English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Mazda Xedos 9: a luxurious sedan with a Miller cycle engine and what to know when buying
Mazda Xedos 9 — the luxurious front-wheel-drive sedan sold in Europe from 1993 to 2002, known as the Millenia in other markets. We explain what sets it apart, which engines it came with, and what to check if you spot one in the used market.
Xedos 9 in brief
The Xedos 9 was developed as the first planned luxury model for the Amati badge. Due to Japan's economic downturn, Amati was scrapped, so the car was sold as a Mazda: in Europe as the Xedos 9, in Japan and Australia as the Eunos 800, and in the US as the Millenia.
Mazda aimed for the Xedos 9 to achieve a higher quality level than its usual models: more precisely fitted parts, higher-quality interior plastics, and a thicker paint finish. It's rarely seen in Lithuania but appreciated for its comfort and solid build quality.
What sets it apart from other Mazdas
The Xedos 9 was one of the first production cars worldwide with a Miller cycle engine — Mazda didn't return to this principle until much later. Such an engine was more economical but also more complex.
In Europe, the smaller Xedos 6 was also sold. The Xedos 9 was aimed at those who need a more luxurious sedan than the standard Mazda 626 but not as expensive as German rivals.
Engines and transmissions
The Xedos 9 came with V6 petrol engines: 2.0 l (around 144 hp), 2.5 l (around 170 hp) and a Miller cycle 2.3 l with a supercharger (around 210 hp). Always check the exact specs and trim level against the specific car's documents.
The gearbox could be manual or automatic. In the used market, you'll find both manual and automatic options.
What to check when buying a Xedos 9
These cars are old, so check the body for rust in the arches and sills. See if the timing belt has been changed and if the engine oil and coolant have been maintained, as V6 engines are sensitive to upkeep.
If it has a Miller cycle engine, check the supercharger operation and engine leaks. Parts, especially specific body and interior ones, are scarce in Lithuania, so check availability before buying.
Trim levels
Trim names and equipment vary by market and year; we don't list European market trims here.
Pilnos įrangos versija
1993–2002 model yearsA luxurious sedan with plenty of comfort features and a V6 engine.
- Often comes with leather upholstery
- Often comes with electric seats and climate control
- Equipment varies by market and year
Engine comparison
| 2,0 V6 | 2,5 V6 | 2,3 Miller | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For more economical driving | For a smooth drive | For those who value power and technology |
| Approximate power | around 144 hp | around 170 hp | around 210 hp |
| Complexity | Simpler | Simpler | More complex |
| Relative price in the used market | € | €€ | €€ |
For most buyers, the 2.5 V6 strikes a good balance. The Miller cycle engine is more interesting, but it's more complex and costly to maintain.
Pros
- High build quality and robust construction
- Comfortable, quiet ride
- A rare, unique car
- Generous equipment
Cons
- Finding parts in Lithuania is tricky
- V6 and Miller engines require meticulous maintenance
- High fuel consumption
Frequently asked questions
How does the Xedos 9 differ from the Mazda Millenia?
It's the same car: Xedos 9 is the name in Europe, Millenia in the US, and in Japan and Australia, it was called the Eunos 800.
What makes the Xedos 9 engine special?
The Xedos 9 was one of the first production cars in the world with a Miller cycle engine—a 2.3-litre supercharged unit based on this principle.
Is the Xedos 9 reliable?
It's considered high-quality, but its age and V6 engines demand thorough maintenance. Before buying, check the service history and the condition of the engine and body.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
