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.
Bought it new in 01 and have about 105000 miles on it. I still love it! Its a sharp looking car and extremely comfortable, even for someone pretty large (62", 300) No major repairs, just fairly normal maintenance. The steering wheel that automatically raises when you take the key out and lowers to your pre-selected driving position when you put the key in is getting fussy in cold weather and stays in the up position, but Ive simply turned off the auto feature for the winter and will reset come springtime. Ill keep her until she falls apart around me.
I love my millenia. However, shifting
could be smoother and needs quicker
acceleration for passing at lower
speeds.
Its a shame Mazda stopped building the Millenia. I bought mine used and have put nearly 130,000 miles on it. It has given me no problems at all other than a Check Engine light that seems to think theres a problem. The drive is very satisfying; think of the Millenia as a big Miata. The ride is smooth and quiet and it is generally a very comfortable car. The interior is classy and it comes without the gimmicks of high-end technology. Storage space is good with enough cup holders for everybody and a wide trunk. A folding rear seat would be nice. Mazda did not put enough effort into marketing the Millenia and giving it a competitive price tag. I think it would have been a very successful car.
I purchased the Millenia in March of
2002 and ever since Ive had nothing
but troubles with the car. Since March
2002 I am in dealership twice a month.
The master brake cylinder went in 3-
months owning car, driver side mirror
motor bad, the rear struts was
replaced, door not closeing properly,
ignition switch malfunction car not
starting, transmission regulator
malfunctions cant make mind up, wires
and plug are bad and needs replacing,my
rear window defoster cracked and entire
rear windshield was replaced, driver
seat rear panels fall off, fog lights
needs adjusting every 2-months, paint
is cracking all over and April 2003 my
transmission went.
Ive owned my 2002 Millenia "P" for a
whole week now. This an excellent
vehicle. The ride is great! The
sunroof is excellent - this is
something we never considered
purchasing. The side airbags, 4-wheel
anti-lock disc brakes and security
system take the cake - these are
probably options I wouldnt have
picked on another vehicle because they
would have been additional options and
not a standard like on the Millenia.
I only paid $20,700 - including the
$520 destionation fee. 4.99% financing
for 60 mos. I still cant believe I
was able to purchase this outstanding
vehicle for $20,000 - somebody pinch
me to convince me Im not dreaming!!
a lot of power from just 2.3L engin and a lot of standred option
I picked up my 2nd Millenia yesterday and obviously love the car. The updates done since the 2000 model are nice and make the car seem even more upscale. I feel the suspension upgrades enhance the stability and seem to quiet the car. The new Optitron gauges are very Lexus-like. Overall, I cant say enough about what a great value Mazda has here when you can purchase this much car for the same price range as Accord, Camry and Altima. Zoom Zoom Zoom!
The Millenia has been a fine car for me. It gets good gas mileage, about 28 on the road and 22 in town,
and the 2.5 liter 170 horse engine has plenty of zip. I have not had one moments problem with it. I like the extra storage space in the
doors with latchable covers on them. Comfort is great for long trips. Ive never had a car that was as
comfortable. The leather seats are great.
I leased this car brand new and after the lease I had to buy it. Its a great car, (good going Mazda). It has 47,xxx miles and all Ive had to do is change the oil and buy new brakes. Of course I buy a lot of extras just to assure its performance. Usually Mazda has bad transmissions but the Millenia S proved me wrong. Its a smart choice for a used car. When this one dies Im going to look for another one with low miles.
I have owned my 00 Millenia for over 3 years now and it has been an AWESOME car to own. Fun to drive, all around good quality and excellent reliability. However, I have to give it up because of the poor gas mileage (22-24mpg city.) Trading it in on a VW Jetta TDI (38-40mpg city.) Also, my husband finds the seats extremely uncomfortable. User Reviews:
Showing 41 through 50 of 161.00
By rocco
- June 30 - 9:16 pm
By Brewser
- June 26 - 10:00 am
By Bronson
- June 16 - 7:16 pm
By JonathanA
- June 8 - 10:00 am
By WJE
- May 14 - 10:00 am
By bander
- March 6 - 12:43 am
By Jeegee
- January 12 - 2:00 am
By Bobbke
- December 19 - 12:16 pm
By Anthonys Millenia S
- December 15 - 11:30 pm
By Cherie
- December 1 - 10:36 pm
