1990-1998 Mazda MPV: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1998 Mazda MPV and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Wet-weather traction (4WD)
Cons
- Acceleration
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Mazda entered the fast-growing minivan field in 1989 with its rear-drive "Multi-Purpose Vehicle" featuring seating for five or seven. The 4-door MPV featured a side-opening right-rear door in place of the usual sliding door panel. A 121-horsepower 2.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine was standard. Mazda's on-demand 4WD version came standard with the optional engine, a 150-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. Both engines came linked to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Rear antilock brakes accompanied the 1990 model.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mazda MPV AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 47 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1998 Mazda MPV. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1998 Mazda MPV.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Mazda MPV:
For 1991, Mazda provides its MPV with a new Luxury Package, complete with leather interior, styled alloy wheels from its 929 flagship, and a new 2-tone paint scheme (green over silver).
1992 Mazda MPV:
Eight-passenger seating and a moonroof are new options for the 1992 Mazda MPV. A couple of powertrain changes were also made. The previously standard 5-speed manual transmission has been deleted entirely. Also, the 3.0-liter V6--optional on 2WD versions and standard on 4WD models--now provides 155 horsepower, up five from last year.
1993 Mazda MPV:
The MPV is essentially a rerun of 1992, with the only addition being a new keyless-entry system. A driver-side airbag was added in midyear.
1994 Mazda MPV:
With 1993's midyear driver-side airbag addition, the 1994 MPV gained a center high-mounted brake light and side-door impact beams.
1995 Mazda MPV:
Mazda made both powertrain changes and altered the price/trim package offerings provided in its 1995 MPV minivan. The new lineup consists of L, LX, and LXE models, all with 7-passenger seating. Taking a look at the powertrain situation, the previous base engine, a 121-horsepower, 2.6-liter 4-cylinder is gone, replaced with the 155-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 across the board.
1996 Mazda MPV:
In an effort to remain in the hunt among a growing field of highly competitive minivans, Mazda has added a standard passenger-side airbag, 4-wheel antilock brakes in place of rear-only ABS, and turned all MPVs into 4-door models, thus matching Chrysler as the only other company with a 4-door minivan.
1997 Mazda MPV:
In an effort to lure sport-utility buyers to the MPV, Mazda added a new All-Sport dress-up package for 1997. Included in the package were a front grille and stone guards, wheel-opening flares, rear bumper guard, roof rack, polished 5-spoke alloy wheels, and a 2-tone exterior paint scheme with extra lower side cladding. Mazda also deleted the base DX model, leaving just the LX and ES.
1998 Mazda MPV:
MPV returned for '98 with almost no change and did not return for '99. However, an all-new model with front-drive and sliding rear side doors would arrive in 2000.
Our road test for the 1990-1998 Mazda MPV includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1998 Mazda MPV and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1998 Mazda MPV is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration on the early models ranged from anemic with the 4-cylinder to adequate with the V6. Over the years though, MPV gained weight without gaining horsepower or torque to compensate. The result is that rear-drive versions now feel sluggish in hilly terrain while the 4WD version, though well-suited to Northern climates, is downright slow. The extra weight is also sure to have a negative impact on fuel economy, which probably won't reach 20, even in normal highway driving. The suspension is stable on smooth roads, but stiff and choppy on rough surfaces. The steering seems too light at times, requiring frequent corrections to stay on course. However, the MPV has only moderate body lean and offers good grip, handling more like a car in most situations than a van. The removable rear bench seat added for 1996 marks a big improvement in convenience for the MPV.
Value for the Money
While recent improvements are welcome, the MPV still lags well behind such class leaders in the field, like the new Chrysler minivans and the Ford Windstar in overall roominess, performance, and value.
While recent improvements are welcome, the MPV still lags well behind such class leaders in the field, like the new Chrysler minivans and the Ford Windstar in overall roominess, performance, and value.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mazda MPV AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 47 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mazda MPV includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mazda MPV .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Refrigerant leaks from the A/C at the condenser block are often difficult to find using a detector. (1990-93)
Automatic transmission:
Third-gear starts and failure to upshift is likely due to the one special short bolt for the transmission-oil pan not being installed in the correct hole. If a long one is installed in its place, it damages the inhibitor switch. (1990-94)
Cold-starting problems:
The engine may not restart after sitting 30 minutes in the winter when fuels are more volatile. (1992-94)
Door handles:
Loose outer door handles can be fixed by replacing the original retaining nuts with ones that won't come loose. (1990-94)
Hard starting:
If the engine is hard to start, idles rough, or lacks power after timing belt replacement, the tensioner pulley may need to be replaced. (1990-98)
Rear wipers:
The hinge on the rear wiper rusts and gets stiff decreasing the pressure of the blade against the glass. (1990-92)
Vehicle noise:
A groaning or grinding noise from the front end is caused by the mounting rubber on the upper spring seat. (1990-92)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $905 |
| Alternator | $230 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $870 |
| Brakes | $280 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $540 |
| Exhaust System | $510 |
| Radiator | $590 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $520 |
| Universal Joints | $680 |
Our price chart for this generation Mazda MPV details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1998 | |||
| MPV 2WD | $2,500-3,300 | $1,800-2,400 | $500-700 |
| MPV 4WD | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| 1997 | |||
| MPV 2WD | $2,200-2,900 | $1,600-2,100 | $400-600 |
| MPV 4WD | $2,700-3,200 | $2,000-2,400 | $600-700 |
| 1996 | |||
| MPV 2WD | $2,000-2,700 | $1,400-1,900 | $300-500 |
| MPV 4WD | $2,500-3,000 | $1,800-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1995 | |||
| MPV 2WD | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| MPV 4WD | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| 1994 | |||
| MPV 2WD | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| MPV 4WD | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1993 | |||
| MPV 2WD | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| MPV 4WD | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1992 | |||
| MPV 2WD | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| MPV 4WD | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| MPV 2WD | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| MPV 4WD | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| MPV 2WD | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| MPV 4WD | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mazda MPV include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 110.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 183.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3970 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 37.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.6 | |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.7 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.4 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
The Mazda MPV minivans began life with both a 2.6-liter 4-cylinder and a 3.0-liter V6. While the 4-cylinder provided good fuel economy, all the competing minivans began to stress power and luxury, leading Mazda to drop the 4-cylinder in 1995 and boost the horsepower rating in the V6 from 150 to 155 the same year. In another move calculated to help the MPV stay in step with the market's preference for carlike features, the manual 5-speed was dropped for the 1992 model year.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.6 / 159 | 121 | 149 | 5-speed manual: 20/25 4-speed automatic: 18/24 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 180 | 150-155 | 165-169 | 4-speed automatic: 16/22 | 4-speed automatic: 17.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mazda MPV include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1998 MPV |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1998 Mazda MPV directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-91:
Front seatbelt-release button can break and pieces can fall inside.
1990-91:
Rear brake linings can change over time, producing inconsistent performance.
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