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Used 2002 Mazda MPV Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
141 reviews

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4.38 out of 5 stars

I Can't Complain

wiz8mom, 09/01/2012
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
24 of 24 people found this review helpful

We purchased our MPV used in 2005 with about 45,000 miles on it. With an extended warranty, we paid total about $11,000. It now has 227,000 miles on it (365,000km). We had to have the transmission replaced at 95K miles, but it was covered under our extended warranty. We had coils replaced at one point, and a couple of other repairs around the $300 mark. Regular oil changes and routine maintenance (brakes, trans. fluid, etc), this van has kept chugging along. Along with daily driving, we drove from Auburn, WA to B.C. Canada twice a week for 2 years (6 hours round trip), while hauling 2 drums, harnesses, 2 sets of bagpipes, and 4 teenagers, 2 adults. We averaged 22-24 hwy mpg

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Too many mechanical problems

Jim, 01/26/2010
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful

The 3.0l engine and 5 speed gives the MPV a great drive. Fit and finish is good. But at 60,000 miles I have needed to replace ignition coils, have had numerous transmission problems and underside of the hood has rusted into swiss cheese. My MPV also seems to wreck rear tires, has a small coolant leak and the door locks don't work anymore. Exhaust fell apart at 40,000 miles. I expect to have problems with an older vehicle, but have never had problems like this with anything I've ever owned before. I love the car, but not as much as my mechanic.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

A Good Pal

joe4prez, 12/02/2010
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful

Bought our MPV new in 2002 and now have 82K miles. We've had a good experience with the van with very few issues. The only problems were replacing 3 coil packs at 65K miles and the fan module at 72K miles. Cost us about $500 for both. After 8 years the car is still solidly built, no electrical or mechanical issues, and no rusting. So far so good.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Used

rich, 03/27/2010
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful

The car is awesome for me. The interior space with rear seats removed makes this van a winner hauling stuff, camping out or whatever. It's been a very dependable car with plenty of pep and it is really well balanced, even with a full load, the car drives the same!

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2.38 out of 5 stars

One of the worst

zzz, 12/04/2009
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful

Shocked to see average consumer rating is 8.8. One if the worst ever owned. People must not own this vehicle for long, or drive it very much, otherwise how could you not have these persistent problems: coils, pcv hoses, fan control modules (all these have failed multiple times, some even after the recall work). Lesser frequent problem: tranny totally quit, front stabilizer links, control arms, wheel bearing, coolant reservoir cracked, intake bellow gone bad (too lean CEL), O2 sensor, catalytic converter below threshold, driver side window motor, flex pipe leak, rust everywhere. All these problems happened on an MPV bought new and religiously maintained.

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5 out of 5 stars

Dependable van, thanks Mazda!

owner, 05/18/2019
updated 05/26/2021
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Great van, First owner ,181k miles with original transmission with no issues, transmission fluid complete replaced by dealer at 80k, no fluid leaks, removable rears seats fold flat bench seat, you can sleep in this van without the rear seats, good gas mileage, replaced 3 rear ignition coils at 65k, replaced fuel pressure sensor at 120k, replaced coolant sensor @ 90k . The rest were normal wear and tear maintenance issues. I change the oil myself once a year w premium synthetic oil and filter. Still running good, no issues.

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great used buy

bjones440, 05/12/2005
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I purchased an '02 ES model used late in '03. This seemed like the best used buy if you are not too concerned with interior space, because it is smaller than most. Has the most bang for the buck for a highly rated import with power sliding doors. Drives and handles superb for a minivan. Seats seem a little narrow, but I got used to them. Unfortunately the ignition coil went out twice on different cylinders while under warranty, so the dealer replaced the coils and plugs on all 6 cylinders. That was in March '04, no other problems. Stock tires seem to wear quickly, as I noticed on most other used MPVs. I just replaced mine at 58k with Michelin Hydroedge. Very limited choice on this size tire.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Good value

Nick072261, 10/25/2009
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

My wife & I purchased this mini-van with 12,000 and we now have 66,000 miles on this vehicle. Initial problems included the Shift Solenoid for the transmission, oil gasket and seals around timing chain case cover were replaced and a noise with the fan was fixed. All work was covered under the warranty. We have put on 40,000 miles since our problems without any other issues. The car has a V6 dohc Ford American made engine that was used in the Taurus. Funny thing is our problems were all related to the Japanese parts - go figure! Anyway, I would consider buying another if they were still being made. We plan to keep this car until it dies (hopefully not anytime soon)!

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Decent family van

Andrea, 02/13/2010
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I've enjoyed the benefits of this smaller-sized van. Our family fills it, but it has met our needs. With wise packing and a rooftop carrier, we can carry whatever we need. Ours has about 115 k miles on it, and ran well until about a year ago. We have spent quite a bit of money on repairs recently, and the "check engine" light continues to indicate a problem. I think it is nearly time to replace it, but it has served us well.

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Horror!

zpg, 08/08/2010
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 10 people found this review helpful

Premature and/or repeated problems: coils, pcv valve, fan control module, transmission, radiator, motor mounts, window motor, rust

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