Used 1996 Mazda MPV Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 MPV, so we've included reviews for other years of the MPV since its last redesign.
Great 4x4 van
GWiz, 02/23/2009
1995 Mazda MPV LX 3dr Minivan 4WD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Can't say enough about this great van. It had about 50,000 miles on it when I bought it to replace my awd multi van. 150,000 miles later it's going as strong as it did the day I bought it. Poor power to weight ratio was solved with a K&N air filter, 3" exhaust system w/low restriction (throaty) muffler and NGK V-groove plugs. The options of 2wd, awd (with transfer case locked) and 4x4 with both trabsfer case and axles locked has gotten me thru anything a cold Winnipeg, Manitoba winter could throw at it. Long trips like 3x to Florida (2000+ miles) and out to BC over the Rockies (about 1800 m) twice along with oddles of shorter (200 to 500 miles) trips make it worth every dollar spent.
Reliable MPV
ElementAK, 05/08/2003
1995 Mazda MPV LX 3dr Minivan 4WD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Purchased our 95 4x4 MPV new, upon a friend's advise. He ran two to 160k miles with no problems. Ours has been trouble free, dependable and extremely versatile. The 4 wheel drive system is one of the best made, although it has no low range - it is not an off road SUV. The 4WD system can be shifted to a true 2WD for summer use, can shift on the fly to 4WD at any speed, can be driven on wet or dry pavement, and has a center differential lock button for extreme traction requirements. Seven passenger carrying capability, excellent traction and moderate interior flexibility. Overall, 7 years of satisfaction - in Alaska!
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See all 0 listingsBessy is reliable
gallatea, 08/01/2007
1996 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought my MPV from an elderly couple when she was already 9 years old. People scoffed at me for doing so. I am laughing all the way to the bank. I had a tune up and timing belt replacement done initially and new tires - expensive, but worth every penny. She's been on a cross country trip and has transported many heavy things, many times. Everytime I think she's a geeky vehicle, I am reminded how roomy and comfy she is again and again. Almost 12 years old now and never had a mechanical problem yet (or an interior problem). Paint is in very good condition too, still glistens with a wax. Best road trip vehicle I've ever had. Great in wet weather too.
Will keep forever
MPV man, 03/05/2003
1994 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Bought new. Now 136,000 miles, mostly trouble free. Parked 9 years in Texas sun and paint looks new. Mechanical problems have included valve job for noisy valves, new water pump, new radiator, new fuel pump, and new speedometer. That's the complete list in 9 years of driving. Last year I installed new leather seats as the original front ones were cracking (probably from parking in the sun). Have added a DVD/TV with rear monitor for the kids. It has been so cheap to own and maintain I plan to keep it another 10 years. Not a flashy vehicle, but reliability has been spectacular. A great buy used as prices are low and don't reflect high quality and reliability of this van.
mpv
Tom, 09/27/2010
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Probably made better then the newer minivans with all the problems aka transmission failures. It is an older vehicle so what can you expect right. At start up it runs very rough and there is a clicking noise coming from the engine. It is hard starting at times and then it is fine. It isn't very good on gas that's for sure. The slow opening back door is annoying. You need really long arms to reach the controls feels like its a strain to push the buttons. The far back seat is not removable. Lacks power going up hills. Built better then today's vehicles that are made to fall apart.
MPV fan for life
4WDMPVfan, 02/09/2003
1996 Mazda MPV DX 4dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Wish I could afford to buy one of these new. Our first 4WD MPV was a used '91. Had 121,000 miles on it when we traded and never gave us any serious trouble. We traded for used 96 MPV 4WD. So far the 96 has had no problems either and it has 94,000 miles on it now. I feel very secure in this vehicle. It has a quality feel to it. It's been hit twice with relatively minor damage. I was told they are hard to find used because nobody wants to let go of them. If they don't make more this one will probably die of old age.
