2003 Mazda MPV from North America

Faults:

Hard shifting transmission at low speeds, from the beginning ('flashed' transmission computer with new program, did not solve. Got used to it, never caused a failure).

PCV vacuum hose replaced on recall, new. Replaced again at 65,000 myself, $80 part.

Driver's side mirror failure at over 100,000.

Water jacket sensor failed at around 100,000 miles.

Oil pan drain plug stripped, needed new oil pan at 105,000.

Replaced intake manifold rubber hose/boot at about 120,000.

Spark plugs gave out at 130,000+ (great service!)

Coil packs are all still original at over 140,000 miles.

Needs struts, power steering flush, still running well after replacing plugs.

General Comments:

I was worried about the following when we bought it new: power doors failing, transmission shifting at low speeds. Neither of these ever became a problem.

Sunroof great. Service from coil packs (still original) and plugs (replaced at 130,000+) has been excellent.

The mechanic loves to replace light bulbs, and do various fluid flushes, etc. Not hard on batteries. Starts fine.

The main repetitive failure has been the PCV vacuum hose, which is a bit of a pain to replace and costs $80+ a pop. When something starts to fail, it always throws a 'check engine' light, and will begin to run rough if ignored. This happened each time with the failed PCV hose, the water jacket temp. sensor, intake manifold rubber hose and spark plugs. Keep up the regular maintenance and listen to her when she tries to tell you something (run the CEL codes and consult the internet MPV forums), and this vehicle should give good service for lots of mixed driving in all seasons.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2011

2003 Mazda MPV DX 3.0 from North America

Summary:

Good van, want a newer one

Faults:

Ignition coils!!

General Comments:

Great van, I use it for work. I haul a boat with it. I load it with garbage, and take my wife dancing too!

Only thing I want to warn you about is the IGNITION COILS! They can be a nightmare and they are a common problem with this year. Make sure you change them all when one goes or else you will be back paying more labour fees!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th December, 2009

2003 Mazda MPV LX V6 from North America

Summary:

In Jan. 2009, I would not recommend buying a used MPV from this era

Faults:

We bought this car new in Jan. 2003 and have had good luck with it until last month. The transmission started slipping and before I could get it in to be looked at, it failed altogether. The car needs a new transmission which will cost more than the car is worth. Upon further research, this model has a history of transmission problems. Needless to say, I am disappointed and would have expected the transmission to last longer.

General Comments:

We are shopping for a new car rather than dump more money into this one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th January, 2009

11th Feb 2009, 11:19

I agree. My 2003 MPV just needed a $700 fix for the same problem. The mechanic doesn't even know if the fix will last. He said there is a history of this problem with these MPV's.

2003 Mazda MPV DX 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

I highly recommend this van

Faults:

There was a defect in the rear tail light assembly which was fixed under warranty.

The rear brakes needed adjustment at 30,000km.

Four wheel alignment was done at 30,000km due to a slight pull to the right.

General Comments:

In general, this van fits my budget and my needs perfectly.

This van is about the same length as a Caravan, but MPV is narrower which makes driving the van funner.

Unfortunately, the tuning of the engine leans toward performance than fuel efficiency. I average 11l /100km with 80% highway and 20%city driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 2005

2003 Mazda MPV LX 3.0 litre V6 from North America

Summary:

Simply the best

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

AS a former Plymouth fan, I was hard pressed to even think about buying a vehicle from another manufacturer. Now that I've driven my MPV, I'd never go back. There is simply no comparison.

This van has everything you could want. Lots of pickup, great handling, comfort and space galore, thanks to the fold-away rear seat.

Recently, I drove my MPV from Ontario to my home town in Nova Scotia, a distance of about 4500 km round trip. Even though we drove through some of the worst weather imaginable, I was extremely secure and at ease driving in this vehicle.

All in all, I would say that it is the best investment I've ever made.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2004

2003 Mazda MPV DX 3.0 Duratec V6 from North America

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

This minivan is a great transition vehicle from a car to a "real" minivan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th December, 2003