Mazda MPV

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Mazda MPV
2000 Mazda MPV
Manufacturer Mazda
Production 1989–present
Assembly Hiroshima, Japan
Successor Mazda5 (For North America and Europe)
Mazda CX-9 (For North America and Australia)
Class Minivan
First generation
1989-1992 Mazda MPV
Also called Efini MPV (during 1991-1997 in Japan)
Production 1989–1998
Body style(s) 3-door van (1989-1995)
4-door van (1996-1998)
Layout FR layout/All wheel drive
Platform Mazda LV platform
Engine(s) 2.6 L G6 I4 (1989-1994)
2.5 L G5 I4 (1995-1998)
3.0 L JE V6
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Wheelbase 110.4 in (2804 mm)
Length 1989-1994: 175.8 in (4465 mm)
1995-98: 183.5 in (4661 mm)
Width 71.9 in (1826 mm)
1991-95 4WD: 72.3 in (1836 mm)
Height 1989-1992 & 1995-97 2WD: 68.1 in (1730 mm)
1991-92 4WD: 70.8 in (1798 mm)
1993-94: 66.7 in (1694 mm)
1993-94 4WD: 69.4 in (1763 mm)
1995-97 4WD: 70.8 in (1798 mm)
1998 2WD: 68.9 in (1750 mm)
1998 4WD: 71.5 in (1816 mm)
Related Mazda 929
Second generation
2002-2003 Mazda MPV
Production 2000–2006
Body style(s) 4-door van
Layout FF layout
Platform Mazda LW platform
Engine(s) 2.0 L FS-DE I4 (00-01)
2.5 L GY-DE I4 (00-01)
2.5 L AJ V6 (00-01)
3.0 L AJ V6 (02-05)
Transmission(s) 5-speed 5F31J automatic
Wheelbase 111.8 in (2840 mm)
Length 2000-01: 187.0 in (4750 mm)
2002-03: 187.8 in (4770 mm)
2004-06: 189.5 in (4813 mm)
2004-06 LX-SV: 189.3 in (4808 mm)
Width 72.1 in (1831 mm)
Height 68.7 in (1745 mm)
2004-06 ES: 69.1 in (1755 mm)
Related Mazda 626
Third generation
2006 Mazda MPV
Also called Mazda8 (in Hong Kong)
Production 2006–present
Body style(s) 4-door van
Layout FF layout
Platform Mazda LY platform
Engine(s) 2.3 L MZR I4
2.3 L MZR turbocharged I4
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2950 mm (116.1 in)
Length 4868 mm (191.7 in)
Width 1850 mm (72.8 in)
Height 1685 mm (66.3 in)
Related Mazda6
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The Mazda MPV is an MPV (minivan) manufactured by Mazda. It was introduced in 1989 as a rear wheel drive model and was replaced in 2000 with a more modern front wheel drive version. Over 1 million MPV models had been produced since its introduction.[1]

Contents

[edit] 1989-1998 (Rear wheel drive)

The minivan boom of the 1980s caught the Japanese car makers by surprise. Each maker had its own response: Toyota was first with an adaptation of their mid-engined Van, based on the Japanese Town-Ace in 1984. Nissan and Mitsubishi quickly followed suit with conversions of cargo vans in 1987. None of these were particularly successful, since all were small and only offered 4-cylinder engines.

The 1989 MPV was radically different. It was designed from the ground-up as a minivan for the American market, but arguably it was the first "crossover". It was based on a car, but Mazda started with the best platform they had, the large rear wheel drive 929's HC. It would be called the LV platform, and equipped the MPV with a V6 engine and optional four wheel drive. Its 4WD system is not to be confused with "all wheel drive"; the MPV can be switched into 4WD with a switch mounted on the column gear selector. A dash mounted switch also allowed the driver to lock the center differential, splitting power equally between the front and real axles. The 4WD can be engaged and disengaged while moving. These features really set it apart in the marketplace.

Like the later Honda Odyssey, it featured traditional hinged doors instead of sliding rear doors, though the original MPV only had a single rear door. Because of the 4WD option, the Mazda Navajo (sold from 1991-1994) version of the Ford Explorer was only offered as a 2 door. The middle row was available as a bench, allowing seating for 8 when most minivans seated 7.

The van was a hit with the press, being named to Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1990 and 1991 and featured as one of their "vehicles for the coming (fuel) crisis". Initial sales were strong as well, but rapidly fell off once other makers introduced all wheel drive and V6 engines. However, Toyota's 1991 Previa, Nissan's 1993 Quest, and Honda's 1995 Odyssey all featured purpose-built platforms and eroded Mazda's lead.

Although the Mazda MPV was well-received by the press and public, crash testers were less impressed. The MPV received one star out of four in the Australian ANCAP crash tests and a "Marginal" rating in the American IIHS crash tests.

The van was refreshed in 1996, adding the long sought drivers' side rear door. While the I4 engine retired for the United States market, it was replaced with a similar 2.5 L unit for the rest of the world. The '97 and '98 models received a mild refreshing with "all-sport" body cladding and wheel arches, and polished alloy wheels. Unfortunately, the MPV priced itself out of the market by this time, and this, coupled with the fact that the minivan market fully embraced front wheel drive platforms, caused Mazda to discontinue the original MPV after the '98 model year.

