Mazda MPV

We have owned our 2000 MAZDA MPV van for almost two years and we noticed a very strong odor of exhaust gas coming into the compartment- I actually removed the front manifold and found an 8" crack in the part and had that welded. The removal was difficult to say the least and now we smell the odor again- has anyone gotton anywhere with Mazda Canada about getting at least the part sent out for no charge? I have young kids and safety is a big issue here.

roseville, ca autowest mazda repair department is a ripoff. my o2 mpv has been in the shop more in the past six years than all three of my hondas. Never again especially since F**k Ford bought the company. Way to drive down what was a decent product. My grip is mainly directed at AutoWest Mazda in Roseville, CA. Please don't go there - you will only get ripped off.

My 2000 MPV is terrible!!! Have gone through 2 alternators, 2 transmissions and now I find out there is a crack in the exhaust manifold. Stay away from this van!!!!!!! Not like older reliable Mazda MPV vans...

I purchased a 2000 MPV used in 2001 because of my rapidly expanding family and trusted the quality of Mazda because of another vehicle of theirs I owned (1993 Protégé one major problem in nine years). Generally speaking, the mechanicals of the van are exceptional and it has performed well in the six years I have owned it. The reason for the low review is the corrosion issue that seems to plague this model from 2000 to 2004 so far. The corrosion is extensive: the first place I noticed it was on the hood where it has now perforated. Investigating the hood further revealed the entire front edge is corroding and the underside has a large piece missing. A seal is attached to the front edge and because of corrosion it is no longer sealing water from entering the engine compartment; therefore, exposing electrical and other components to the damaging effects of water. The other places corrosion has shown up are the door edges primarily at the bottom but also around the windows, the rear ... Read more

I have driven down the MPV road and this van was a huge piece of garbage. Ours has a strong smell of gasoline in it that the dealer could not find the source of. We finally traded this piece of junk in. No more Mazdas for us!

My wife and I bought a new 06 MPV in March. With 5K on it now we have experienced no problems whatsoever thus the 5 star rating. It is the perfect size for us. Very comfortable, well built, and terrific road manners for a van. I guess only time will show long term reliability but so far not one complaint!

Bought our 2000 MPV used and haven't had much trouble with it - front discs need replaced (second time) at 80,000 miles - they chatter. Radio died about two years ago and I replaced it with an MP3 player from Crutchfield. Just yesterday the ominous coolant puddle appeared under the rear passenger tire so I am going to have to tackle this and I see from another post that the culprit is most likely the steel supply lines. Makes you wonder what manufacturers are thinking, if they are thinking at all. The 2.8L is too wimpy, I wish ours had the larger engine, but it is pretty decent on gas mileage. It has never let us down even though it has some age and a couple minor problems. The oil change setup is stupid - there is no way to drain oil and remove the filter without having half of it drip onto the frame and undercarriage plastic.

Have a 2000 MPV. Excellent handler; comfortable; good ergonomics; 2.5L v6 a little weak for hard acceleration, otherwise fine; foldunder 3rd row seat and removeable midseats are great. Didn't need a bigger van and didn't want one. Reliable for 75,000 miles and counting. High step-in hard for elderly.

I own an MPV 2002, and I too have a problem with odor. As I understand it, this rotten egg smell has to do with the catalytic converter and Mazda has been going around and quietly replacing parts worth hundreds of dollars,as they did with mine, to try to address it. Tracy, ask your dealer about this. Part replacement helped a little, but there is still an odor and consequently I wouldn't recommend the MPV to anyone.

I am new to this message board and bought a 2004 MPV 3 months ago. I have 4200 miles on it and NOW all of a sudden, I am getting very bad odors when I first open the car up (smell like dirty diapers) and I also get a rotten egg smell when I first turn off the car. I NEVER noticed this problem until about 2 weeks ago and I have read today that some other people have this problem. I don't see a solution to this problem. What worked for you all? Am I stuck in a stinky? Thanks so much! ~ Tracy

Proof that Ford can really UNDERMINE a good car... was satisfied with my 2000 ES when brand new and up until 'bout a week ago (60,000mi)... size is IDEAL for one/two crumbmunchers and certainly not ponderous (and not omnipresent) like other minivans... really enjoy the leather, roll-down rear windows, stylish control/dash layout, and sunroof that Odyssey could not give me. Ford factor is beginning to rear its ugly head... my 2.5L six always left me underwhelmed in the hills of rt81 in NYS... now I find that poor design-planning for us northerners leaves the alternator and rear-heat plumbing susceptible to salty winter roadspray. Unfortunately, Ford buries the alternator in a spot also not well-suited for heat dissipation, the replacement requires the removal of the right-front axle which demand 4+ labor hrs (and $743 according to my evil dealer)... Also was warned about Mazda's decision to use steel plumbing to feed rear heater-core (since changed to aluminium)... sure enough, mine's d... Read more

I too love this mini van. Ours is a 2002 MPV with leather interior. The dual powered doors and door windows are great features. We researched most of the mini's out there and narrowed it down to the Odyssey and the MPV. For our needs, the smaller MPV with a more car-like ride was the winner. Our only complaints are the rotten egg smell from the cat-converter and the placement of the shift lever. I take issue with BigBaby's comment that Ford can build a good car. The MPV is all Japanese except for the duramax V6 engine borrowed from the Taurus. I reseached the history of this engine and it's one of the best Ford has ever built. No so with the one in my Ford Ranger V6 which is truly a POS. My first and last Ford product.

I love my 2000 MPV! Have had it over 1 year and still am very pleased. It has great pick up speed, and every great feature. Family went on very comfortable family vacation drive with the four captain seats and movie screen. Every seat in the van was comfortable for the family, even the back bench! The only minor complaint I have is the placement or spread of the air vents as the front passenger center vent can't turn towards my husband or kids and be off me at the same time: I prefer no cold air on me. Other than that, we all love our van!

This is proof that Ford can build a good car, for all of you haters. Fold flat 3rd row, move together 2nd row buckets, and excellent reliability are the ups for this one. Power was increased a few years ago when Ford brought in the Taurus's great 3.0L DOHC, giving the van 200hp. Its smaller than most vans. If you need something like the Oddyssey, but not as large, get the MPV.

The 2000 MPV is smaller than most minivans, but it has accommodated every situation we've thrown at it beautifully. The handling and power are ample to tackle mountain roads, and the ride is very smooth. My favorite things are its unique features: Rear seat that folds flat to the floor, side-by-slide captain's chair, and middle row windows that roll down. 7 months and counting...I am still impressed with this vehicle.