Used 1998 Mazda MPV Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 MPV, so we've included reviews for other years of the MPV since its last redesign.
1997 Mazda MPV 4WD
SnowMPV, 02/20/2006
1997 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan 4WD
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
I have had a Toyota Land Cruiser, and compared to that it is agile and very fuel efficient. I used to get 8 MPG in city and 13 Mpg in highway with the Land Cruiser. The 4X4 MPV gets 14 MPG in city and 21 Highway. I have climbed off road areas that my brother with a 4WD Suburban could not keep up. Thanks to MPV's differential lock. This SUV/MINIVAN was never tasted good to car magazines' subjective taste without objective reasons. It is an outstanding low priced 4 wheel drive van with 4 doors.
1998 LX 4wd with 175km(109mi) and new transmission
familydude2, 10/12/2012
1998 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan 4WD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I recently bought a 1998 LX 4wd with optional load levelers and mid row captains chairs. It has 175k KM or 109k MILES on original engine and a rebuilt transmission. IMPORTANT for purchase decision * the previous owners were families with 2 children (softly driven/usually up to date maintenance). THE GOOD = capabilities for entire family fun. THE KINDA BAD = fuel economy (but that's the price to have a 4wd 7 passenger Mini Van. Overall I like it - the bones are there its up to " the owner " to buy right and take care of it. NOW personally I have a ticking in my valve lifters and it was suggested by MAZDA to add a heavier oil next oil change so it causes the lifters to quiet.. LOL sounds good.
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See all 0 listingsBest MPV Ever Built!
Harold, 06/21/2007
1998 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan 4WD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have owned two MPV minivan "trucks". The first one bought in 1990 was driven over 200,000 miles. It was sold in 2003 unsolicited to a total stranger right off the street who pleaded to buy it. Earlier, I continued to drive the 1990 model 5 more years after we purchased the 1998 MPV. I think Mazda should have stuck with the '98 "All Sport" concept, rather than making the fatal mistake of changing designs. However, nearly 10 years later the newer crossovers seem to come close. The '98 MPV is awesome and in my opinion the best "truck" Mazda ever built. I would buy another one if they built another 4WD All Sport MPV like the 1998 model.
Solid Van
MPV Driver, 01/03/2003
1997 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We have had no significant problems with our MPV over the years. Heard of transmission problems in other vehicles but none in ours yet. Nuisance check engine light goes on and off occasionally, but mechanic has found no problems. Speedo error can be caused by different size tires, stock tires can be very difficult to find and if you can find them you won't want to pay for them. I am encouraged by the number of older style MPVs (3 doors) still running the road that make ours look new. Although the van has been very reliable, I would not give 5 cents for the maintenance department of the dealer where we bought.
Converted dodge minivan owner
ken, 05/16/2010
1998 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan 4WD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck for my wife after a decade of minivan ownership because she wanted something "different" and this definitely is that! It's been reliable affordable transportation and made me a die hard Mazda fan after many years of dodge ownership. I wish Mazda had continued to progress with this body style rather that succumbing to the "euro" styling trend that took over in the late 90's. Very fun vehicle to own and it looks like nothing else out there even after all this time, even today the styling doesn't scream "I'm 12 yrs old!"
A very reliable vehicle
grapemanca, 06/18/2009
1997 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
We've owned our '97 MPV since it was new. It's been a very reliable vehicle, and we've had no major tranny, engine or front-end repairs in almost 12 years (but we do follow the service manual). It can hold a lot of stuff, and makes for an excellent passenger and moving van. The only negatives are its weight, which leads to mediocre fuel economy and premature tire wear. Strange lean to the right as well, which I've noticed on other MPV's. A very solid machine that's taken a fair bit of abuse and kept on driving smoothly.
The original SUV crossover!!
SBlack, 10/16/2015
1997 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I LOVE my MPV. I wish they still made them like this (and not like the minivan they changed into in 1999 and on). I'd get a newer one if I could. I like that it's compact but can haul 8 people, it has 4WD, and it's high enough off the ground so you don't scrape. EVER. I like just about everything about this vehicle!! For hauling 8 people, it's pretty nice. With the middle row on the middle setting, you have adequate legroom. I sat in the rear seat and had enough leg room for a few hours of driving (I'm about 5'8"). The back row is exactly the same width as my Chevy Suburban's 3rd row. It handles great in the snow, but it does turn like a truck. My only cons are the gas mileage is a little low for a car this size (but not too far off the comparable vans of the day), not a lot of storage space in the trunk (also similar to vans in the lat 1990s and early 2000s), and the 3rd row is a bit tricky to access if you have car seats in the middle row and can't fold it forward. It's basically a 1990s crossover vehicle! We've got 145K on it and plan on going lots more!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Tough & Reliable MPV
Mahar, 01/03/2009
1998 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The 1998 MPV is the third MPV I have owned, but this is the first 4x4. I am very happy with this vehicle, rides a bit rough compared to the 2 wheel drive, but it can go through a lot of snow and handles very well. I was hooked on the MPV several years ago when I bought my first one, mainly due to the reliability!
