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.
What can I say about this car? An All- American (Ford) girl myself, I thought I would never buy a foreign car but I am sold!!! I bought the Millenia after my Ford Contour (still one of my favorite cars) transmission went bad. I needed a car ASAP, and I actually bought the Millenia knowing little about it. Oh, ignorance is bliss. Im so excited!!! I love this car, and I pray that Mazda will bring it back soon! I would buy another one (even new) all over again.
I have had this car for several years
and have had absolutely no problems
with it! It runs great & looks great.
I highly recommend it. Luxury-like
with a economic price. Roomy trunk for
storage, comfortable interior, sleek
exterior, and more than average
performance
The Mazda Millenia is one of the
finest cars I have owned, dependable,
outstanding styling and comfortable,
(could have a little more legroom in
front). The ride and handling are
superior. Certainly a great value for
the money.
The Mazda Millenia gets no respect, at
least if you read the automotive
press. I bought this car with 55,000
miles on it in October 2002 for
US$14,700 and I have not seen anything
to match its value-for-money.
Powerful, quiet and comfortable, it is
an excellent highway cruiser, but
nimble enough in city traffic. Gas
mileage is acceptable for a 210 hp
car. Everyone I have spoken to who
owns the Millenia is very positive
about it.
Purchased car with 28k miles -
excellent condition in July 2002. A/C
blower motor has died, fuel gauge shows
full while low fuel warning light is on
and transmission cannot make up its
mind how to and what gear to shift to
in stop and go driving.
Purchased my Millenia new even though
my best friend could have sold me a
loaded HondaEX V6 for the same
price. "were still best friends" This
car is the best Kept secret, Everything
about this car is excellent. My
favorite thing is the look of this car
is the Look. The new 6 isnt even
close. IMHO.
Later!
Mazda provided great incentives for
pricing the car. I agree that this is a
lot of luxury car for the money. I
never dreamed I would pay this price
for luxury! Ive never purchased a
Japanese car before but Im a changed
person! Quality is great!
I have owned this car for 2 1/2 years, and I am generally pleased. It rides well, has a luxurious feel, and good handling. It is also very safe. The car was slammed into by another vehicle, and I was fully protected. Premium gas is a bit steep, but mileage is good. Very nice family car for the money. I purchased this rather than a Honda Accord, and I am glad I did.
This is an awesome car that I purchased after researching among more than 50 different cars. You see, there was a lot to look at and compare; I compared from used to new cars. I compared all of the above evaluation points and after 1 full year of looking between newspapers, car books, magazines, websites, and other means I came up with a few finalists. These were Avalon, Camry, Maxima, Mazda 6 and WRX. After driving the Mazda 6 before making my final decision, I had no doubt in my mind that the Millenia was the overall winner, even though it was more expensive than the Mazda 6 with an automatic tip-tronic transmission. My Millenia S is used but everyone thinks its brand new; awesome car!
Strangers often ask if its a Jaguar! I love driving this car. Performs like a luxury car on the highway, but my favorite place to drive is a curvy country road. It knows how to hug a corner. User Reviews:
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