1990 Mazda MPV Review

Quality car

Written by: wkb on 09/29/2009

Vehicle

1990 Mazda MPV 2 Dr STD Passenger Van

Review

When we bought this care from a private party, it hadn't been well cared for. It wasn't garaged and it had some body rust on the roof. Within a year it required a 'mini- overhaul' at about $4,000. But, we loved how it drove and the power was good for the size of the car. Since that first repair, we've only had one other incident: the guides and pulleys for the engine belt assembly failed and shredded the belt on a trip. Fortunately, Mazda engines shut down when that happens (some don't and the engine is destroyed). We had the roof replaced, the exterior completely repaired and we repainted it the original 'sand mica'. The engine runs strong. We're keeping it!

Favorite Features

Interior materials and workmanship are superior quality; exterior car panels feel 'thicker' than our other cars have been; "Hold" button on directional signal arm keeps downhill speed constant by downshifting and upshifting depending on decent; gas mileage is good(25 mpg hwy)for this size car.

Suggested Improvements

Engine roars like a 747 at startup, then quiets down; valve arms (tappits?) make loud clicking noise (can't be helped very much by oil additives); needs another side door on driver side for back seat entry.

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Good Van

Written by: Bruce on 12/14/2008

Vehicle

1990 Mazda MPV 2 Dr STD 4WD Passenger Van

Review

I have had over 40 cars and never thought I would end up with a van. It just has become comfortable like an old pair of shoes. Reliable, rattle free and cozy. Transmission is the worst. 3 in 134,000 mi. Oh how I wish I had bought a 5 speed. They are near impossible to find but if I do...

Favorite Features

4 wheel option. Heater will melt your gold rings, dual air freezes.

Suggested Improvements

Should have built a better tranny or 50% 5 speeds. Mileage could be better as well as brakes.

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Built for the long haul!

Written by: MPVeee on 03/26/2006

Vehicle

1990 Mazda MPV 2 Dr STD 4WD Passenger Van

Review

Bought the '90 MPV in '94 with 94,000 miles on it. It now has 203,000 with very few issues. I've had some really odd problems that were fairly easy to fix. 1. Lost all coolant once, (bad hose). 2. Snapped a timing belt just after replacement (tensioner pulley went south). 3. Distributer "module" died while traveling 65 mph. All issues after 150,000 miles. All of these were no big deal really. I wish they would have continued this style of MPV - I'd keep buying them without hesitation.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive! Great for trips to IKEA and the like.

Suggested Improvements

Make the Tribute look more like the MPV!

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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A good car for its price range

Written by: glorric on 11/16/2005

Vehicle

1990 Mazda MPV 2 Dr LX Passenger Van

Review

For its age and size, the Mazda MPV is a great little car. Depending upon how well maintained it is, the vehicle can get up to 18mpg while holding 7 passengers. A reliable car, however it is terrible to work on. At least on the V6 model, even changing the spark plugs requires several extensions on your ratchets. All things considered, it holds up better than an Aerostar, and looks nicer too. It's good in a crash for the people inside, but even a small collision will total this vehicle. Strengths: holds 7 passengers comfortably, safe, compact, easy to drive. Weaknesses: sluggish acceleration, difficult to work on, handles poorly in snow (for RWD models).

Favorite Features

The back end is customizable to accommodate whatever load you put in it, the seats fold down to an almost flat position, and the rear seat can also fold up to give the cargo area more space. The car heats up fast in cold weather, and has numerous little goodies tucked away inside it.

Suggested Improvements

Being an older vehicle, it's going to need some parts if you choose to buy one. I myself had to replace the starter, all the belts, front rotors and brakes, and rear brakes. Just make sure as to the condition the vehicle is in before you buy it. Check to see what work the previous owner had done.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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When it breaks, I'll sell it...

Written by: karll22 on 11/27/2004

Vehicle

1990 Mazda MPV 2 Dr STD Passenger Van

Review

260,000 plus miles. Bought it new. 4cylinder automatic. No problems I couldn't fix myself, although I'm a mechanical engineer by training. Hasn't been babied, but never abused, either. Used as a daily driver to ferry kids and cargo, and commute. Little rust for its age. Interior, except for stained floormats, is almost as new. Everything still works. Tires, belts, hoses, plugs/wires, shocks/struts, brakes, and battery have been replaced. An ignition module and radiator were the only significant failures. Hoping to find a late model "tall wagon" as a replacement that'll give as good of service.

Favorite Features

Handling, reliability, body integrity.Big 4 cylinder engine that is relatively accessible.

Suggested Improvements

Make the new products reliable and energy efficient. Maximum horsepower ratings shouldn't be more important than energy efficiency and low end torque.[Torque is what you use and feel,horsepower is what you calculate] Make mechanical & electrical components accessible and inexpensively serviceable.

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