1997 Mazda Millenia Review
1997 Mazda Millenia Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Elegant styling, ergonomic interior
Cons
- Front-wheel drive, Mazda nameplate doesn't connote luxury
What’s new
Models equipped with leather are upgraded this year with an eight-way power passenger seat, 16-inch alloy wheels, and revised final drive ratio for better low-end response. S models also get the power passenger seat. All Millenias have a new rear-window-mounted diversity antenna, a new sound system with in-dash CD player, revised center console design and Michelin tires.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Mazda Millenia 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.80 per gallon for regular unleaded in Pennsylvania.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Pennsylvania
$229/mo for Millenia Base
Millenia Base
vs
$195/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
By 1990, Honda, Toyota and Nissan all had luxury divisions that offered superbly engineered cars at prices that rivaled American and European brands. Mazda was a bit slow to react, but soon had its own luxury channel planned. To be called Amati, Mazda began developing two sedans to sell through the division when it debuted in the mid-nineties.
The rising yen and softening sales in the luxury car segment made it clear to Mazda that Amati would be nothing more than a money pit. The project was canceled, but one of the sedans in development was nearly ready for production. Rather than consign that sedan to a future of write-ups in "Cars Japan Never Built" books, they decided to sell it as a Mazda. They named it Millenia, and priced it, in base trim, to compete with entry-level BMWs, the Nissan Maxima, and even top-of-the-line Toyota Camrys.
Times have changed. The Millenia now competes on a fiercely scarred near-luxury battleground bordered by the excellent Audi A4 on the low-end and the overpriced Lexus GS300 on the high end. Since its introduction, prices of the Millenia have steadily risen, while competitors have slashed prices. The Millenia isn't the deal it used to be.
The Millenia is an interesting looking car, though some styling cues can be chalked up as derivative. The S version is powered by the only Miller-cycle engine in production, a 2.3-liter unit equipped with a supercharger and good for 210 horsepower. Base and L models make do with a 2.5-liter V6 good for 170 horsepower, which simply isn't enough in this class. The interior is quite distinctive, in the Mazda tradition of providing excellent controls wrapped in interestingly flowing shapes. For 1997, cars with beige interiors get brown dashboards.
Other changes for the new model year include upgraded standard equipment on L and S models. A power passenger seat with eight-way adjustment is included with either trim level, while the L gets 16-inch alloy wheels and a revised final drive ratio for improved off-the-line acceleration. Mazda has revised the center console of all Millenias, improving the cupholder and adding an integrated sunglasses tray and pen holder. A new sound system includes an in-dash CD player, and a rear-window-mounted diversity antenna replaces last year's pole antenna. New colors and Michelin tires for all models round out the changes for 1997.
If only the Millenia had something other than the Miller-cycle engine to distinguish it, like the personality most other Mazdas exhibit and a lower sticker price, we could wholeheartedly recommend it. Unfortunately for Mazda, there are three brand new and very competent players on the field for 1997, and their names are Cadillac Catera, Lexus ES 300, and Mitsubishi Diamante.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Mazda Millenia.
5 star(46%)
4 star(35%)
3 star(17%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
59 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Best car I ever owned
giogolf, 05/04/2002
1995 Mazda Millenia S 4dr Sedan
Bought it at 32000 miles, have doubled
the miles since then and have put a
total of $24.71 into the car
(defective oil sending unit). Was
rear-ended on the highway by a mid-
size truck, car protected all
occupants perfectly. Unbeleivable
realiablilty.
4.13 out of 5 stars
After 13 years it still runs like new
joeyB, 11/23/2010
1995 Mazda Millenia 4dr Sedan
Mine is L version which I bought with 8000 miles in '97 and it currently has 190,000 miles. The car is very reliable and still my daily driver (13 years!). Only performed scheduled maintenance. The paint faded and the driver's leather seat ripped but other than that it runs really well. Even the A/C is still cold.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Millenia!
lauraann, 02/07/2010
1995 Mazda Millenia 4dr Sedan
I bought this car as my first when i turned 16 and it had 160000 miles. As soon as it left the dealership the check engine light came on and it turned out the gas gauge was stuck at 3/4 of a tank. After i figured out my cars little quirks, it was a very reliable car for me. I had to replace the radiator, front wheel bearings, and the brake pads and disks. my left turn signal was very … touchy and liked to be on all the time. I drove it until i wrecked it in january at exactly 200000 miles
5 out of 5 stars
Great car for the $$$
lexus Mania, 12/26/2002
1995 Mazda Millenia 4dr Sedan
I bought this car December of 2001 for
$7000. I have had it for 1 year now,
and NO PROBLEMS. I would like 500hp in
the car and I wold like a Bose 600W
system, and a DVD player, and Leather
better than a Bentley but Hey I'm just
spending $7,000. For the money this is
the best car out thier. No questions
asked.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Mazda Millenia, so we've included reviews for other years of the Millenia since its last redesign.
1997 Millenia Highlights
L
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $229/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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