Used 2002 Mazda MPV Minivan Consumer Reviews
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MPV: Makes the Most Sense
BRANDON CHASE, 08/29/2005
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my MPV nearly a year ago and have not been disappointed in any way. Whenever I see shoppers at home improvement stores trying to stuff items into SUVS that would easily fit in my MPV, I load up a ROOM of furniture just for kicks. Whenever I am able to park in grass by climbing over curbs when others can't find a parking spot, I pat myself on the back. Whenever I switch on my theater-quality 10-speaker (including subwoofer) 6-CD sound system, I dance. Whenever I crank up the AC on a hot summer day or roll down the REAR windows for the kids, I sneer at the sad offspring in the backseats of other minivans who can't roll down theirs. In short, my MPV makes me feel very good.
excelllent but hopeful
MainelyMazda, 01/25/2004
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a GREAT vehicle so far. We love the versatility of a minivan that drives like a car. With two kids starting sports, we needed more room than our wagon could offer.
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Surprisingly Disappointed
Amy, 12/28/2005
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased my MPV 12/02 after my 2nd child was born for easier entry & exit than my Jeep Cherokee, and more passenger room. After much research on minivans, I decided I wanted (but could not afford) a Honda Odyssey. The MPV ran a close 2nd. The first year of owning it was good. Things went down hill after that. The Dunlop tires that came on it were bald after less than 28K miles. It's been in for mechanical repairs & recalls more than any other vehicle I've ever owned (Chevy, Ford, Jeep). It's in now for another $400-500 repair after I just replaced the tires. After 3 years of ownership, I'm sad to say, it has not been as reliable as I thought it would. Style & comfort good. Reliability, not good.
Great value and fun to drive
Jeff Linihan, 01/01/2006
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When we finally decided that we needed a minivan we decided to purchase a MPV. We had a positive rental experience with the Mazda on a trip to DC. My wife loves the size. I like the way it drives. Not to mention that we paid less than $21k for a LX with rear air, 6 disc changer and roof rack. We have put 70k miles on the van and we bought it new 4/02. The only trips to the dealer was for the check engine light (wife left the gas cap off). No transmission problems here. We have taken the MPV on several 8 to 11 hour trips to the beach with all of our gear with no complaints about comfort. We are currently kicking around the idea of buying another MPV from the same dealer this spring.
Could use some fine tuning
JZA_459, 01/07/2006
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have had the van for about 9 months now with no real issues. I was looking more for an SUV but my wife fell in love with the roll down rear passenger windows, and power opening rear passenger doors. Also, it was easy enough to get the overhead DVD system in even with the large moonroof.
Best Vehicle I've Ever Owned.
R. Mosley, 02/14/2004
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In 2002 it was time to trade in the Aerostar. We drove every model of minivan on the market and never considered this one until I got a recommendation from a relative. The biggest selling point: The fold down in the floor rear seat. At the time only Honda had this feature. The arrogance of Honda dealers turned us off. Our Mazda if a high quality vehicle with excellent overall performance. I would definitely recommend this van over any other models. Good fit and finish and ergonomics.
Fun but Unreliable
Zach, 04/07/2006
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lack of reliability has been the biggest disappointment with this vehicle. Tires were bald before the warranty expired. Within a year after warranty expired, oxygen sensors had to be replaced ($500) and engine coils had to be replaced (another $500). My sister-in-law has the exact same make/model/year, and she's had the same problems--it's like clockwork. It also emits a stinky sulfur smell immediately after turning off. At least it's purty and comfy and fun to drive.
Sportscar of Minivans
Eileen Gallagher, 04/11/2006
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have been driving this great little minivan for the last 2.5 yrs. Excellent for kids, roadtrips, hauling stuff. Drives beautifully: smooth, good pick-up (even on steep mountain passes), nice ride, and really can corner on those curves. Plenty of room for 6'4" son and many more. Very dependable mechanically, no big repair disasters like other vehicles I have owned. Probably the nicest car I've ever had.
I'll miss my MPV
Monique68, 03/27/2004
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My MPV was a great van. Alas, I have decided to trade it in for a Mazda Tribute. But, for the two years I had the MPV, it was great. I only decided to trade it in to get lower monthly payments. I knew sticking to a Mazda would be a good deal.
