Like the Millenia S, the base Millenia benefited from a major price reduction. The Millenia's price was reduced by $2,450, to $26,545. But the base model is a hard sell. It comes with a 2.5-liter dohc V6 rated at 170 horsepower. The resulting package is a tepid performer that takes more than 9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. That's not particularly quick for a proper luxury sedan.

By contrast, the smaller-displacement Miller-cycle engine in the S sprints to 60 mph in the mid 7-second range. At the same time, it achieves an excellent EPA mileage rating of 28 mpg highway/20 mpg city.

This top-of-the-line Mazda's styling is appealing without attracting undue attention to itself. For 1999, its appearance has been freshened with an attractive new grille and new front and rear light assemblies. The result is a shape of nice muscularity. Distinctive character lines at the windowsill and lower cladding assure that the Millenia avoids the excessively melted roundness of earlier Mazda 626s.

Our Millenia S model's sporty look was further enhanced by all-business, low-aspect ratio 215/50 tires mounted on optional chrome 17-inch wheels ($500). These chrome wheels are new for '99, and once you see a Millenia fitted with them, you'll never settle for less.

Other standard Millenia S amenities include a power moonroof, keyless remote entry and leather interior. In the S, an eight-way power passenger seat matches the similar driver's seat standard in both the S and base Millenia. Otherwise, stem to stern, this car's fit and finish is world-class, absolutely as good as it gets.