2001 MAZDA Xedos 9 2.5L V6 4AT (167 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 2001, Mazda introduced a facelifted version of its upmarket version Xedos 9, or Millenia on the U.S. market, and tried again to get more customers. But it failed.

While the competition grew stronger in the late ’90s, Mazda still pushed the Millenia/Xedos 9 on various markets. It tried to achieve the same status as the Lexus or the Acura, but the customers didn’t buy it. So, despite its revolutionary design and unique technical features, it failed, and the nameplate never returned to Mazda’s inventory.

During the facelift, the carmaker made a new front fascia design. While its predecessor featured smaller, rounded headlights, the 2001 model was bolder, with new-edge-inspired lines for the headlamps. The grille was also slightly more angular like a wide shield pointed downwards to the bumper. Mazda placed chromed trims on wherever it could, including on the gutters and the surroundings of the window. At the back, the rounded shapes of the trunk lid and taillights were slightly adjusted to fit in the new-edge design trend. Yet, its biodesign origins couldn’t be forgotten.

Inside, the carmaker tried to create a premium appearance, with a nicely curved dashboard and the audio system control panel integrated atop the center stack, very easy to reach by the driver. In the instrument cluster, Mazda placed large dials and an LCD below the speedometer. Depending on the trim level and options, the owner was either spoiled by velour upholstery or leather. At the back, there was room enough for three adult passengers.

For the technical department, the carmaker had to make some concessions in terms of power to comply with new emissions regulations.