2003 Mazda MPV Review

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Fuel Economy

18 mpg

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

By adding power sliding doors and a more powerful engine, Mazda has finally made its petite and sporty MPV a respected choice in the minivan marketplace.

Pros

Compact and maneuverable, confident handling manners, roll-down windows in the sliding doors.

Cons

Limited maximum cargo capacity, lacks some features found in the other minivans.

What's New for 2003

For 2003, power sliding doors are an option for both the LX and ES trim levels. A towing package and a cargo organizer are two other new options. Also, an alarm and engine immobilizer are now part of a security package, and a cassette player is available on the ES trim level. The LX trim now rides on 16-inch wheels. Inside, floor and cargo mats are now standard on both trim levels, while outside, you'll see a new exhaust tip.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Best Minvan Value Ever

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 8 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 7 Interior Design: 7 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

After 5 years and 75,000 miles, our MPV is holding up great. We only had one problem, an electrical switch in the steering column that tells the computer that car is in park, failed at around 60K and cost about $380 to fix. Other than that, just routine maintenance has kept this nearly indestructible van going down the road.

Favorite Features

Power sliding doors, DVD Player, folding 3rd row that can reverse for tailgate parties.

Suggested Improvements

Since they no longer import this to the USA, it doesn't matter.

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Longtime Mazda buyer disappointed

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 6 Fun-to-Drive: 7 Build Quality: 7
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 8 Reliability: 3
Fuel Economy: 3 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Have owned seven different Mazdas. All served me well except my 03 MPV ES. Problems are as follows. 41000 miles, recall for fan control module, PCV hose and fuel trim code correction. Also replaced a leaking crank seal. 42500 replaced #6 ignition coil and spark plug. 47500 replaced leaking oil pan gasket and coolant line leading to rear heat/ac. 84000 replaced coils #3 & #5 plus front sway bar links. Other problems during ownership include replacing over half of the exterior bulbs, considerable body rust around rear wheel wells and the paint finish flaking off of the alloy wheels! Sorry Mazda, I don't give second chances now that so many brands both foreign & domestic build quality cars.

Favorite Features

Exterior styling, fold flat third row seating, power sliding doors and roll down second row windows.

Suggested Improvements

Need to vastly improve the quality of the peripheral components and systems.

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not a happy camper

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 8 Fun-to-Drive: 6 Build Quality: 3
Comfort: 4 Interior Design: 5 Reliability: 4
Fuel Economy: 6 Exterior Design: 5

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV ES 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Many problems - I'll never buy Mazda again - - oil leak started at 70000; dealer "fixed" but fix only lasted 30000 miles - manifold cracked - very noisy on startup - catalytic converter needed to be replaced at 125000 - replaced 2 coils at $200 a piece. This is not what I call reliability.

Favorite Features

Going around corners.

Suggested Improvements

fix the engine.

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Good Value

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 7 Fun-to-Drive: 8 Build Quality: 8
Comfort: 7 Interior Design: 8 Reliability: 8
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 9

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We bought this vehicle new and have had an overall positive experience with it. It handles very well and although it is a smaller van, it has met the space needs of our family quite well (3 kids, mom and dad). Reliability has been above average but not great... no major problems. We've taken it camping on some very rough roads over the years and it has come through unscathed.

Favorite Features

Crisp handling, visibility, interior versatility.

Suggested Improvements

Smoother transmission, more powerful A/C fan, better sound system, move gear lever so it's not in the way of controls.

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One of the best car we have ever owned

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 6 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 8
Comfort: 7 Interior Design: 7 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 6 Exterior Design: 8

Vehicle

2003 Mazda MPV LX 4dr Minivan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

All around visibility, automatic sliding doors, color (green metallic), versatility (hauling kids to school, trash to dump, etc.).

Suggested Improvements

A/C on/off lite moved out from behind gear lever, deeper front cup holders, brighter dash displays during daylight.

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