2001 Mazda MPV consumer reviews

(1) Add the hitch on the rear for all models; (2) Add to install the sunshine block roll inside the frame of all doors.

My family have owned this minivan for 8 years. We have the ES version. The van looks beautiful from the outside and from the inside. It apparently have a few negative sides to it. First of all, the engine is not strong enough for the van it only has 160hp. You can really feel the performance come down when you turn on the AC or if you have a full load of passengers/luggage. Another negative thing about this van has to do with the transmission. It is a 4 speed transmission so if you are on a high way and lets say you are going at 70-75 mph the engine is working hard, about 3000-3250 rpm. I believe this is unnecessarily puts strain on the engine. Also the gear ration on the van is not that great, especially the first and second gears. Other than these issues, the van looks and runs great. Just make sure that you maintain it on time i.e. engine oil, transmission, brakes, spark plugs etc. Like the other reviews, if you are not planning on packing this van up..it will be okay.

Originally we were looking at Honda Odysseys, but after driving the MPV we were sold! It's a little smaller, making it much easier to drive and maneuver. Still has all the features we wanted: stow away 3rd row seats (no more lifting out those heavy back seats), side windows that roll down, rear air (on ours at least), and dependability. Highly recommended...try one and you'll buy one!!

I got this van August of 2000. Mazda MPV ES with 6-disc CD in-dash player, GFX package with spoilers all around, and fog lights. It is a well built car inside, the 9 speaker sound system is so good, its better than any other car I've had. It has lots of bass and is loud. The wood trim is also nice, because it makes it look less minivan like. And the A/C works great. The outside styling is nice. But, the front under spoiler tends to scrape occasionally. Plus, the fog lights help light up the road even better, I use them even when its not foggy. The only problem is the mechanics. Around town, the transmission holds the first gear too long, and the other gears not long enough. it also shifts between 1st and 2nd when going up hills, even when one person is in the van. If you put it in 1 or 2 its fine. I also drive over a mountain highway with 5 people and it is hard because I'll step on it to get into 3rd then at 3,700 rpm's I'll push it more and I'll be at 5,000 rpm's then I'll let up a tad then it'll go into 4th, then I'll have to repeat the process. (O/D off helps but still it'll go into 2nd). This brings me to the engine, it is way to small to function in this van, and I'm not looking to go fast! When merging sometimes on an incline I'll be going 35 mph and have to floor it just to hear this growling, the rpm's at 4,000 and still not much is happening. If I'm below 30 and floor it, it goes into 1st gear and I fly, but once into second my power is lost until 50 mph, and with the A/C on, it hurts. If you don't plan on having the minivan fully loaded with 7 people and luggage then this is perfect. If you do, then I'd consider another vehicle. This engine does totally not fit with the whole "get in and be moved" slogan. This minivan does act like a car in the way it handles, I can go on winding roads and drive it just like a car. Great van, just needs an engine change.