Faults:

Alternator went out 120,000 miles.

"Pig tail" connection to the alternator went bad in 2010.

In 2010 I was told by Mazda that they do not sell individual parts (the pig tail). Was told that I had to have an entire new engine harness ($1300 for that part alone).

Faults:

My catalytic converter was replaced by the dealer at ~ 105,000 miles, $1500.00. Engine light gave ample warning.

The door handle on driver side sliding door broke at ~ 107,500. Safety issue that I still need to get to fixing.

Alternator and belts were replaced at 110,000 for $600 by a local garage. Battery light and terrible plastic burning smell gave immediate warning. Had to take it to the garage on a weekend for an emergency fix. Garage replaced OE with a refurbished alternator.

One week later, the car died in the middle of a busy intersection. Towed back to the garage and determined the alternator was a bad one. Replaced with another refurbished alternator (no charge). During process of the second replacement, a brake tube to the caliper connector was damaged: Garage accessed the alternator by removing the right brake drum (maybe even had to remove the axle - I don't know). In the process, they damaged the brake system. In the following week, the brake fluid rapidly leaked out. By end of week, the brake had to be fully depressed to get any braking power. Garage replaced the brake fluid and reconnected the tube to the caliper connector. No charge.

General Comments:

I had no problems with this car until it turned over 100,000 miles. I am hoping this car will last another 5 years so I can give to my son, who starts driving in 2 years.

This is a fun car to drive, but not comfortable for long trips (and I am only 5'-8", 180 lbs). Middle and back seats are not meant for adults.

My mountain and road bikes fit into the back with no need to take off wheels. Big plus.

Poor gas mileage: ~20 mpg.

Faults:

Motor in the driver's side window gave out.

General Comments:

I love this car. The only thing that has gone wrong, other than routine maintenance, is the window motor gave out. It has over 185k miles and honestly, I think it is going to start having problems, but at that many miles, what car wouldn't?!

It is a mini-van/mom car, and as such, isn't sporty or cool, but has done its job through 2 teenagers!

Hoping to get the CX9 in the near future.

Faults:

Rust is a huge issue... both rear quarter panels, bottoms of both sliding doors, both front doors, and the black trim between the windows on the doors, and the rear hatch. Our MPV was rustproofed and retreated annually, and kept clean and waxed... but we couldn't keep it rust free. All other MPV owners in our area seem to be dealing with the same issues, even with newer models..

The front wheel bearings were replaced twice. The alternator was replaced by the dealer twice ($750.00 each). Brake discs couldn't be turned and had to be replaced at the first brake job (50k). Repairs tended to be expensive as the Ford drivetrain was crammed into a small compartment.

General Comments:

A compact van with a flexible interior, is easy to park, and it has and great handling. However the 2001 MPV uses a Ford Contour drivetrain which is both sluggish and gets bad mpg (17 city, 20 highway).

Newer models have a bigger 3.0 Litre Ford engine matched with a 5 speed transmission to address acceleration and mpg, but beware... those vehicles have issues with ignition coils on the plugs failing, leading to breakdowns at inopportune times.