2002 Mazda MPV ES

It's tough to grab much attention when you're not the big dog in any pack—literally or figuratively. That adage has proven particularly true when applied to the minivan segment, a subset that's been acutely impacted over the past decade by the rising popularity of SUVs and car-based crossovers.

Changes for 2002 are subtle and include revamped fascias and lamps. The ES trim level features 217/60R17 tires on alloy 5-spokers.

Despite a major generational change in 2000 that saw the MPV transition from rear- to front-drive, Mazda's slightly smaller-than-average people-mover has remained a niche player in the game. Although blessed with a host of desirable creature features—including decent room for 7 and their personal effects—the biggest slam critics leveled at the MPV is related to its decidedly underwhelming powertrain. Mazda directly addressed that issue for the 2002 season and tossed in a generous handful of other nifty upgrades to further sweeten the mix. Best of all, MPV pricing remains at near-2001 levels. While the DX has been dropped from the low end of the lineup, the now-entry-level LX opens at $22,250 while our top-line ES tester starts at $27,192 and can be maxed out at just over $29,000, including $520 in destination fees.


Visually, the new MPV heralds these functional changes with a subtle but purposeful revamping of its front and rear fascias based around a bolder grille and air dam treatment, new head- and taillights, and revised alloy wheels. The most obvious tip-offs to specific trim levels are found in the foglamps and the wheel/tire sizes. The former items are optional on LX but standard on ES. While the LX comes with 205/65HR15 rubber on 15-inch rims and offers a 215/60HR16 upgrade, the ES wraps its 215/60 boots around distinctive 17-inch 5-spokers.

The current-generation MPV's V-6 is a half-liter larger than its predecessor. Co-developed with Ford's Duratec engine family, this 3.0-liter puts out 200 horsepower.

Mechanically, the focal point of the latest-iteration MPV is a bigger, stronger engine, which rises in displacement from 2.5 to 3.0 liters. The new motivator is a variation on Ford's versatile DOHC Duratec V-6, also found in Mazda's compact SUV, the Tribute. With 200 horses and 200 lb.-ft. of torque, it boasts 18 percent more power and 21 percent more twist than its predecessor. Better yet, 90 or more of that latter commodity is available from 1,800-5,500 rpm. To further help the cause, the 4-speed automatic transmission used previously has been replaced by a new, smoother-shifting 5-speed unit that offers Slope Control logic in addition to the extra cog.


A bit less obvious, but nonetheless welcome, are a series of modifications to the MPV's coil-sprung underpinnings aimed at, in Mazda's own words, putting the "soul of a sports car into the body of a minivan." While the basic design—MacPherson struts up front matched with a torsion-beam rear axle—carries over, detail changes enhance responsiveness and help limit body roll without materially impacting the ride compliance. Key ingredients in the recipe up front include a reinforced subframe, friction-reducing, offset-mounted shocks that are fitted with special low-speed valves, a more efficient anti-roll bar setup, revised camber settings and more isolation-oriented bushings. Complementing that mix in the rear are stiffer springs and shocks, a larger diameter anti-roll bar and new bushings. The final changes of note are found on the rack-and-pinion power steering unit that now offers better off-center effort and feel and the addition of a traction control that comes as part of ES kit and is optional on the LX.