2000
ICOTY Awards - Minivan
Most
Compatible - Mazda MPV
Sometimes
it pays to be last. That way, you can see how the others
have played the game and what it takes to win. Mazda did
just that with the MPV, being one of the last manufacturers
to appear with a fourth door on a minivan. But Mazda was
shooting for perfection, and has nearly achieved it with
the MPV. The doors slide easily, and the sliding door rails
are hidden under the rear glass, which gives the vehicle
the cleanest lines in the minivan clan. The slide-by-side
seat system is impressive, and the fold flat/flipover rear
seat arrangement takes the Honda idea one step better. The
engine is a familiar one: a 2.5-liter Duratec V-6 good for
170 horsepower thats also found in a variety of Ford
vehicles. With a 100,000-mile tune-up policy, the vehicle
wont leave you benched in the dealership waiting room.
Mazdas MPV is definitely one vehicle that has learned
to play well with others.
Runner-Up:
Ford Windstar
Third
Place: Chrysler Town &
Country
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