Mazda E2200 road tests and consumer car reviews

Mazda E2200 1993

I’ve just bought my second E2200 and only realised how good these vans were after getting rid of my first. I’ve driven allsorts in-between and always found myself missing my Mazda. They just work well and are really comfy to drive; you’re right on top of the engine and you can really see where you’re putting it. With its cartoon campervan shape (sulking bottom lip front bumper ) these vans are a true classic of the future. My latest one is a K reg (1993), which has only done 43000miles. I’m going look after this one, I feel like I’ve got an old pal back.

Mazda E2200 5 Door 2000

For 30 years I have driven panel vans, from VW to Hi-ace, Renault to Fiat, this Mazda E2200 has me in tears, ’cos for 11 years with the Mazda there wasnt one problem, and I crashed it last week! 150,000 miles on clock, body work was poor as we are agri-contractors and it’s not worth repairing, but it’s a fine engine in the van. The van didn’t drive well over moist field in Ireland, but it’s a street van so what do I expect? Fuel consumption is still over 37.5 mpg. Yes the cab is sparse and the seats are not good for comfort, but what a van; started every day in cold mountain, misty climate and never had one part replaced, bar shocks due to rural bumpy roads. I am going to miss the entire Mazda van experience. It’s a classic, like the VW bus, sob sob sob, I am going to miss this one.

Mazda E2200 2000

Great reliable van, over 200K. Only normal service costs; brake pads, tyres etc. It is vital to fit a roobar and lights; I unfortunately hit a 75kilo kangaroo recently and if I’d had no roobar then I wouldn’t be here.

Mazda E2200 panel van 1999

Bought the van at an aquatic auction four years ago, ex builders/garden centre van so has been worked hard. Really tatty outside due to people that can’t reverse!! Bought with 12 months m.o.t for £260, nobody else wanted it so at that price I thought it might be a cheap replacement for my rather small Escort van. Do I regret? Hell no!! Starts first flick everytime, rain or frost. Carrying capabilities are second to none, reliable, fairly cheap on fuel,30-35. Loaded most of the time, I too do a little building,handyman work. Covered 3000 miles over the last 2 long weekends collecting motorcycles plus associated parts. Couldn’t wish for a better van and I’ve had a fair few over the years. Why did they stop making them? Must have been one hell of a backhander!!

Mazda E2200 2004 twin side loading mwb

I bought my e2220 three years ago from a mature one owner carpet fitter and I am a carpet fitter too and it has never missed a beat! Utterly reliable van, excellent loading space, so easy to park as you sit on the front wheels, very agile and torquey engine albeit a bit gutless top end. DOWNSIDES: Not a lot of cabin space, parts are not cheap however in the three years I have had it it hasn’t needed much at all. These vans were made for carpet fitters and I am sure all who have these vans will agree that these few draw backs are well worth the service these superb vans provide! Oh and these vans are totally useless in the snow! Or on muddy fields! You’re better off crawling backwards on your hands and knees with your hands tied behind your back! Rear wheel drive, skinny 14 inch wheels no weight over them (unless loaded) = zero traction!!!

Mazda E2200 2001

I travelled 500 miles to buy this van in November as I already knew they were excellent and now rare vans, I snapped it up! I’m a carpet fitter and have found this van perfect for the job, it’s so easy to load and carries much greater weight than my combo, which I part chopped for this. The ONLY problem I’ve found is wind!! Unless you’ve got a load on then you’d better hold on tight!

Mazda E2200 panel van 1999

I bought my van new in 99. It has done 118000 miles and only had rear springs and bottom pulley changed since new. Still on its 1st replacement exhaust and front pads. Still good cond and this van is used hard. You guessed I am a carpet fitter and will keep this van as long as poss. If I changed it I would have to get a much bigger van to do same job as this van is nice and long inside so I can shut back door when loaded. Other vans are shorter because having a bonnet takes up too much length. Why can’t we go back to flat fronted vans? Merc also did a good long van in 70s. Engine oil has been changed every 6000 miles, I am sure this is why it’s so reliable.