02 Mazda MPV LX with GFX Package
Amy, 08/22/2006
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I did extensive research before purchasing my MPV and found the MPV to be the best price with the most standard and unique features. At the time, Odyssey was the only other minivan with tumble flat rear seats, and the MPV had the unique feature of rolldown rear windows. I liked the look (very sporty) and the motto ("body of a minivan, soul of a sports car"). I still love all these things, but have been disappointed with the reliability. I have it serviced regularly at my local dealer, yet it has been in the shop for repairs at least 6 times since I bought it. 3 weeks ago, it left me stranded with my 2 small children in the car. It's also been in for 2 recalls and my tires wore out at 28k miles.
Good Value for a Minivan
wordslug, 06/26/2004
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First, the bad news. We had to completely replace the auto transmission within the first year of ownership. Otherwise, this has been a great vehicle for our family of 5. Looks good, drives well, has nice features like sliding middle seat, windows that open, folding rear bench. The size is about right, and the driving experience is car-like.
The Best Mini-Van - It's a 10!
Perry, 03/04/2002
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd MPV in one year! The 1st one was T-boned at 50+ mph on th passenger side where my daughter was sitting. The vehicle that hit us was a Toyota Pickup that had to be towed away. The MPV drove away with all my passengers (4 plus myself alive and well)! This vehicle is the best handing, best braking, best use of space I have seen, plus saved by daughters life. I have looked and driven the others and the MPV feels like I am in a well built car not a Van. Both my wife and I love it.
MPV
Toomach, 09/11/2004
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The MPV is a fun car with reasonable performance, acceptable gas mileage, plenty of stowage space, handles better than many cars and has good safety. Most of the benefits of an SUV without most of the drawbacks. We bought it to travel in. The car comfort with plenty of room makes it ideal for us.
FUN to drive but at a cost
jamesandlisa, 10/21/2004
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased fully loaded and with ground effects package. True to the advertising, the MPV is FUN to drive with quick acceleration and excellent cornering. Plus, for a mini-van this just looks great! Great compromise between sporty car and mini-van. Drinks A LOT of fuel but I knew that beforehand based on MPG ratings. Smaller size makes it easy to park and u-turn; however, interior gets tight very quickly for people over 5'10" tall! Definitely NOT roomy.. especially if add a baby seat. Overall, I would definitely buy it again!
A fan of the 2002 MPV!
KT in VBVA, 03/12/2003
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I thoroughly enjoy my 2002 MPV LX. We were on our way to purchase a 2002 Camry XLE(we have a 2000 and sold our 1994 Camry) and passed the Mazda dealership. I had read the consumer reviews on the MPV and wanted to check it out for myself. Though our salesman was definitely lackluster, I was truly impressed with what Mazda had to offer...so impressed that I was swayed to buy the MPV- it gave me room for more passengers(it can be a tight squeeze in the last row of seats, but it beats taking separate cars) and the nimbleness of a car. The body is stylish and sharp-the exterior lighting package adds a sporty look. I don't feel like I'm driving a van at all.
2002 MPV is OK
Nigel Chubb, 06/16/2005
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Has been reliable and fun to drive. The five speed transmission sometimes bangs audibly between 1->2 and 2->3, especially after braking and then accelerating. I'm worried about what this might mean we keep it past the warranty period. The rotors went at 18,000 km but replaced under warranty. The Dunlop tires it came with wore out way too fast - before 48,000 km for the first set and the second set almost done at 56,000 km now. Dealership would not compensate, Dunlop would not answer my emails to discuss. Otherwise service very good at Mazda dealers - due to job changes and moves I've used three different ones regularly.
Much More Than I Expected
LoveMyMPV, 07/03/2005
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I started out loathing all mom-mobile minivans but this Mazda MPV ES has changed all that. Quick, nimble, comfortable and economical (29-30mpg @ 60mph), I don't really miss my Mercedes. The ES model is comfortable to drive on long trips and the upscale radio pulls in more stations than my Mercedes ever did. The power sliding doors and fold-under 3rd seat are extremely convenient, as are the slide-together 2nd row seats (make them a single bench or 2 buckets). There's always enough power on tap, especially off the line, and passing power seems more than adequate. It's size makes it ideal for fitting in a garage with room to spare. All-in-all, I'd buy it again.
I like it
2002maazda mpv ex, 01/13/2006
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like the handling, acceleration, and comfort of my Mazda van.
