1996 Mazda MPV Consumer Reviews

Totally Dependable

Written by: Rep On The Road on 08/24/2004

Vehicle

1996 Mazda MPV 2 Dr ES 4WD Passenger Van

Review

This was my 3rd MPV beginning with a '90 which had the floor mounted manual trans - probably the best of the lot! - followed by a '93 and now this vehicle which I have driven for almost 8 years. Overall, a really dependable vehicle with just one vice, the tension device on the timing belt. All 3 vehicles had to have this tiny, costly item replaced...usually around 60K+ when the recommended timing belt replacement was made. Too bad that Mazda no longer sees a need for 4WD in the current Soccer Mom limousine.......

Favorite Features

4WD when needed. Overall quality of the bodywork and mechanical features.

Suggested Improvements

Too bad they didn't make the second and third seats to where they could be folded down into a flat deck. I removed the 2nd seat in all three of my MPVs as I used the vehicles for business, carrying samples on a daily basis.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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First Cross-over Vehicle

Written by: ceprise on 06/24/2004

Vehicle

1996 Mazda MPV 2 Dr LX 4WD Passenger Van

Review

Mazda didn't realize it, but these were the first crossover vehicles. Mini- van, SUV, stationwagon? We bought our 96 in 02, with 49K pampered miles from a nice Russian couple. They were moving on up to a Highlander. My local Mazda dealer told me that these 96-98 MPVs were never on his lot, as owners either kept or sold private. Our '96 is now in the shop for a +92k rebuild. Timing belt and water pump replacemant, front U-joint boots, motor and tranny fluid replacement. It'll run about $800-900 bucks. Well worth the price! I just had a '99 Concorde 2.7L DIE at 98K of crankshaft failure. I'll pamper my 96 MPV, Thank You! I popped in E-Bay 6-CD,it rock

Favorite Features

Cross-over design. Wide swing (90 degree) of rear doors. Stable handling and manners. 4WD on-demand. 7-passenger capability, plus hauling space without third seat. I use it to go onto industrial jobsites for my Geotube business, from mines to Superfund sites.

Suggested Improvements

Have the cloth interior LX. More front leg room. Adjustable seat height and tilt. Hard seat for long distances. Needs sun roof. Should I have tried to find a leather ES? Rear door opening glitches. Really a Mazda 3.0L truck! Expect 15/20 MPG. It really is a Mazda truck!

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Satisfied owner

Written by: Travler on 05/29/2003

Vehicle

1996 Mazda MPV 2 Dr LX Passenger Van

Review

A very reliable vehicle. Handling could be much better. Ride could be better. Noise in interior is above average. Good fuel economy and uses regular. Paint and interior held up well. Over all a very good vehicle.

Favorite Features

Four side doors rather than sliding.

Suggested Improvements

Better handling.\ Hood needs spring assist. Hard to raise and support.

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1996 Mazda MPV

Written by: ldotson2 on 04/09/2003

Vehicle

1996 Mazda MPV 2 Dr ES 4WD Passenger Van

Review

I recently changed from working within one mile of my home to working forty- five miles away. I had no hesitation in driving my 1996 MPV Allsport 4WD with 110,000 miles on it. As a matter of fact we had a sudden snowstorm here in Nashville with considerable snowfall and my four-wheel drive and my overdrive Off button worked absolutely perfectly. My husband has a Mazda B4000,1994 with 171,000 miles on it. We love them!

Favorite Features

Side doors that open out

Suggested Improvements

None. The new Mazda MPV has all the improvements needed!!!

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MPV fan for life

Written by: 4WDMPVfan on 02/09/2003

Vehicle

1996 Mazda MPV 2 Dr DX Passenger Van

Review

Wish I could afford to buy one of these new. Our first 4WD MPV was a used '91. Had 121,000 miles on it when we traded and never gave us any serious trouble. We traded for used 96 MPV 4WD. So far the 96 has had no problems either and it has 94,000 miles on it now. I feel very secure in this vehicle. It has a quality feel to it. It's been hit twice with relatively minor damage. I was told they are hard to find used because nobody wants to let go of them. If they don't make more this one will probably die of old age.

Favorite Features

Roomy. We take the middle seats out because there are two of us. This leaves lots of space for luggage, coolers, groceries, etc. Love the 4WD shift on the fly. I need it for my driveway especially in the winter. The rear heater and airconditioning are a wonderful feature too.

Suggested Improvements

More horsepower. Heater could warm up a little faster. And PLEASE start manufacturing them again.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Why did they stop making them?

Written by: Mr. Peabody on 09/15/2002

Vehicle

1996 Mazda MPV 2 Dr ES 4WD Passenger Van

Review

We love this van! Great in snow, great for having four kids also. No problems as of yet, only routine main. I would sell this to my best friend and feel good about it, but that will never happen! @ 100,000 it still feels like we could hop in it and drive it cross country and not worry about a thing.

Favorite Features

push button FWD. load leveling. Third seat. ergonimics, and exterior look.

Suggested Improvements

I went to a larger tire size. Though the MPV is no slouch in the snow, it greatly improved handling. It also lowered road noise at highway speeds. not to mention it gave the MPV a beefier look. I went with Cooper Disc. H/T 225 instead of the 205.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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