1993-1994 Mazda MPV

1995-1997 Mazda MPV

1998 Mazda MPV

[edit] 2000-2006 (Front wheel drive)

The MPV was replaced for 2000 with a front wheel drive LW platform based on the 626. This second generation MPV was much more of a typical minivan, with dual sliding rear doors and front-wheel drive. Differentiating factors included a third row seat that folded flat into the floor and rear door windows that rolled down.

The MPV was initially reviewed as underpowered, using the Mazda AJ (which was actually Ford's Duratec) 2.5 L V6, an engine initially designed by Porsche before it was sold to Ford and used in the Contour. A 4-speed automatic was standard.

The base DX model had a two-place middle bench seat. The LX model replaced the bench seat with two middle buckets (the passenger side seat could slide sideways, dubbed "side by slide"), power windows and locks, heated power mirrors, privacy glass, and antilock brakes. The ES model added leather seating surfaces, wood tone interior trim, side impact air bags on the front seats, bigger wheels, and separate front and rear air conditioners.

In model year 2001, all models added child-safety seat tether anchors. An optional GFX sport appearance package was made available for LX and ES models, which included fog lights and aero body add-ons. The 2001 model year ran long, extending into early 2002 in anticipation of the 2002 refresh.

In model year 2002, the MPV was refreshed with Mazda's AJ 3.0 L V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission that produced 200 hp and 200 ft·lbf of torque, more befitting of Mazda's "zoom-zoom" marketing theme. It received a new grille, now larger and featuring a single chrome bar at the top rather than a full chrome surround. Also new were power sliding side doors, revised suspension settings, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

In model year 2003, power operation of the side doors was made optional on the LX and ES. A base LX-SV model was added midway into the model year.

In model year 2004, it received a mild exterior and interior makeover. The exterior adopted a more aggressive look with new headlights and Altezza style clear taillights. The interior changes included a new steering wheel, gauge surrounds, and a spring assist to ease folding the third row seat into the floor. The LX Sport package added body side skirts, anti-lock brakes, an air dam under the bumper, and an optional rear-mounted spoiler. The ES model added leather seats, rear air conditioner, power sliding doors, and a choice of moonroof or roof-mounted DVD player. No LX-SV model was offered.

In model year 2005, rear air conditioning became an optional feature on the LX (it had been standard on the LX in 2004).

In model year 2006, a base LX-SV model was again offered alongside the LX and ES models.

By 2006, the MPV was virtually the only minivan which had not adopted the size form factor of the long wheelbase Chrysler minivans, including Kia and Nissan. Those who do purchase the vehicle appreciate its narrow and short size, light weight and maneuverability. Some car reviews called it Ford's best minivan. It has a low price as a used vehicle or sales incentives as new. For example, in 2005, it was possible to pay just US$15,000 for a 2004 MPV with 22,000 miles after being retired by a rental car company, while a the trade in for a 2003 Honda Pilot with 44,000 miles was $24,000. While the rear seats aren't as large as the Odyssey, for users who just need occasional 7 passenger seating, and not 4 wheel drive, the MPV is a much more affordable alternative to a popular Honda minivan, or an SUV.

The MPV was discontinued in both Europe and North America after 2006 as the smaller Mazda5 replaces it as Mazda's minivan. The MPV was also replaced in North America and Australia by the full-size Mazda CX-9 crossover SUV.

2004-2006 Mazda MPV LX

2005 Mazda MPV ES

Engines:

  • 2000-2001 2.0 L FS-DE I4 (non-US)
  • 2000-2001 2.5 L GY-DE I4 (non-US)
  • 2000-2001 2.5 L AJ V6
  • 2002-2006 3.0 L AJ V6
  • 2005-present 2.3 L MZR 2.3 Direct Injecition Spark Ignition (DISI) Turbocharged I4 (non-US)

[edit] Price

Pricing for 2006 as follows:

  • LX-SV:$22,115
  • LX:$22,950
  • ES:$28,515

[edit] 2007

On February 2, 2006, the third generation Mazda MPV went on sale in Japan as a model year 2007 car[1]. It is powered by either a 4 cylinder MZR 2.3 naturally aspirated engine or 4 cylinder MZR 2.3 Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbo engine.

The third generation MPV is currently available only in Japan and Hong Kong.[2]

[edit] See also

  • WLS-TV minivan crash incident

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ The innovative Mazda MPV minivan is a "next-generation people mover" with the soul of a sports car. Mazda Press Release. Retrieved on June 4, 2007.
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Mazda road car timeline, 1990s–2000s
Type 1990s 2000s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Kei car Carol Carol Carol Carol
AZ-Wagon
AZ-Offroad
Spiano
Scrum Scrum/Scrum Wagon Scrum/Scrum Wagon
Subcompact Revue/121 Demio/121 Demio/2 Demio/2
Verisa
Compact Familia/323/Protegé Familia/323/Protegé Familia/323/Protegé Axela/3
Mid-size Capella/626 Capella Capella/626 Atenza/6 Atenza/6
Cronos/626/Xedos 6/Eunos 500
Eunos 800/Xedos 9/Millenia
Full-size Sentia/929/Efini MS-8 Sentia
Sports car MX-6/Mystère MX-6/Mystère/Efini MS-6
MX-5/Miata MX-5/Miata MX-5
MX-3 Precidia
RX-7 Efini RX-7/RX-7 RX-8
Cosmo
AZ-1
Pickup B-Series B-Series B-Series
Minivan Premacy Premacy/5
Efini MPV/MPV MPV MPV/8
Crossover CX-7
CX-9
SUV Navajo Tribute Tribute