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Mazda Millenia

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Mazda Millenia
1998–2000 Mazda Millenia
Overview
ManufacturerMazda
Also called
Production1993–2002
AssemblyJapan: Hiroshima (Hiroshima Plant)
DesignerYujiro Daikoku (1990)[1]
Body and chassis
ClassExecutive car
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
PlatformMazda TA platform
Powertrain
Engine
Power output
  • 140 hp (104 kW) (2.0L)
  • 210 hp (157 kW) (2.3L)
  • 170 hp (127 kW) (2.5L)
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,751 mm (108.3 in)
Length
  • 4,821 mm (189.8 in) (1995-2000)
  • 4,867 mm (191.6 in) (2001-02)
Width1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Height1,394 mm (54.9 in)

The Mazda Millenia (officially written as millenia[2]) was an automobile manufactured by Mazda in Japan from 1993 to 2002. The Millenia was originally planned as one of the first models for Mazda's proposed luxury brand Amati.

As it was targeted at a more upscale market from typical Mazda customers, the Millenia was engineered to far greater levels of perceived quality than the more mainstream Mazda cars, such as improved interior plastic quality, smaller panel gaps and a thicker, more even paint coating, thanks to a novel process of painting the body while it rotated on a massive spindle.[3] Mazda claimed this attention to detail was intended to set "standards for at least ten years".[4]

At the time of its release, it was the first and only production car in the world to employ a Miller cycle engine,[5][6] a design which Mazda would not use again until the second generation Mazda2 in 2008, and in modern Mazdas using the SKYACTIV engine.[7][8]

Plans for Amati

[edit]

See also Amati Cars

The Millenia was originally intended to serve as the launch model in 1994 for Mazda's new luxury brand Amati under the name Amati 500.[9][10] In June of the same year, Amati produced a logo and announced plans for a $75 million marketing campaign with Los Angeles-based Lord, Dentsu & Partners planned to start at the end of 1993.[11] Mazda expected to sell 20,000 vehicles a year in 1994 and to double that by 1995.

The recession caused by the collapse of the Japanese asset price bubble led to the cancellation of Amati by October 1992,[12] and by November 1993 it was decided to sell the Millenia as a Mazda instead.[6][13]

Branding post-Amati

[edit]

As the company's finances dwindled due to the collapse of the bubble economy, Mazda scrapped the launch of the Amati brand. Instead, the car was rebadged and sold through Mazda's various sub-bands under different model names depending on the market.[9] There was no equivalent version offered by Mazda's Ẽfini or Autozam.

Europe

[edit]

Mazda of Europe sold the Millenia as the Mazda Xedos 9[6] between 1993 and 2002. There was also a smaller, compact Mazda Xedos 6 offered at the same time.

Japan & Australia

[edit]

In right-hand drive Japan and Australia, the Millenia was marketed as the Eunos 800 from 1993 through 1998,[9] with the Miller Cycle-equipped version sold as the Eunos 800M. Yaw-sensitive four-wheel steering was available as an option in Japan; Mazda claimed that with this feature, the Millenia was capable of passing the elk test at speeds comparable to the BMW 850i and Nissan 300ZX.

Like in Europe, it was sold alongside the smaller Xedos 6, which itself was rebranded in these markets as the Eunos 500.

In July 1997, Mazda discontinued the Eunos brand and the Eunos 800 was renamed to Mazda Millenia.

Eunos 800M SP

[edit]

Mazda Motorsport Australia released a limited edition Eunos 800M SP with improved suspension and larger alloy wheel and tire combination, but with no modifications to the engine.

North America

[edit]

Launched in North America in 1994 (as a 1995 model year),[14][8] the Mazda Millenia replaced the Mazda 929 as the brand's flagship sedan offering in North America.[7] While the 929 had been the last non-luxury rear-wheel drive Japanese import sedan in the US, the Millenia was front-wheel drive. Unlike the other markets, there was no equivalent version of the Mazda Xedos 6/Eunos 500 sold in the US or Canada.[9]

It was available in three models: the base model (called simply "Millenia"), the mid-level Millenia L (with standard leather upholstery, power moon roof and remote keyless entry), and the top-of-the-line Millenia S which featured optional heated front seats and came standard with the supercharged 2.3-liter V6 Miller cycle engine,[15] which produced 50% more power than the base engine but also 50% better fuel economy.[16] All Millenia models came standard with dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control.[17]

Reception was generally positive, with reviewers praising the vehicle's combination of interior quality, engine performance, and overall value as superior to contemporary competitors like the BMW 3-series, Infiniti i30, Acura TL, Lexus ES300, and Mercedes C280.[18][19] The Miller-Cycle engine specifically also received praise, earning a spot in Ward's 10 Best Engines every year from 1995 through 1998[8][20]

