Used 2003 Mazda MPV Consumer Reviews
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SWEET
NOT THE BIGGEST MINIVAN OUT THERE, BUT THE PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING ARE EXCELLENT. THE HIDE AWAY THIRD SEAT CREATES A NICE CARGO AREA. MY WIFE SWORE UP AND DOWN SHE WOULD NEVER BUY A MINIVAN, NOW SHE ABSOLUTELY LOVES THIS VEHICLE !!! WE SPRUNG FOR SOME OF THE EXTRAS, POWER DOORS, IN DASH CD CHANGER, WHICH PUSHED THE PRICE A LITTLE HIGH (THE WIFE HAD TO HAVE LEATHER...) BUT THE BASE MODEL IS AN EXCELLENT VALUE VEHICLE.
Wheeeeee!!!
Spent 12 months minivan shopping (literally). Started with the MPV, drove every van on the market, finished with MPV. When you include the $2k rebate, I can't imagine how you can do better. 200HP, 3000# towing capacity, magic 3rd row seat, awesome crash test ratings, beautiful interior and exterior, 6CD changer, DVD player, double power sliding doors, roof rack, traction control, side airbags, spoiler, rear air cond, 4 year bmp-bmp wnty etc for $24k. Drives great, much more fun to drive around town than the big minivans.
- LX Passenger MinivanMSRP: $3,600827 mi away
- LX Passenger MinivanMSRP: $2,0001,357 mi away
- LX Passenger MinivanMSRP: $3,9951,779 mi away
Love my van
It is fun safe, and spaces the kids out well to eliminate fighting! Manuvers great, love the looks, upohlstery is like a luxury car! I had Toyota's for a long time, and they kept getting cheaper, and breaking. So glad I investigated vans on this site and others for 6 months, and choose this one. The paint doesn't come off from bugs like all the Toyotas, and the ride is smooth
One of the best car we have ever owned
Our 2003 MPV has 60 miles on it and is one of the best buys we ever made. It's been a great "school bus" for the grandkids, a versatile hauler for big purchases or trips to the dump. It's been very reliable, with only one set of tires and normal oil change maintenance needed.
First-time buyer
After driving a Dodge Caravan for 10 years, this car was a revelation! I test-drove a Honda (too bulky), a Pontiac Montana (poor reliability record, noisy), a Dodge Caravan (bulky,and reliability in question) a Subaru Forester (not enough storage space). Everyone at the dealership a gem to deal with. The extended warranty was fairly priced and covered pretty well everything for 7 years! I love the car & the Company!
Zoom-Zoom and Quality
We replaced our 2001 MPV with a 2003. The only reason we upgraded was to get the new 3.0L V6. The previous 2.5L V6 did OK in our Texas flatlands, but when we took it to the mountains in Colorado it was a strain to get up the slopes (especially loaded with luggage). Our 2001 was perfect other than the engine, and we expect the same with the 2003. This makes our 4th Mazda (2 626's and 2 MPVs) they've all been rock-solid reliable and last many years and many miles, plus they are exciting to drive (even the minivan). We've owned a Honda, Chevys, Chryslers, Mazdas, and Nissans. Mazdas and Nissans are all I will consider now.
Easy Choice
I spent 3 months evaluating my next car purchase. I considered the KIA Sedona and Sorento, Honda CRV and Odessy, and more. KIA was eliminated for their horrible gas mileage (who needs that in this day and age?), Honda for their sub-par warranties and their inflated prices, and Toyota for lack of space. After test driving the Tribute and the MPV, the only choice left was - which one?The MPV was so much more fun to drive than the Tribute. (Maybe my husband will trade in his Tahoe?) I just can't wait to take it on a long trip! I opted for an after market moonroof and in-the-headrest DVD system for the kids. Still kept the price below 22K!!
Great transition vehicle
Moving from an Audi A4 to a minivan becomes a necessity when baby #3 comes. With money tight and space even tighter we decided to start looking for something bigger. 2 vehicles fell into our sights: Suzuki XL7 and Mazda MPV. The MPV wins because of it's superior useage of interior space and surprisingly decent handling ability. Got an end of year LX almost fully equipped below invoice price. Looking forward to the BMW minivan in 2005/2006 (u heard it hear first!)
ROTTEN EGGS
This vehicle has constant high levels of sulphur dioxide odors which can even be smelled inside. Dealer cannot fix. Blames high suphur in gas. I understand there are a number of MPV`s which have this problem and Mazda disclaims responsiblity saying it is "normal". I hesitate to drive this van on any extented trip due to the excessive odor.My MPV is a loser!
Nice Packaging
We purchased 4 weeks ago and simply love it. My Co. car is a Winstar and there is simply no comparison. Our previous used Grnd Caravan was a money pit. We love the ext. styling and the way the interor is packaged together is superb. After looking at the length & width of the van, we almost didn't even consider it. I'm glad we didn't make that mistake. After the test drive, I was sold. Check it out. This one is not a drive by.
