Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2006 Mazda MPV 2-WD (SUV / Mini Van?) Mazda says:
Body of a Minivan, soul of a sports car. I have a friend that fits that description. If you’ve read my column for very long you’ll know that for a very long time I have been a proponent of the MiniVan primarily for the family as a better alternative to the SUV. But folks continue to buy the more gas hungry SUVs because of the image of being more road worthy. In other words they picture themselves waltzing around trouble on the road coupled with the off road capability of the SUV.
If we’re honest with ourselves we know that is just a perception when we live in the big city. Granted you may run into off road conditions if you live on a farm or ranch as I do.
We ARE off road. But since I drive many exotics I have to tell you unless I have to go
chasing cows or even lions and tigers and bears – oh my… most cars are very capable on those dirt roads I must travel to get home. It is generally rare for me to need 4-WD even on the range. You wouldn’t even need it on “ Brokeback Mountain ” kind of range.
General Info:
Parts – Japan 85% US/Canadian 15% (Engine – USA)
Assembly – Hiroshima, Japan
Class: – Special Purpose (SPV 2-WD)
Cars: Mazda 3, 5, 6, 6 Sport Wagon, Speed 6, MPV, MX-5, RX-8, Tribute and Truck.
Handling & Performance:
These are great vehicles and I always look forward to testing the various models of mini vans. I have grand kids, and I have golfing buddies and when you pack up the gang and all the gear you can pull it all just fine thanks, in the mini van, and I’ve never had the need for a 4-WD SUV. The ride is softer than the SUV counterpart but I found the lower center of gravity of the Mini Van gives it a safer feeling ride in the mountains where I test most all the cars I drive.
Styling:
Nissan Quest is about the only Mini Van to depart from the “Cookie Cutter” design tool. But then it is functionality that is most important and the MPV is classic Mini Van and has clean lines and simply nice looking.
Fit and Finish:
Very good. You will notice some cars and particularly trucks out there where the gaps between body parts are wide and thus very noticeable. The Japanese are particularly good in this department and the MPV is no exception to that rule. You shouldn’t even notice where everything comes together or they haven’t done a very good job.
Cost:
You get more bang for your buck in a Mini Van as opposed to the SUV and in general the SUVs cost more. Was it Pocahontas who also used that line?
Conveniences:
The most convenient features for me are the power sliding side doors, remote entry and fold away seats in the rear. I suspect that is the case for you too.
Consumer Recommendation:
Be mindful of the utility of the Mini Van and I doubt there are many “Soccer Moms” who would prefer and SUV over the Mini Van. I believe it is the perception dads have about the macho image of the SUV. Save the money, cut your expenses, burn less fuel and dump the SUV as an option. You’ll be glad you did.
Recognized Competition:
Mazda MPV $22-29,000, Kia Sedona $21-23,000, Ford Freestar $20-30,000, Saturn Relay $23-29,000, Pontiac Montana SV6 $24-28,000, Buick Terraza $27-33,000, Chevrolet Uplander $19-33,000, Mercury Monterey $29,000, Honda Odyssey $25-39,000, Toyota Sienna $24-38,000, Dodge Caravan $18-27,000, Nissan Quest $24-34,000.
Good News:
7 passenger seating, good fuel economy, easy entry and exit and comfortable ride.
Bad News:
None.
Standard Equipment:
3.0 liter 200 hp V6 engine, 5-speed auto trans front wheel drive w/overdrive, traction control, 7 passenger seating, 9 speaker sound system w/ 6 disc CD changer, leather seating and wrapped steering wheel, 2nd row side by side seats, 3rd row tumble under seat, front and rear air conditioning, keyless entry, bumper to bumper warranty with 24 hr road assist and loaner car program, 4-wheel antilock brake system with force distribution, variable wipers front and rear with washers, 8-way power driver seat, power windows and door locks and mirrors, cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, map lights and sunglass holder, seat side table and seatback pockets, power side sliding doors and dual front and side airbags.
Gas Stats:
18 City and 25 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $28,515.
