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.
First time Millenia owner. Purchased
for my wife over an Accord and she
loves it. We get many looks when
driving and many great comments on the
car. Great rebates and cash backs on
the deal, couldnt pass up.
This car kicks ass! Although I am 62"
and it can be a little cramped, the
performance and value is excellent. I
picked one up with every available
option, Hunter Green, beige leather,
for $23988. Find a deal like that any
where else.
The car handles good, good on gas, comfortable to drive, very nice to own, will not sell it for nothing in the world, but would like to buy a another one.
Im tickled pink with my new Millenia S.
Other than the timing belt and IAC valve I have not had any problems with this car.It has a lot of pep for a tiny 2.3L V6,enough to entertain me on a boring day.
I have owned 2 Mazda 626s and 2 Mazda
MPVs. My last 626 was totalled, so I
decided to move up to a Millenia. I
went and test drove one and knew right
away it was the car I wanted. I found
an "S" with the Miller-cycle engine.
What a great engine! Smooth and
quiet, yet very responsive. This car
has a perfect balance between smooth,
luxurious ride and road feel.
Everything about the car says
quality. The fit and finish is
outstanding. The Miller-cycle engine
should be an option for all of their
vehicles that have V-6 engines. I
have owned many Japanese and American
cars. In my opinion for price and
quality Mazda beats them all.
and the real taste of a quiet and
comfortable ride. The car does deliver
excellent passing ability on the
highway as it is very well powered.
The traction control really makes a
difference climbing up icy
driveways...better than my 540i!
They dont make them anymore. Best car I have had and Ive been buying new cars since 1973.
Bought my Millenia one year ago and
still loving it! Got a fantastic deal
on it, only regret is that I did not
upgrade to the "S". My husband wanted
a Maxima, but I had spotted the
Millenia a couple of years ago and had
my eye on it. Finally decided to get
it when we heard it was being
discontinued. Expect to keep it for
many years. We always get compliments
on what a sharp-looking car it is, and
people are always amazed at the
incredible interior once they step
inside.
There are only two deficiencies in this
car: A luxuray car should have more
power, although the Millenia has plenty
for normal driving; and the cup holders
are too small in diameter to hold
almost anything other than a can.
The car has been extremely reliable,
with no repairs in 52,000 miles. Build
quality is excellent, except for the
cup holder issue. No squeeks or
rattles. The ride is very
comfortable. I get many comments about
how pretty the car is. Its a shame
this car is going away in 2003. It
just needs a more powerful V-6. User Reviews:
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