months is a little too early to make a judgment. Let's see how things go in the next 4 years. As I said, the MPV's smaller size is a plus for us. However, if you feel "bigger is better" in terms of cargo and passenger space, then an Odyssey or Sienna would be a better choice.

A True "Minivan" that's fun to drive

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We bought the MPV because of it's smaller size and firm ride. It handles almost like our 2002 Camry and is just as easy to park. The build quality is the best I have had in many years; even better than our 2002 Camry. Fit & finish are excellent. I would always like more power; but remembering the old 4 cylinder. minivans, the MPV has plenty. The MPV's acceleration seems to be on a par with my heavier 1999 Explorer V8. Braking is very good. Admittedly it's not as large as most of it's competitors; but larger isn't always better.

I'm Sold!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I just bought this vehicle about 2 weeks ago, and I LOVE it. Test drove Toyota, Ford, etc., and I kept telling my husband that they made me feel like a domestic slave (mom taxi). When I got into the Mazda, though,I feel like a DOMESTIC GODDESS! If you don't look back (and with that great view through the sunroof, who needs to?), you'd never know you were driving a minivan. I am absolutely thrilled!

It's really nice but could be great...

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My wife and I shopped for a minivan for over a year. We needed more seating space than our Saturn VUE provided us. We didn't want to get a van that was oversized so we focused on the MPV, Kia, Caravan and even considered the new Saturn Relay. After driving them we decided on the Mazda by a landslide. We've taken it on a few trips now and it is very comfortable. I really can't tell why Edmunds says "clunky transmission." I haven't found it to be that way at all. We would recommend it to anyone looking for seating of up to six regularly.

Better Than A Caravan

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I test drove many makes of minivans. The Mazda was the most versatile for seating except for the Dodge. It has the easy folding rear seat. The standard captain's seats also pull together for more room to access the back. What sold me, though, is the car- like handling. The engine and tranny are silky smooth, and there's more than enough acceleration. The fit and finish of the body and interior parts are phenomenal. Definitely better than any domestic make I've ever owned. I'm hoping to have many happy years of driving the MPV. At 37 yrs old, I still have some youth left in me. Oh, I must say there will be no more Chrysler products in my name.

Great Mini Van for the Money

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Have had our Madza MPV about 4 weeks now. We had a Subaru Legacy Wagon, and really liked it. Decided to take the plunge and trade it in for a mini van. Had been casually looking for some time, but the Honda Odyssey, Nissan Sentra, and the Toyota Sienna seemed a little bit pricey. Stumbled upon the Mazda MPV and were pleasantly surprised at how nice it was. Has great pick-up, drives like a car, and has lots of room. We have 2 kids and just needed more room. This was the perfect solution for us! So far, no problems at all! Great vehicle!!!

Fun to Drive and Rear Windows

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is one fun Mini-van to drive. Our first long distance trip was a breeze. My husband loved the way it drove and looks forward to our next trip. (28 mpg highway) The kids love the rear windows and all the cup holders. I love that it's not huge and fits in our carport just like our former Mazda 626.

soccer mom has never had so much fun

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I'm only 12 and my mom and I were not very happy about the idea of a minivan. My dad told us to see if we liked the Mazda and we did. The power and and style of it are great. My mom and I have both think this is the coolest minivan there is. Lots of power makes a mom in a Yukon turn red.

28.9 mpg on first tank of gas

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

First tank was 28.9 mpg highway miles from Ohio to West Virginia. Going from a SUV to a van I thought I would be disappointed. The van was great and handled well.

Easy to Drive and fits in my garage

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This car handles beautifully (drives like a car), very smooth ride, has very comfortable seating, good view of the road, has a nice look and fits in our garage. We can't wait to take it on a long trip.

Highly Regarded

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

You'll love to drive this! My husband even likes to drive it, and he's picky.

Good value

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Hauls both people and cargo quite well, Lots of storage areas, drink holders. A good value for everyday driving, work or play.

This is a quality ride.

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This vehicle is just comfortable in the extreme. It is easy to drive, and drives like a regular car, not like a truck. It has given reasonable gas mileage and has required only normal maintenance.This is our fourth Mazda; they have all given us 100,000 plus miles of reliable service so as you might expect we are PLEASED.

Why Pay More for Honda and Toyota

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have only had this van for a month, but with all the features the MPV has, why pay more for the Honda or Toyota? We purchased the ES, with everything on it. It has leather, DVD, moonroof, power doors -- it's loaded. Sticker on this MPV was $32,190, but after using S-plan and rebates we only paid $26,718. This saved me almost $10,000 compared to the Honda and Toyota equipped the same. The only thing you lose with the MPV is the room. It is smaller than the others, but it feels more like a car than a van. I have not had any of the issues stated by the editors review. The MPV is a great value and fun to drive, plus you don't see these at every stop light like you do the Honda and Toyota.

Mazda MPV

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My Mazda MPV van is just the perfect size for my husband and me. There is room for his wheelchair, groceries, our grandchildren, the dog or the 2 cradles we just brought home. The seats are comfortable, and he can lay back and rest while I'm driving. There is plenty of room to stretch out and carry lots of luggage when going on a trip but it's small enough to zip through traffic.

