2003 Mazda MPV Walkaround Review at Automotive.com
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2003 Mazda MPV Review: Exterior

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2003 Mazda MPV Review

Small is beautiful.
Walkaround
Mazda MPV is among the smallest of the mainstream minivans sold in the U.S., Measuring just 188 inches long. Honda Odyssey, among the largest minivans, is nearly 14 inches longer than the MPV.

Most Americans believe bigger is better when it comes to minivans. Europeans prefer a smaller vehicle for negotiating narrow streets and parking in tight places. The Mazda MPV is designed for this latter group, so it isn't the first choice of most U.S. buyers. Being smaller and more nimble does have its advantages even in North America, however.

The MPV is sleek and aerodynamic, at least for a minivan. It boasts a coefficient of drag of just 0.34; that means it's not quite as boxy as you might expect. The low drag coefficient contributes to the MPV's low levels of wind noise as well as its fuel efficiency. The appearance of the MPV is enhanced by its big wheels: 16-inch alloys on LX, 17-inch on ES. The outside mirrors are on the small side; bigger mirrors would be better (although they might increase wind noise).

MPV offers a higher level of quality than the Kia Sedona. You need only pull on the door handles of the MPV and the Sedona to see an example of this. The MPV sports high-quality, body-color door handles that are easy to grab and feel good and substantial in your hand; they are among the best door handles on any vehicle.

MPV's sliding doors open nicely, also. The doors are easy to operate manually, although optional power operation ($800) makes life far more convenient. Buttons to open and close them are located on the driver's left and in front of each rear passenger; they are also activated by yanking on the inside or outside door handles. For safety, a defeat switch allows the driver to lock everyone inside. A beep lets you know a door is in motion, and the doors will stop closing if they sense any obstructions, such as a small foot or hand.

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2003 Mazda MPV
  
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