We like our 2002 MPV
Don, 04/28/2006
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car for unusual reasons: it would fit in our garage (was shorter than most minivans), a 6 footer could fully lay out on the floor in back of the first row seats, and the mileage rating was pretty good. It has more than met our needs, and we regularly get 21-22 mpg at 70-80 mph on trips, and not too much less in city driving.
Wouldn't be without my Zoom Zoom
Dwadon, 09/24/2006
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome van. Owned a Chevy Montana prior to my MPV and have never looked back. Have 2 teens & 2 dogs and this van suits us just fine - gas mileage reasonable as well.
I Like This Van
Mkranbuhl, 04/04/2003
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good ride. Good gas mileage. A comfortable ride and easy to drive. This is a smaller minivan and handles very well. The only downside to this van is that it does not hold its value very well.
Why did I buy this van?
Mad Driver, 07/13/2007
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have no idea why I bought this van. I think I fell for the tricks: fold down 3rd seat, removable 2nd row, roll down windows for the middle with both doors sliding. Back then, those were all new and some still haven't taken them on. But things went bad fast. I started having problems, but sadly let them sit til the warranty went, and then it all got way worse. Granted I drive a lot, but things were worse than imaginable, the brakes went bad in half the time they should have, the tires needed replaced an average of 20,000 miles earlier, and you can't do any engine maintenance yourself. Expensive parts, too.
Best Minivan ever!
CA_Dreaming, 05/01/2003
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned a Honda and a Dodge minivan and they just aren't as nice. The MPV is the anti-minivan minivan! It's fast, it handles well, it's quiet and comfortable. No rattles! (The Dodge felt and sounded like you were leaving a trail of nuts and bolts as you motored down the highway!) The Honda was nice, but it was always having little stuff go wrong... unusual for Honda I'm told, but that's what I experienced.
My wife likes it
hbtexan, 03/08/2002
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think Mazda has nailed the minivan design with this product. My wife and I debated an SUV (#1 contender was the 2001 Explorer for value, #2 was the Toyota Highlander but it was too expensive) vs. minivan. We test drove 2 Ody's and were very unimpressed w/ them (this was a shock after all of the internet research). To make a long story short my wife thinks the MPV is VERY COOL, in the end for us this was the MPV's strongest feature.
Bigger not better for us
bborgerson, 04/16/2003
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Like many other happy MPV buyer, we looked at the Odyssey first and decided to look around some more. Nice, but nobody wanted to deal. So we shopped. Glad we did. We're a family of four and don't really need the extra space in the Ody, which isn't all that much. Haven't found anything yet that we couldn't carry in the MPV. Took a a full load of fifth graders on a 4-hour (round trip) field trip drive with no complaints. And, hey, it's fun to drive!
SUV? What is that?
Denny, 04/23/2003
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our MPV last October after transporting a family of four around in a sedan and then a grand cherokee there is absolutely no comparison. No wonder minivans are so popular. Acceleration onto the highway is a rush. Handling and visibility are impeccable. The kids love the windows that roll down in the back and the option of side-by- slide depending on who is sitting next to them in the second row. And don't forget the fun option of flipping up the back hatch, flipping over the back seat and watching the kids games comfortably in your third row seat as you face the field. SUV vs. MPV? MPV wins hands-down.
Not bad for a minivan
khealy, 01/29/2003
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't really like minivans but I need to keep all of my toys out of the weather and away from thieves (skis, bikes, etc.). I was attracted to the MPV for its small size, adequate engine, 5-sp transmission and handling. I have't been disappointed with any of these features. The engine/trans work very well, even on high mountain passes. The handling is better than I have ever experienced in a minivan on twisty mtn roads. It's as fun as a minivan can get! Fuel economy is ranging from 20-23 mpg with most of my driving in suburbs and mountains. Much better than any of the SUVs I looked at.
MPV - Muti Purpose Vehicle
v946916, 01/08/2003
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I did not think I would like a Mini-Van. I love the MPV, If you take a long trip and need more room - fold the third seat in the floor. When you arrive and you now need seating for 7, up comes the seat. Its so easy my 7 year old can do it. A great ride - great vehicle. Test drove and rented serval vans prior to purchase.
good van, lousy factory tires
zippy, 01/15/2003
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's a great van. Fuel efficiency could be better. After 20k miles, it's still very solid. Factory Dunlop tires are crap. Coolant reservoir seems to overflow a bit since new. Easy to maintain (mainly fluid changes).