The Best for Less
The Mazda MPV is quite simply the best minivan for the money. It offers a car- like ride and performance yet has enough cargo space to haul the whole family across the country, I can't say enough good things about this vehicle. You can get into a nicely equipped MPV for around or just over $20k, try to do that with the new Nissan Quest that is set to debut in the summer of '03. The Nissan dealers told us to expect prices STARTING at $27k. It's a freakin' Nissan minivan. There was a time when Nissan products offered the most car for the money. I think Mazda has taken over that title.
Love my MPV
I love this van, it drives wonderfully, corners and brakes well, and for $7,000 less than the comperable equiped Honda... it's a better buy.
MPV out-STANDS other minivans
Looking for a car with a decent amount of room, cargo space, ground clearance at an unbeatable value, we landed on a 2003 Mazda MPV LX. This SUV look-a-like has great handling, space with a decent amount of power. taking long road trips can be a bit of a hassle with the seats;riding for more than an hour, you get a numb feeling in your rear. The rotten egg smell of the sulfur was there for a while but quickly vanished. Great minivan for a small family and an optional rear-air conditioning is a must!
I lost my Manhood to Mazda
Yea, well, my reputation is wrecked. Last Mazda I owned was an RX-7. Now this - a mini-van! I bought this minivan cause I loved it! I was suprised by the engine zip. Style is right, too. Keep in mind that Honda and Toyota dealers are stuck-up.
Nicely Built, Great Looks, Right Size
After 2 weeks of extensive research we settled on the Mazda MPV. We dont particularly like MiniVans, and did not like the idea of driving a dinasour like Odissey. Yet again we needed 7 seat capacity. We really liked the looks and the relatively small size of the MPV. The consumer report ratings are great and since the Odyssey seems to be so popular, Mazda dealers are really willing to bargain.
not to big, not to small, but just right
My wife and I drove them all including the new '04 Toyota Sienna which was just a bore to drive. The Mazda was a hands down winner in handling and performance. It gives up some size to the others but it is big enough to fulfill my family's needs. My wife loved it and it handled just was well as my Altima. I wanted to hold off a purchase until I could see the New Quest but it is a new platform being built at a new factory which spells out reliability issues for the first few months and was reluctant to test those waters. I highly recommend that you test drive the Mazda if you are in the market for a van!
We love it!
We have a LX MPV with rear air, roof rack, rear bumper cover. Traded a 95 Windstar (RIP). We love the MPV so far. Have 6000 miles. We keep finding reasons to go places so we can enjoy the road!
Almost perfection
I compared this van with their equivalent in Nissan and Toyota, and it has better design, and the price is lower. More features than Dodge Grand Caravan. It's an amazing car!
I love this minivan
I am very satisfied with this minivan. It's so much fun to drive. I actually prefer driving this minivan over my 2001 Maxima. A lot has been said about it's underpowered Ford V6, but I have found it to be very capable and smooth. To be fair, the Duratec has been tweaked by Mazda engineers. And this minivan is made in Japan. Fit and finish is excellent.
The Only 7-Seater Sport Car !
Excellent handling, cornering, a lot of power (0-60mph est. 8.2 sec.), stopping is tight, body style is great for a minivan (even look better in person than photo), a lot of room for 7 people, or 4 people with bikes, I love it, nice to drive and cruise around town, easy to park, very good value!
Good van with a very good price
The MPV is smaller than I expected. I had a small wheelbase 95 Voyager, and this seems like it has less room. From my point of view is built more for Asian and European roads than American. I personally like the smaller size and firmer ride. If youre expecting a roomy, cushy American highway cruiser, this is not it. Handles well, acceptable acceleration, and relatively quiet. So far, no reliability problems of any kind.
Pleasant Surprise
We previously owned an '00 MPV DX. It was nice, but lacked a few creature comforts. The combination of subtle and not-so-subtle improvements is absolutely fantastic. The extra horsepower, torque and 5th gear in the automatic translate to cleaner shift points and better mileage. We got an incredible deal on an '03 leftover, and are thoroughly enjoying the luxury. If you're considering a minivan and don't need the long wheelbase of a GM or Chrysler product, give this a try. It handles like a sports sedan, and is every bit as equipped as the top-ranked Odyssey.
fun to drive
Have enjoyed this van. Have gone from a short wheel-based Aerostar to extended Aerostar to Grand Caravan during the past 16 years, and this is by far the most fun to drive. Am a little concerned with the transmission, it shifts harshly when cold, and gas mileage, which has not been stellar (but better than my other vans). The power and handling have been intoxicating for this type of vehicle. And I enjoy the flat-folding rear seat.
