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.
We purchased a Millenia after carefully evaluating several cars including the Acura TL, C class Benz etc. and found the Millenia to be the best combination of price performance and also a great looking car. Unbelievable build quality. This car gets a ton of looks as it goes down the road.
Bought one of the last in 2002. The
looks sold it, not the test drive.
Traded an 88 MX-6...wonderful car in
all respects. Expected same from the
Millenia and in 2 yrs havent been
disappointed. Epitome of entry level
luxury. Super quality all round.
Smooth performer, definitely not a hot
rod, but pretty quick. Not a hint of
any problems. Id buy another new in a
heartbeat if it were posible.
I love the look of my car I think it is a very classy looking car. Mine is black and looks great when it is clean and polished. I obviously havent had it very long but have always liked the look of these cars.
This car has amazing reliability history. I dont know why it never took off in sales. I mean, you cant get a sleeker, snazzier, roommier, sportier, car for the same price. It is my second S model, and I dont agree with the review given by Edmunds. I am selling mine to get into a house with all these low mortgage rates flying around.
With the high ratings for reliability and build quality given by Consumer Reports, I think this is a great car.
We traded-in our 1997 to buy the last
of an excellent car line. Mazda
should have come up with a replacemetn.
This car has been an incredible
investment. Its fun, looks real nice
(people mistake it for a Lexus) and did
not cost me an arm and a leg. It was
between this and an Acura TL. It was a
hard decision, but the stretched out
Accord came in 2nd (mainly due to the
snobs at the dealership). Im glad I
made this decision and will be just as
happy with it 10 yrs from now.
Purchased the car new as my retirement car and only regret is having to burn premium fuel during times of gas crisis. Have yet to find any car as beautifully styled with its supercharged performance.
have owned cadillacs,lincoln, bmw, acura and many others. leased this car for 3 yrs, was tired of high priced cars that did not live up to thier expectations. loved it so much i purchased it after lease. great price and lots of bang for your buck. Never been to the dealer, only oil changes and new tires, and brakes after 40k miles.
I have never liked Ia car I have owned
for more than 6 months. Its been 13
months now and I LOVE THIS CAR!!!
Wanted a Lexus ES300 and it was a
little over my price limit but this car
has made me very happy! Perfect
experience like Ive never had before
with dealership on purchase and
service. One thing...you might want to
have more option with roadside service
than the free one offered through
Mazda. The roadside service people are
rude, limited in providers and
virtually worthless. It took them 4
hours to get my keys out of my car.
I have wanted a Millenia since they
were introduced in 95 and finally got
one! The 2002 S Model is stylish, fun
to drive, and didnt break the bank.
It does so many things right that I
look past its few shortcomings. With
only 13k miles on it, Ill be enjoying
this one for a long, long time. User Reviews:
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