Here’s how the Mazda MPV failed by trying to be both an SUV and minivan
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- Опубликовано: 10 мар 2023
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In this episode I provide the history of the Mazda MPV. It was released in 1989, as the minivan market had become one of the most popular car segments. But the MPV was standard with rear wheel drive, and optionally offered with full time four wheel drive like an SUV, and didn't have a sliding door, but instead a conventionally hinged rear door only on the passenger side. Sales never came close to Chrysler's best-selling minivans, leading to a complete redesign in 1999 that made the MPV pretty much like all other minivans by then, with dual sliding doors and front-wheel-drive. Although that initial change helped boost sales, it soon faded into obscurity, leading to its replacement with the CX-9 by 2007.
Everyone forgets the Mazda 5 which was just as weird as it was quite small for a minivan but did have sliding rear doors. it was even sold in the US with a stick as an option, probably the last minivan to do so
That was a station wagon with sliding doors
Forgets? I still see them occasionally.
@@roketfingers remember the Stanza wagon / Nissan Axxess?
I think the Mazda 5 was more closely related to “micro vans” found in other countries (there is nothing mini about a minivan). I had a Mazda 5 for a week rental and I liked it, looks aside. Very practical if you didn’t need the added size.
Yeah I was wondering why the Mazda 3 based Mazda 5 wasn't mentioned either. I think we got them untill 2015. I liked the idea of a smaller minivan option...and could be had with a stick! It and the MPV were smallish though compared to others which I think hurt them. We actually got two generations of Mazda 5s here after the MPV.
Ive been a Mazda technician for over 25 years and the MPV was actually quite popular with its customers. The main reason for the new 2nd generation FWD later version was due to Ford's involvement and partial ownership.
What dealer are you at?
I grew up riding around in (and eventually driving) an '89 2WD with a V6, it was an excellent vehicle. We towed with it and hauled a kayak on the roof, though several different states, it never let us down.
I owned a black and silver 1998 MPV Allsport. Absolutely loved that vehicle!! The locking differential 4 wheel drive was a beast! Got me thru some terrible illinois winters. Never got stuck. Sadly the transmission eventually started to die and only in 2013 did we trade vehicle in for an Awd Buick Enclave lease.
yup, when Ford replaced the engine in 2001 with a larger better gas mileage engine, it was so unreliable compared to its Mazda counterpart in 2000 and before...
The first gen was a pretty cool looking vehicle. Kinda ahead of its time imo.
Agreed
Completely agree, to the point that I bought a low mile, pre-facelift, 4WD example out of CA this year. It's basically a crossovan, much like many of today's mid-size SUVs. It's just such a practical vehicle, and now I can dedicate my '88 Dodge Raider to heavier off-road duty.
I always root for the underdog car companies: AMC, Lancia, Mazda - I like how those companies innovated and came up with weird and cool stuff. I'm glad Mazda is still around. Mazda also makes some of the nicest looking new cars sold today, too.
I owned a 1990 4wd MPV and absolutely loved it. One of the few vehicles I’ve ever owned that I miss. Enough ground clearance to handle snow, quite spacious for hauling when removing the third seat, and pretty comfortable to drive with good sight lines. I would love to find another one.
Yeah I really liked the first gen
The first-gen MPV (and Honda Odyssey) weren't really minivans, they were 'people movers' which is basically a global analog to a minivan but with normal doors instead of sliding ones. See also: Renault Espace
Arguably, the Mitsubishi-built Dodge/Plymouth Colt Vista falls into this category, as well.
The emerging market's Toyota Innova also falls under this category technically.
Something like the Volkswagen Sharan/Ford Galaxy in Europe.
I love cab over vans
What's really unique about it is it's off-road capabilities, with it's Japanese truck-like drivetrain, suspension, and ground clearance. It's a very practical vehicle.
Yes, we do need more Mazda episodes. Definitely the 929/Millenia, and I’d also like to see the RX-7 and RX-8. Maybe even the Mazda5 as well, but there should’ve been mention of it in this episode.
Someone needs to build a 929 with an LS.
Love to see a 929 episode
Should also cover the other sportier cars Mazda produced in the past, MX3 and MX6
@@vicksanchez6376 Well the MX-6 is basically the same car as the Ford Probe, and there’s an episode on that.
I did remember the Mazda5 which was the unofficial successor to the MPV in the US Market, which was a small Minivan that ran in the US from 2006-2015 across two generations. Production ended globally in 2018.
They weren’t comparable by size. The Mazda 5 was much smaller, I’d say it was closer to something like a Honda Fit or Element than a minivan.
The Montero like height and GC plus its 4 WD optional actually inherited in the 7 seaters Mazda CX-9, albeit it is moving to the luxury segment today.
@@cpassehl it was a crossover, bigger then the Fit, with an extra seat over either the Fit or the Element. There for very technically closer to something like the Subaru Outback, then either of the two you have stated. Ford had the Freestyle which closer resembled an Outback, but offered more seating. as well as Kia had the Rondo though they did eventually do away with the third row.
Japan classifys the 5 as a station wagon and thats basically how I treat mine; a road only SUV.
