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The MPV is an aging
design that had some obvious shortcomings even new. It is noticeably shorter
in length and narrower than the others here, which helps its handling and
maneuverability, but limits interior space. Agile handling was made possible
only by sacrificing ride comfort, and the 3.0-liter V6, the only available
engine, is not powerful, refined, or fuel-efficient. It’s inexpensive, but it
lacks the safety, luxury, and convenience features found on many competitors.
The MPV may be discontinued in the US after the 2006 model year.
The MPV has a stiff, jittery ride that does not
absorb road imperfections well. But a combination of this suspension tuning
and the MPV’s relatively small size help it be one of the more agile minivans,
but it still feels more like an average family sedan in this regard than a fun
minivan. The steering isn’t especially responsive or communicative, which adds
to that feeling. Acceleration is adequate off the line, but the MPV’s
relatively small V6 struggles at higher speeds. Wind noise is well-suppressed,
but there can be excessive engine and road noise. Fuel economy is
unimpressive, especially considering the MPV’s smallish engine.
Inside, the MPV has high, firm, and supportive
front seats, though they are somewhat narrow and there could be more head
space. The second-row seats need more legroom, and are too low and flat. The
third row is narrow even for two passengers, and while it is a bit higher than
a Ford Freestar’s, it is similarly hard and cramped. It folds into the floor
in one piece, yet this action is less cumbersome than even in some newer
models. The cargo well behind the third seat is conveniently shaped, but the
van’s width limits cargo volume to less than any of the others in this class.
The dash is well-assembled from high-quality materials, but doesn’t have the
upscale feel of some newer
minivans. The gauges are clear, and the instruments are conveniently laid out
and simple to use. Drivers sit comfortably, and have good visibility.
Entry/exit is easy enough to the first two rows of seats despite a somewhat
high step-in, but accessing the third row requires fighting through a narrow
passage to the small third row. When the two second-row captain’s chairs are
mounted together as a bench seat, getting in and out is easier than using the
center aisle. As in the Ford Freestar, the MPV uses a hand-operated parking
brake mounted on the floor between the front seats, unlike in the Ford, the
small center console folds out of the way to allow access to the rear seats,
and the brake is closer to the driver’s seat.
The MPV did not excel in crash testing.
Although NHTSA awarded it five stars for both the driver and for the front
passenger in its frontal crash test, and five stars for both the driver and
for the second row passenger in its side crash test even without the optional
side airbags, it was only Acceptable in the IIHS offset crash test (a low
score in that test for a current design) and was Poor in the IIHS side crash
test without the optional front-seat side airbags (it was not tested with
them). Its front-seat head restraints were also Poor. NHTSA did not evaluate
the MPV’s rollover resistance.
The MPV reviewed here was the least expensive
vehicle in this group, at $26,950. However, it is lacking many of the features
that have come to be expected in current minivans. There is no stability
control, no side airbags for anyone but the front-seat occupants, no heated
seats, no power liftgate, no power passenger’s seat. Some niceties like power
down second-row windows and a remote starting system are included, but there
is nothing unique to this class.
Overall, the MPV suffers
from age and from factors that plagued it from the start. Since its 2000
introduction, more safety, luxury, and convenience features became the minivan
norm, as well as greater interior versatility and interior luxury. Most
minivans have also improved in power and fuel economy since then. And the
MPV’s relatively compact dimensions have always given it a much smaller
interior than the competition. All this stacks up against a reasonable price
and decent maneuverability, making the MPV minivan that’s not as well-rounded
as the class leaders, but at least, unlike the vans that finished below it,
has something unique.
NEXT: 6th Place
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