US Market Sales

[edit]
[14] 1994 1995 1996[21] 1997[22] 1998[23] 1999[24] 2000*[25] 2001[26] 2002[27] 2003[28] 2004[29]
January 0 1,429 998 1,126 1,114 1,113 unknown 1,301 1,904 509 7
February 400 1,450 960 1,173 1,000 1,203 unknown 1,665 1,771 450 1
March 1,874 1,794 1,036 1,214 1,031 1,333 unknown 1,286 1,925 304 7
April 2,708 1,494 1,055 1,346 1,031 1,399 unknown 1,455 1,583 192 0
May 3,236 1,503 1,153 1,930 1,085 1,605 unknown 1,892 1,707 139 1
June 3,114 2,467 828 2,086 1,428 1,487 unknown 3,761 1,368 86 0
July 2,338 1,658 856 1,761 3,686 1,563 unknown 1,643 1,432 64 2
August 2,882 1,504 1,219 2,018 3,941 1,536 unknown 1,407 1,680 29 0
September 2,593 1,512 1,138 1,414 600 2,160 unknown 1,392 1,407 13 0
October 1,860 2,992 1,147 1,684 656 2,746 unknown 1,594 1,149 13 0
November 1,698 2,262 1,375 1,172 568 1,659 unknown 1,242 1,223 3 0
December 1,720 1,496 1,254 1,096 577 1,394 unknown 1,211 917 10 0
Total Millenia Sales 24,423 21,561 13,019 18,020 16,717 19,198 16,558 19,849 18,066 1,812 18
All Mazda Sales 375,416 283,745 238,285 221,840 240,547 243,708 255,526 269,602 258,213 258,865 263,882

(* Note: Monthly sales data could not be found for calendar year 2000, however the total sales for that year can be found in a year-over-year sales comparison table in the Automotive News Market Data Book for calendar year 2001.[26])

Facelift

[edit]

The vehicle received a minor facelift in 1997 primarily focused on cost-saving measures, such as downgrading the hood from aluminum[16] to steel. This first facelift also coincided with the dissolution of the Eunos brand.

The Millenia was more dramatically face lifted for the 2001 model year, with most modifications updating the front and rear bumpers and grille as well as reinforcements to the body structure and larger brakes.[30]Inside, the car added standard leather upholstery and a power lumbar support for the driver. [19]

  • Mazda Xedos 9 (Europe)
    Mazda Xedos 9 (Europe)
  • Eunos 800 2.5 (pre-facelift)
    Eunos 800 2.5 (pre-facelift)
  • 1998-2000 Mazda Millenia (Japan)
    1998-2000 Mazda Millenia (Japan)
  • 1998-2000 Mazda Millenia (Japan)
    1998-2000 Mazda Millenia (Japan)
  • 1995-1998 Mazda Millenia base (US)
    1995-1998 Mazda Millenia base (US)
  • 2001-2002 Mazda Millenia (US)
    2001-2002 Mazda Millenia (US)

Discontinuation

[edit]

While production ceased in September 2002 with the final 35 units,[31] in the United States there were still new Millenia sales reported as late as July 2004.[29]

The Millenia did not have a direct predecessor or replacement in the Mazda product line. The end of production coincided with the introduction of the Mazda6 in 2002, which also served as replacement for Mazda's other, contemporaneous mid-sized sedan, the Mazda 626.

