2003 Mazda MPV: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mazda's minivan expands availability of power sliding side doors and adds a lower-cost model at midyear. MPV is among the smallest minivans, and only one body length is offered. The MPV comes in three trim levels: new LX-SV with 15-inch steel wheels, LX with 16-inch alloy wheels, and top-shelf ES with 17-inch alloys. All have a 200-hp 3.0-liter V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The V6 is based on a design from Ford, Mazda's parent company. ABS is standard. Front side airbags and traction control are optional on LX and standard on ES. 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. Power operation for the side doors was offered only on the ES last year, where it was standard; for '03, it's optional on both the ES and LX.

COMPETITION

Though the competition has heated up, we feel that 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 Honda Odyssey. It's sportier to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat, but the ride can grow harsh at times.

Recommended Chevy Venture and Toyota Sienna are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, but they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys. Mazda MPV makes it to the Recommended list this year as a reliable family hauler offering better fuel economy than competitors at a reasonable price. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they don't offer the Caravan's breadth of model choices, they are mechanically similar. Their entry-level models are a super value for the price.