Used 1998 Mazda MPV Minivan Consumer Reviews
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1998 LX 4wd with 175km(109mi) and new transmission
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.
Best MPV Ever Built!
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.
Converted dodge minivan owner
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!"
Tough & Reliable MPV
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!
MPV
great car drive it 2500 miles on vacation every year
In love with my Mazda MPV
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
Interior quality poor. Mechanically average.
Better than minivan
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
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
Mazda MPV
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.
My Family's Experience with the MPV
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.