Mazda MPV reviews

2004 Mazda MPV Interior Features

Mazda MPV boasts a brilliantly designed interior. The quality of the materials is top notch. Controls are ergonomically excellent. Rear seating is superbly designed, particularly in light of the MPV's compact dimensions. The MPV can haul six people, yet can be quickly reconfigured to provide a large, flat cargo floor.

The leather in the ES is first class, as nice as what's found in some of the most comfortable luxury cars. The interior itself is very nicely finished with high-quality materials on the dash, center console, everywhere you look. The ES features attractive trim on the dash that looks like polished carbon fiber, giving the interior some sports appeal. The front bucket seats are comfortable and supportive. Visibility from the driver's seat is excellent.

The dashboard has a pleasantly smooth finish that is more reminiscent of a car (rather than a van), flowing organically across the width of the vehicle in a single arc. The instrument pod is nicely situated, with a large speedometer set directly in front of the steering wheel and a smaller tachometer to the right. The gauges are attractive. Mazda's attention to detail is seen everywhere: For example, the shift indicator uses outline lettering for Park and Neutral, which makes Reverse and Drive stand out better. Window switches and other switchgear are textured and feel good to the touch, reminding us of Volkswagen's switchgear, which is among the best in the industry.

Radio and climate controls are placed high up in the center, leaving plenty of space for a couple of storage bins underneath. Once shifted into Drive, the shift lever obscures some of the buttons on the radio. Fortunately, the volume and tuning buttons are huge, and other big, clearly marked controls for station presets and other features make the MPV's radio among the most ergonomically correct in any vehicle. Big storage bins and plenty of cupholders ease long hours on the road. An auxiliary 12-volt outlet in the rear side panel provides power for electric accessories.

Particularly nice is the little foldaway tray between the front seats. We prefer having it deployed because it provides a nice platform for the things we take with us. A small, covered compartment on its leading edge is lined with felt, perfect for toll change and other small items; like other features of the interior, the lid on this little compartment is of high quality.

Seating can be configured for two, three, four or as many as six passengers. Technically, the MPV is rated for seven, but that's assuming the three people in the third row are very small and don't mind being crowded. The MPV is a good size if you typically have four or fewer passengers; if five or six regularly ride with you, then one of the bigger minivans would likely be more suitable.

The second-row bucket seats are as nice as the front seats. They adjust fore and aft, providing additional legroom in either the second or third row, depending on where it is needed. They also recline. It's not a bad place to ride at all. The right-side middle seat features Mazda's innovative Side-by-Slide system, allowing it to be moved to the left, up against the left bucket. Flip up the armrests, and you have a small bench seat. This also provides room for third-row passengers to get in and out. What's great about it is that it's so easy to use. A passenger in that seat can quickly move it to the left to let someone in or out, then move it back right and outboard for more personal space. Both second-row seats can be removed individually, resulting in a perfectly flat cargo floor. Each seat weighs just 37 pounds.

The rearmost bench seat can be folded down into a well in the floor (Mazda calls it Tumble-Under), providing even more perfectly flat floor space. With the seat down and the second row in place, the MPV has 54.6 cubic feet for cargo. Remove the second row and as you have 127 cubic feet for your stuff. This Tumble-Under feature (also found on the Honda