2001 Mazda MPV: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mazda's minivan slightly extends its 2001 model year pending introduction of a revamped '02 version. MPV offers DX, LX, and top-line ES models. All have a V6 based on a design from Ford, Mazda's parent company. All have automatic transmission. ABS is standard on LX and ES and unavailable on DX. Front side airbags are standard on ES, optional on LX. All MPVs seat seven and have 2nd-row bucket seats that slide together to create a 2-passenger bench. Their 3-place 3rd-row bench folds into the floor. LX and ES offer a sporty appearance package with fog lights and aero body addenda. Leather upholstery is exclusive to ES. The '02 MPV is due early in calendar 2002. It's based on the current version, but substantial interior and exterior revisions and significant changes to the engine are expected.

COMPETITION

Though the competition has heated up, we feel that the new Dodge Caravan is still one of the best minivans you can buy. It offers 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 Dodge, 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, Ford Windstar, and Toyota Sienna. Though these vans are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, we feel they can't match the road manners of our two Best Buys. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they are mechanically similar to the class-leading Caravan, they don't offer the breadth of model choices.