Overview & Reviews
Upscale Japanese luxury sedans began to proliferate across the landscape in the early 1990s, with newly hatched premium brands like Toyota's Lexus and Nissan's Infiniti born to do battle against more established European and American rivals. In such a thriving marketplace, Mazda planned to get in on the aspirational act with a proposed premium division called Amati. This idea proved a little too rich for the company's pocketbook, however, and was subsequently scrapped. But all was not lost, for the junior of two planned Amati sedans came to life as the midsize entry-luxury Mazda Millenia, which was introduced in 1995 as the company's flagship replacement for the outgoing 929.
The Millenia was plagued throughout its 8-year run by a lack of upscale presence and a mild case of schizophrenia. While its styling and higher content level qualified it for the entry-luxury market, the Millenia's execution and cachet just didn't measure up -- especially considering the $30,000-plus price tag on the top-drawer Millenia S model.
Midsize sedan shoppers looking for a dash of luxury and something different might find a later-model Mazda Millenia an intriguing choice, especially the supercharged S. Other worthwhile luxury-branded used vehicles from this era include the Acura TL and Lexus ES.
Most Recent Mazda Millenia The Mazda Millenia was produced from 1995-2002. As it was originally intended to be a luxury-branded car rather than a typical Mazda, it featured upscale leather, wood and chrome appointments inside, along with higher-quality paint and better overall fit and finish. Two trim levels were available: base (with or without leather) and S. Base models came standard with a rather pedestrian 170-horsepower 2.5-liter V6, while those who followed Mazda's suggestion to "get in, be moved" could choose the more powerful Millenia S with its larger tires, standard traction control and 210-hp 2.3-liter "Miller Cycle" supercharged V6 engine. A four-speed automatic was the only available transmission. The Miller Cycle V6 was a unique power plant that featured a belt-driven supercharger to boost power and torque. It was refined and smooth, but not particularly powerful by luxury-car standards. Handling was also a mixed bag, with well-controlled body roll through smooth curves, but inadequate damping over rough surfaces. Seating up front was comfortable and well-contoured, but rear passengers suffered from a lack of thigh support and foot space. Numerous changes were made during the Mazda Millenia's eight years on the market. Equipment was upgraded for 1997 and a revised center console design arrived. Two-tone color schemes and a styling refresh showed up for 1999. The following year, the Millenia celebrated the millennium by cutting prices and offering a special-edition model. Available in two eye-catching colors, the Millennium Millenia featured 17-inch wheels, an in-dash six-CD changer and suede upholstery. The most significant changes occurred for 2001 when Mazda strengthened the Millenia's body structure to improve torsional rigidity while adding new stabilizer bars (for better handling) and bigger brakes. That year also saw exterior styling tweaked and upgrades to the interior. Side airbags were also made standard. Because of these improvements, the 2001 and '02 Mazda Millenias (the final model years) are clearly the best choices for used-car shoppers.
Have owned this "luxury" vehicle for
18 months now. Best $$$ I ever spent
on a vehicle. Excellent styling &
comfort. Loaded with extras. Would
do it all over again.
For the money you cant do better.
Front and side air bags, CD, Cass,
Leather, Moonroof, White Light
Dashboard, etc, etc., etc.. Its
loaded, rides great, super HP and
smooth ride. Drive one for yourself
is the best way to really rate the
vehicle.
Overall a great vehicle. This is our 4th Mazda and we are very happy. This one replaced a car that was totaled in a wreck. That Millenia was a 2000 and even though the car was a total wreck, my wife and 2 year old daughter came away without a scratch. The front end was crushed but the passenger compartment was solid and stable. The car has excellent pick up and good steering. We love the style and ride.
We went to the dealer prepared to buy
the Mazda 6. While browsing the
inventory my wife spotted this Millenia
among the other cars. It was love at
first sight. Great looking car compared
to the 6s.
Test drive was the kicker and huge
price reduction from sticker ($8k).
Ive had this car for four years. I bought it because it was different from a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. I love it. Its comfortable, sporty and has plenty of room front and rear. All in all, a very well-engineered car.
Its a good car gets good highway gas
miles..runs smooth..very comfortale
I purchased my Millenia brand spanking new off the showroom floor and have been in love since day 1. I went so far as a purchase a 2nd car and save this baby for the weekends. The styling and history behind it are timeless, with LEDs and factory style HIDs added I have people come up to me asking if its a 2009. Excellent long distance highway car, good around town, very high quality all around, if it didnt have a Mazda badge it could have easily sold for 75k. I have never driven anywhere without attracting attention, envy, and curious on lookers wondering what it was.
This car is well built, attractive and
bargain priced compared to its
competition. It is a blast to drive
and has plenty of pickup. Love it on
the highway.
Its a sporty looking car with a luxury
look. Aswell a smooth riding car with
good braking power. It looks like a old
ladies car but look away for a second
and i will be gone!
+ awesome features and creature comforts
+ great design and styling - in & out
+ smooth as silk (michelin pilots on
OEM 16" alloys)
+ great User Reviews:
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