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.
After owning a Lexus for the last 5
years, I decided to try something
different to lower car payments. Ive
had the Millinea for a couple of
weeks now and have come to some
conclusions. The styling of the car is
nice outside and in. I like the
dashboard, its layed out nice. The
ride is quiet and smooth. The
engine seems to hesitate when you
first step on the gas, which I find
annoying. The latch covers in the
back for the child safety seats keep
popping open. If I could do it all over
again, I would opt for an Acura or
back to another Lexus.
I bought this car used. It has been a pleasure to drive. I have had an alignment problem as it drifts right and has ruined a set of tires in 12k miles. The dealer was not helpful and Mazda NEVER returned my call. The paint on the mirrors at the joining edge to the car has peeled off. Again no help from the dealer. It also shifts poorly on occasion or skips.
We bought this car a year ago used.
Had previously owned a 626 and MPV and
heard good things about this car and
its value. One of the best cars weve
owned! Fast, smooth, quiet and
handles well, too. Nice leather seats
and luxury features. Too bad its
discontinued!
I like it! Powerful and sporty and
looks better than the competitors and
is surely more affordable.
Car is fantastic when engine light is off. Spends to much time in the shop and car parts cost an arm and leg. I would have loves it when it was new.
I just bought a brand new millenia and
I love it it is smooth and quiet and
handles well
I love this car! I first learned about the
Millenia when I drove a standard version. I
liked everything about it, except that I
wanted a little more power. The S gives you
that power. Great performer on the
highways - the smoothest accelerating car
Ive ever driven. Great sound system, great
car for long-distance driving.
I think Mazda should really consider
re-making the MMS! Ive ave. btwn 22
and 28mpg. Its
grt on the highway and has plnty of
pep when you need it. The leather
dsnt get too warm when the sun
beats on it all day. Recently had the
opp to take a long ride w/
4 adults and 1 child. We had
plenty of room inside for of us.
Lumbar sppt is a nice add on during
long trips. I dont inticipate using
the seat wrmers too much here in So.
Cal. but the car is complete to say
the least. Yes it would be nice to
have a navigation system but for those
on the go, Garmin 2620 is far better
than factory installed ones Ive come
accross and cost much less.
I have not had any major issues with
this vehicle as of yet. When I drive
it I feel like I am driving a sports
car even though it is a medsize car.
The car feels very sterdy and I feel
very safe driving it.
I loved these cars when I first saw them in 01, but could not afford them. Every time I saw one on the road I would just stare and picture myself in it. My husband presented my beautiful car to me on our 25th anniversary. It was the exact color I wanted; white with metallic flakes and sand color on bottom. It was in showroom condition! Still has the new car smell, and under half the new car price. User Reviews:
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