Soccer Mom Express
ButteFireGuy, 06/08/2003
1995 Mazda MPV LXE 3dr Minivan 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This has been the best car I have owned. I used it for delivery and youth trips mainly. It has never left me out cold and always carried what I needed it to. The 4WD is great in the snow. T
Why did they stop making them?
Mr. Peabody, 09/15/2002
1996 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We love this van! Great in snow, great for having four kids also. No problems as of yet, only routine main. I would sell this to my best friend and feel good about it, but that will never happen! @ 100,000 it still feels like we could hop in it and drive it cross country and not worry about a thing.
Unbelievable Vehicle
Jim, 06/08/2005
1996 Mazda MPV DX 4dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought our '96 Mazda MPV in Sept. 2003 with 145,000 miles on it. Today it has 202,000 and is still going strong. I have only had to replace the starter, spark plug wires, belt tensioner and just recently the radiator. That's it. It runs like a clock. It is quite comfortable. I drive it for 10-12 hours at a stretch and have no problems. I saw the identical vehicle in a parking lot today and sought out the owner to see if he was interested in selling. I would buy another today if I had the chance.
After 8 years, mostly in home garage
CalJack, 03/03/2003
1995 Mazda MPV LXE 3dr Minivan
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought this vehicle new for my wife, she dosen't drive much. Has been driven across the states a few times, leather seats too stiff on the butt and you need an extra cushion. Always had popping noises when sun shines on the dashboard, kind of irritating while driving. Has about 37,000 on it now with just routine maintenance,still original tires.Only problem is noisy lifters during warm up on 3.0 engine. Seems like it's not getting enough oil but quiets down once fully warm. Poor fuel economy when compared with my son's 90 Ford SHO, we drove them both to CA from CO and he got about 50% better gas mileage on a high performance engine.
Graet Van!
P Saine, 04/22/2002
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Our last one (1991) was rear ended at 160,000 miles. We liked it so much - we replaced it with a '93 which is still rolling great at 120K. Just can't kill these!
Rear Wheel mini-van is best
plasticsman, 07/02/2009
1994 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We have 173,000 miles on our '94 MPV with 3.0 Liter V-6. No problems with engine, transmission or A/C in 15 years! Gets 22.88 MPG on the Highway. Pulls a 21' Wellcraft Boat since it has the tow package and is Rear Wheel Drive. Made in Japan and it shows. Took seats out and it is great for trips to Home Depot or Garden Center. Small turning radius is handy when parking downtown. We recently had it painted since we plan on keeping it forever. Not flashy but very dependable and versatile. Low insurance premiums and decent on gas. Stuart FL
Cool Family Van
Coolest VAN/SUV, 05/09/2007
1994 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This MPV has been a joy for me, since I have owned it for one year, it has been a great utility car, that you can use for towing/family use/and also to do errands as well. This car has been really good for going over on the grass or just any where that you would not get stuck much. Since I have owned this car, I have had to fix the radiator hose that connects the the engine block, that was rubbing against the compressor, and I have also had to fix the speedometer. Later I looked under the car and the wire that hooks up to the speedometer was loose. Simple problem to fix, tighten up the wire thats under the drive train. Overall, this van/suv/truck, as I use it, has been great.
A Reliable Vehicle
HM, 11/01/2020
1995 Mazda MPV LX 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Have this vehicle (1995 Mazda MPV LX) for 25 years with 120K and going strong everyday!
You won't get a better Deal
Bhupesh, 06/24/2004
1994 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have been a proud owner of this vehicle since past one year, I has given me the money worth I paid for. When I compare this with other much Hyped cars like Honda and Toyota, i feel I got a very good deal. I am satisfied. Thanx Mazda
I DON'T WANT TO LET IT GO!
Lara, 08/29/2009
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My van is now 16 years old and I can't find anything I like as much to replace it. This van has been a blast to drive, it's been reliable (even through the snow in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for 4 years!), and really hasn't had much problem except 2 timing belts in 185,000 miles of use. I love this van, and I'm mourning that my old friend is getting old and that I'm going to have to part with it. (I missed the CARS-cash for clunkers-program because I just couldn't part with it yet!) I just love my van! (This is 8-28-2009) and wish I could get another just like it! ***(My annual mileage has really varied greatly through the years. 20000 was an average.)
