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1 of 13
The MPV is all new for 2000. KEV has 2,200 miles on his new 2000 "emerald mica" Mazda. The MPV is slightly smaller than most of its other competitors such as the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Yet, its small size pays off in better handling. KEV gave the MPV top ratings in city and highway handling. The vehicle is easy to park and turn. Power is good, not great. In fact, survey questions concerning power were almost the only categories to which KEV did not give his MPV perfect marks. However, he still gave it "agree"marks. The MPV is quiet but KEV does say his MPV has some wind noise. KEV's succinct remarks tell the whole story: "excellent van." Not a bad slogan, Mazda. Overall Rating:
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2 of 13
In several short months on the market the MPV is beginning to reach cult status. This is a good sign for a new vehicle which shows its owners are pleased enough with their purchases to become very loyal. WM purchased a black ES, the fully loaded model. He has already put 6,000 miles on his vehicle, enough to give him a very good idea how well his new van performs. According to WM, his MPV attains highest marks for handling. Although it did not get the highest rating for acceleration, it did get top marks for passing and hill climbing. Seats are comfortable and the air conditioner works well. WM gave his MPV top scores for interior storage. The MPV got next to the highest scores for overall interior spaciousness. The vehicle got top marks for braking. WM is also pleased to report that his MPV has been trouble-free, an important rating for the first year of this new model. Overall Rating:
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3 of 13
JB gave her MPV an almost perfect score. Apparently, while researching the MPV before her purchase, JB found some reviewers thought the 2.5-liter Ford engine did not offer enough power (170 hp and 160 hp California) to move the van. However, JB has no complaints and gave her MPV top marks for acceleration and passing. She notes that even with her husband and two children on board she has "more than enough power for merging and passing alike." JB's only complaint is that her van "shifts rougher" than she is used to. The Mazda built transmission might be downshifting in search of a little more power. Two other minor complaints were noted. JB indicates when she rolls the back windows down (a feature exclusive to this minivan only) the wind noise is rather loud. Two minor complaints, however, and JB says she "loves this van." Overall Rating:
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4 of 13
TM of Portland, Oregon has 2,000 miles on his MPV. Nothing has happened over the last 2,000 miles to discourage him and his MPV got a perfect score! TM even gave his MPV the top mark for acceleration, showing this van's performance is up to snuff. Therefore, there is nothing TM does not like about his van so far. The strong scores again show loyal owners are quite pleased with this van's performance. We hope TM reports back over the next few months so that we can monitor his van's performance. Overall Rating:
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5 of 13
JBK gave his MPV highest scores for handling, ease of parking and turning. He also gave his MPV top marks for ride quality and braking. JBK's MPV got top ratings for interior spaciousness. Things this van does very well. JBK's van received the next highest marks for passing power and hill climbing. JBK does admit acceleration is rather sluggish as he gives it a "neutral" rating. This, however, was the only question for which JBK gave his MPV anything less than the top two ratings. Overall Rating:
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6 of 13
RC is very pleased with his van and gave it top marks, or next to the top marks, in every category. Handling got next to the top marks, and acceleration, passing and hill climbing got top marks. Every other category got top marks, except for transmission, which got next to the top score. RC's van received very strong scores showing he is quite pleased.
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7 of 13
VM has already put 3,500 miles on her van. She is very pleased so far and she gave her MPV top marks in every category. She has had no trouble with acceleration and gave her MPV the best rating for hill climbing and and passing. She also gave her van top marks for handling. VM's MPV received strong, but not the top marks, for highway noise, wind noise and interior wear and tear. She also gave the transmission a next to the best rating, suggesting it missed the best rating because it must downshift to stay in the power range. Overall, however, VM is very pleased with her new van and she would buy it again.
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8 of 13
NJ says this is no ordinary minivan. He notes that the MPV is distinguishable from every other vehicle on the road due to its excellent handling characteristics. NJ does admit that the MPV's acceleration is only "adequate". Yet, the vehicle's excellent handling makes up for the lack of power. In the survey, NJ gave next to top scores for passing and acceleration but only a "neutral" rating for hill climbing. NJ also indicated that his vehicle's fit and finish is exceptional. A good score for a vehicle in its first year of production (in North America.) The MPV also has an unusually high quality sound system (option) and NJ says this is the best system he has heard in any van. Overall, a very good rating for a favorable van. Overall Rating:
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9 of 13
RA agrees, with many other reviewers, that the MPV's handling is exemplary. City and highway handling received top marks. Fit and finish also received strong scores. The van is quiet on the freeway and in the city and wind noise is not a problem. The air conditioner works well and the seats are so comfortable RA gave them the top score. Again, however, the MPV did not score as highly as it could for power. RA does seem pleased with the power he has from a standing start, and in passing situations, but hill climbing power is just inadequate. Power is not everything, though, and RA would buy this van again. Overall Rating:
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10 of 13
Carvoice has a detailed survey. The purpose of the detailed survey, as opposed to a shorter summary survey, is to develop patterns. Therefore, when prospective buyers begin to see certain vehicle qualities receive the same, or similar, scores it is easy to know what to expect. WM's survey response is generally consistent with other reviews. Handling is excellent. The vehicle is quite and comfortable. The van stops well. The top scores were given for cornering and turning. Good, but not the best marks were for interior wear and exterior wear. The transmission was given a "good" but not the best score. Surprisingly, WM gave his MPV top marks for passing and hill climbing. He did, however, only gave his van next to the best rating for acceleration. Overall, he would recommend his van. Overall Rating:
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11 of 13
With just 900 miles YS is just getting acquainted with his new MPV. So far, everthing checks out. He has given his new MPV a nearly perfect score. There was only a single question which did not receive top marks, passing ability. It is conceded that for some, the MPV does not have as much power as it could have. However, although the MPV's passing ability is the only thing that keeps it from getting a perfect score, it still got a next to the highest rating suggesting passing is adequate. Overall, another very strong score for a useful minivan. Overall Rating:
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12 of 13
One of the MPV's strongest qualities is its ride. Most comment that it rides like a sedan. TL is no different noting that its "ride is very smooth, like the Buick Park Ave. and Lincoln" TL is used to. The sound system also got top marks. Overall, TL gave his new MPV a perfect score, even giving it top marks for acceleration, passing and hill climbing.There is not much which can be improved with a perfect score. Overall Rating:
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12 of 13
The importet van segment now seems
Comments "We cannot sing enough praises about our MPV. It rides and drives beautifully. We were hesitant about getting the leather seats but now are glad we did. With 2 teenagers we were all comfortable, and the tumble under rear seat is the slickest thing since sliced bread. It has adequate power during 98% of driving, but occasionally comes up a little short during hard acceleration. That is the bad thing about stepping down from a V-8 to V-6. This is also my opinion only, since the Mrs. does not notice it and she put 98% of the miles on it. This is a very nice vehicle that is heartily recommended by both of us." Overall Rating:
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