• The MPV is Mazda's model of minivans.Family van image by Avesun from Fotolia.com
  
  Mazda entered the minivan market in 1989 with the introduction of the all-wheel drive MPV and an advertising slogan touting it as the only "go anywhere" minivan on the market. This propelled sales through the mid-90s, though other minivan manufacturers had caught up to the MPV and, in many cases, passed it when it came to comfort, handling and power, according to Edmunds. The final year of the Mazda MPV was 2006, and the specifications of its minivans were similar to others on the market.
  
  

Engine

• Engine specifications of the 2006 Mazda MPV were identical for all models--the base LX-SV model, the mid-range LX model, or the more luxury-oriented ES model. The standard engine consisted of a 3-liter, 200-horsepower V-6. Its maximum horsepower came at 6,200 rpm with a maximum torque of 200 foot-pound at 3,000 rpm.
  
  

Transmission

• The standard transmission on all models of the 2006 Mazda MPV was a five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
  
  

Fuel Economy

• Due to the fact that it was a larger, heavier automobile, the fuel economy on all models of the 2006 Mazda MPV was relatively poor. The 2006 Mazda MPV averages 18 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
  
  

Dimensions

• The 2006 Mazda MPV minivans had identical dimensions. They were 189.3 inches in length, 72.1 inches in width and 68.7 inches in height. Each had a ground clearance of 5.3 inches and a total wheelbase of 111.8 inches. The turning radius was 37.4 feet. Its gross vehicle weight was 5,260 lbs., with a curb weight of 3,754 lbs. and a maximum payload of 1,488 lbs.
  
  

Driving and Interior

• The ES model was more expensive than the LX and LX-SV models due to its driving options and interior specifications. While all models came with anti-lock brakes, only the ES had traction control as a standard addition to the car's handling options. Both the ES and LX models had the ability to have a sunroof installed on them while the LX-SV did not. The ES model also had leather seats and power seats that came standard, while the other 2006 Mazda MPV models did not.