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.
User Reviews:
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Absolutely love my car!! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
By Brooke - March 24 - 8:20 amI absolutely love my car. I have owned this car for approximately 2 years and have loved every minute of it. This car rides like a dream. It is probably the smoothest riding car that I have ever been in, with the exception of a Lincoln Town car.
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Read this before you buy - 2001 Mazda Millenia
By NOMAZUT - January 12 - 5:56 amIf you are buying a new Millenia S for $32,905, spend an additional three to four thousand dollars and get an ACCURA or LUXES. I bought mine for $26,500 so it was a good value.
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Good as it Gets - 2002 Mazda Millenia
By PERAL MILLY - December 23 - 2:00 amHad it for over a year now and 27,000 miles and its been great no problems till now best looking car i had
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Millenia - So..So - 2000 Mazda Millenia
By Ftown600 - December 10 - 7:36 pmThe 2000 Millenia rides well but is a bit sluggish. The upshifting when passing traffic is particularly annoying. However, since I am a conservative driver it is acceptable to me. There are many good features on this car. The leather is quite nice. The heated seats are great. The car is very handsome to look at with its two tone paint job. Overall, I believe I got a fair deal for the money (I got about 5000 off sticker).
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4 Year Review - 2002 Mazda Millenia
By MN Mazda - November 25 - 4:23 pmBought car new at great price in March 03. Still like the looks of the car. Car is very quiet and smooth riding, a luxury ride yet handles extremely well. Main complaint is seats are painful on long trips. Solved problem with a sheepskin seat cover. Gas mileage is good, 27-28 on highway and 22-24 in mixed driving easy on the acceleration. No expenditures on than normal front brake replacement/maintenance. Car sits low compared to todays cars making it harder to get in and out but doesnt bother me. No squeaks or rattles. Looks brand new after 4 years. Great silver paint. If you want a luxury look and feel vehicle without the luxury price this is an awesome car.
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Great Value - 2001 Mazda Millenia
By go_buffs - November 23 - 2:00 amOverall, Ive been very pleased with my vehicle which I purchased with 17,500 miles and 1 year old. Ive had no significant problems with the car. If you are in the market for "near" luxury car for less than the Lexuss, Infinitys and Acuras, this car is a great choice.
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Competent Cruiser - 2001 Mazda Millenia
By phild_mason - September 3 - 10:00 amI have had my Millenia for about 2 months and have put on about 3000 miles. The Millenia is a competent car that excels at little but also does not disappoint. I like the styling and the fact that it stands out among the Camrys and Accords of the world. The ride is smooth and quiet. Acceleration is adequate, but mileage could be better. I have gotten around 26 on the hwy.
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Wonderful ride so far ..... - 2002 Mazda Millenia
By pppjr63 - September 3 - 2:00 amOwned vehical for only (30) days, however I think we made a very good choice with this car. Paid $22.2k after manufacturers rebate, and auto show incentive (that includes trading in a 00 Civic with eleven months left on a 39 month lease !!). Without a doubt, we bought more car for less money than any other. We also have the 4 seasons package thatr added bun warmers, traction control, etc. I highly recommend buyers in this market give the Millenia a try. The "P" version is no rocket, but the engine performs very well, with a high level of refinement. Very quiet. (Keep in mind we traded in a Civic
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Happy Happy Joy Joy - 2002 Mazda Millenia
By aw - August 16 - 2:00 amI am so glad that I decided to purchase this Millenia. It is a wonderful vehicle that I am sure will last me a long time.
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Mazda Dealers at there worst !!! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
By mbarleta - August 11 - 2:00 amI have to say after owning many brands from Hyundai to Saab, there has never been such dissapointment as my experience with Mazda. The car is great. However after only 3k when I returned it to the dealer for an oil change they washed it with a brush and destroyed the paint(black). Not only can I say the dealer was uncooperative, but even worse Mazda has never returned a letter or phone call. As I said in the beginning of my comments the car is great, I just hope that if you buy one you never need the manufacturer to back you up. Enjoy the car.
