1996 Mazda MPV from North America - Comments

This Mini Van is amazing. Very Big Performance for a small V6.

Just needed BF GOODRICH Snow tires on all four wheels to keep it from sliding around in the winter time.

Also Rotors were expensive to get brand new.

Mazda MPV's Drive like sports cars.

Lots of Pep

Rear Wheel Drive (Excellent for towing)

ABS on 4 wheels

Very comfortable

Great gas mileage

Cheap Stereo had to put new one in with speakers

SAFETY comes first in the vehicle 5 star crash rating with no recalls.

I think this review is maybe a little too generous - some of the earlier model reviews for the MPVs are a bit too harsh. I have owned an early model (91) and a late model (98) MPV for many years now. Both were purchased new and owned at least 5 years. These vans are slightly underpowered (I live in a mostly flat area so it doesn't matter as much to me), get poor gas mileage (15 mpg overall) but are extremely well made and very comfortable (last two are subjective). For those who don't think they are well made, I think possibly 1. they bought it used and it was neglected by the prior owner and/or 2. they have neglected it. These vans needs to be maintained - and properly. They can't take the neglect of a Chevy big block and keep on ticking. For comparison, I own a late model Acura which is supposed to be very high quality and I believe my MPV is "screwed together" much better than my Acura!

I own a 1993 MPV LE since 1997. When I bought it had 46,000 and was still under manufacture warranty. It is now 2004 and it now has 185,000. For a while I pooled a 3,000 lb trailer with it to Florida and to the local mountains with 5 people as passengers. I did replace a transmission at 72,000 miles, but I think it was my fault. One should never tow anything this heavy with this car. I maintain it perfectly. The car runs perfectly today. It looks great and promises to run at least another 50,000 miles. At 185,000 it burns no oil, although the power has faded a little at 2500 rpm. It moves from a start like a champ and cannot drive less than 50 miles per hour no matter how little gas I give. It has been a wonderful car. I did put a nice stereo with a CD changer almost from the start. As far as gas mileage, keep the intake clean, spark plugs clean, air and fuel filters clean and you will get 17-19 mpg. The engine is great and overall quality is A+. This car likes clean oil and good maintenance. You do that, and you will love it. Well, you get what you pay for. You don't do the maintenance - you get now fun. Good luck!