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2008 Mazda CX-9 Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 Mazda CX-9 to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove the Mazda CX-9 to offer you a definitive opinion on this sporty, seven-passenger crossover. This review also compares the 2008 Mazda CX-9 with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions.

Likes:

  • Dynamic feel
  • Anti-bread loaf styling
  • Engaging, useful three-row interior
  • High-quality feel
  • Available all-wheel drive

Dislikes:

  • Not as large as the largest full-size crossovers
  • Small center console
  • May be too sporty for some
  • Some tire/road noise

Buying Tips:


It's important to know that vehicles like the 2008 Mazda CX-9 are commodities--Mazda's plant in Hiroshima, Japan, cranks out plenty of CX-9s, and there is no shortage of competitors to vie for your dollar. TheCarConnection.com recommends that you enter the sales experience prepared and bargain for the best deal possible. The base front-drive versions are more than adequate for most types of driving; with all-wheel drive, the price can shoot up past $40,000.

The term "crossover" is misleading. In the strictest automotive sense, crossover vehicles like the 2008 Mazda CX-9 are supposed to be car-based vehicles that look and perform something like SUVs. However, when you begin to look for the "car" hiding under many of today's crossovers, they're nowhere to be seen. If you look far enough back in the CX-9/Mazda family tree, you will find roots in the sporty Mazda6 sedan. And those roots tap fertile soil.

This seven-passenger crossover was introduced in 2007, and today offers an alternative to "the minivan" that totally avoids the dull and boring stigma associated with mommy mobiles. Simultaneously, the 2008 CX-9's styling avoids going in the false "I'm tough" direction of many SUVs. For the Mazda CX-9, 2008 brings only minor changes such as more power thanks to the enlarged V-6 engine that has grown in displacement from 3.5 liters to 3.7 liters. Horsepower is up to 273, helping the CX-9 maintain its sporty edge. Unlike many high-horsepower V-6 engines out there, the Mazda's does not require premium fuel to hit its claimed power. A six-speed automatic is standard.

The front seats are comfortable, and the back is too, but the 2008 Mazda CX-9 is not the biggest of the big crossovers--it's a touch smaller than a Buick Enclave, for example. But it is one of the prettiest, and its deft steering and handling give it a carlike feel.

Other Choices:

If you’re interested in the 2008 Mazda CX-9, also consider:

Reason Why:

Beyond the 2008 Mazda CX-9, the range of available crossovers staggers the mind. If size matters most to you, then consider any of the large crossovers from General Motors--they're the biggest. But don't do so before driving the Mazda CX-9, which may reveal that size doesn't matter that much. Style and price range remain big variables, so take the time to see and drive the Mazda in person. Only then decide whether the CX-9's low $30,000 price is spot-on for you. After a test drive, you may decide the 2008 Mazda CX-9 is really a less expensive alternative to an Acura MDX or BMW X5.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Mazda CX-9 may be the best-driving full-size seven-passenger crossover out there. It is certainly one of the best looking and appointed.

TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 Mazda CX-9 to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove the Mazda CX-9 to offer you a definitive opinion on this sporty, seven-passenger crossover. This review also compares the 2008 Mazda CX-9 with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions. Likes:Dynamic feelAnti-bread loaf stylingEngaging, useful three-row interiorHigh-quality feelAvailable all-wheel driveDislikes:Not as large as the largest full-size crossoversSmall center consoleMay be too sporty for someSome tire/road noiseBuying Tips: It's important to know that vehicles like the 2008 Mazda CX-9 are commodities--Mazda's plant in Hiroshima, Japan, cranks out plenty of CX-9s, and there is no shortage of competitors to vie for your dollar. TheCarConnection.com recommends that you enter the sales experience prepared and bargain for the best deal possible. The base front-drive versions are more than adequate for most types of driving; with all-wheel drive, the price can shoot up past $40,000. The term "crossover" is misleading. In the strictest automotive sense, crossover vehicles like the 2008 Mazda CX-9 are supposed to be car-based vehicles that look and perform something like SUVs. However, when you begin to look for the "car" hiding under many of today's crossovers, they're nowhere to be seen. If you look far enough back in the CX-9/Mazda family tree, you will find roots in the sporty Mazda6 sedan. And those roots tap fertile soil. This seven-passenger crossover was introduced in 2007, and today offers an alternative to "the minivan" that totally avoids the dull and boring stigma associated with mommy mobiles. Simultaneously, the 2008 CX-9's styling avoids going in the false "I'm tough" direction of many SUVs. For the Mazda CX-9, 2008 brings only minor changes such as more power thanks to the enlarged V-6 engine that has grown in displacement from 3.5 liters to 3.7 liters. Horsepower is up to 273, helping the CX-9 maintain its sporty edge. Unlike many high-horsepower V-6 engines out there, the Mazda's does not require premium fuel to hit its claimed power. A six-speed automatic is standard. The front seats are comfortable, and the back is too, but the 2008 Mazda CX-9 is not the biggest of the big crossovers--it's a touch smaller than a Buick Enclave, for example. But it is one of the prettiest, and its deft steering and handling give it a carlike feel. Other Choices:If you’re interested in the 2008 Mazda CX-9, also consider:Honda PilotSaturn OutlookSubaru TribecaChevrolet TraverseToyota HighlanderReason Why:Beyond the 2008 Mazda CX-9, the range of available crossovers staggers the mind. If size matters most to you, then consider any of the large crossovers from General Motors--they're the biggest. But don't do so before driving the Mazda CX-9, which may reveal that size doesn't matter that much. Style and price range remain big variables, so take the time to see and drive the Mazda in person. Only then decide whether the CX-9's low $30,000 price is spot-on for you. After a test drive, you may decide the 2008 Mazda CX-9 is really a less expensive alternative to an Acura MDX or BMW X5. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Mazda CX-9 may be the best-driving full-size seven-passenger crossover out there. It is certainly one of the best looking and appointed. TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 Mazda CX-9 to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove the Mazda CX-9 to offer you a definitive opinion on this sporty, seven-passenger crossover. This review also compares the 2008 ...

Other Choices:

Beyond the 2008 Mazda CX-9, the range of available crossovers staggers the mind. If size matters most to you, then consider any of the large crossovers from General Motors--they're the biggest. But don't do so before driving the Mazda CX-9, which may reveal that size doesn't matter that much. Style and price range remain big variables, so take the time to see and drive the Mazda in person. Only then decide whether the CX-9's low $30,000 price is spot-on for you. After a test drive, you may decide the 2008 Mazda CX-9 is really a less expensive alternative to an Acura MDX or BMW X5.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Mazda CX-9

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Mazda CX-9

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Mazda CX-9 near you

See the Mazda CX-9 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Ayman #1, Posted: 9/22/2008

    OFF road

    IS mazda Cx9 Offroad CAR it can go over sands ??

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