Perhaps owing to the fact that the MPV minivan was showing its age, especially when compared to some of the cutting-edge competition, Mazda gave its seven-seater an update for 2004, with improvements for both the exterior and interior. The headlights, rear lights, hood, bumpers, grille, and side skirts were all freshened up, and seven new exterior colors were added to the mix. Inside, the steering wheel, rims on gauges, and seat trim were updated, as was the mechanism for the rear seat, so it stowed more easily in the back floor. The entry-level LX-SV, which had been available the previous year, was dropped from the lineup. So for 2004, the MPV came in only two flavors. The LX package came with a fairly extensive list of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows, power door licks, a keyless entry system, dual airbags, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power exterior mirrors, a keyless entry system, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls for the AM/FM/CD stereo system. In addition, four-wheel anti-lock brakes were added to the standard equipment list for 2004. The upscale ES version added leather seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a premium audio system with a CD changer, and traction control, among other features. Drivers gave the MPV high marks for its handling, styling, functionality, versatility, and value. On the downside, some noted that the ride could be harsh, and that gas mileage could have been better.