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Mazda MPV US Generations (LV / LW)

1989–2006 · LV/LW · van

The MPV nameplate covered two distinct minivans in the US. The first-gen LV (1989-1998 US) was a rear-drive (or part-time 4WD) van with traditional swing-out rear doors and V6 power (later joined by an inline-four). The second-gen LW (2000-2006) moved to FWD with dual sliding rear doors and a Ford-sourced 3.0L Duratec V6 from 2002. The first-gen MPV is mechanically simpler; the second-gen is more conventional minivan.

Watch out: Owner reports of LW transmission shudder and slipping at higher mileage (the four-speed automatic mated to the 3.0L V6 is the typical culprit), aging power-sliding-door motors, and rust on rocker panels and tailgate seams on salt-belt cars. First-gen LV cars often need full suspension and exhaust refresh at this age.