Sport Utility, Wagon, and Van All in One
AllSport4WheelDriver, 08/01/2002
1997 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Had to look high and low to finally find this particular MPV. Bought used with 28k miles, now closing in on 40k and have had no mechanical problems whatsoever. Went on a 4th of July excursion to Lake Tahoe/Reno/Carson City/Sacramento/San Francisco logging over 1,500 miles and the Multi-Purpose Passenger Vehicle ran solidly.
Great Car!
R, 02/05/2016
1997 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my Mazda Mpv Sport 5 years ago and since has been a very dependable vehicle. The car is quite heavy, weighing about 3,500 lbs, however I have never been able to get the car stuck. The powertrain is pretty much bullet proof, with two solid axles connected by two drivelines. The power is dispersed at the rear of the transmission and the transfer case is gear meshed. With a 3.0 L 6 cylinder engine the van does reasonably well on fuel and plenty of power when needed. I used my van once for towing, and easily dragged a truck up an icy slope with its brakes locked. My only complaint is how packed the mechanical components are. Few repairs are a quick and easy fix, I personally work on it myself, but would recommend taking it to a shop if you don't have a lot of experience working on cars. I like how fast and easy the third row seat is to remove or fold down. This makes a big difference in space and I have used the van for hauling all kinds of things, from treadmills to couches. For 97 technology the van had it all, from the 6 disc cd changer to the electronic controls, but don't forget to grease the door locks and handles (I use white lithium grease). Overall I have been happy with the performance and comfort of my Minivan and would recommend this car to anyone looking for a good vehicle to drive through icy conditions. I live in Alaska and this is one of the best vehicles I have ever driven on the road. My wife loves it and I trust she will be getting to work safe and on time.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
MPV
MPV, 04/16/2002
1998 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
great car drive it 2500 miles on vacation every year
In love with my Mazda MPV
soccar mom, 06/18/2002
1998 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The MPV gave us the sporty look of a SUV but the room (sits up to 7 persons) and rating of a minivan. We have done many road trips in this vehicle and have had no problems. I especially like how it handles in rain and snow conditions. This is a plus when driving around small children.
I Love My Mazda MPV 8 Seat Van
Momma, 12/29/2003
1998 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love this van. I have the middle bench seat and can carry 8 people which is great for me, my four children and their friends. It has been reliable and all the other mothers have really checked out the sporty styling of my Allsport. Iwould purchase another one in a heartbeat. Sad that they discontinued it. I hope to go to 200K
'98 Mazda MPV
Racheal, 12/29/2004
1998 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Just wanted everyone to know that I always liked my MPV but this car also saved my life. I was in a head-on collision with an F-350 that turned into my path illegally. The positioning of the engine more to the passenger side and the seatbelt/airbag combo are what saved my life. So hats off to the Mazda Manufacturers for safety and a great car.
Better than minivan
john lavasseur, 01/21/2005
1998 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
MPV proves to be acceptable alternative to the dreaded minivan. Of all the new cars I have purchased, I was the most skeptical of the MPV. It has proven to be very reliable and the high clearance and 4 wheel drive makes N.E. travel easy; I actually prefer driving this more than my '04 Volvo XC90.
Better than minivan
john lavasseur, 01/21/2005
1998 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
MPV proves to be acceptable alternative to dreaded minivan. Of all the new cars I have purchased, I was the most skeptical of the MPV. It has proven to be very reliable and the high clearance and 4 wheel drive makes travel easy. I actually prefer driving this to my 04 Volvo X90.
The best vehicle I have ever owned
mamadurf, 05/30/2007
1998 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We bought our MPV used with 15,000 miles on it. We have taken numerous roadtrips with it and it has more than met our needs. I love the four captains chairs and rear AC. It made trips with teenagers a lot more fun! Unfortunately in the last year, our timing belt belt has broken twice and left me stranded on our local interstate. Luckily, our "new" mechanic told us about the problems and it is now fixed for good!! You can have it when you pry it from my cold dead hands!!
Very reliable all weather vehicle
fontaine, 10/31/2002
1998 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
We like our MPV very much. It can go anywhere in the snow, has a great driving position and looks different from anything else on the road. It also has seating for 7 passengers. We have 78000 miles on it and had the muffler system replaced and four disc brakes done(the exhaust system was necessary but the brakes were still working fine at the time). Very reliable. I plan to keep it for a long time, have talked to people who have 250000 miles on theirs. On the negative side it isn't very powerful and the mileage is bad, around 18-20 mpg.
