When my family moved to Las Vegas more than a year ago, we knew we would have to invest in a new car and quickly. Traveling more than 1500 miles in a 1989 Ford Econoline van, that burned a quart of oil every 4 hours, was a nightmare. After settling in, we headed off to the local car dealership and we were taken for our money. Insert our 2005 Mazda MPV.
The 2005 Mazda MPV is a family car is all sense of the words. While the vehicle is marketed as a cross between a van and car, the space inside leans toward car. Seating seven is a stretch for the car (van), even though there are enough seat belts for this many people. I have yet to find anyone of normal size to fit in the middle, tiny seats. The 2005 Mazda MPV is not a spacious vehicle.
While on the subject of space, let us talk about the trunk. Or should I say tru. . .The size of the trunk on the 2005 Mazda MPV, does not even earn the letters “n” and “k”! You can fit 5-10 grocery bags into the trunk, and that is with some serious packing and balancing skills. If you actually use the trunk to store a stroller, baby bag or anything at all, you will never fit any groceries in there.
I could certainly love the 2005 Mazda MPV if it gave me a little umpf in the engine department. Pressing on the gas pedal and feeling the torque beneath my foot, would certainly fade away all other negatives about this car. But, unfortunately, I can not live that fantasy. The 2005 Mazda MPV kept the car engine and added size and weight. While Mazda claims the 24 valve Dual Over Head Cam engine is powerful, I have yet to drive the car (van), in more than a year of ownership, without wondering if it would ever actually make it into 4th gear.
Even though I rant about the negatives of the 2005 Mazda MPV, there are a few good things about the car (van) to state.
The styling of the 2005 Mazda MPV is wonderful. It is small, sleek and cool. While it bleeds Mazda, I am still in love with the Zoom Zoom styling.
The dual sliding doors are great for families with a lot of children. I am always keeping track of getting my children into and out of the car quickly and efficiently, and with two sliding doors, it is far easier maneuvering all of the kids in through one doorway.
The gas mileage is pretty exceptional for a mid-sized car(van). We use our Mazda for short trips (3-5 miles one way) most often and manage to fill up the 16 gallon tank only once every two weeks.
The 2005 Mazda MPV is not a great choice for a family. While the vehicle is marketed with seven passenger seating, realistically, this vehicle only seats six comfortably. The engine leaves much to be desired and aside from the Zoom Zoom styling, I strongly dislike the 2005 Mazda MPV! As a consumer, I rate this car (van) with two out of five stars.
