2003 Mazda MPV: Roomy, "Right-size" Minivan with the Soul of a Sports Car

By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor

Like the proverbial orphan raised by wolves in the wilderness, the MPV wagon was created in sheet-metal by its sports-car family of Mazda - probably the most fun-to-drive wagon in the jungle of minivans on the road.

That’s what Mazda has created with its new 2003 MPV. By combining a roomy interior, flexible seating arrangements and power sliding doors with a 200-horsepower engine, 17-inch alloy wheels and revised suspension settings, the MPV is certainly a minivan with the soul of a sports car.

"The love of driving isn't something you grow out of just because your family has grown," says Mazda North America.

With its 200-horsepower engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and responsive suspension tuning with 17-inch alloy wheels, the new 2003 Mazda MPV encourages spirited driving. While those features are the ingredients of a sports car, the "right-size" MPV has plenty of room for seven people and all their gear.

The driving experience is where MPV distances itself from average, soulless minivans. A new 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 is the heart of its invigorated performance. A new 5-speed automatic transmission works in concert with the engine to achieve this improved performance. Each gear ratio is selected to fit the MPV's more sporting character, while also making each shift smooth.

While other manufacturers have made their minivans larger and larger until they're really not "mini" anymore, the MPV's reduced bulk and smaller size allow more responsive handling, improved parking and an ability to better negotiate crowded traffic areas.

But a vehicle from the same company that created the legendary RX-7 sports car and classic Miata roadster is expected to have a driver-oriented environment, and the new MPV is no exception.

Not available in any sports car, MPV comes with a total of four bucket seats. The second row of buckets slide not only fore and aft, but together as well, to create a bench seat when needed. They are also easily removed. Called Side-by-Slide, this clever seating arrangement is a Mazda exclusive.

MPV's third-row seat sports some tricks of its own. Most other minivans require that the seat be removed for additional cargo capacity, creating some challenges about where to store it - and worse yet, the virtual elimination of any impromptu hauling. MPV’s third seat is the “Tumble-Under” seat that folds completely into the floor, creating a fully flat floor.

We were surprised how easy it was to quickly dispatch the seats and load a large folding table into the rear - in all of about one minute.

Up front, seats are multi-adjustable with eight-way power controls, and the driver is treated to full, proper instrumentation. In fact, MPV's entire dashboard is subtly angled toward the driver for quicker reference during spirited driving, while still allowing the front passenger to easily access the audio and climate controls.

Mazda's attention to detail is evident with thoughtful touches throughout the MPV, inside and out.

Built at Mazda Motors plant in Hiroshima, Japan.

HIGHS: Loaded with features and goodies for under $30K. Legendary Mazda engine and reliability. Less “stodgy” than you’d expect. Rear AC system included.

LOWS: Well okay, it’s a minivan. Rear axle is too stiff. Shift lever in "Drive" obstructs radio controls.

COMPARE TO: Honda Odyssey, Chevrolet Venture, Ford Windstar, Dodge Caravan.

PRICE: Base price $27,192; As tested $28,637 fully loaded including destination charges.

FUEL ECONOMY: EPA estimates 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway.

LIFE'S A TRIP - Enjoy the drive. Be a safe and courteous driver, obey all highway laws, never drive impaired and always buckle-up.