Mazda MPV Owner's Manuals

Mazda’s first attempt at a minivan came in the form of the 1989 model. It differed from the growing minivan market with features such as a right-side hinged door (as opposed to a sliding door) and optional all-wheel drive. Over the next 10 years, Mazda equipped its MPV with a left rear door (still on hinges), standard ABS, a standard V6 engine, and a removable third-row seat. In 1997, the company created an All-Sport model with special body cladding, distinctive graphics and lightweight alloy wheels.
The current Mazda MPV appeared in 2000 and featured a folding third-row seat and lowering windows in the now-sliding doors. However, a weak 2.5-liter V6 and an equipment list that lacked some basic safety features diminished its popularity. Mazda responded by upgrading the powertrain to a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 200 hp and adding some features in 2002, and more standard features were added in 2004, including the all-important rear-seat air conditioning. These incremental improvements have made the MPV a much more versatile choice for motorists, but the more roomy and competitively priced offerings from Honda, Kia, Nissan and Toyota offer better overall packages. While the 2006 Mazda MPV may still appeal to smaller families who value style and maneuverability over maximum space and advanced features, the new Mazda 5 compact minivan also has those virtues, albeit in a more refined package that costs less.