2004 Mazda MPV

Review

Driving Dynamics are Among Best in Minivan Segment

I dont know why todays ultimate people haulers are called minivans anymore, when they seem to get larger with every redesign. Which is the biggest now? The Ford Freestar, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, Chrysler Town and Country or Toyota Sienna - frankly Ive lost track. Although I do know for certain that the Mazda MPV is far from the largest and thats okay with me, because it is definitely one of the sportiest.

Lets face it, road testing a minivan is not what keeps auto journalists lying awake at night, excited about the following days adventure behind the wheel. In fact I slept quite well during the period the Mazda MPV and I spent together. But my nocturnal routine shouldnt be misinterpreted as complacency toward the MPV that was sleeping just as snugly in my garage. In addition to moving the person, seven of them in total, the MPV ES is capable of moving the spirit.

For 2004, Mazda performed a makeover of its once placid but worthy MPV, giving it a shot of adrenaline in the process. I say makeover because the restyling pertains mainly to a longer more defined nose, sleeker headlight arrangement, new bumpers and the addition of restrained side skirting. Think of the changes as more of a facelift than reconstructive surgery. The subtle treatment has brought youth and vitality to a van whose former styling could best be described as benign at best.

And to ensure the new sheet metal and composite design elements are eye-catching, Mazda came up with seven new colors for the 2004 MPV: Rally White, Tsunami Blue Mica, Whitewater Pearl, Nordic Green Mica, Cosmic Sand Metallic, Razor Blue and Titanium Gray Metallic. The MPV retains Black Mica and Sunlight Silver Metallic from the 2003 model year.

My test vehicle was finished in the Tsunami Blue Mica - which is a baroque method of saying medium blue. But however Mazda chooses to describe this sensational color is fine with me because Ive never seen a tsunami and not being a miner, I have little familiarity with mica.

Overall the exterior of the new MPV conveys a more aggressive, road-hugging image thanks to the availability of the tasteful, subtle, body skirting. The metal trimmed skirting picks up on the boldness of the front-fascia and carries the design theme down both sides of the vehicle, eventually blending-in with the rear bumpers. This small element effectively transforms the weak one-box minivan body shape into one that is edgier, better defined and more esthetically pleasing. The clear lens head and tail lamps complete the Euro-look, pushing the design envelope upscale.

After being pleasantly surprised by the sporty exterior styling of the MPV ES, I was curious to take a look inside. Fortunately it didnt disappoint. Like the vans exterior, the interior only visited the day-surgeon for a nip-and-tuck here and there - not a complete reconstruction. The gray leather-clad cabin of my test MPV was enticing and extraordinarily comfortable. Also, it nicely matched the tsunami blue mica exterior. The seating position feels high, thanks in part to the large window openings, which conveyed the sense that I was as much outside the vehicle as inside. This proved great for visibility, especially when parking in confined spaces.

In keeping with the sporty theme, the dash panel and surrounding door trim receives a carbon-fiber-like finish that felt durable and projected a racy attitude. The front captains seats are wonderfully comfortable and highly supportive. These featured armrests, lumbar-support and power adjustments. Oddly though, they were not heated as so many of the premium seats in minivans now are. This is unfortunate for those residing in areas where ice hockey is played outdoors. Oh well, I guess hot chocolate and warm blankets will have to substitute for a warm tush.

In addition to offering exceptional passenger comfort in warmer weather, the interior of the MPV is highly functional although somewhat compact by todays standard for a minivan. Despite not tumbling into the floor Chrysler-style, the second-row captains chairs can be collapsed easily and folded forward in order to increase cargo space, or completely removed to maximize such. These two seats can also be slid together, forming something close to a bench style seat. Doing so will create additional floor space and improve the ease-of-entry into the third row bench seat.

For 2004, Mazda has made the process of tumbling the third-row seat into its tub or raising it much less Herculean in nature. A spring-assist now provides the mechanical advantage needed to overcome the static weight of the seat, without the need to keep a chiropractor on retainer.

Passengers entering the rear seating area may do so through either a passengers-side or drivers-side sliding door, both of which can be power operated depending on the option package chosen. Spectacular about this pair of doors is their large windows that open by dropping into the door, similar to rear-door windows in a typical sedan. Minivan rear-seat passengers rarely get the wind in the hair effect, especially when the optional, and then again, very large sunroof is also opened.

