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.
This is the third mazda I have owned.
I purchased my brand new millenia for
20000 about two weeks ago. This is
considerably less than a new maxima,
which was my first choice. I could
not be more satisfied with my
purchase. The car has every luxury
feature you could want.
After driving a 626 for 8 years and
evaluating other cars for quite some
time I finally decided to buy the
Millenia. It is a well built near
luxury car with lot of standard options
only found on the competition as
extras, great value for the money.
Drive beautifully making you feel like
a million dollar, it makes a lot of
heads turn.
I bought my Millenia new in 2002. Had problems with it from beginning. It is the white with gold bottom. Loved all the extras for the price. Very loud interior road noise. So bad you cant talk on cell. Engine light problems early on, caused by Mazda requiring premium fuel--which they later revised--but not until they had to work on the engine 5 times! Very tough dealing with Mazda. I read other reviews about how quiet theirs are. I wonder if were talking about the same car. I even bought new tires that are supposed to be known for their quiet ride. When those didnt help, I realized it was the car. Im glad all the others are satisfied. It was a lot of car for the price, but a lemon!
We have owned our Millenia S now for a
year and it had been an awesome car!
The looks turn heads everywhere we go
and the quality could not be better. We
paid approx. $8,000 less than a
comparable Acura/Lexus and we are
really glad that we did. ZOOM ZOOM!!
Ive put 110,000 miles on this car and it has been fantastic performer. Minimal cost of upkeep despite warnings of "expensive to maintain." Beautiful body design. Need to replace it before I begin to have normal wear and tear problems, but I dont see anything that I like for 28K or less. Rather keep my Millenia! I drive almost 2 hours a day and I must enjoy my car. Mazda should not have stopped making them.
Ive owned many cars, regular and
luxury. My last Mazda was a 626 and
although nothing special, it was a
comfortable and reliable car. I leased a
2002 Millenia and have nothing but good
things to say for the car. Its one of
the most enjoyable cars Ive had and
look forward each time to getting behind
the wheel.
Purchased this car from the showroom - Brand new it looked inviting, but as it turned out, everything that could go wrong...went wrong - I had to have constant expensive repairs - Right after the warranty ran out, I purchased another warranty costing 2,000.00 for another 5 years, but the auto adjustable steering column jammed and none of it was covered - Costs over 600.00 to repair - The engine (problem) light has spent more time being on, than off - Just about everything that you can replace on an engine, had to be replaced - The catalytic converter has to be replaced at a cost of over 2,000.00 again ! - And all this well before the car has 60,000 miles on it - Projected reliability ???
Almost every hot option in other cars
was standard on this car. Can NOT be
beaten for the money. Without a
doubt, my favorite car I have owned!
I was looking for a sedan for over six
months, and my searches narrowed down
to two vehicles: Maxima and Millenia.
Even that took me a while to choose:
powerful engine or smooth ride of
better-looking car. I am happy with my
purchase, even it is not a "most
recommended" car. Standard features can
be compared only to Maximas GLE. Plus
Millenia is a better-looking car
(MaximaÂ’s rear end is ugly even on 02
models with spoiler). For the money I
paid for used 02 Millenia I could not
get even ‘02 Maxima GXE. The Millenia
drives smoother than the Maxima.
However, if you prefer power over the
comfort of a nice car, go with Maxima.
Great value as used car. Thousands
less than corresponding Lexus,
Infiniti, etc. Too bad they stopped
making them, but on the other hand I
guess thats why they are now so cheap. User Reviews:
Showing 61 through 70 of 161.00
By ginger27
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- July 26 - 6:37 pm
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- July 13 - 2:00 am
By L Proulx
- June 20 - 2:00 am
