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2008 Mazda CX-9 Performance Review

May 29, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

sufficient power in any situation
Consumer Guide Automotive

pleasant steering, chassis and brake feel that work in harmony with one another
Road & Track

best-in-field lateral acceleration
Motor Trend

can corner and carry equally well
Kelley Blue Book

With a retooled engine for 2008, Mazda’s CX-9 adds horsepower to a vehicle already imbued with fine handling and, especially, direct steering.

The V-6 engine in the Mazda CX-9 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.

Car and Driver adds that torque “jumps 21 pound-feet to 270. The extra oomph is noticeable on the drag strip—a front-drive 2008 CX-9 we tested shaved 0.5 second off the 7.8-second time posted by a front-drive 2007 model.” Motor Trend clocks in just slightly slower, at 7.8 seconds to 60 mph. Automobile says its normally cranky critics “have been moved to paroxysms of joy when discussing the CX-9. One called the V-6 engine charming, the six-speed manu-matic transmission silky.” Road & Track agrees that the transmission "shifts quietly and smoothly." Car and Driver notes that “observed mileage to date—18 mpg—has been just above the EPA combined estimate of 17 mpg.”

Car reviewers praise the handling of this Mazda; 2008’s CX-9 is “taut and agile,” Consumer Reports says, “and the ride is firm and steady, yet comfortable,” though it adds “braking distances are a bit long.” Road & Track describes the steering as "satisfyingly firm with zero float." When test driving the 2008 Mazda CX-9, they go on to note that it "turns in nicely and remains flat when cornering"; however, there is "a little thrashiness under heavy acceleration from a standstill or at low speed."

Motor Trend describes steering as exemplary for a minivan or an SUV, citing "a solid, on-center feel with zero play off-center and superb, linear response throughout the turning range." In other extensive road tests of the 2008 Mazda CX-9, reviewers at Kelley Blue Book found that it "acquits itself surprisingly well on curvy country roads." When traveling faster, the Mazda CX-9 "rides smoothly and quietly at freeway speeds." ConsumerGuide bucks those opinions, saying the Mazda CX-9 exhibits "some body lean in fast turns" and describing the steering as "slightly numb on-center," though they did add that it "is nicely weighted while cornering."

Conclusion

The Mazda CX-9 is a rare crossover, with truly carlike performance.

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:sufficient power in any situationConsumer Guide Automotivepleasant steering, chassis and brake feel that work in harmony with one anotherRoad & Trackbest-in-field lateral accelerationMotor Trendcan corner and carry equally wellKelley Blue Book With a retooled engine for 2008, Mazda’s CX-9 adds horsepower to a vehicle already imbued with fine handling and, especially, direct steering. The V-6 engine in the Mazda CX-9 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. Car and Driver adds that torque “jumps 21 pound-feet to 270. The extra oomph is noticeable on the drag strip—a front-drive 2008 CX-9 we tested shaved 0.5 second off the 7.8-second time posted by a front-drive 2007 model.” Motor Trend clocks in just slightly slower, at 7.8 seconds to 60 mph. Automobile says its normally cranky critics “have been moved to paroxysms of joy when discussing the CX-9. One called the V-6 engine charming, the six-speed manu-matic transmission silky.” Road & Track agrees that the transmission "shifts quietly and smoothly." Car and Driver notes that “observed mileage to date—18 mpg—has been just above the EPA combined estimate of 17 mpg.” Car reviewers praise the handling of this Mazda; 2008’s CX-9 is “taut and agile,” Consumer Reports says, “and the ride is firm and steady, yet comfortable,” though it adds “braking distances are a bit long.” Road & Track describes the steering as "satisfyingly firm with zero float." When test driving the 2008 Mazda CX-9, they go on to note that it "turns in nicely and remains flat when cornering"; however, there is "a little thrashiness under heavy acceleration from a standstill or at low speed." Motor Trend describes steering as exemplary for a minivan or an SUV, citing "a solid, on-center feel with zero play off-center and superb, linear response throughout the turning range." In other extensive road tests of the 2008 Mazda CX-9, reviewers at Kelley Blue Book found that it "acquits itself surprisingly well on curvy country roads." When traveling faster, the Mazda CX-9 "rides smoothly and quietly at freeway speeds." ConsumerGuide bucks those opinions, saying the Mazda CX-9 exhibits "some body lean in fast turns" and describing the steering as "slightly numb on-center," though they did add that it "is nicely weighted while cornering." ConclusionThe Mazda CX-9 is a rare crossover, with truly carlike performance. 2008 MAZDA CX-9 STYLING | [9 out of 10] Cars.com: "The CX-9 manages to avoid the chunkiness of many SUVs " Washington Post: "tasteful interior that would please [the] most affluent parents" