The Mazda MPV is a minivan produced by Mazda starting in 1989. The first model of the MPV was replaced in 2000 with a more modern version of the original. From the time the MPV hit the streets in 1989 until early 2005 almost one million Mazda MPV minivans had been sold.
The MPV was the Japanese response to the minivan boom of the late 1980's. Each manufactuer had a different response to the minivan boom, but not many of them were all that successful because they were large vehicles with small 4 cylinder engines. The MPV was very different from its supposed competitors because it was designed as a minivan, not as a conversion or cargo van. Mazda used the best platform they had which was the HC to create the MPV's LV platform and instead of using a small engine, Mazda equipped the MPV with a V6 as well as an optional all wheel drive.
The MPV was revamped in 2000 with a front wheel drive LW platform based on the Mazda 626. The second generation of the MPV is more traditional with the sliding rear doors. Some unique features on the MPV are a rear seat that fold flat into the floor and rear door windows that roll down. In 2002 the engine was replaced in the MPV's with Mazda's AJ 3.0 Litre V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission that produces an outstanding 200 horsepower. The grille of the MPV was updated in both 2002 and 2004 with a sportier look.
It's thought that the Mazda MPV may soon be elminated since there are new minivans that Mazda expects to produce in the near future. Elminiting the MPV will likely boost the sales of the other two Mazda minivans.