Responses to this review

I want e2200 used mazda - Sola Fasola from Kent

Mazda E2200 Diesel 1996

Have had my E2200 for 8 years with no problems except a cracked head 2 years ago. I bought in 2002 when it was already 6 years old. It’s now done 120,000 miles. Will be sad to have to replace it in 2012, due to the Low Emission law for London area. I planned to replace it with a Nissan Primastar, but after coming across this excellent review site and hearing the horror story, I will be replacing it with a Toyota Hiace. I had a 1985 Hiace which finally died after 17 years of faithful service in 2002, when I got the Mazda.

Mazda E2200 panel van 2002

Our first experience of the Mazda E2000 must have been back in the 1980’s and we bought 3. That’s when it had the small bumper. Kept them for 6 years then bought another 3 with the extended bumper. Each time changing them out after about 6 years up until 2010. when we have to sadly look for another van because the E2000 is no longer imported into the UK. It’s been so reliable, I didn’t need to look at any other van at the time and cheaper than anything else of the size. Its only draw-back is its lack of aerodynamics making it extremely difficult to keep in a straight line in light winds on motorways. Mechanically very sound. One heater matrix packed-up recently and the gears are a little notchy sometimes, seat belts down don’t auto rewind when getting out so usually get jammed in the door. other than that a very very reliable van. If we find anything half as good as the Mazda I’ll be lucky .....any recommendations?

Mazda E2200 1994

After entering my last review on the Mazda E2200 van,10-11-2008, my cylinder head eventually cracked!! The van was off the road for a few months, but looking at the van in general,she was in really good nick, cosmetically and structurally! So decided to give her a new lease of life,..ok: brand new cylinder head re-dressed using the valves and parts from my old one.!! i removed cylinder head sent it to "super dave" (Headkins engineering) where it was stripped..and the new head was rebuilt! I then put the engine back together including a timing belt kit,stuck her in for M.o.T, straight through!!! I have been using her everyday since. WHAT A VAN! WHAT A VAN!! I would recommend it to anyone!!

Mazda E2200 2000

I have had 3 vans over the last 13 years and just rebuilding the 4th which is an 02 plate (fingers crossed). I have had the current one 8 years. If only they hadn’t stopped making them I would for bought a new one.

Mazda E2200 1998

I bought the e2200 diesel new in january 1998. I have had it for 12 years with no major problems! Absolutely excellent. I did lose the rear wiper about 6 months ago! First set of front brake pads at 92000 miles(3 years ago) a new battery and glow plugs last year, along with a few bulbs and a new exhaust back box,I do service regularly so that’s why its been so reliable. Top vans, no doubt!!

Mazda E2200 1998

Well as a carpet fitter I’ve driven these for years... 3 in fact, great to drive BUT first one Head went. The 2nd Head again and the third I hit a patch of ice on Sat and wrapped it around a telegraph pole... Head on :) Not a van you want to do that in believe me.

Mazda E2200 1994

I’ve had mine about 2 months now and agree with Perry Wymark... Excellent drive but get them on the bypass or motorway with cross winds then hold on tight! My rear wiper has packed up to, gears are ok so far.. Have noticed though that first thing in the morning or if its been parked up all day the rear brakes are VERY sharp but after a couple of minutes driving they seem to settle down... thank god! Bit hairy when roads are damp!! Have heard that the crank pulley works loose as well and the heads are prone to cracking... Mines been ok... so far!! Apart from that what a lovely van! With half a ton of concrete blocks over the rear wheels I reckon they’d handle well too! Brilliant value for money.

Mazda E2200 2000

Not the quickest van around, but reliable and fairly economic 30-35 mpg. Nice to drive and excellent cargo area, 3m plus and up to 4 m if you fold the front seats down. No wonder there a favourite of the carpet trade.

Mazda E2200 1996

These vans a very easy to drive, nice handling, comfortable and economic..... IN THE SUMMER!!!!!! If its raining, windy, icy, snowing, cold, chilly, not very warm, did I mention windy and not the tornado type, I’m talking just a little breeze and you’ve got a fight on your hands. The gear linkage is prone to get loose which means popping out of gear while driving over bumps or a slightly clunky gear change, the rear wiper nearly always packs up on them, BUT all that said,,all in all they are a good reliable van, they just need a bit of care whilst driving in the winter.

Mazda E2200 2.2D

Good van. Nice precise gears and good handling. The cabin is really comfortable and the side sliding door and rear hatch door make access really easy. The only downside is that it can get a bit hairy driving on the motorway if it’s windy as it seems to catch the smallest crosswind.