2003 Mazda MPV Consumer Reviews

Best Minvan Value Ever

Written by: Fab4inDC on 11/06/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

After 5 years and 75,000 miles, our MPV is holding up great. We only had one problem, an electrical switch in the steering column that tells the computer that car is in park, failed at around 60K and cost about $380 to fix. Other than that, just routine maintenance has kept this nearly indestructible van going down the road.

Favorite Features

Power sliding doors, DVD Player, folding 3rd row that can reverse for tailgate parties.

Suggested Improvements

Since they no longer import this to the USA, it doesn't matter.

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Longtime Mazda buyer disappointed

Written by: 2thebeach on 11/03/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Have owned seven different Mazdas. All served me well except my 03 MPV ES. Problems are as follows. 41000 miles, recall for fan control module, PCV hose and fuel trim code correction. Also replaced a leaking crank seal. 42500 replaced #6 ignition coil and spark plug. 47500 replaced leaking oil pan gasket and coolant line leading to rear heat/ac. 84000 replaced coils #3 & #5 plus front sway bar links. Other problems during ownership include replacing over half of the exterior bulbs, considerable body rust around rear wheel wells and the paint finish flaking off of the alloy wheels! Sorry Mazda, I don't give second chances now that so many brands both foreign & domestic build quality cars.

Favorite Features

Exterior styling, fold flat third row seating, power sliding doors and roll down second row windows.

Suggested Improvements

Need to vastly improve the quality of the peripheral components and systems.

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not a happy camper

Written by: david on 08/22/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Many problems - I'll never buy Mazda again - - oil leak started at 70000; dealer "fixed" but fix only lasted 30000 miles - manifold cracked - very noisy on startup - catalytic converter needed to be replaced at 125000 - replaced 2 coils at $200 a piece. This is not what I call reliability.

Favorite Features

Going around corners.

Suggested Improvements

fix the engine.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Good Value

Written by: Tom G on 08/07/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We bought this vehicle new and have had an overall positive experience with it. It handles very well and although it is a smaller van, it has met the space needs of our family quite well (3 kids, mom and dad). Reliability has been above average but not great... no major problems. We've taken it camping on some very rough roads over the years and it has come through unscathed.

Favorite Features

Crisp handling, visibility, interior versatility.

Suggested Improvements

Smoother transmission, more powerful A/C fan, better sound system, move gear lever so it's not in the way of controls.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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One of the best car we have ever owned

Written by: rjoe1 on 07/26/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Our 2003 MPV has 60 miles on it and is one of the best buys we ever made. It's been a great "school bus" for the grandkids, a versatile hauler for big purchases or trips to the dump. It's been very reliable, with only one set of tires and normal oil change maintenance needed.

Favorite Features

All around visibility, automatic sliding doors, color (green metallic), versatility (hauling kids to school, trash to dump, etc.).

Suggested Improvements

A/C on/off lite moved out from behind gear lever, deeper front cup holders, brighter dash displays during daylight.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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One of the Best Minivans

Written by: Big Papi on 07/18/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Bought our '03 LX in late 03 when they had great rebates. This van has done it all for us. It tows a popup camper (our LX has the tow package), hauls the kids AND the grandparent thanks to the 3 row seats and has conquered the New England winters. We also like the size (a bit smaller than the Honda, Toyota). No serious mechanical problems, all the little things were covered under warranty. V6 had plenty of power and is rides very well on the highway. Do yourself a favor and check out the used MPVs - they are a bargain!!

Favorite Features

V6 power. Smooth ride. Good MPG for a 7 passenger vehicle (~25 hwy). Very reliable. Power windows on the sliding doors. Fold down 3rd row seats. Tow package. 4-seasons package. The kids love it !

Suggested Improvements

The original Dunlop Sport 4000 tires were junk.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great vehicle

Written by: thutton on 06/03/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Bought our 03 LX as new in 04 as a model year leftover. Great price, tons of options including sunroof, power doors, GFX package, 6 CD changer, traction control and ABS. After some initial teething problems (idle air control, transmission reflash both under warranty), car has been trouble free for 60,000 miles. Original Dunlop tires wore rather quickly, front brakes replaced at 40 K (average for Colorado mountain driving). MPG is pretty good at 25 fairly consistently on highway (not bad since CO is a 75 mph state) w/AC on and five aboard. In town is 19-20 in warm weather. Only advice? Dealer quality seems to vary widely.

Favorite Features

Electric doors, 3.0 V6, overall size, handling

Suggested Improvements

Power rear door, stereo speakers, improved dealer quality

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It just keesp running!!

Written by: Randy on 11/07/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought this van brand new. Two deer have totaled out the front quarter, it is a little top heavy and dangerous on water, but for the most part if you put water tires on it that fixes the problem. I am upset that they discontinued the van.

Favorite Features

Acceleration, looks, roomieness.

Suggested Improvements

Lower the van closer to the ground and widen it so it's not so top heavy.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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5 yrs & 50K miles

Written by: Lynda Marie on 08/10/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Bought new and still love the van. None of the problems some others on this site seem to have; just new tires, oil changes and recommended maint. Still getting 20 mpg in town and about 25-26 hwy. (Yes, I do drive it nicely - most of the time.) Excellent size for running around town and adequate storage space for trips.

Favorite Features

Size, reliability (so far), decent gas milage, ease of exit/entrance (for grandpartents!), easy flip over rear seat.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing major. I realize a minivan is never going to be a Ferrari. Zoom-zoom???

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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One solid family mover

Written by: X on 03/29/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

We bought this van new 3 years ago and 50K miles later we have had no problems. This is very refreshing after our last van, a 98 Windstar was one problem after another. Pick-up is adequate. It cruises down the highway very well.

Favorite Features

Reliablity and dependability, nothing but oil changes and tires so far. Keyless entry and remote doors are a must for people with young children, so you can get the little ones out of the parking lot and into the van. I also like the size of this van. All other vans are a lot like a school bus

Suggested Improvements

Fold away middle row seats. Also the factory tires were too performance based and should have been all weather.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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