Great Minivan!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I was amazed at the excellent engine performance. The ride is great and the turning radius is almost as good as my Focus. It is by far, in my opinion, the best looking minivan. We use it for golf every week and it's a perfect size for us. We have no complaints and feel that we got the right vehicle for us.

Kim's MPV

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I absolutely enjoy driving my MPV. With the features of DVD, sunroof, and leather seating, it is comfortable, stylish, and the kids enjoy the space and DVD player. I absolutely love taking road trips now and with the back folding seats and roll down back windows the kids enjoy that too. Great car for anyone!

great package

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Being an older couple with the desire to have a van and not be burdened by difficult driving with a large vehicle, the MPV we have is perfect. It can handle our family needs and is a pleasure to drive and park in our city environment. The external update for 2004 is really neat. Just enough "sass" to make it interesting.

Zoom Zoom

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Don't let the sze fool you. THe MPV is sized just right for what you really use a minivan for. Perfect for small young family of four.

Very well executed...

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I did a lot of shopping in the minivan arena and while I liked the Sienna, I didn't like the price. The '05 Odyssey's were just out, but again very pricey for what you get. I drove both the Honda and the Toyota, fully expecting to buy the Toyota. While I thought both were great vehicles, it was ultimately my test drive of the MPV which put me into the Mazda camp for good. Felt great to drive, good power and flexible interior. I've owned a Miata for years and it has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned... I'm counting on the same with my MPV. Previously I'd owned a Chrysler T&C and put over 120k miles on it; what a piece of garbage.

sporty and fun in comfort

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The Mazda MPV is real easy to drive. It runs smooth and handles well. For instance making a U-turn is simple as well as parking. The acceleration is good. Overall the van is comfortable, spacious. I don't have any complaints.

Perfect van

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

The perfect vehicle for us. We are retired and play a lot of golf. We also plan to travel quite a bit. We have ample room for anything we might take with us. The van is very comfortable on long trips. The seats are great. The turning radius is also a plus for the vehicle. The engine is spunky and not noisy as assessed by the "experts" Fuel mileage is relatively good. It's better looking by far than any other minivan in our opinion. Wouldn't trade with any friends who drive Chryslers, Toyotas, Chevrolets and Hondas. They also like the clean lines of our minivan better than theirs.

best van on market

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I looked at every minivan on the market, and drove them all. The design, the build quality and the performance sold me on this van.Your report states that this car has a "clunky" transmission and a loud engine, I don't know what car you were testing, but my MPV shifts gears like silk, never had a smother shifting transmission.

My Mini Van

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I loved the Mazda MPV so much that I searched in 3 states before I found any used ones. I drove 200 miles to pick it up, and have never looked back. I have 4 kids and we all have plenty of room, and that includes 2 car seats. It was the look and the features of the MPV that had me hunting it after seeing a used one at a near by car lot (It was already sold. We will be trading it in unfortunately in about 6 months, but the good news is - it will be on another MPV. Kudos to Ford/Mazda.

Great Minivan

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This January 2005 myself, wife, three year old son and five month old daughter made the jump to our first minivan. We just got rid of our Nissan Sentra and what a world of difference. We spent over a year looking at all the different makes and models and in the end, the Mazda MPV is the bang for the buck. No doubt about it. You can receive a loaded equipped LS model for 5 to 7 thousand dollars less than Toyota, Nissan and Honda. The MPV has over 17.0 cubic feet in luggage capacity and 127 cubic feet in maximum cargo capacity, which is more room than the huge Ford Expedition, the GMC Yukon and other big SUV's out there. This vehicle is fun to drive, good gas mileage and has plenty of room.

Function and Reliability

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is my 4th Mazda product,over 20 years without any problems. Mazda produces the most underrated autos on the market. The MPV is the TRUE 1st minivan to have 3rd row fold flat into floor seats. And it is still the only one that has 2nd row seat windows that roll down and the 2nd row captains chairs slide side ways.FACT:The MPV is still the quickest minivan on the market. ZOOM,ZOOM,ZOOM

better than most

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

transmission is wonderful. handling is quite good, altho could be a little firmer. seats are comfortable. hvac could use a little refinement.

It could be better

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

We got the loaded one with dvd sunroof etc. It's nice but to put adults in the middle or back seat is bad there is NO leg room. Very disappointing with 2 parents who are getting old and have a very difficult time getting into the seats! Will have to trade next yr for this reason only.

Connie of Long Island, NY

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

AT FIRST I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF MY MPV. IT STALLED ALOT AND FELT LIKE I WAS ON A BUCKING HORSE EVERY TIME IT CHANGED GEARS. SADLY, I LATER RECEIVED TWO RECALLS ON IT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND IT'S BEEN GREAT SINCE.

As Fun as Minivan can get

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Really like driving this car around - it handles very, very well and its even fun (if that's possible with a minivan). Had a transmission TCM issue - not shifting well between 2-3 gears, but dealership reflashed the TCM, all is well now.

Zoom-Zoom van

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I only wish Ford, Mazda's parent company built more cars like this. Car is built with the Ford Duratec 3.0 liter V-6 on the modeo chasis from europe