2002 Mazda MPV: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mazda revamps its minivan for 2002, giving MPV a larger, more-powerful V6 engine and a subtle front-end restyle. Dimensions change only fractionally, and MPV remains among the smallest minivans. One body length is offered and comes in base LX and top-shelf ES trim. Both have a 200-hp 3.0-liter V6 and a new 5-speed automatic transmission. These replace a 170-hp 2.5 liter and 4-speed automatic. Like the old V6, the new one is based on a design from Ford, Mazda's parent company. ABS is standard. Front side airbags are standard on ES, optional on LX. 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. Dual sliding side doors are standard and have windows that roll down--a minivan exclusive. The LX has 15-inch wheels or optional 16s. The ES comes with 17-inch alloys, plus power sliding doors, leather upholstery, rear air conditioning, and traction control.

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 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.