When Mazda Tried to Outclass Lexus
Before the world got swept up in crossovers and SUVs, Mazda quietly built a sedan that dared to play in the luxury league. The Mazda Millenia—sleek, understated, and technologically ambitious—wasn’t just another plush commuter. It was a moonshot for Mazda, born from a canceled luxury brand and powered by one of the most fascinating engines ever fitted to a road car. Though it never earned the same prestige as a Lexus or Acura, the Millenia was proof that Mazda could build a luxury car ahead of its time.
The Forgotten Luxury Dream
The Millenia began life as the flagship model for Mazda’s planned luxury division, Amati. It was supposed to launch in the mid-1990s to compete with Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura. But when Japan’s economy crashed, Mazda scrapped Amati—leaving the Millenia to carry the luxury torch under its own badge.
Born From the Ashes of Amati
Originally called the Amati 500, the Millenia was already engineered and ready to go when the brand collapsed. Rather than wasting years of development, Mazda rebranded it as the Millenia and released it in 1993, determined to show the world what could have been.
The First Car With a Miller Cycle Engine
Under the hood of the high-end Millenia S was something extraordinary—a 2.3-liter supercharged V6 that ran on the Miller cycle instead of the conventional Otto cycle. The result? An engine that delivered 210 horsepower with 50% better fuel economy than comparable rivals.
Mazda’s Secret Luxury Formula
Mazda obsessed over details that most carmakers ignored. The Millenia’s paint process, for instance, involved spinning the body on a massive spindle to ensure a flawless, even coat. Panel gaps were minuscule, interior plastics were rich, and Mazda claimed it was setting standards for “at least ten years”.
A Sedan With Global Names
Depending on where you lived, the same car went by different names. In Europe, it was the Xedos 9. In Japan and Australia, it was sold as the Eunos 800. Each version carried the same DNA—a whisper-quiet ride, refined manners, and a futuristic engine.
Thomas doerfer, Wikimedia Commons
Four-Wheel Steering Magic
Japanese buyers could even opt for yaw-sensitive four-wheel steering, allowing the Millenia to corner with the agility of a BMW 850i or Nissan 300ZX. It wasn’t just luxury—it was an engineering statement.
OnceInAMillenia, Wikimedia Commons
Taking Over From the 929
In North America, the Millenia replaced Mazda’s aging 929 sedan in 1994. Unlike the rear-wheel-drive 929, the Millenia was front-wheel-drive, a decision that emphasized comfort and control over sportiness.
328cia, shot by permission of owner, Wikimedia Commons
Three Flavors of Fancy
Buyers could choose from three trims: the base Millenia, the leather-clad Millenia L, and the supercharged Millenia S. The top trim wasn’t just quick—it came standard with features like heated seats, traction control, and dual airbags, long before those were mainstream.
A Luxury Bargain That Outsmarted BMW
Reviewers at the time were stunned. The Millenia’s mix of craftsmanship, comfort, and tech rivaled sedans costing thousands more. Some even compared it favorably to the BMW 3-Series, Acura TL, and Lexus ES300—rare praise for a Mazda.
The Miller Cycle’s Moment of Fame
The Millenia’s unique engine wasn’t just a gimmick—it won a spot on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list four years in a row. For a brief, glorious period, Mazda’s technology outshone its luxury rivals.
Jgosteli at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons
A Millennium-Ready Special Edition
To celebrate the year 2000, Mazda released the limited Millennium Edition. Only 3,000 units were built, each with faux suede seats, a Bose audio system, 17-inch alloys, and exclusive paint colors like Millennium Red Mica.
Subtle But Smart Facelifts
The Millenia’s first facelift in 1997 was mostly cost-cutting—like replacing the aluminum hood with steel. But by 2001, Mazda gave it a proper makeover, revising the bumpers, grille, and brakes while adding more luxury inside.
Ahead of Its Suspension Game
Underneath, the Millenia packed an advanced multi-link suspension setup at both ends. Combined with a stabilizer bar and disc brakes on all corners, it handled like a dream without sacrificing comfort.
Safety and Stability First
The Millenia was one of the earliest sedans in its price range to feature standard ABS and traction control. Mazda wanted buyers to know this wasn’t just about comfort—it was about confidence, too.
Robert Bosch GmbH, Wikimedia Commons
A Smooth Operator, Not a Speed Demon
Despite its supercharger, the Millenia wasn’t meant to be a performance sedan. It hit 0–60 mph in about 8.2 seconds and topped out around 142 mph—respectable, but refined rather than raucous.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, Wikimedia Commons
From Luxury Leader to Forgotten Gem
Sales were modest, and by 2002, Mazda quietly ended production. The luxury experiment was over, but the Millenia left behind a legacy of ambition few remember today.
Peterolthof, Wikimedia Commons
A Used Luxury
Fast-forward to now, and a final-year 2002 Millenia can be had for under $2,500. With features like heated leather seats, a moonroof, and a Bose system, it’s an absurd amount of car for the money.
Reliability That Surprised Everyone
Despite its complexity, the Millenia has proven incredibly dependable. Owners report an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars and annual maintenance costs under $400. Not bad for a supercharged luxury sedan from the ‘90s.
Common Quirks to Watch For
A few owners have noted oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets and supercharger seals. But aside from that, most issues are minor—and fixable with routine maintenance.
A Cabin That Aged Gracefully
Step inside a Millenia today and you’ll still find plush materials, an ergonomic layout, and thoughtful touches like a power-adjustable steering wheel and remote trunk release. Even two decades later, it feels composed and premium.
The Luxury Mazda That Could Have Been
Had Amati launched as planned, the Millenia might’ve rewritten Mazda’s luxury history. Instead, it became an orphaned masterpiece—a glimpse into what could have been if Mazda had stayed the course.
Rudolf Stricker, Wikimedia Commons
A Luxury Legacy in Disguise
The Millenia’s spirit lives on in Mazda’s modern lineup. From the CX-90’s elegant interior to the sleek styling of the Mazda6, today’s Mazdas still carry the DNA of that long-forgotten luxury experiment.
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