2000 Mazda MPV Review

Expect the worst and it will happen

Written by: lowinpro on 11/10/2009

Vehicle

2000 Mazda MPV 4 Dr LX Passenger Van

Review

We've owned this MPV for a few years, got it for less than blue book from a private party. Recently (at about 80k miles) some things started going wrong - both manifolds, water pump, oil pump, timing chain, pcv, and many electrical problems. Both the passenger front door and one sliding door have electrical/mechanical malfunctions (one only opens from the inside, the other only from the outside). In short, a wide variety of mechanical, electrical, and engine problems that are very expensive to repair - about double the actual value of the vehicle at this point. None of them fall under "routine maintenance." Advice: steer clear of Mazda vans of this vintage.

Favorite Features

the van accelerates decently for a car of that class, and the braking system is adequate. Decent amount of interior space. I'm really fishing to find anything positive here.

Suggested Improvements

Repair places complain that this van is particularly hard to work on, adding considerable hours to even routine maintenance. Very poorly engineered vehicle.

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happy but not so happy

Written by: kelle on 09/27/2009

Vehicle

2000 Mazda MPV 4 Dr LX Passenger Van

Review

This is our first minivan, we've had it for 5 years with minimal problems. One thing I really dislike is that a lot of the parts are made cheaply and have broken with normal use. The handles on both my rear sliding door simply broke off in my hand when opening the door. Also, the plastic clip that holds the sunflap up has broken on both sides, and the console hinge opens sometimes when driving. These parts are all made of plastic, and I wonder why they have broken... I have never heard of another vehicle with two door handles breaking off like that. Needless to say, they are extremely expensive to fix, as have been most of the seemingly simple repairs on this vehicle.

Favorite Features

fold down rear seat and side windows that roll all the way down

Suggested Improvements

less plastic, rust/paint bubbling issues need addressed. Also there is a serious lack of power when you enter a highway or a hill.

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Solid Vehicle

Written by: m on 10/04/2008

Vehicle

2000 Mazda MPV 4 Dr ES Passenger Van

Review

After 112,000 miles only a few major repairs - one door actuator and cracked exhaust manifold. Lots of great features in the van, especially for the time. Really like the fold flat rear seat. No problems with CD or moonroof. Great stereo. Biggest disappointment is the lack of power. The transmission kicks and the whole car jumps (not to move fast, just jumps). It's been a good dependable car and with 23/24 mpg on the highway not bad for a van.

Favorite Features

Moonroof, fold flat rear seat, stereo. Have had lots of folks comment about the roll down rear windows.

Suggested Improvements

Needed better power and a smoother transmission. The radio console is blocked by the gear shift so the driver has to lean to see around it.

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door lock actuators fail a lot NO Recall

Written by: mpvfixer on 09/22/2008

Vehicle

2000 Mazda MPV 4 Dr LX Passenger Van

Review

Good overall van, BUT be ready to spend $150 plus for the door lock actuators when they fail about every two years. This is the price for the PART ONLY for each door. This van we have has both front door actuators that have failed within weeks of each other in 2003. Should be a recall item as MANY others have this same problem, but Mazda does NOTHING. Be warned! Oh if you have the dealer do the work, you are looking at $350 P&L and up per door!

Favorite Features

Very good ride even after 7 years (in 2008), and 130K miles.

Suggested Improvements

Make door lock actuators that don't break after two years! This is a real expensive problem dumped on the customer!

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No Regrets

Written by: Jim on 09/08/2008

Vehicle

2000 Mazda MPV 4 Dr LX Passenger Van

Review

I honestly do not know how other people have so many problems with their MPVs. This van was a demo with 10K and now has 155K. Everything still works like new after 7 yrs, even the CD changer has never jammed. This vehicle has been driven day after day with two kids and was fully put to the test. No major repairs except the trans was replaced under warranty at 75K because the dealer insisted it needed it when brought in for an unrelated noise. Very comfortable vehicle and easy to drive on long trips. Lots of innovative features not available at the time on other models. I could not have asked for a more reliable vehicle. If Mazda still made the MPV we would trade for a new one today.

Favorite Features

Killer stereo, fold away rear seat for cargo hauling. Better interior styling than any other van at the time.

Suggested Improvements

The 2.5L engine just lacks the power of the larger engines.

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