2005 Mazda MPV Review

Oh, my dear little minivan. Alas, we might have to let it go soon due to the fact that we just a Honda Odyssey. It has served us well for seven years, never breaking down and leaving us stranded (well, once, but it was the tire's fault, not the car's).

Let's start off with space. Compared to the Odyssey or Sienna, it's a lot smaller inside. However, the space is does offer is plenty usable. Comfort in the front seats is supreme, the middle seat forces your knees upward, and the third row is even worse. However, you never feel claustrophobic sitting anywhere in the van, and it's most definitely helped by gigantic windows all around.

The driving experience is pleasant. While it isn't super quiet by today's standards, I'm going ahead to say that there's less road noise at higher speeds than the second-generation Odyssey. The Sienna still ranks way up there in terms of quietness. I also found ride comfort to be exceptional; you never really feel the road that much. But our car is the absolute base model with 15-inch wheels, so MPVs with 16-inch or 17-inch wheels probably ride a choppier. But the creamy ride quality stops aft the second row or seats. Sitting in the third row, you'll bounce up and down constantly. It get tiring.

The van does get and move out of its own way, but it's by no means powerful. You do feel a lot of torque when the engine revs, but overall acceleration is lackluster. And, 4500 RPM you feel as if the engine is going to rev apart. Also, the 5-speed transmission seems to need some time getting used to mountain roads. During our trip to Colorado, the transmission was hesitant to downshift for the first day or so.

When, or if, we finally sell this van, I am going to miss it so much. It has been through a lot with us, and has been a tremendous family vehicle. In fact, I'm going to try to convince my father not to sell it now... Darn, I'm getting emotional just writing the review.

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