Poorly Maintained and Still Runs!
Cosmic Dave, 10/23/2003
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had a few problems, including burning the tranny twice, timing belt failure, and a tricky connection in the starting system (if I drive it hard for an extended period then turn off the engine for a short period, like at a convenience store, when I go to restart it I either have to jiggle the shifter or simply open then close the hood to get it started. I've also the paint is peeling on the rear hatch,but considering how poorly I maintain it and how much I drive it I think it's great! I can't wait to buy a brand new one and drive it into the ground, but I haven't been able to kill this one yet!
Can't Part With It
humansvcsgypsy, 04/26/2004
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought it 8 months ago and have already put as much into repairs as I paid for it. It had 146,000 then and over 153,000 now. Rebuilt the front end (steering), replaced 18 valve- lifters (3 per cylinder), had a minor transmission problem--and I can't part with it. Excellent build quality-- everything works! Great sound system. Drives like a breeze. Size is a plus.
Reliable, long lasting
Maria, 08/11/2005
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
No sports car but very long lasting and reliable, still going strong. Purchased this vehicle in 1993 at 6 months old; I was the second owner. It has a towing package and has pulled my loaded horse trailer and now pulls our 22 foot boat and trailer with ease, including up and down a steep ramp to the water.
First Cross-over Vehicle
ceprise, 06/24/2004
1996 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Mazda didn't realize it, but these were the first crossover vehicles. Mini- van, SUV, stationwagon? We bought our 96 in 02, with 49K pampered miles from a nice Russian couple. They were moving on up to a Highlander. My local Mazda dealer told me that these 96-98 MPVs were never on his lot, as owners either kept or sold private. Our '96 is now in the shop for a +92k rebuild. Timing belt and water pump replacemant, front U-joint boots, motor and tranny fluid replacement. It'll run about $800-900 bucks. Well worth the price! I just had a '99 Concorde 2.7L DIE at 98K of crankshaft failure. I'll pamper my 96 MPV, Thank You! I popped in E-Bay 6-CD,it rock
Totally Dependable
Rep On The Road, 08/24/2004
1996 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was my 3rd MPV beginning with a '90 which had the floor mounted manual trans - probably the best of the lot! - followed by a '93 and now this vehicle which I have driven for almost 8 years. Overall, a really dependable vehicle with just one vice, the tension device on the timing belt. All 3 vehicles had to have this tiny, costly item replaced...usually around 60K+ when the recommended timing belt replacement was made. Too bad that Mazda no longer sees a need for 4WD in the current Soccer Mom limousine.......
1996 Mazda MPV
ldotson2, 04/09/2003
1996 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I recently changed from working within one mile of my home to working forty- five miles away. I had no hesitation in driving my 1996 MPV Allsport 4WD with 110,000 miles on it. As a matter of fact we had a sudden snowstorm here in Nashville with considerable snowfall and my four-wheel drive and my overdrive Off button worked absolutely perfectly. My husband has a Mazda B4000,1994 with 171,000 miles on it. We love them!
Satisfied owner
Travler, 05/29/2003
1996 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A very reliable vehicle. Handling could be much better. Ride could be better. Noise in interior is above average. Good fuel economy and uses regular. Paint and interior held up well. Over all a very good vehicle.
Great Vehicle for Offroad and Vacations
Ed Strelow, 07/22/2022
1996 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought our 96 new in the spring of 97 at a considerable discount. (Few people seem to know that even vehicles which have never been sold, drop a lot in price when the new year starts.) Now with 25 years under its belt it has 165,000 miles and still looks good and runs well. About 5 years in, the AC needed a new condenser. At 20 years it needed work on the automatic levelling. I chose the expensive alternative of original equipment rather than a cheaper weld job which would have eliminated the auto leveling. That and a radiator 3 years later. We originally got this to take us off road in Anza Borrego, a large California state park set up for off road driving and camping. We have done more than 100 such camping trips. We are in no hurry to sell, anything new with this capability would probably be at least $50K new.
