2000 Mazda MPV: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mazda's minivan is redesigned for the first time since its 1989 premiere and now has front-wheel drive and sliding rear side doors instead of rear-wheel drive and swing-out side doors. The 2000 MPV comes in DX, mid-level LX, and top-shelf ES models. All use a 2.5-liter dual-overhead cam V6 based on a design from Ford, Mazda's parent company. A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission. Antilock brakes are standard on LX and ES, unavailable on DX. Front side airbags are standard on ES, optional for LX. Added at midyear is an optional VCR rear-seat entertainment system with remote control; a related option activates an integral TV tuner, which Mazda says is the first factory-installed example of that feature.
All MPVs seat seven and have second-row bucket seats that slide together to create a 2-passenger bench. The 3-place third-row bench folds into the floor. Optional for LX and ES is a sporty appearance package with fog lights and aero body addenda. Leather upholstery is exclusive to and standard for the ES.

COMPETITION

Chrysler started the minivan trend back in 1984, and they remain one of our Best Buys today. Though the competition has heated up, we still feel that the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Voyager are two of the best you can buy. They offer all of the creature comforts in a pleasing package at a fair price. Our other Best Buy is the Honda Odyssey. It's a little bit smaller than the Chryslers, but more sporty to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat.
Trailing at a close second are the Recommended Chevy Venture and Ford Windstar. Though these vans are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, we feel they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys.