2002 Mazda MPV - Function and Form Rarely Work this Harmoniously
Mazda's original MPV was eons ahead of its time. It was a true crossover vehicle, offering minivan space and utility mixed with SUV-like styling and available AWD. Everything changed for the 2000 model. Leaving behind its rear and all-wheel drive platform, four hinged doors and truck-like front end design, it became 100% minivan, offering front wheel drive, rear sliding doors and conventional styling. Did they misjudge the SUV crossover craze that lay ahead?
It's safe to say that Mazda would have found more success in the late 80's and early 90's with a conventional minivan. As well, it's reasonable to surmise that its unique approach to minivans back in 1988 would be popular in today's burgeoning crossover market. But that's irrelevant now. What is relevant is the current MPV, one of the best minivans to ever grace our market. Is it that good? In a nutshell, yes.
Mazda has improved everything that needed improvement for 2002, and allowed what was good to remain. New is a 200-hp 3.0-L V6 engine, replacing last year's 170-hp 2.5-L V6. It moves the relatively light MPV along at a brisk pace, shifting via a new fuel efficient 5-speed automatic transmission. Mazda also added subtle changes to the front fascia, integrating its 5-point grille between new multi-reflector headlamps. New side body sculpting ends at a reshaped D-pillar, canted forward to give a sportier look, flanked by aluminum vaporized rear combination tail lamps. The rear window has been redesigned too, offering better rearward visibility.
Mazda's original MPV was eons ahead of its time. It was a true crossover vehicle, offering minivan space and utility mixed with SUV-like styling and available AWD. Everything changed for the 2000 model. Leaving behind its rear and all-wheel drive platform, four hinged doors and truck-like front end design, it became 100% minivan, offering front wheel drive, rear sliding doors and conventional styling. Did they misjudge the SUV crossover craze that lay ahead?It's safe to say that Mazda would have found more success in the late 80's and early 90's with a conventional minivan. As well, it's reasonable to surmise that its unique approach to minivans back in 1988 would be popular in today's burgeoning crossover market. But that's irrelevant now. What is relevant is the current MPV, one of the best minivans to ever grace our market. Is it that good? In a nutshell, yes.
Mazda has improved everything that needed improvement for 2002, and allowed what was good to remain. New is a 200-hp 3.0-L V6 engine, replacing last year's 170-hp 2.5-L V6. It moves the relatively light MPV along at a brisk pace, shifting via a new fuel efficient 5-speed automatic transmission. Mazda also added subtle changes to the front fascia, integrating its 5-point grille between new multi-reflector headlamps. New side body sculpting ends at a reshaped D-pillar, canted forward to give a sportier look, flanked by aluminum vaporized rear combination tail lamps. The rear window has been redesigned too, offering better rearward visibility.