The MPV were extremely popular in the Northern states. Alot of guys in New York customized them!
I hope for a Mazda 929 video!
The MPV was quirky, and that was its best attribute. When it went vanilla, it was never quite right. Too small, too expensive, too weak... They should have stuck to their original formula and kept evolving it.
I wish they kept the name instead of CX9
This vehicle wasn't a failure. It was actually super cool!
What a coincidence! I saw one just yesterday a very early 1990's one driving in the street. In chanpagne color, of course. I thought to myself, that I hadn't seen one of those in about 20 years.
Other than the rust, the one I owned was hands down the best vehicle I ever owned. I still miss it.
Please do an episode on the Mitsubishi Diamante
MPV was ahead of its time. The concept was sound.
We owned a Mazda MPV for ten years and we loved it. Nobody makes a mid-sized minivan anymore.
The Mazda MPV is the unofficial car of Wu Tang Clan and late 80s/early 90s Hip Hop in general.
I'm shocked that wasn't mentioned in the video
We had an 1989 MPV as a kid. It was an amazing vehicle!
Minivan wise, these first gen MPVs did alright over here. They didn't outsell Previa's, Odysseys or GMC Safari's for sure but still managed to be more popular than the Aerostar, Windstar, lumina APVs and maybe even the first 2 generation of the Voyagers/Caravans.
Great video! I remember driving a first gen MPV years ago. The ride was truck like and being car based with optional 4 wheel drive makes it almost more a earlier crossover than a minivan.
The MPV was ahead of its time.
Good pick thanks! These were popular in the northeast thanks to their awd and japanese build quality.
4wd*!!!!
I did some work on a Mazda 5 just a few days ago. They are a small mini van! 3rd row seating and all!
It actually aged pretty well. Now that almost all cars look like high beltline SUVs. It looked ahead of it's time.
The MPV sold quite well in Canada - there were tons of them around here for years. The 4wd models were quite prevalent.
Nobody cares about Canada .
Thank you for this content brother. I turn 35 this year and feel more nostalgic with every passing day. This hits the spot and gives me well articulated info while I work.
MPVs were a hit. Loved the concept.
Rollin in MPVS every week we made 40g’s
I really do feel like the first generation MPV just looked a bit too much like a used bar of soap, but in hindsight it was quite the innovation for their day. I mean, they did what GM did with the Uplander and similar SUV-nosed minivans 15 years after the MPV.
That logo change still makes me do a double when I see some RX7s with that badge. Greate video!
Our 2005 MPV is still on the road, with 250k miles, has required very little done to it above routine maintenance. With all the seats flipped down it still can haul more stuff than a truck with a cab cap. 👍
Now that Mazda is independent, their quality and reliability has improved which means they are just as good Honda & Toyota
Toyota is the one to avoid
As good? They have been better quality for quite some time.
I had one of these and it was one of the favourite vehicles I ever owned!
I really liked the Mazda 5 and considered getting one, thinking it would be great for different activities. A friend did buy one and still has it to this day. Runs great and he loves it.
This is the only car I’ve requested. I remember the mpv in 1999 was the first and only minivan to have sliding doors with roll down windows!
I had a 2003 MPV, great little van, affordable and very reliable.
Astro van would be a great followup
Reminder that Mazda also made the Mazda5 and there was a Mazdaspeed version
Consistently good content. Thanks Pat.
Was our family car and it lasted 15 years. Ahead of it's time
Thanks for posting this! I’d been curious about these as they seem very useful. I’d welcome a video on GM’s ‘97 minivan offerings from Doraville Assembly. Venture, Montana, Sintra, and Silhouette are all good vans. Their car-like narrow width, good enough LA1 engine, and Versatrak are worth talking about versus the Ford and Mopar offerings. GM didn’t know Dexcool would eat her intake gaskets, but that can be fixed.
this is the formula that geely has perfected with the okavango, a crossover between an mpv and an suv
I would love a clip on the 929, we didnt get those in Europe (or It was a are car). The evolution of the 626 into the 6 is also interesting
Mazda 5 was truly unique for its time. It was between a micro van and hatchback but classified as a wagon.
Wu tang clan loved these... these were loved on the east coast
Real Interesting, thank you for this cool video. The vehicles of the 80's And 90's look sweet!
This background music fits so well to every video! Please never never ever replace this music!
These videos are fantastic!
Thanks for another great Saturday night video to watch while being at work.👍😇👌
I think the Mazda Millennia deserves its own video
I didn't know about the Mazda logo until now. Thanks Pat, for another great video.
Great Episode again!
Thanks !!!
Another great vid with great info.
Would love to see an original mpv turned into an overlander. Seems like a perfect candidate
The Mazda MPV was so ahead of its time. It has the fundamental features and design of the modern day family crossover. Unibody architecture, seats 7, and efficient. The 90’s were a time of experimentation for the next big seller as customers want space and practicality, so the minivan was king, but it was associated with bland suburbia. While the rugged SUV provided the same space as a minivan and added coolness, but gas mileage suffered from its heavy body-on-frame design meant for off-roading. So the 2000’s saw the rise of SUV’s using sedan-derived unibody platforms with lighter weight AWD systems to keep gas consumption down. Today we have the CX-90. Completely devoid of off-road and ruggedness from traditional SUV’s, and has more in common with the civility of a full-size sedan.
