2003 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.

For 2003, the MPV gets standard 17-inch alloy wheels on the ES.

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 seven 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 2002 and tossed in a generous handful of other nifty upgrades to further sweeten the mix.


While the DX was dropped last year from the low end of the lineup, the now-entry-level LX opens at $22,690 while our top-line ES tester starts at $26,090 and can be maxed out at just over $29,000, including $520 in destination fees. Visually, the 2002 MPV heralded its functional changes with a subtle but purposeful revamping of its front and rear fascias based around a bolder grille and air dam treatment. For 2003, the MPV gets standard 17-inch alloy wheels on the ES, and adds a new DVD entertainment system.


Mechanically, the focal point of the MPV is its 3.0-liter, 24-valve DOHC six, a variation on Ford's versatile DOHC Duratec V-6, also found in Mazda's compact SUV, the Tribute. With 200 horsepower 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. Complementing the engine is a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic that offers Slope Control logic to help eliminate unnecessary shift changes on grades.

Stepping up to ES adds even more to the mix. The 2003 MPV adds a new DVD entertainment system.

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." 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 rack-and-pinion power steering unit was improved for 2002 to offer better off-center effort and feel.