It's Ok, but never again.
Astroboy, 07/28/2009
1994 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan 4WD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
In the year I have owned this van I have replaced or rebuilt the transmission, starter motor, alternator, the turn signal module, and the battery. Engine leaks oil. It has left us stranded so many times, it is beyond understanding. It would not be so bad if once it was fixed it had some power but that is not the case. It ran fine when I bought it privately, but when I when I went to the dealer with questions I was regarded as the devil himself.
ma05
GG, 02/02/2005
1996 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
a good solid minivan well designed. good size for around town
Keeps going
pkarn114, 02/17/2008
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan 4WD
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
Puchased as a "family car" when kids started coming. At 12 years old it looked great in and out and engine. Only 75000 mi, now have 95000 mi love the four wheel drive with lock out. No maint problems so far. Good field of view for driving. 14.9 mpg on 87 oct in town like clock work, highway 87 oct 18-19mpg with 89 oct 23 mpg, 93 oct no change over 89.
An amazing vehicle
DieHard, 05/31/2002
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great vehicle and has been a pleasure to own. Almost 10 years old, 184,000+ km and only had to do routine repairs. Timing chain 2 summers ago, water pump just a couple of months ago. Other than that... all is great. Currently in process of selling this one to buy a brad new one.
MPV rocks
Eddy Van, 08/04/2002
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
good van, started to have the usual trouble with breakdowns after 115,000 miles...very reliable
Could,'t be better
James M.J., 09/11/2002
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was schedule to sell this one for it has transmission problem a few days ago. but I changed my mind. Because it's the first trouble since I purchased. It's almose 140,000 but still too reliable. It doesn't look sexy or fantastic at all and I want to buy new nice recent vehicle. but it never fail..so sometime, I'm tired to drive this any more.. It looks so ugly to me but too reliable.
mpv
pup, 12/11/2002
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
one owner. garaged keeped. multi purpace vehichel just like its name. Great family car. Also great for other storage or cargo
Old but Good
glbright, 10/08/2014
updated 04/08/2016
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this 1993 MPV 10 years ago for $2k. So far it's probably set me back $8k in repair bills. No matter. This has been one fine vehicle that has saved my ass more than once. It's still a daily driver and still a keeper. The body is fine, people stare. Right down my alley. But a coolant hose blew one day, the engine overheated, and that was that. Blown head gaskets. 250,000 miles. But now it's gone, gone, gone.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
transmissions! why did I buy one more?!
Johnston, 08/14/2003
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the style, unlike the other reviewers. We got rid of our first MPV due to transmission problems, got another one, and had to get a new transmission at 100K. Dealers all seem to know that MPVs have troubled transmissions. Why didn't I know before? I loved the way it looked, drove, everything but the fear of transmission problems. glad to trust Toyotas/Hondas these days.
Very Dependable!
MCK, 11/10/2007
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great family vehicle, wonderful to travel long distance in. Fits a lot of people. Dependable and really reliable. Not the prettiest van out there, but the van does have some pick up and go :)
Ugly duckling keeps on Rolling
Rob123, 03/15/2002
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My MPV may not be the greatest to look at but it just keeps on going. The one weak spot seems to be the starter engine. Other than that, a great vehicle.
Rust free
Lucian, 02/22/2022
updated 08/23/2022
1993 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Rust free
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
love mpv mazda
mazda, 11/06/2009
1994 Mazda MPV 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have had the Mazda for 15 years and we have only had a problems once in a while it great and dirt roads and never lost power my only wish is that they didn't make this model now a days
mpv
Grant, 05/10/2006
1996 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well built and solid road feel. Smooth running engine. Interior with good quality components. Exceptionally good four wheel disk brakes.
GOOD JOB MAZDA
reliablevan, 10/22/2004
1996 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the van is too reliable beside routine maintanence this is the most reliable car i have ever owned