What is it?
2002 Mazda MPV
What's special about it?
Mazda has attempted to inject a little "zoom, zoom" into its bread-and-butter minivan. Long chastised for its lack of get up and go, the MPV gets upgraded to a 3.0-liter 200-horsepower V6 for 2002. A new five-speed automatic transmission has also been added to make the best use of the larger engine's additional power. Mazda engineers proudly point out that not only does the new MPV offer more horsepower and torque (up 35 to 200 lb-ft), its EPA mileage estimates are also slightly higher (18 city/24 highway), and it produces less emissions, as well.
The suspension has also been retuned for even better handling with the addition of a new rear stabilizer bar, revised front springs, and a stiffer overall body. Optional 17-inch wheels and tires top off the long list of performance upgrades.
Passenger comfort is improved with the addition of an eight-way power driver seat and satellite audio controls on the steering wheel. The "side-by-slide" bucket seats in the second row adjust forward, backward and side-to-side in addition to being fully removable for maximum cargo space. The rear doors are now power-operated for maximum convenience, while still retaining their class-exclusive roll-down windows.
Why should you care?
We've always liked the MPV's surprisingly nimble feel on the road, but with only 170 horsepower, it never had the guts to make it a true family hauler. With its substantial boost in power, additional convenience features and even more refined handling, the MPV looks like a much more compelling package for those looking for a smaller minivan that offers more than just double-digit cupholders. — Ed Hellwig
2002 Mazda MPV
What's special about it?
Mazda has attempted to inject a little "zoom, zoom" into its bread-and-butter minivan. Long chastised for its lack of get up and go, the MPV gets upgraded to a 3.0-liter 200-horsepower V6 for 2002. A new five-speed automatic transmission has also been added to make the best use of the larger engine's additional power. Mazda engineers proudly point out that not only does the new MPV offer more horsepower and torque (up 35 to 200 lb-ft), its EPA mileage estimates are also slightly higher (18 city/24 highway), and it produces less emissions, as well.
The suspension has also been retuned for even better handling with the addition of a new rear stabilizer bar, revised front springs, and a stiffer overall body. Optional 17-inch wheels and tires top off the long list of performance upgrades.
Passenger comfort is improved with the addition of an eight-way power driver seat and satellite audio controls on the steering wheel. The "side-by-slide" bucket seats in the second row adjust forward, backward and side-to-side in addition to being fully removable for maximum cargo space. The rear doors are now power-operated for maximum convenience, while still retaining their class-exclusive roll-down windows.
Why should you care?
We've always liked the MPV's surprisingly nimble feel on the road, but with only 170 horsepower, it never had the guts to make it a true family hauler. With its substantial boost in power, additional convenience features and even more refined handling, the MPV looks like a much more compelling package for those looking for a smaller minivan that offers more than just double-digit cupholders. — Ed Hellwig
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