2002 Mazda Millenia Review
Fuel Economy
20 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Not really a luxury car and not really a sport sedan, Millenia is past its expiration date.
Pros
Attractive exterior styling and interior design, supercharged Millenia S engine, competitive price.
Cons
Cramped interior, weak base engine, lack of brand cache, floaty highway ride, aging platform.
What's New for 2002
Now that the brilliant 6 sport sedan has been approved for production, the Millenia's days are numbered. Understandably, changes for 2002 barely register on the Richter scale. Are you ready for this? An auto-dimming mirror with compass is standard, and Snow White Pearl paint is changed to Snow Flake White Pearl paint. You can also get a Special Edition with a chrome-finished front grille, a black exterior and a black-and-ivory interior with titanium trim.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Good used value, but no Toyonda
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mazda Millenia Premium 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
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.
Favorite Features
Interior design, comfortable seats, flat handling, very comfortable cruiser.
Suggested Improvements
more driver legroom (I'm 6'4"). Needs a more reliable & smoother powertrain. Premium gas and mediocre fuel economy is a pain...I drive a 4x4 SUV also that in the end, per mile, barely costs more to fuel than the Mazda (5 mpg less, but regular gas).
One Nice Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mazda Millenia S 4dr Sedan (2.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
Review
This is one nice car! If it was not so unique and sharp I would buy a V6 Fusion or Mazda 6 with this 6 cyl engine in heartbeat.
Favorite Features
Quality and exterior appearance.
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage is good on highway at close to 30 on long trips but only about 17-18 running around (but I likely drive it a little harder than most).
mixed bag
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mazda Millenia Premium 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Can be a great value as a used car, so definitely worth a look for the nice interior design & materials, smooth ride, and upscale, if somewhat generic, Japanese sedan look. However, poor interior packaging makes this somewhat large sedan small on the inside (uncomfortable to drive w/knees splayed out--I'm 6'3"). Also, they have harsh shifting auto trannies with poor reliability, and other reliability issues as well. 170hp base engine is pretty weak. Fuel economy for a sedan is only 23mpg mixed city/hwy, and worst of all, requires premium fuel! If the tranny was smooth, there was another few inches of driver legroom, and my check engine light would turn off...then I'd probably love it!
Favorite Features
great used value, clean, generic, but upscale design, nice interior, smooth ride, good brakes, nice handling
Suggested Improvements
better interior packaging--seems this car wasn't designed to fit Americans. Put an auto tranny in it that doesn't grenade at 60k and shifts seamlessly (how about a GM tranny?) make it run on regular fuel. Modern Mazda's are much better overall.
Good Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mazda Millenia S Special Edition 4dr Sedan (2.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
Review
I have had this car for over 3 years now. No major issues. Here are some of the things that concern me about the car 1. The weather stripping is already cracking. Dealer quote for just one door 179$ + labor 2. Transmission is not very smooth. You feel a jerk when going from the 1st gear to the second. Dealer says this is common in these cars. This makes me think, I might have some transmission problems in the near feature. 3. The leather inside is not very supple. Its on the harder side 4. I have about 70,000 miles on the car and I already hear some rattle from the body.
Favorite Features
1. 17" chrome wheels are awesome. 2. The paint on the car is of good quality. The car looks very beautiful when its cleaned and polished. 3. Interior layout is of good quality. 4. Power seats, bose stereo are awesome.
Suggested Improvements
They don't make these cars anymore. So the fact that not many people own these cars makes me feel good.
I'M SO EXCITED!!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mazda Millenia Premium 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
What can I say about this car? An All- American (Ford) girl myself, I thought I would never buy a foreign car but I am sold!!! I bought the Millenia after my Ford Contour (still one of my favorite cars) transmission went bad. I needed a car ASAP, and I actually bought the Millenia knowing little about it. Oh, ignorance is bliss. I'm so excited!!! I love this car, and I pray that Mazda will bring it back soon! I would buy another one (even new) all over again.
Favorite Features
Miller-Cycle Engine. It's a V6 but gives power like a V8 but without the large consumption of gas. It's FAST!!! In town and on highway!!!
Suggested Improvements
Better paint job.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2002 Mazda Millenia
- 2001 Mazda Millenia
- 2000 Mazda Millenia
- 1999 Mazda Millenia
- 1998 Mazda Millenia
- 1997 Mazda Millenia
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