Specifications and performance

[edit]
Specifications Millenia S[15] Millenia L (and Base) [32]
MSRP (2002)[27] $35,595 $31,995 (Millenia L)
Engine Type 2.3 Liter V6 2.5 Liter V6
Engine Size 2255 cc/2.3 L 2497 cc/2.5 L
Horsepower 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5300 rpm 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS) @5600 RPM
Torque 210 lb⋅ft (285 N⋅m) @ 3500 rpm 160 ft⋅lbf (220 N⋅m) @ 4000 RPM
Wheelbase/Width/Length 108.3 in (2,751 mm)/69.7 in (1,770 mm)/189.8 in (4,821 mm) 108.3 in (2,751 mm)/69.7 in (1,770 mm)/189.8 in (4,821 mm)
Transmission Four-speed automatic Four-speed automatic
Curb Weight 3,410 lb (1,550 kg) 3,232 lb (1,466 kg)
Fuel Type Premium Unleaded Premium Unleaded
Fuel Capacity 18.0 US gal (68 L; 15 imp gal) 18.0 US gal (68 L; 15 imp gal)
Tires P215/50R17 P215/65R15 (Millenia L)
Brakes (F/R) Disc (ABS)/Disc (ABS) Disc (ABS)/Disc (ABS)
Drivetrain Front-engine/front-wheel-drive Front-engine/front-wheel-drive
Vehicle Type Five-passenger/four-door Five-passenger/four-door
Domestic Content 4% unknown
Coefficient of Drag (Cd.) 0.29 0.29
Performance
EPA Economy, miles per gallon
city/highway/average 		20 mpg‑US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg‑imp)/28 mpg‑US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg‑imp)/23 mpg‑US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg‑imp) 20 mpg‑US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg‑imp)/27 mpg‑US (8.7 L/100 km; 32 mpg‑imp)/22 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg‑imp)
0-60 mph 7.5 seconds 9.9 seconds
1/4 Mile (E.T.) 15.8 seconds @ 93.8 mph (151.0 km/h) 17.3 seconds
Top Speed (Est.) 142 mph (229 km/h) 135 mph (217 km/h)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Daikoku, Yujiro. "USD353792S". Google Patents. Mazda. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
  2. ^ Demuro, Doug (2017-09-18). "Remember When Mazda Released a Car With a Misspelled Name?". Autotrader. Retrieved 2024-10-17.
  3. ^ Komaki, Tsunero (January 1, 1993). Xedos 9: 10 Untold Stories. Translated by Sexton, Ward E.; Fisher, Braden C. Mazda Motor Corporation (published 1993). pp. 124–125. ASIN B0010ZT7FS.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  4. ^ "MAZDA 100TH ANNIVERSARY | LEGENDARY MAZDAS - EUNOS 800/MILLENIA". Legendary Mazdas - Eunos 800 / Millenia. Retrieved 2024-10-17.
  5. ^ Marquis, Erin (2019-07-26). "The 2002 Mazda Millenia S Is a Ghost from Japan's Bubble Era of Wild Over-Engineering". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2024-10-17.
  6. ^ a b c "Baby Amati to wear Mazda badge". MotorTrend. November 1993. p. 18. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
  7. ^ a b "A History Of Mazda's Boundaries-Pushing Sedans | Mazda USA". www.mazdausa.com. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  8. ^ a b c "Mazda History | Mazda USA News". Mazda USA Newsroom. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  9. ^ a b c d Orlove, Raphael (2018-12-10). "It Was Japan's Most Daring Car. Then the Economy Imploded". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2024-10-17.
  10. ^ Kelley, Maryann N. (February 1992). "Amati: What's in a name?". MotorTrend. p. 118. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
  11. ^ "That's Amati". MotorTrend. June 1992. p. 26. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
  12. ^ Pollack, Andrew (October 27, 1992). "Mazda Drops Luxury Line Plan for U.S." New York Times. Archived from the original on 2017-11-10. Retrieved 20 December 2016.
  13. ^ O'Dell, John (October 27, 1992). "Mazda Puts Brakes on Amati : The Car Maker Cancels Plans to Launch a Luxury Car Division". LA Times. Archived from the original on 2017-11-10. Retrieved 20 December 2016.
  14. ^ a b "Automotive News Market Data Book". Automotive News. ISSN 0005-1551. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
  15. ^ a b "1996 MAZDA Millenia Specs & Feature Comparisons | Kelley Blue Book". www.kbb.com. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  16. ^ a b MotorWeek (2023-12-07). 1995 Mazda Millenia | Retro Review. Retrieved 2025-05-15 – via YouTube.
  17. ^ MotorWeek (2023-12-07). 1995 Mazda Millenia | Retro Review. Retrieved 2025-05-15 – via YouTube.
  18. ^ Paul, Rik (September 1995). "In the Leather-Lined Trenches of the Midluxury Wars". MotorTrend. pp. 89–96. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  19. ^ a b motorweek. "2002 Mazda Millenia S Program #2114". MotorWeek. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
  20. ^ "Mazda 2.3L Miller-cycle DOHC V-6". www.wardsauto.com. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  21. ^ "Sales." Automotive News (1997): 45-68. ProQuest. Web. 28 Sep. 2024.
  22. ^ "Sales." Automotive News 71.5768 (1998): 45-68. ProQuest. Web. 28 Sep. 2024.
  23. ^ "Sales." Automotive News 73.5821 (1999): 33-54. ProQuest. Web. 28 Sep. 2024.
  24. ^ "Sales." Automotive News, suppl.Market Data Book 2000 74.5877 (2000): 33-54. ProQuest. Web. 28 Sep. 2024.
  25. ^ "U.S. Car and Light-Truck Sales - 2000 Calendar Year." Automotive News, suppl.2001 Market Data Book 75.5930 (2001): 9. ProQuest. Web. 28 Sep. 2024.
  26. ^ a b "North America Sales History and Forecast." Automotive News, suppl.2002 Market Data Book 76.5986 (2002): 25-39. ProQuest. Web. 28 Sep. 2024.
  27. ^ a b "U.S. Car Sales - North America-Built and Imported - 2002 Calendar Year." Automotive News, suppl.2003 Market Data Book 77.6040 (2003): 27,28,30-32. ProQuest. Web. 28 Sep. 2024.
  28. ^ "Sales: U.S. Car Sales - North America-Built and Imported - 2003." Automotive News, suppl.2004 Market Data Book 78.6095 (2004): 27,28,30-32. ProQuest. Web. 28 Sep. 2024.
  29. ^ a b "U.S. Car and Light-Truck Sales - 2004." Automotive News, suppl.2005 Market Data Book 79.6149 (2005): 26-35. ProQuest. Web. 28 Sep. 2024. "U.S. Light-Vehicle Sales." Automotive News, suppl.2006 MARKET DATA BOOK 80.6204 (2006): 24. ProQuest. Web. 28 Sep. 2024.
  30. ^ S, Matt. "FWD Champions: The Mazda Millenia – Spannerhead". Retrieved 2025-05-15.
  31. ^ "MAZDA:Backnumber | Production and Sales Results". 2002-10-01. Retrieved 2024-10-17.
  32. ^ "Detailed specs review of 1996 Mazda Millenia model for North America".
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