We like the MPV a lot, but we wish that Mazda would drop the insipid “zoom ZOOM zoom” jingle already.  The biggest problem with the updated-for-2003 MPV minivan is that we can’t stop humming it while we drive.

To date, there hasn’t been a lot of design flexibility in minivans.  The MPV is no exception; it looks more or less the same as it has since its last major update in 2000.  In spite of the familiar face, the new MPV has been tweaked.  A mid-year update last year added a 200-horsepower 3.0 liter engine, larger wheels, and new options like power sliding doors and a rear-seat DVD system.

With a tucked-under design front and rear, the MPV looks smaller than most minivans.  It carries a lot of the same sporty styling cues as do Mazda’s cars, with a deeply contoured hood and a blacked-out trapezoidal grille.  A second, rectangular grille below the bumper resembles the hot-rod Mazdaspeed Protégé sedan.  Subtle fender flares and body cladding and a mini-spoiler are concessions to a sporty look.  They don’t look out of place, either; the MPV looks like one of the Mazda family, nothing more.  Our ES test van’s sporty five-spoke 17″ wheels look better than the smaller 16″ wheels on the LX model.

Dual power sliding doors are all but necessary for a minivan these days, and the MPV has them.  They’re slow and sometimes hard to close, like most power sliding doors are; it’s up to you whether they’re worthwhile or not.  Without the power assist, the MPV’s doors are light and easy to close.  Just about everything about the MPV is light and easy to deal with, in fact.  The rearmost seat folds flat into the floor with two levers–Honda’s Odyssey isn’t the only minivan that can do this trick.  With four captain’s chairs (the second pair of which can be slid together to create a mini-bench) and a rear bench, the MPV’s interior is versatile.  All three rows of seats are comfortable, even for six-foot tall passengers, and that’s no mean feat in a minivan either.  The console between the front seats can be used as a small storage tray, or folded down out of the way.  Hidden in the cargo area are a number of bulky-item-friendly tie-down hooks.  The optional DVD system that’s new for 2003 has the now-familiar seven-inch screen which folds down from the ceiling, video game outputs and headphones.  It will play both DVD and MP3 audio files.

Despite the more powerful engine, the MPV is still a bit sluggish, especially compared to the 215-horsepower Chrysler Town & Country.  The 200-hp 3.0 liter V6 is a smooth 24-valve unit, and it’s a capable engine, but the MPV’s 3812-pound bulk seems to be a bit too much for it at freeway speeds.  A five-speed automatic is a touch sportier than you’d expect a family hauler’s slushbox to be.  Shifts remain crisp, but the MPV will downshift aggressively on demand.  A “slope control” system keeps the tranny from upshifting on long grades, reducing the tendency to “hunt” for gears on the freeway.

Mazda has done well with the suspension.  The MPV offers a bit more handling capability than the average minivan.  MacPherson struts up front have control arms and a slightly offset axis.  In the back, the stabilizer bar has been made thicker.  These tweaks keep the MPV’s body roll to a minimum.  The 205-series tires and 17″ wheels that are standard on the ES model have just enough bite to annoy your passengers in tight bends.  Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard.  The MPV is also available with traction control, which keeps the front wheels from losing grip when the going gets slick.  Front and side airbags are also available.

The MPV is available in LX and ES flavors.  Our test van was an ES model, starting at $27,192.  Once the fog lights, roof rack and in-dash CD changer were added, the bottom line came to $28,662.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2003 Mazda MPV ES, which we tested.
Length:     187.8 in
Width:        72.1 in
Height:        69.1 in
Wheelbase:    111.8 in
Curb weight:    3812 lb
Cargo space:    17.2 cu.ft (all seats up); 54.6 cu.ft (third row folded); 127.0 cu.ft (all seats down)
Towing capacity (if app.):     2000 lb
Base price:        $27,192
Price as tested:     $28,662
Engine:         3.0 liter DOHC 24 valve V6
Drivetrain:         five-speed automatic, front wheel drive
Horsepower:         200 @ 6200
Torque:         200 @ 3000
Fuel capacity:        19.8 gal.
Est. mileage:        18/24