2003 Mazda MPV Consumer Reviews Page 3

Disappointing

Written by: unmazda on 05/05/2005

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I used to own used 1994 MPV that I was very satisfied with. it ran over 180k miles without any major problems. and that is main reason for buying an MPV again. The van drives like a sports car, totally satisfied the way it drives. I took in for service 3 times and I still have transmission hard/erratic shift problem (slightly better now), severe vibrating at more than 80 mph, and brake noise. I've owned new Nissan, Acura, and Toyota cars and all had some problems initially but were fixed, and they were nothing major. but this MPV is different; either dealer's mechanics are not capable or it's just plain bad manufacturing.

Favorite Features

Drives better than typical sedan. Disappearing 3rd row seat and spacious trunk area. Sliding second row seats (captain or bench) and easy to pull out.

Suggested Improvements

Seats are uncomfortable (too high), gear handle sticks out too much where you can't see some controls on dash board. lever for front seat to move back and forth sticks out too much. rear seat could only seat child comfortably. Gas mileage only 20 mpg.

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Not Trust Worthy

Written by: Ernesto on 03/30/2005

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Purchased this vehicle brand new. After a cross country drive vehicle started showing electrical problems. All started around 08/2004 and it wasn't until 12/2004 and a lemon law lawsuit that they decided to replace literally all the electrical components. Now it works but I don't trust the vehicle. Also noisy front suspension. Will recommend putting your name on the waiting list for other minivans on the market.

Favorite Features

Rear windows roll down.

Suggested Improvements

Need to improve overall.

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Test drove the rest and bought the best.

Written by: Rude Dog on 02/22/2005

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I do not like minivans but my wife wanted one. After testing the Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Kia I liked the drive and creature comforts of the Mazda. Some of the features that blew my mind away were the acceleration and handling. For a minivan this thing hops! The interior is nice and there are plenty of cupholders. We haven't had any problems with the MPV and would recommend one to anyone looking for a minivan.

Favorite Features

The acceleration, cup holders, fold away 3rd row seat and the rear air conditioning.

Suggested Improvements

Mazda needs to get a bigger presence in the area.

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How to fix the transmission

Written by: RogersinLeroy on 01/26/2005

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Eletronic transmission requires a software upgrade done by a dealer who knows how to do it. Classic of Mentor was the one who fixed the banging into 3rd issue that everyone seems to have. Not crazy about the marriage of Ford drivetrain with this van. The V6 needs to rev freely to get a full van moving, and as a result MPG is less than expected. Fuuny that a leading consumer magazine rated this so highly with all the complaints I see about the transmission and exhaust.

Favorite Features

Seats are so easy to deal with, and van is nimble for it's weight. Handles a lot of payload without stress.

Suggested Improvements

Lose the Ford Taurus engine and stick with something more basic and more torque. Recall the van for the known problem with the transmission software so people don't have to buy a new one later. It's so much smoother after the update. Spend the money for a third rear seat headrest. Better quality sound.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Didn't think I would like a family van

Written by: James Hamilton on 01/02/2005

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

With two kids we made the jump to a van. I spent a long time researching choices and opted for the Mazda MPV. Except for the transmission fix which we got corrected without any problem, we have been extremely pleased on a day to day basis with the ease of use, functionality and sportiness of the vehicle. Over a year and 20,000 miles later I have not had a single regret.

Favorite Features

Automatic sliding doors. Fold down third row seat. DVD player. Steering wheel controls for stereo. A real family vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing extraordinary.

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Review After One + Year Of Ownership

Written by: bigmike7 on 12/20/2004

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Well we have owned this vehicle for the past 16 months - and still love it!!! After the dealership reflashed the transmissions control module firmware the accelleration has been as smooth as a babies butt- Outside of a couple of minor recall items the only other maintenance has been oil changes and tire rotation. The vehicle handles very well - especially on hilly/twisty roads. The gas mileage is still over 23 mpg in combined driving. We would definitely purchase another MPV - but it looks like this one is going to last for a very long time! I would recommend the MPV to anyone - it is probably the best "bang for the buck" of any minivan out there.

Favorite Features

Seat comfort - views out all windows - accelleration, ride and handling - folding third seat - ease of opening all doors - very good lighting on the road ahead and in the interior.

Suggested Improvements

The shifter placement (WHY did they do that??) - more fore/aft distance for the middle seat tracks.

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Wouldn't recommend to my worst enemy!

Written by: tanderson on 08/26/2004

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Loved this van when we first bought it. It was our very first new vehicle purchase and has been a nightmare ever since about 18,000 miles. Wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy. Mazda has not been very cooperative and we're currently taking futher actions.

Favorite Features

Rear windows that role down. Sporty looking for a mini-van. We have the EFX package and that really adds to it.

Suggested Improvements

Middle row seat track gets all full of junk. It would be nice if you could cover it. Have had problem after problem with this van. It is an electrical nightmare. Currenlty pursuing the Lemon Law.

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MPV great van

Written by: cronin722 on 08/03/2004

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is the best car I ever owned. Fun to drive for a van, fits everyone and the fold down seat is great.

Favorite Features

Steering wheel radio and cruise control.

Suggested Improvements

Shift lever gets in the way. Track for middle seat is hard to clean.

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Good Van!

Written by: AKA1054 on 06/15/2004

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We have owned for a little over a year and are very happy. The trans is a little busy at times and wish the 3rd row seat was easier to get into. Otherwise very happy so far.

Favorite Features

Handling and performance are very UN van like. Also like the stye of the van not very boxy!

Suggested Improvements

The stock radio is poor for the money and the stock tires are so-so, kinda noisy on most highway surfaces. Also notice that the windshield is very suspectable to rock chips due to size and angle of front end.

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No Magic Minivan Bullet

Written by: J-Dog on 06/09/2004

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I like its maneuverable size, with good brakes and good steering feel. Overall, it has a nice interior (with a few ergonomic miscues) and seems well thoughtout. Nevertheless, it is far from a driver's car. It lacks enough engine power when loaded. The suspension has too much impact harshness at recommended tire psi. I have had two warranty repairs (cooling system,A/C)and 2 issues that were the subject of TSBs(transmission, brake clunk)in less than one year. I expected more from a Japanese brand with an ostensible reputation for quality. Fuel economy is poor for a 3.0 liter V-6.

Favorite Features

Exterior Styling, compact size, lack of interior rattles. Easy child car seat installation (LATCH). Good brakes and steering feel. Front seats reasonably comfortable for long drives

Suggested Improvements

Better quality control, esp. transmission, brakes, cooling system. Improve interior carpeting, exterior paint quality. Needs a bigger engine with more fuel economy ala Toyota Sienna. Better access to spare tire.

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