With that in mind the MPV interior is well thought-out. Storage bins and map pockets are plentiful, as are cupholders and water bottle holders. The second row captain seats feature convenient slide-out cupholders. Fit and finish within the upscale ES interior is first-rate. Rearward passengers enjoy their own heat controls and depending on option choices, they may also administer their own air-conditioning. Thats a far cry from the sweat-box days of my youth when the only type of climate control was an open front window so far out of reach it was akin to a mirage of an oasis in the middle of the Sahara.

But enough about my troubled youth, lets take the MPV ES for a spin. The simple act of climbing aboard imparts a sense of solace and relaxation. For me, the driving position is perfect and I found the MPVs low belt line appealing. All gauges and switchgear are logically placed and intuitive to operate once acclimatized to the environment.

Starting the MPV ES brought Mazdas well-bred 3.0-L DOHC 24-valve V6 to life. This lightweight aluminum engine produces 200 horsepower and an equal amount of torque. The smooth running engine was never in a struggle to move the 3,745 pound MPV, but rather made quick work of both highway passes and mountain passes. And the available electronic traction control system kept wheel-spin in-check throughout these accelerated undertakings.

Backing the MPVs V6 is a 5-speed electronically controlled transmission, a technology that is par for course for imported minivans but nonexistent for all domestics that still use 4-speed autoboxes. The MVPs extra gear contributes to improved fuel efficiency and better acceleration through its front wheel drive setup.

In addition to the extra cog, the MPV transmission benefits from an electronic program that Mazda refers to as "hill-climbing control." This program minimizes the frequency of gearshifts that can accompany a run through hilly terrain. Without it, a 5-speed transmission may tend to up and downshift more than necessary. The MPV autobox also features an overdrive function for miserly highway fuel consumption.

The engine/transmission combination in the MPV ES I tested worked harmoniously. The rev happy V6, complemented by crisp unobtrusive gearshifts, was always willing to give its best from idle to redline.

Also working in synchronicity were the vans suspension components, such as the independent MacPherson struts, coil springs and stabilizer bar up front, combined with the torsion beam, coil spring rear suspension and stabilizer bar in back. The calibration of the MPVs chassis adds credibility to its zoom-zoom premise.

All the parts add up to a sum that belies the MPVs minivan status. Although not razor-sharp, the MPV is no slug when it comes to high-velocity directional changes. Without sacrificing ride quality, handling is predictable, secure and remarkably good. Overall, the handling dynamic of the MPV is one of its strongest points, due in part to its engine-rpm-sensing, variable power-assisted rack and pinion steering system.

The same great suspension that I sampled in the ES is fitted to all trim levels of the MPV. Where my ES test car distinguishes itself is in the world of wheels, as it rides upon optional 18-inch alloy rolling stock, 1-inch larger in diameter than the regular ES and 2-inches larger than the wheels beneath the LX model.

But wheel size, suspension calibration and steering setup dont bring a speeding automobile to a rapid halt, for this strong brakes and sticky tires are required. The MPV features 4-wheel vented discs with antilock and electronic brakeforce distribution, as standard equipment in the LX and ES trim levels. Antilock and EBD is not available on the base GS trim level, which also gets rear drums in place of discs.

And if you would be so kind as to indulge a brief rant, I think it is pitiful that an auto manufacturer would even think of producing a family vehicle in which the base trim level receives brakes that are inferior to those on the higher trim levels. I know the entry-level price point is critical to manufacturers, but how much savings can really be garnered by using such marketing tactics? Give families a break Mazda and do it right in all trim levels.

While we are on the topic of safety, Mazda has properly equipped the MPV with driver and front passenger, smart airbags. Front side-airbags, however, are optional and there is no availability of side curtain-airbags. Thats unfortunate, given that many competitors offer both. Safety comes first and for my dollar, side-curtain airbags are a must, especially for those who regularly load their minivans and SUVs with the junior soccer team, swim team or home team.

The MPV arrives in two trim levels beginning with the nicely equipped LX, which includes 4-wheel disc brakes with antilock, beginning at $23,260. The fully equipped ES trim level will spoil its occupants with dual power sliding doors, leather trimmed seats and a premium audio system and just about everything else that says luxury and comfort, all starting at $28,230, less those must-have side-curtain airbags.

Questionable passive safety issues aside, the 2004 MPV ES is a great vehicle that delivers what I would argue is best-in-class active safety - superior handling and performance, plus excellent visibility, all-important for avoiding accidents in the first place, as well as understated comfort other than the cold leather seats, which at least keep the driver alert and ready to perform.