1997 Mazda MPV Review
Fuel Economy
15 - 17 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
A very reliable vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Mazda MPV 2 Dr LX Passenger Van
Review
We've owned our '97 MPV since it was new. It's been a very reliable vehicle, and we've had no major tranny, engine or front-end repairs in almost 12 years (but we do follow the service manual). It can hold a lot of stuff, and makes for an excellent passenger and moving van. The only negatives are its weight, which leads to mediocre fuel economy and premature tire wear. Strange lean to the right as well, which I've noticed on other MPV's. A very solid machine that's taken a fair bit of abuse and kept on driving smoothly.
Favorite Features
-very reliable and roomy; smooth drive
Suggested Improvements
-better fuel economy and guts up the hill would be nice; buying cheap tires at this point - the fancy ones seem to wear out at the same rate as the bargain ones
Best MiniSUV/VAN
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Mazda MPV 2 Dr LX 4WD Passenger Van
Review
Great vehicle. Mazda had a great thing going, and now suvs became this type of vehicle. Wish they never changed the design, or change back and put in newer components and engines. This is a great style. Rear seats don't have much leg room, but when your kids start to get cramped back there, it means soon enough they won't want to be in the same car with you anyway, LOL. So good, I have been looking for another one and getting rid of my car.
Favorite Features
4WD. It's awesome in the snow. Play time baby!
Suggested Improvements
Maybe uses a little more torque and acceleration, otherwise, its as good as perfect. Very durable machine!
1997 Mazda MPV 4WD
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Mazda MPV 2 Dr LX 4WD Passenger Van
Review
I have had a Toyota Land Cruiser, and compared to that it is agile and very fuel efficient. I used to get 8 MPG in city and 13 Mpg in highway with the Land Cruiser. The 4X4 MPV gets 14 MPG in city and 21 Highway. I have climbed off road areas that my brother with a 4WD Suburban could not keep up. Thanks to MPV's differential lock. This SUV/MINIVAN was never tasted good to car magazines' subjective taste without objective reasons. It is an outstanding low priced 4 wheel drive van with 4 doors.
Favorite Features
On demand 4 wheel drive. Fantastic offroad capabilities. Excellent ground clearance. Adequate power. Truck chassis, indestructible.
Suggested Improvements
Mazda should have continued this vehicle.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
I can't believe it's rear wheel drive??
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Mazda MPV 2 Dr LX Passenger Van
Review
Bought it with load and people in mind. That's all I got.Constant rear passenger door locking problem, it locks when it shouldn't. In winter, all locks go screwy. I NEVER asked if it was front wheel drive when I bought it. Japanese DON'T make rear wheel drive anything anymore, right? WRONG! New winter tires on, it handles worse than my old GMC vandura! No confidence in this vehicle whatsoever. Even the Big 3 make front wheel drive minivans! What happened to these guys on this one? The fuel economy is aweful, I can't wait to change it! I think a Sante Fe will be better than this. What a shame!
Favorite Features
I like it fine when the weather's nice outside and I'm not driving it, they said the CRV was overpriced, underpowered!!
Suggested Improvements
Front-wheel drive people!!! The AWD must be murder on fuel economy!
0 out 2 people found this review helpful
Fun Van
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Mazda MPV 2 Dr ES Passenger Van
Review
Our Mazda MPV has been wonderful. One of our biggest favorites about this model is the two back doors are 'regular' doors...not sliding doors. Also captain chair seats that recline in both the front & rear areas make movement inside similar to that of an airplane! A must with 4 children! Thanks to Mazda and Jim Ellis dealership for wonderful service over the years in keeping our great investment in such good shape. Would buy another in a heartbeat. SD
Favorite Features
Rear doors open like front doors rather than sliding van door on one side.
Suggested Improvements
Bigger engine.
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