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.
2 years - 23k miles - and not one
problem. great car!
Purchased this car based on the age of
my Subaru (7yrs - 100K) and I did not
want to drive my truck every day. I
couldnt be happier with the comfort
and pickup on the car - a lot of stop
and go traffic doesnt decrease the
enjoyment
Purchased new, still turning heads when cleaned and polished after eight years! Trouble free (knock on wood).
Cant believe how much I like this car.
Great looking outside, and super
comfortable inside. Can have a
conversation or enjoy the music even
with the sunroof open. I like NOT
seeing one in every parking lot, or
coming around every corner. Makes it
all the more "special" Also like
getting so many great features that
would be options or not available on
other cars.
Before the rebates, this car was out of
my price range, but when I added it all
up and realized I could get this car
for about $21,000 after rebates I could
have not pass on the oportunity. The
fully loaded Accord and Camry dont
even come with as many options and they
sell in the $25k-$28ks depending on the
options. Car companies should sell cars
at such discounts more often. Such
special deals make consumer dreams come
true. I always wanted a car with all
these features... The car drives great
and is very comfortable. I get a lot of
complements on the car, is very
attractive! Great car for long trips.
I always told my wife I would never
buy a 4dr car ! I went to the dealer
looking for an SUV for my daughter
and one for my wife. I saw the
Millenia in Platinum with the gray
leather interior and built in Japan
then the dealer told me the deals
being offered and I was hooked!!! My
wife loves it.
A beautiful, reliable, luxury car.
It has been fun to drive and
economical with good gas mileage.
Have this vehicle for about 18 months.
Its a very pleasant car, especially on
the highways. They couldve put a
better transmission and slightly bigger
powertrain, but its sufficient for the
money.
This is a very fun car to drive, and is
great to look at. The overall quality
is great. I am a traveling saleman,
and have no problems with the
Millennia. it is also my second
millennia
Car over all is a descent car for the
money probably the nicest car I have
had in a while, but the check engine
light has stayed on since I have had
the car... First the O2 sensors were
bad and the Map sensor and quite a few
things inside the computer has gone
wrong and the person working on the car
said it is # 3 within 2 months that he
has TRIED to fix.. I was asked today to
go pick it up and take it somewhere
else. Very frustrating to me, the
dealer where I bought is seems not to
care, and I have talked to several
people that have bought cars and the
same check engine problem with 5 that I
know of. User Reviews:
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