1996 Mazda Millenia Review

1996 Mazda Millenia - New division.

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The solid, refined Millenia is the only car that materialized from Mazda's aborted Amati luxury division.

This front-wheel-drive luxury sedan, which debuted as a 1995 model, looks and feels like a class act--especially when equipped with the unique ``Miller-cycle'' V-6 that powers the Millenia S model

Those considering foreign luxury models, such as Lexus, Infiniti, BMW and Mercedes, should give the Millenia S a try; they will be pleasantly surprised.

The standard $27,995 Millenia comes with a nice 2.5-liter 170-horsepower V-6 that propels it from 0-60 m.p.h. in a respectable 9.1 seconds. But the car really should have the Miller-cycle V-6 of the top-line $35,595 S model.

That 2.3-liter engine is smaller than the standard V-6 but generates 210 horsepower. The design involves supercharged-abetted unorthodox valve timing for a larger engine's performance and better fuel economy than offered by conventional engines with comparable performance.

The dual-camshaft, 24-valve Millenia S hits 60 m.p.h. in 7.5 seconds and loves to accelerate strongly above 65 m.p.h. However, one must get used to a slight acceleration pause that occurs when one floors the throttle.

The Millenia S delivers an estimated 20 m.p.h. in the city and 28 on highways. The regular Millenia V-6 provides 20 and 27.

Both cars have rock-solid construction and a smooth four-speed automatic transmission, which is a bit reluctant to downshift in the Millenia S.

Besides its superior acceleration, the Millenia S has the best performance, ride and handling. It has a supple ride and does a wonderful job of combining the feel of a luxury sedan with sports sedan performance.

The Millenia comfortably seats four 6-footers and has decent trunk space. Even the base model is well-equipped--with dual air bags, automatic climate control, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, anti-theft alarm, power driver's seat, AM/FM/cassette and power tilt steering wheel, windows and locks.

A $31,395 L model adds leather upholstery, power front passenger seat, remote keyless entry and power sunroof. Besides the Miller-cycle V-6, the S adds traction control and higher-performance tires.

Perhaps the biggest drawback of the Millenia S is that the Mazda name lacks the snob appeal of, say, the Lexus nameplate. If potential buyers can bring themselves to ignore that fact, they'll have a superb automobile.


Dan Jedlicka

Dan Jedlicka's Website

Dan Jedlicka joined the Chicago Sun-Times in February 1968 as a business news reporter and was named auto editor later that year. He has reviewed more than 4,000 new vehicles for the Sun-Times--far more than any newspaper auto writer in the country. Jedlicka also reviewed vehicles for Microsoft Corp.'s MSN Autos Internet site from January, 1996, to June, 2008.

Jedlicka remained auto editor at the Sun-Times until October, 2008, and continued writing for the newspaper's AutoTimes section, which he started in 1992, until February, 2009. While continuing his auto writings at the Sun-Times, he served as assistant financial editor of that newspaper from 1970 to 1973, when he began his automotive column.

He has appeared on numerous radio and television shows, including NBC's "Today," ABC's "20/20" and "The CBS Evening News." He was a host, consultant and writer for Fox-TV Channel 32's 1991 New Car Preview show and that Chicago-based station's 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 Chicago Auto Show Previews.

Jedlicka's auto articles have been printed in national magazines, including Esquire and Harper's. His auto columns have been reprinted in U.S. government publications and economic textbooks and he is profiled in the "World's Greatest Auto Show" history book about the Chicago Auto Show. In late 1975, Jedlicka was host and technical advisor for three one-hour television specials, "Auto Test 76," which aired nationally on PBS and were the first nationally televised auto road test shows.

In 1995, Jedlicka was the recipient of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois Inc.'s Consumer Education Award, given annually to a person who has gained distinction in the field of consumer education. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Media category and inducted into the Legends of Motorsports Guild at the Carquest World of wheels custom car show in Chicago in January, 2006.

Jedlicka was a member of the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury, composed of a select number of auto journalists from throughout the country, from 1995 until 2009. From 2010 to 2012, he was a member of Consumer Digest magazine's auto experts panel that gave Best Buy new vehicle recommendations.

He is a 1987 graduate of the Bob Bondurant Race Drivers School and later of the BMW "M" and Skip Barber Advanced Driving schools. He was a member of the U.S. team that participated in the 1987 1,000-mile Mille Miglia race/rally in Italy and has been a race winner at the Chicago area's Santa Fe Speedway.

Jedlicka has owned 25 classic cars, including 1950s and 1960s Ferraris and 1950s and 1960s Porsches, a 1965 Corvette, a 1967 Maserati and a 1957 Studebaker supercharged Golden Hawk. Jedlicka resides with his wife, Suzanne, in the Frank Lloyd Wright historic district of Oak Park. They have two children, James and Michele.

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