2001 Mazda Millenia Review

The smooth, swift Mazda Millenia never has gotten the respect it deserves. But the restyled 2001 model promises to attract a greater number of buyers with more changes than it has had since its early 1994 introduction.

The new Millenia has sleeker styling, restyled interior, better ride and handling and a quieter, more luxurious feel thanks partly to a stiffer body structure.

One problem for the front-drive Millenia is that it's an entry luxury car from an automaker not known for upscale autos. Mazda generally is best known for its entry Miata sports car. The Miata arrived about a decade ago and had no serious competition for years until Toyota reintroduced its MR2 Spyder two-seater for the 2000 model year.

Mazda's other cars--the subcompact Protege and compact 626 sedans--are above average, but have suffered from muddled marketing. And some folks still consider innovative Mazda a bit peculiar because of family cars it sold in the 1970s with the automaker's unorthodox rotary engine.

The Millenia would have had a Japanese luxury nameplate if Mazda's proposed Amati upscale division had been created in the 1990s. Financial problems prevented Mazda from forming that division, but not before it developed the Millenia as the top Amati model. It ended up being the premier Mazda-nameplate car.

However, things are looking up for Mazda. Its B-Series pickup truck is similar to the revised, popular 2001 Ford Ranger, and its Tribute sport-utility vehicle is a sister to Ford's hot new Escape sport-ute. Also, Mazda's MPV minivan was much improved with a 2000 redesign.

And it doesn't hurt that Ford now controls Mazda and is determined to make it a stronger contender.

The redone 2001 Millenia fits nicely into Ford-Mazda revitalization efforts. It comes as the $28,025 P model and top-line $31,025 S. Both have so much

equipment such as leather upholstery and a power sunroof that the few options include a weather package with heated front seats.

The S adds items such as traction control, larger 17-inch alloy wheels (compared to redesigned 16-inch ones on the P) and an improved audio system.

The P has Mazda's 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower V-6 with dual overhead camshafts. The S is powered by a supercharged 210-horsepower dual-camshaft V-6.

The supercharged, intercooled 2.3-liter engine was in the first Millenia. It's unusual because it has a unique Miller-cycle design that involves supercharged-abetted unorthodox valve timing to provide the power of a bigger engine with the economy of a smaller one.

The smooth supercharged engine provides strong acceleration long after the 70 mph mark has been reached--like the legendary Chrysler "Hemi" V-8s.

Fuel economy is an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway with the 210-horsepower V-6. It's 20 and 27 for the larger, less powerful V-6.

Both work with a four-speed automatic transmission that operates smoothly, although quicker downshifts would be appreciated during fast passing maneuvers. At least the harsh downshifts of last year's model have been eliminated.

Additional reinforcing of structural members results in a 35 percent increase in torsional rigidity, which enhances the Millenia's general feel.

Precise steering and a supple all-independent suspension provide a smooth ride and crisp handling. The brake pedal has a reassuringly firm feel and works with larger front disc brakes and an electronic brake force distribution system for surer emergency stops.

The Millenia has a restyled hood, front fenders, grille, front bumper, headlights, taillights and rear fascia. It always has been handsome, with a decidedly European look. But the new model looks slicker, and the restyling adds about two inches to its length.

Unchanged are the 3,358-pound car's nice body panel fits, excellent paint and high-grade interior materials.

The cockpit has been upgraded with a power lumbar support driver's seat, two-tone treatment, improved switch and interior lighting, leather-wrapped shift knob, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and better sound insulation. New gauges with luminescent red pointers provide greater readability.

Also, there's a new center console with padded armrest, additional power outlet and room for 10 CDs. There are four cupholders--two front and two rear.

The cockpit is quiet, although one can hear some wind noise above 70 mph and prominent road expansion strips.

Four tall adults easily fit. Front seats are very supportive and the rear seat is nicely shaped--although its center area is high and hard. The large, smooth controls and dashboard-mounted ignition switch are easily reached, but the chromed inside door handles are too small.

The large trunk has a conveniently low opening, although its extreme length calls for a long stretch to reach objects at its far end.

More than ever, the new Millenia deserves to be on shopping lists of near-luxury car buyers.