Nice Rig
Had a Voyager and replaced the transmission. Had a caravan and replaced the tranny twice. Five trannies between two vehicles. Spoke to friends about this. Astonished to learn that they too had replaced the trannies on their American vans. That, to me, is inexcuseable. I am really pleased with the Mazda. Nice fit and finish on interior and exterior. Alloy wheels really enhance the look. Great stereo. Smooth ride and the 3 Liter engine is just right. This choice was a no brainer. A small van but about as big as a full size SUV (but without the guilt !) Easily the best valued van of the Odessey \ Sienna\ MPV grouping.
Well designed compact minivan
We've owned the MPV for just over two months and it's been great. Very quiet on the inside, you can just about hear the horn. Love the third row seat and the sliding door roll down windows are especially popular with my kids. The well for the third row seat holds grocery bags excellently well. Fit and finish are excellent. The ride is relatively sporty - not in the league of my Ford Contour with its wide tires and stiff suspension - but there is noticable body roll in turns. The interior is quite ergonomic except for the fact that the column shifter partly hides the volume control and sometimes I have tried to "shift" the turn signal lever.
MPV Best for the Money
Love this vehicle! Fun to drive, lots of power and has more standard features than any other van I test drove within $3000 of my purchase price. That includes the Honda, Toyota and Chrysler vans! Most will say the Honda is the best van on the market. I say test drive the MPV and you may change your tune. Plus, you will pay the dealership at least $6000 less.
Oustanding Vehicle
We purchased our MPV online through Carsdirect.com which was itself a 5- star experience. Mazda was offering 0% financing at the time which sealed the deal for us, but we really liked the overall package Mazda offers with the MPV. We researched several mini-vans before deciding on the MPV. The only real concern we had with the MPV was the interior room, but Mazda did an incredible job with their design. We estimate we saved at least $5000 by avoiding the popular Honda Oddysey and we really believe we found the best value all thing considered.
Excellent Car
Excellent car for the price you pay. Very smooth and quit when running. Own it for 10 month and not regret for buying. I think it is best among minivans. Strongly suggest it.
My Mazda
Best priced qualtiy minivan on the market. Great car!! The only issue I have is the front seat is a little uncomfortable. Otherwise a super buy!!
Should have bought the Honda...
I have owned the MPV for 40,000 miles now. Just had the rotors replaced because of all the hotspots, warping and bad quality. While the fit and finish are good, the transmission feels like it is about to fall out when the engine gets heated up, and that's WITH the tranny cooler! Of course Mazda can't figure out (or admit) anything, nor will they help. I'm sure that the dealer will be able to figure it out 1 mile after the warranty runs out. The DVD is junk. We have it replaced annually because the screen burns out. No replacement foam earpieces for the IR headphones just insures that we will be buying another make next time. Looks good, but it's in the shop far too often!
What I Want It!
After driving a Dodge Carvan 2001 for the last 2.5 years, I decided to purchase a reliable and cost effective vehicle (minivan). I searched and checked the Honda (overprice), the Toyota (not quite what I was expecting for $26k), and then the Mazda MPV. So far the minivan has performed well and my family is comfortable. I have owned Mazda vehicles before, and I am very satisfied with this one.
Not Trust Worthy
Purchased this vehicle brand new. After a cross country drive vehicle started showing electrical problems. All started around 08/2004 and it wasn't until 12/2004 and a lemon law lawsuit that they decided to replace literally all the electrical components. Now it works but I don't trust the vehicle. Also noisy front suspension. Will recommend putting your name on the waiting list for other minivans on the market.
Great Minivan
We have had our MPV for just about a month now & still love needing to go somewhere just so we can drive it. We have 3-year-old twins (2 carseats) and find that this vehicle is so functional. We have plenty of room for longer trips, yet the vehicle is the most carlike of the 4 minivans we test drove (Honda, Toyota '04, Chrysler). We opted for the LX with pwr sliding doors, 4 seasons package, sidebags w/tract & roof rack. We paid about 22K! The same in the Toyota or Honda would have been about 4K or so more! In CR the MPV's reliability was 2nd only to that of the Sienna (could this have something to do with it being assembled in Japan?).
Mazda between Us and Japan
This is a good solid van, with several "need to improve" desing features. A little attention to this product and some marketing could sell alot more of them.
Zoom,Zoom,Zoom
I now have the 'sports' van since April 29th. I have 600 miles on her. I am dying to take a long distance drive but it rains here in the northeast every weekend. I paid $21,300 for the LX. The ride is solid and so far the transmission feels SUVie (I guess since it is from the Tribute) Excellent acceleration and handling. It is a sharp looking vehicle and I am frequently stopped and asked questions. Considering all the other minis are around 30K this is a great value.
not your moms van
We just purchased our MPV two days ago. One reason why we chose this vehicle is because of all the other reviews. We are very pleased with it. It is a really nice looking van. (not grandmaish). The only drawback is that the stereo controls are behind the gearshift when in drive. The price is unbelievable when compared to the Sienna or Odyssey.
