1996 Mazda Millenia L 2.5 V6

Summary:

Great style with Japanese reliability

Faults:

The engine control unit burned out and had to be replaced. This car does not like cheap gasoline, and I had to disassemble the throttle body, and clean and reinstall it to correct an check engine light related to the EGR valve.

The paint has been heavily faded/damaged by the Florida sun.

General Comments:

This is a fantastic car for the money. Its styling still looks fresh after 14 years. I have 170,000 miles on mine, and it still runs smooth and reliable.

I recently put an XM radio into it, and plan to drive it another year or so.

The V6 engine is economical and strong and the A/C runs like new (important here in Florida).

The automatic transmission is still smooth, and all the bells and whistles still work except the key no longer works in the driver side door, so I use the remote lock.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2009

30th Jul 2010, 07:36

Here's an update to the review above: As of July 2010, my 1996 Mazda Millenia L is still running strong with 185,000 miles. The black paint has major UV damage from the Florida sun and the driver's leather seat is ripped, but other than that, the car runs and handles like new with just basic maintenance, which I do myself.

I put an XM radio in it (which I really like) and had to dump some Lucas Transmission treatment into the auto trans to correct some sloppy shifting. I also replaced the front brakes, and flushed and replaced all the brake fluid, since the old fluid was starting to look dark.

I am so impressed with Mazda that I bought a new 2009 Mazda 3i as a second car, since it has almost all the bells and whistles of a Millenia at a great price.