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.
I bought this car used - 2 years old with 26,000 miles. Ive now had it for 6 years and have had only tires and brakes needing replacement. Its been a great car and I love driving it. Just wish it was a bit better on mileage, but cant complain, cause it really gets up and goes!
Ived owned my Mazda for just a few months and I love to show it off. I got a great deal which made me apprehensive but the more I drive it the better I feel about my decision. I looked at acura, the avalon and infinity, I saved thousands. Ill admit this is my second Mazda, the last one was so reliable and the dealers services were so professional I had to go back, atleast to look. Yup they got me and I couldnt be happier.
i love my mazda except for all the engine lights coming on even though nothing is wrong with my car. It still cost alot every time I take it to the dealership. Like $1000.It only stays off a few months. Now both the engine light and the air bag light are both on. I have75000 miles on my car and this has happened about 10 times. I would NOT recommend it or buy another for this reason.
Picked up the car on the ford-A plan,
for 26,000.00 brand new (marked down
from the 32,500 sticker price). Has
been an excellent car and held up to
what I have required from it. The car
if took care of will last you a good
time. With a few basic modifications
you can get near 230hp/tq crank
performance out of the millenia
placing it up there with some
competitors.
Ive owned the Mazda Millenia S, which I
purchased from a dealer off lease return
for several years now. Ive always
thought that the car was
underappreciated for its lovely styling.
Okay, its not a head turner, but I
think it is one of the more attractive
cars out there. It is completely rock
solid. Spartan compared to say Lexus,
but has everything I need/want. Too bad
they quit making this lovely car.
This is my 3rd Mazda and my second Millenia and I love it! I bought this car new and as usual have not had any trouble with it, all I do is change the oil and tune it once in a while. The special edition is only made in black and has the titanium package, white and black leather with white inserts on the door. If you are buying used dont be fooled by the ads that state special edition but are other than black. I wish they still made them, its the best car I had, and will look for another if something happens to this one.
The Millenia S drives uncommonly well. I
consider it a luxury sports sedan. The driver
sits low in the car in a firm comfortable leather
seat. The view over the low hood line is
virtually unobstructed. The car accelerates
willingly and its taught suspension and wide
low profile tires on oversized rims give
excellent traction, enabling the driver to take
substantial liberties with speed limits in turns.
The car has a nimble and solid feel to it.
I am just about to finalize the purchase my second Millenia today. My first was a 1999 (2.5 L, not the S) which had 30k miles when purchased, used as a daily driver and sold with approx 130k miles, still strong expect for bad rear mail seal. Wonderful car aside from eventually developing the leaking rear main seal which these cars are notorious for. Luxury at a fraction of the cost and very dependable for the most part. If you can find one with low miles that hasnt been abused BUY IT.
I bought this car after driving a Maxima and Lexus ES. The instant I saw it I was in love with this car. Its sporty, slick and luxury. It has more bells and whistles than other premium cars of its age. Super reliable in maintenance, nice smooth acceleration, great dash and interior lights. It is certainly an eye catcher car. All my friends want to buy it from me but I am not going to sell it.
I bought the car 4 months ago at 50,000 miles. The most comfortable car with a really decent amount of performance. I love the car more than ever but I have been worried about letting the mileage stack up. It is such a unique car you want to retain possession of it but dont want anything to go wrong with the 2.3 miller cycle engine. The only people that can work on it is the dealer. Any other place will mess up your engine or charge you a lot more cause they dont realize its a somewhat experimental engine. All this said you CANNOT find this amount of luxury, performance, and good looks for the price you can currently buy these for. Try like crazy to find one low miles with a clean history. User Reviews:
Showing 31 through 40 of 161.00
By Grampa
- January 28 - 4:53 pm
By MARK BETTERLY
- December 25 - 2:00 am
By ELAINE HARVILL-GREAT
- December 24 - 4:56 pm
By Alumar
- December 17 - 10:00 am
By apphillips
- December 17 - 10:00 am
By Paul
- November 30 - 8:10 pm
By Jshores
- November 21 - 10:00 am
By Victoria
- October 24 - 12:56 pm
By Hasham
- September 6 - 11:26 am
By Clint
- August 26 - 7:23 am