Not your Mama's Mini-Van
TrueBeliever, 03/10/2002
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the mini-van for you if you're looking for space but don't want to sacrifice sportiness. It's fun to drive and extremely comfortable. Handling is more car-like than you can imagine. It's loaded with convenient features. Mazda scored a BIG hit with this MPV. I highly recommend a test drive.
good van, lousy factory tires
zzz, 01/15/2003
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's a great van. Fuel efficiency could be better. After 20k miles, it's still very solid. Factory Dunlop tires are crap. Coolant reservoir seems to overflow a bit since new. Easy to maintain (mainly fluid changes).
Great & Sporty
ms_pink, 07/08/2003
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my van, what can I say others havn't. Just got back from a trip cross country, great gas mileage, 391.7 was the farthest I ever took it. Very satisifed Customer, want to upgrade to sunroof and fog lights. I will be a repeat buyer.
New to the minivan
prlamz, 03/17/2002
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We now have 600 miles on our new MPV and feel very good about our choice so far. We had planned on buying an Odyssey but, luckily, did not find one in time. We were a little anxious to drive a behemoth. The MPV feels like a car. It takes less place in our garage than the Volvo station wagon it replaces. The power of the engines makes us long for a manual transmission.
Disappointing Mazda
Donna Roque, 03/27/2008
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My husband and I purchased this minivan used with 40,000 miles on it. It was our first mini van. It is fully loaded with all the features we wanted. The first year was fine with no problems. Since the summer of 2007 we have been to the dealership (not where we purchased it) at least 6 times or more for repairs. We have 2 kids and having to go back and forth for repairs is a real inconvenience. Our main problems have been faulty ignition coils, idle control valve and an oil pan seal gasket. Lucky for us we purchased an extended warranty which has covered about two thirds of our costs thus far. This is the first vehicle that we have ever owned that has given us this much trouble.
Zoom, Zoom
psc, 03/26/2002
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Test drove, plan to buy in summer. New engine is wonderful addition to already well concieved design. The right size for parking, carrying stuff and exploring. With or without the kids.
consider MPV it's a 9.9 for us!
matluoma, 03/29/2002
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
excellent van & worth it! don't just take my word for it - you should consider this van. no concerns about power & torque. (hp to weight ratio is awesome - so don't just compare hp to hp...0
For a niche buyer
sugoiya, 03/29/2002
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car out of pure necessity. I couldn't wedge anything bigger into the underground parking stall for our condo. The new 300hp V6 gives it a surprising zip when passing or driving on hills, and the smaller wheel base provides excellent maneuverability on our narrow city roads. The folding 3rd row seat was also an important feature to me since I don't have a garage. The trade off for the MPV's small size comes at the expense of passenger comfort, especially for the poor souls sitting in the third row. Definitely unsuitable for long commutes.
Our favorite van
Bobaran, 04/01/2002
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We looked for over a year researching and driving vans, basically waiting for the right deal to come around. If price was not a consideration we would have gone with the Mazda. It just so happened that we got 0% and dealer invoice so we got our dream van, no settling for a Caravan.
2002 MPV ES Rating
Excalibur1993, 05/21/2002
2002 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Took out for one hour test drive and look over before buying. Went back with my head between my legs. I couldn't find anything wrong with it at all. Everything was there. No scratches. Ran great. And Zoom, Zoom, Zoom. Sure is fun to drive.
The Best Choice
Zoom -Zoom in NJ, 01/10/2003
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is our first minivan...and we are completely satisfied. Honda wasn't willing to negotiate an inch- and Sienna was too big with DULL exterior styling. We have an infant and a toddler so we weren't ready for the huge mom-mobiles! We got an excellent dealer incentive- and great treatment. Drives and handles like a car. My son loves his "new big car"! We take turns driving. By far this was the best choice. GFX, Luxury, Entertainment, Security packages.
MPV LX
mfenrn, 12/06/2006
2002 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I traded my Camry in to buy "a van" because of my ailing father who required an electric wheel chair. It was a purely practical decision based on needs and good reviews. Little did I know how much use I was about to get from it with the upcoming hurricane season! It hauled all the plywood and related supplies needed with ease. It also accommodated the 7 foot collapsible ramps and Jet Three wheel chair for Dad, still allowing room for luggage and extra passengers. I fell in love with this car/van. It drives and rides like a car, looks nicer than any other van (my opinion), handles beautifully! My only complaint rests with the transmission, which sometimes "revs" when you accelerate.