2005 Mazda MPV Consumer Reviews

The Best

Written by: Wally Greer on 04/02/2007

Vehicle

2005 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Tried to buy an '07 but found out Mazda quit importing these to the US. Bad mistake but my new '05 will do me fine. Mine was a dealer loaner and was like new. I put 250000 miles on my '94 MPV so I expect this one to do the same. This vehicle has everything in the same spot so there was no learning curve. Pulling a trailer is no problem. I use this for camping and everyday use, at 6'2" I find it roomy and very comfortable on long trips. The sticker said 25 mpg and I find this to be true even pulling a trailer. I get the same mileage in the city too. The middle seats are a snap to get out.

Favorite Features

Double sliding doors with rolldown windows and 2 rear vent windows best changes made.Body more streamlined and looks sexy in jet black with gray interior.

Suggested Improvements

Mazda USA should rethink their decision to stop importing the MPV. I would buy an '07 in a heartbeat.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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fun van, right size for city

Written by: dude on 02/01/2007

Vehicle

2005 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Bought an 05 demo with 5k miles. Really like this van. Maybe it's just that it was a full option demo, but I find it preferable to all but the new Honda. But paid $15k less than equally optioned Honda would have cost.

Favorite Features

Sunroof, leather, very quick at passing.

Suggested Improvements

I still sense a "turbo lag" feeling from the transmission driving around town (it is not a turbo). Too bad Mazda did not bring their new MPV to the US, I would have bought it.

7 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Average car for below average cost

Written by: leprofd on 01/02/2007

Vehicle

2005 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

You get what you pay for. The ride is harsh and the space limited for a minivan but if you compare with small to mid size wagon and have only one or two children to transport, then it's an OK vehicle with a few extras for a limited budget. The model is discontinued and for good reasons. If you can live with the limitations you should get great deals from eager dealers. Just do not expect a Sienna or an Odyssey.

Favorite Features

The sliding seat in the back and the folding third row (common now to all minivans).

Suggested Improvements

Space is limited in second row. The suspension is rough and the comfort is minimum. A new model will come perhaps in 2008.

3 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Great Buy

Written by: Way to go Mazda on 07/02/2006

Vehicle

2005 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

The Mazda MPV is an excellent value. All the latest features like power doors, dvd player, power sunroof and seats are all optional but the LX with the sports package is loaded! Great features such as fold away third row seat, captains chairs, rear air and heat, tinted windows, roof rack and a wonderful stereo system.

Favorite Features

Radio controls on steering wheel. Captains chairs. Fold away third row seat. Gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

This is a wonderful vehicle and a great vehicle except the 3.0 v6 can barely drag it around. Come on Mazda give the MPV some Zoom Zoom!

10 out 12 people found this review helpful

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The Perfect GUV (golf utility vehicle)

Written by: retiredgolfer on 06/18/2006

Vehicle

2005 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I'm retired and the primary use for my vehicle is to take me and my buddies to and from golf. I've had a pickup for years, but decided I wanted something that would keep the clubs/carts inside and have the capability to carry more than 2 golfers in comfort. Tried several different SUV's and smaller station wagons but none had adequate cargo capacity for my needs. Tried some other minivans but they seemed too big or too pricey. Stumbled on the MPV and found it perfect at the right price!

Favorite Features

Flexibility to go from cargo to passenger carrying configuration. Fold down 3rd row seat. Sliding 2nd row bucket seats. Power windows in sliding doors. Decent MPG. Drives like a car, very quiet and smooth.

Suggested Improvements

I guess just the location of the shift lever could be moved. Any other improvements would probably add to cost of vehicle and I love the price!

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Love that MPV except....

Written by: Mary on 02/16/2006

Vehicle

2005 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

After owning and loving a 2000 MPV we purchased a 2005 Mazda MPV leftover with the $425 towing package. One would assume the vehicle would be ready to accept the hitch receiver and wiring harness but no. Required: new muffler, exhaust tip, and gasket in order to install the hitch. Just shy of an additional $1,000 installed at the dealership. Oh, and lets not forget that the vehicle is rated and advertised to tow 3000 pounds yet the hitch receiver is rated 2000. Include the proper muffler with the tow package or at least include this info in MPV literature. Besides that it is one fantastic versatile vehicle.

Favorite Features

Electric doors.

Suggested Improvements

Better cup holders. Upgrade the tow package.

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2005 MPV

Written by: dav mc on 01/25/2006

Vehicle

2005 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Our 2004 Odyssey was totaled by another driver. The MPV was the best value for the features. It drives better than our Honda and looks much sportier. We were able to get it for 36 dollars under invoice, then the dealer took off $4000 in rebates. They even delivered it to me and signed the paper work on my kitchen table. This is my 3rd vehicle purchase through the internet and all have been great. I actually enjoy driving this van although it is my wife's. If you are a smaller adult (under 6 foot and under 200 #s) the seats will fit you better than the domestic vans. We have only had it a few weeks, but love it so far.

Favorite Features

Looks sporty, great sound system, the controls on the steering wheel light up so you don't have to guess at the buttons. Drives more like a car with little body roll. Nice finish on the inside and the leather is nice. Very quiet with little wind noise or engine noise. Great warranty, road side.

Suggested Improvements

Move the shifter off the steering column to the center like the Honda. Have the bench fold flat without removing the head rest. Home link should be standard in the ES model. More comprehensive trip computer to give current mileage and distance to empty.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Mazda MPV LX

Written by: Dick on 01/15/2006

Vehicle

2005 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is our second MPV. First one was a 2000 model with very few options. This time we went with the LX Plus model with almost everything but leather. Wife loves this auto as it drives like a car, is smaller than the Honda and Toyota models and allows her the flexibility to shop till she can't cart anymore.

Favorite Features

Automatic doors, peppier engine and fold down rear seat.

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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MPV - The less known superstar

Written by: Tom Zachariah on 12/27/2005

Vehicle

2005 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I bought an MPV about the same time that my brother bought a Sienna. At the time of buying my MPV, the only reason for me buying was that I was getting a good deal from my dealer. But after I bought my van and also experienced the Sienna (also considering what my brother paid for it), MPV is just excellent value for money. It has everything (even more) that a Sienna has to offer. We think MPV is better in driving experience and over all styling but lacks in leg room for the second row and engine noise. If Mazda can make it quieter, MPV is the best considering what you pay for it. My family is all happy for the choice we made and will recommend it to anyone with a small budget & small family.

Favorite Features

Styling, power, handling, interior designing, volume control on steering, small sized, stands tall -- feels more like driving an SUV. Does not give the minivan feel. Best for smaller families. PRICE -- best price package in the market.

Suggested Improvements

Make the second row a bit more roomier. Give separate AC controls for both second and third rows. Make the van more sound proof. (especially noise from the engine). Market your product better --- Mazda has a gem here but is less know to the world.

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Great price on a great van

Written by: nhorowitz1 on 12/26/2005

Vehicle

2005 Mazda MPV LX-SV 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Driving the van is very pleasant. The gear shifter gets in the way of the console, but the controls on the steering wheel make up for most of the inconvenience. Gas mileage better than in my previous minivans. Drives more car-like than many other vans I tested.

Favorite Features

Price, Price, Price.The fold-under third bench is what also sold me on this van. Also, in and out access is car-like as is the steering and general handling. Roll down windows on the sliding doors is also a great feature.

Suggested Improvements

The gear shifter should be shorter or on the floor, so it's not blocking the console. Also, no access to general indoor lighting by the driver is inconvenient.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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