Zoom Zoom!
We just picked up a loaded LX zoom zoom demo from Faulkner Mazda in PA and I must say this puppy is the bomb! We were all set to purchase new minus the power doors and DVD system, then the sales person showed us the demo that included every available option for less than the new price. The demo only had 6K miles and came with an extended warranty on the powertrain to 100k and the balance of the 4/50k bumber to bumper factory warranty. All of this for $23,600 !! I say let Sienna and Odyssey beat each other up on price because the MPV is the best kept secret in the industry.
Mini Van (no way)
All I have to say is DRIVE IT!!!
My Perfect Van
I bought the van for my wife, but I find myself always driving it. We got the LX with all the options. The only drawback is the interior noise, it can be loud when it's windy. Other than that, it's a great van for the price.
Hiram's Review Excellent
Excellent Mini-Van. Excellent Performance.
minivan alternative to pork-mobiles
Our MPV has been wonderful. It is just what we needed. Not too big (unlike pork-mobiles disguised as minivans), and not too small (more than adequate storage capacity). The engine is quiet and accelerates quickly. Interior comfort, versatility and quality are first-rate. Exterior finish is top quality as well. Overall, a very versatile and balanced minivan that should appeal to anyone looking for a respectable powertrain, above-average passenger & cargo capacity, top-notch safety features, interior comfort and excellent reliability.
Recommended by a Van Enemy!
We needed a bigger vehicle since our family became larger. It was either an SUV with a third row seat or a van. Couldn't go Odyssey, too expensive or GMC Suburban (bad gas mileage); MPV was the way to go. We bought it used with 32,000 miles on it. And it was great. Surprisingly i fell in love with it the first test drive. Usually i would not drive a van because it made me look like a soccer dad (hahahha) but when you feel the power as well as the comfort I couldn't resist.
Best vehicle I have ever owned
The handling and comfort are superb. It is the most practical of other minivans and luxury cars I have ever owned including my 1998 Chrysler Town and Country. I am experiencing about 20 miles per gallon during city driving break-in period.
Fire Mazda's Marketing Dept.
The wife had her heart set on an Odyssey (who doesn't?), then the new Sienna (for some, size DOES matter) until reality set in and cost became a key factor. In willing to compromise on size, I came to Edmunds.com where I learned that the Mazda MPV has that coveted disappearing 3rd row seat, like Honda's and Toyota's. Took a test drive during lunch break, wife drives it later in the day - struck a deal that night. She loves her MPV. No regrets....oh, and no 'egg smell' either. Fire Mazda's marketing crew if the best they can do in selling this wonderful sports van is "zoom zoom"! Zoom, zoom indeed...but it's an even better value.
Like the van hate the transmission
My wife an I purchased a 2003 MPV and on firts impressions really liked it. However we began to experience problems with the transmission shifting very hard into 3rd gear. We took the van in for service and they said it need a computer update. We got the van back and eveything seemed to be fine, but 2 -3 weeks later the same problem with the transmission started all over. Back to the shop it went and a week later we got it back with a new transmission. Once again everyting was great for 3-4 weeks but the same problem is back.
So far, so good
MPV is smaller than most mini-vans, but I wanted it that way. We have three children in car seats and being 6'2", I didn't want to climb up and bend down to get to the third row. I can stay outside the vehicle and still reach the third row seat from the passenger side sliding door (when the second row seat is slid toward the other).
PUPPIES HUMAN DRIVER REVIEW
I LOVE MY NEW VAN FOR MY "PUPPIES". IT IS FUN TO DRIVE AND HAS MORE SPEED THAN I THOUGHT. THE DIFFERENCE IN PRICE WITH THIS ONE AND THE TOYOTA OR NISSAN IS UNBELIEVABLE, AND THIS VAN IS M U C H NICER.
You must try one.
This is a great mini-van value for the buck. It is just the right size for a smaller family. It is easy to park, gets good mileage, is fun to drive. It is one of two new autos I have bought new, and have had nothing go wrong with it. It has many features that other 2003 models didn't have. Fold and tumble rear seat, that folds down in a well to be out of the way when not needed. Roll down side door windows, for air during mild weather. It is fun to drive, and very nimble, just right for in town parking and getting into smaller areas. It's quality shows throughout, and it is very reliable.
My Best Decision
love my van! only flaw is the location of the a/c button. it is not visible to the driver due to the drive stick in thew way. Also the tilt is too difficult to work. Bad place to put it- under the steerint wheel.
Mazda MPV
Other than wind noise when driving, this is a very nice family van.