The MPVs Unibody design was sadly its biggest reason for rusting out beyond repair.., the main reason they are so rare nowadays. Also they were available with 8 seats aswell, while most minivans of the time only had 7.
I remember when Mazda intro'd the MPV. I was too young at the time to drive a car, but I liked the idea behind it. Instead of targeting the Chrysler Minivans of the time, perhaps they should've aimed at those who were buying the Chevy Astro and GMC Safari, and the Ford Aerostar. They were front engine, rear-wheel drive.
I think the Mazda Protege definitely deserves an episode
Protege is included here: ruclips.net/video/QPK5uX4BA1o/видео.html
Thanks for sharing this informative on the Mazda MPV!!! 👍👍🙂
great video as always
You continue to put out great content thank you so much
I still look forward to an episode about a Honda CRX if you would be so inclined
you should do an episode on the Datsun B210
Gotta do the Vanagon at some point, and its replacement, the Eurovan
The first model year Mazda MX-3 had the diamond logo. I had a few with it. Actually would love to see an episode on the MX-3.
The Chrysler Grand Voyager is/was peak though (AKA Town and Country in the US)
You make some instresting videos!! Love this channel
The GM vans were called the dust buster van but the Ford Aerostar has a similar wedge shape
Nice video! I remember seeing it on the road many years ago!!!
Everyone wanted one of these in the 90’s
I remember the diamond logo. I had a parent who worked at Mazda and there was a short time I'd see their demo with the diamond. We mostly had the MPV because there was 5 kids in the family. I got the center rear seat allllllll the time. I HATED the MPV. It reminds me of crappy uncomfortable long road trips.
Interesting coincidence:
In 1991 Mazda switched their logo from "Mazda" to the "cylon" & "eternal flame" logos.
In 1992 Prince changed his name to the unpronounceable "Love Symbol #2".
Never thought of this vehicle once. I love this episode.
Thanks for the post.
I had a 92 Colt Vista wagon.
Would love to see you look into the Colt.
I remember seeing alot of these at the time never needed a minivan thank God
I had a second gen 2000 MPV ES and it was a wonderful vehicle that served our family very well … zoom zoom
Great episode. I remember those MPV’s.
The Mazda 626 deserves a look too. It never really measured up to the Accord or Camry.
It looks like the gen 1 honda pilot that came out in 2002, 14 years after the mpv.
I have a 95 MPV. Converted and use it as a surf mobile and "camper van" that is inconspicuous. Get compliments on it all the time!
If you lived in Cupertino, Saratoga or Almaden Valley, CA in the 1990s, this was the prominent car of its time
I live and grew up in San Jose, I used to see them all the time. We even had a 929 and used to see a handful around the Bay quite regularly in the early 00's.
At a certain time, Mazda had done some good design/engineering. Beauty is in eyes of the beholder, I agree. I believe Mazda had/has great looking cars.
You're preaching to the choir. I've had a Protege, 626, MPV, Mazda 5 and a Mazda 3. Never did anything but regular maintenance on any of them.
I had an mpv 4x4 for 3 years and loved it.
Love the content
Great video! Can you make a video about the Mazda 929, Mazda Millenia, Acura Legend and Vigor?
Perfect list.
Love this channel 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
We raised 3 boys with a 1994 MPV. One of the best vehicles I've ever had the privilege to own.
Nice Job on the Mazda MPV Minivan Video, Speaking of Ford, Mazda's B Series shared a Pickup Truck body with the Ford Ranger Pickup, Maybe you could do a video on that one.
The Mazda5 was a small mini van, so they did return to the minivan market.
I owned the Gen1 & Gen2 Mazda MPV. I truly loved the Gen1.
As a Mazda owner, I'd definitely like to see more content on the brand. Maybe an episode on the RX-7 or RX-8?
We still drive our 2003 MPV and love those Zoom Zoom commercials
1st gen was way ahead of it's time. Precursor to modern crossovers.
Thanks for that last statement about the ridiculous price of the burger! Needed to be said!!!
😀
Steve.
This vehicle was A hood classic. 😂😂
Always did and still do like the looks of the Gen 1 Mazda van.
I would love to see the Mazda MX-3 Precidia featured. The V-6 version was a weird little engine but it was fun while it lasted
It Just Feels Right.
Love this channel 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I drove a 1997 All sport 2WD as a college student, I really loved it, pretty reliable.
owned both iterations of the MPV and loved them both for different reasons. I would have bought the Mazda 5 but it didn't last that long. Had good success with my MPV's
Haven't seen one in years. Used to be all around here when I was a kid. Loved the Previa always wanted one until I found the engine under the front seat. You may have something with that emblem thing as I have mentioned before the Geo branded cars all dropped in sales after they were rebranded Chevrolet
The problem with all those cars is the price. The people that wanted them couldn't afford them.
They were the same price as most competitors, Astro AWD and MPV 4WD were both $23,000