The MPV was replaced for 2000 with a front wheel drive LW platform based on the 626. This second generation MPV was much more traditional, with sliding rear doors and front-wheel drive. Some differentiating factors included a rear seat that folded flat into the floor and rear-door windows that rolled down.
The MPV was initially reviewed as underpowered, using the Mazda AJ (which was actually Ford's Duratec) 2.5 L V6, an engine intially designed by Porsche before it was sold to Ford and used in the Contour. This was replaced in a 2002 refresh with Mazda's AJ 3.0 L V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission that produces 200 hp and 200 ft·lbf of torque, matching Mazda's "zoom zoom" theme. Also updated at this time were the grille, which now was larger, with a single chrome bar at the top rather than a full surround.
In 2004 it adopted a more aggressive look with new headlights and taillights resembling the appearance of "tuner cars" with "Altezza" style clear taillights, and aggressive headlamps. The LX Sport package further added body side skirts, and air dam bumpers with optional spoiler. The ES model added leather seats, rear air conditioner, and power sliding doors, with a choice of sunroof or roof mounted DVD player.
By 2006, the MPV was virtually the only minivan which had not adopted the size form factor of the long wheelbase Chrysler minivans, including Kia and Nissan. Those who do purchase the vehicle appreciate its narrow and short size, light weight and maneuverability. Some car reviews called it Ford's best minivan. It has a low price as a used vehicle or sales incentives as new. For example, in 2005, it was possible to pay just $15,000 for a 2004 MPV with 22,000 miles after being retired by a rental car company, while a the trade in for a 2003 Pilot with 44,000 miles was $24,000. While the rear seats aren't as large as the Odyssey, for users who just need occasional 7 passenger seating, and not 4 wheel drive, the MPV is a much more affordable alternative to a popular Honda minivan, or an SUV.
The Japanese Mazda website already shows the next MPV with lazy-boy recliner feature seats and turbo 4 engine. However, with the introduction of the smaller Mazda5 minivan, CX-7 and CX-9 SUVs to North America, Mazda will stop exporting the MPV to North America after the 2006 model year.
Engines
2000-2001 2.0 L FS-DE I4 (non-US)
2000-2001 2.5 L GY-DE I4 (non-US)
2000-2001 2.5 L AJ V6
2002- 3.0 L AJ V6
The MPV was initially reviewed as underpowered, using the Mazda AJ (which was actually Ford's Duratec) 2.5 L V6, an engine intially designed by Porsche before it was sold to Ford and used in the Contour. This was replaced in a 2002 refresh with Mazda's AJ 3.0 L V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission that produces 200 hp and 200 ft·lbf of torque, matching Mazda's "zoom zoom" theme. Also updated at this time were the grille, which now was larger, with a single chrome bar at the top rather than a full surround.
In 2004 it adopted a more aggressive look with new headlights and taillights resembling the appearance of "tuner cars" with "Altezza" style clear taillights, and aggressive headlamps. The LX Sport package further added body side skirts, and air dam bumpers with optional spoiler. The ES model added leather seats, rear air conditioner, and power sliding doors, with a choice of sunroof or roof mounted DVD player.
By 2006, the MPV was virtually the only minivan which had not adopted the size form factor of the long wheelbase Chrysler minivans, including Kia and Nissan. Those who do purchase the vehicle appreciate its narrow and short size, light weight and maneuverability. Some car reviews called it Ford's best minivan. It has a low price as a used vehicle or sales incentives as new. For example, in 2005, it was possible to pay just $15,000 for a 2004 MPV with 22,000 miles after being retired by a rental car company, while a the trade in for a 2003 Pilot with 44,000 miles was $24,000. While the rear seats aren't as large as the Odyssey, for users who just need occasional 7 passenger seating, and not 4 wheel drive, the MPV is a much more affordable alternative to a popular Honda minivan, or an SUV.
The Japanese Mazda website already shows the next MPV with lazy-boy recliner feature seats and turbo 4 engine. However, with the introduction of the smaller Mazda5 minivan, CX-7 and CX-9 SUVs to North America, Mazda will stop exporting the MPV to North America after the 2006 model year.
Engines
2000-2001 2.0 L FS-DE I4 (non-US)
2000-2001 2.5 L GY-DE I4 (non-US)
2000-2001 2.5 L AJ V6
2002- 3.0 L AJ V6