WANTan SUV but NEED Minivan - Perfect!
EmPee, 12/05/2002
1998 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
The body style is great for those who want an SUV but need a MiniVan.My MPV has great pickup power, it cruises down the highway nicely and is a great family car. It fits in anywhere you go. I wish it had a sunroof though. I find it odd that not both of the windows in the very back pop open and an electric opener for those windows for the driver would be great. Leg room can be a bit of a challenge if you are carting several people over 5'5" in the back. All things considered - I guess the gas mileage isn't too bad - but I average only 19 miles to the gallon - and that is running both AC Units.
Rest easy workhorse
koepd, 01/08/2008
1998 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
10 year old vehicle and the only issue are the dome lights. Runs great and handles great. Holds plenty of people or stuff. Fun to drive. Runs smooth and accelerates well.
Quality questionable
cjames, 02/17/2004
1998 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Interior quality poor. Mechanically average.
Best MiniSUV/VAN
jerome, 08/05/2008
1997 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle. Mazda had a great thing going, and now suvs became this type of vehicle. Wish they never changed the design, or change back and put in newer components and engines. This is a great style. Rear seats don't have much leg room, but when your kids start to get cramped back there, it means soon enough they won't want to be in the same car with you anyway, LOL. So good, I have been looking for another one and getting rid of my car.
Love my MPV
kclark987, 12/19/2002
1997 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We like the fact that this minivan looks more like an SUV than a minivan. The rear wheel drive is great for towing (up to 3500 lbs) and the handling is excellent. We've had absolutely no problems in the 57,000 miles we've owned it. In fact, other than the driver's side sun visor, I can't think of anything that's gone wrong.
Fun Van
s.d., 11/16/2003
1997 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Our Mazda MPV has been wonderful. One of our biggest favorites about this model is the two back doors are 'regular' doors...not sliding doors. Also captain chair seats that recline in both the front & rear areas make movement inside similar to that of an airplane! A must with 4 children! Thanks to Mazda and Jim Ellis dealership for wonderful service over the years in keeping our great investment in such good shape. Would buy another in a heartbeat. SD
Better than minivan
john lavasseur, 01/21/2005
1998 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Mpv proves to be acceptable alternative to the dreaded minivan. Of all the new cars I have purchased, I was the most sceptical of the MPV. It has proven to be very reliable and the high clearance and 4 wheel drive makes New England travel easy. I actually prefer driving this more than my '04 Volvo XC90.
THE SINGLE MOM'S CAR OF THE YEAR
GREEK, 05/27/2004
1998 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
GREAT DURABLE AUTO, ZERO MECHNICAL ISSUES, EASY REPLACEMENT PARTS, LOVE THE REAR SEAT HOW IT IS SO VERSITAL, VERY ACCOMODATING. LOVE RECLINING CAPABILITIES,EASY TO WASH & KEEP CLEAN. LOVE THE A/C FEATURES
Sales Engineer
lee hendrix, 07/11/2002
1997 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
We found this vehicle's tranmission to be very expensive to repair and unreliable. The same is true with other engine components. The transmission cost almost $3,000 to repair. The catalytic converter is almost $600. Power window regulators failed and the speedometer has been off by 5 miles per hour since the purchase of the vehicle.
Mazda MPV
R. Curry, 04/25/2006
1998 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan 4WD
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
This vehicle was purchased because of its potential in comparison to the current suv's. After owning and driving it for 2 years and finding the depreciation very deflating, I also find the vehicle to be very disappointing. While the room that it boasts of is indeed at first a seller, when you actually utilize it you see that it is more of a mirage. The rear seat does come out easily for extra room but when it comes to folding it down for the space it is bulky. Would I purchase this vehicle again? Not likely. I would probably spend the extra money on the real deal instead of putting good money down the drain.
I can't believe it's rear wheel drive??
johnny marshall, 02/04/2004
1997 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan
1 of 9 people found this review helpful
Bought it with load and people in mind. That's all I got.Constant rear passenger door locking problem, it locks when it shouldn't. In winter, all locks go screwy. I NEVER asked if it was front wheel drive when I bought it. Japanese DON'T make rear wheel drive anything anymore, right? WRONG! New winter tires on, it handles worse than my old GMC vandura! No confidence in this vehicle whatsoever. Even the Big 3 make front wheel drive minivans! What happened to these guys on this one? The fuel economy is aweful, I can't wait to change it! I think a Sante Fe will be better than this. What a shame!
My Family's Experience with the MPV
sbksuper, 09/01/2002
1998 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We leased this car in April 1998. We liked that it was a hybrid (not a minivan and not a truck). My kids liked the two captains chairs in the middle row and that they reclined. When one was tired, they could lie across the back seat. However the ride wasn't very smooth and the handling wasn't very secure.