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.
So my wife and I went to go test drive
the Tribute and of course I was
drooling over the Millenia but realized
the sticker would end my life as I know
without debt. Then my trusty salesman
pulled out the VERY LAST 2001 Millenia.
We went for a ride and asked what I
thought? Great car $12,000 too much
thanks but no thanks. Long story short,
my wife and I brought the car home
yesterday for the same price as the
Tribute!!!!!!!!
This car turns heads everywhere I go.
People are shocked to see the driver
especially me being a single young
adult who should be driving something
like a tricked out Honda civic or some
under 18k four banger.
I brought this car home brand new from
the dealership and fell in love with
the car as soon as I saw it in the
parking lot. The car looks great and
people even mistake it for a Lexus or
Infiniti. I paid $29,000 rather that
the original price of $32,700. But I
had the fuel tank door replaced under
warranty because it opened when it
wanted to and the Bose radio was
replaced also under warranty because my
CD got stuck and I could only use the
radio. But other than that the car is a
dream and I recommend it to anyone who
wants a good looking car at a decent
price.
I purchased my 2001 Mazda Millenia in
2002 brand new as a left over. The
dealership was discounting this car
$10,000 off the sticker price of
$35,000 (sticker included chrome
wheels, 4 seasons package, heated
seats, and bose in dash 5 cd system).
This car has been an excellent value to
me. I really enjoy and look forward to
driving it
I got this car with 137k miles on it and kept it for almost 5 years. This is a luxury car and is expensive to repair. I recommend financing a certified car if you want this. Something had to be changed every few months and it usually cost north of $1000. I spent around $2000 (and even more) every year to keep this car on the road. Parts are overpriced ($330 per engine mount is insane and there are 4 of them!). The check engine light is a huge issue with this car. As it ages, many exhaust components need to be changed (vacuum lines, egr port, catalytic converters, o2 sensors...the list goes on). I can only recommend this car to a mechanic or someone with deep pockets. It loves maintenance.
Good value used...bought the car real cheap, and since it looks like a Lexus and has similar interior craftsmanship it is a great value. Very comfortable seats. Nicely equipped. Good brakes and nice handling. A joy to drive on windy roads. However, not all is well. Transmission needed replacement at 65k miles. Even after replacement, 1-2 shift is somewhat harsh, a seemingly common issue with this car (does not lead to long term confidence). Check Engine light is perennially on (EGR Valve). slight oil and coolant leaks. Previous owner or subpar reliability in general? In general, a comfortable nice car that is not a paragon of Japanese quality.
This car gets attention. Drive one
and people will not only notice it,
but also offer many compliments on
your fine taste. This is a beautiful
car. Mazdas attention to detail
inside and out, and the overall fit
and finish are impeccable. Even the
base model is loaded with high quality
leather, power sunroof, and a luxury
car paint job.
I looked at the Avalon, the Camry, the
Accord and the Millenia. As a former
Honda addict, the transition to such a
luxury ride was surprisingly pleasant.
Doesnt ride as smoothly as the Avalon,
but has KICK BUTT sportiness you dont
get with an Avalon. The Special
Edition S (what I purchased) is simply
beyond beautiful - inside and out! It
turns heads everywhere. Ive actually
caught co-workers wandering around my
new car in the parking lot admiring
it! When you stop at a
redlight/stopsign, you couldnt even
hear the engine if you stood outside in
absolute silence. Every imaginable
amentity in the world - except a
navigation system!!
Just purchased this car for college aged daughter.
Purchased from a private party in a state that does not require emission inspections (Ohio).
Car drove like a dream; ext. and int. were in great shape for a 10 yr. old car.
It had a reasonable amount of mileage (121,000).
The owner mentioned the check engine light was on but their mechanic couldnt diagnose the problem.
Needless to say, after purchasing the car, taking it to Pa for inspection...it failed miserably!
$2300.00 later! change the catalytic converters; fix broken seal on transmission; change a light bulb (requires front bumper to be removed!).
Pretty car....but way too expensive to maintain! Buy only if you have $$$ to fix.
I had this car about 1 year before tranny went out, and had it replaced. Mazda did help out though so I give them props. They paid for the tranny, and I paid for the labor. It was only 1,000 miles over warranty at the time. This cars interior and exterior is awesome, best bang for the buck. It really is a dog of the line, but 3rd gear and up performs ok. The rubber around the lights peels off. The paint has a defect in the side mirrors which causes them to chip off really bad. You can usually take them to Mazda and have it replaced for free. Oh, and the gas mileage of this car is horrid; check the forums. Everyone is complaining that their cars are getting nowhere near MPG that Mazda states. User Reviews:
Showing 51 through 60 of 161.00
By MyMillenia
- October 13 - 10:00 am
By pimpd79
- August 27 - 2:00 am
By Milleniaman
- August 26 - 10:00 am
By PAU
- August 3 - 10:00 am
By alwayssunny
- July 10 - 9:18 am
By Nick Naylor
- June 29 - 6:33 am
By kw1964
- June 7 - 10:00 am
By ALJONES99
- April 14 - 10:00 am
By carena
- February 2 - 6:44 pm
By coreyandj
- February 2 - 3:53 am
