Driving Dynamics Earn GT Designation

I don't know why today's ultimate people haulers are called minivans anymore, when they seem to get larger with every redesign. Which is the biggest now? The Ford Freestar, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, Chrysler Town and Country or Toyota Sienna - frankly I've lost track. Although I do know for certain that the Mazda MPV is far from the largest and that's okay with me, because it is definitely one of the sportiest.

In addition to being able to move seven people, the Mazda MPV GT is also capable of moving the spirit. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Let's face it, road testing a minivan is not what keeps auto journalists lying awake at night, excited about the following day's adventure behind the wheel. In fact I slept quite well during the period the Mazda MPV and I spent together. But my nocturnal routine shouldn't be misinterpreted as complacency toward the MPV that was sleeping just as snugly in my garage. In addition to moving the person, seven of them in total, the MPV GT is capable of moving the spirit.

The once placid yet capable Mazda MPV has received a sporty makeover for 2004. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

For 2004, Mazda performed a makeover of its once placid but worthy MPV, giving it a shot of adrenaline in the process. I say makeover because the restyling pertains mainly to a longer more defined nose, sleeker headlight arrangement, new bumpers and the addition of restrained side skirting. Think of the changes as more of a facelift than reconstructive surgery. The subtle treatment has brought youth and vitality to a van whose former styling could best be described as benign at best.

And to ensure the new sheet metal and composite design elements are eye-catching, Mazda came up with seven new colors for the 2004 MPV: Rally White, Tsunami Blue Mica, Whitewater Pearl, Nordic Green Mica, Cosmic Sand Metallic, Razor Blue and Titanium Gray Metallic. The MPV retains Black Mica and Sunlight Silver Metallic from the 2003 model year.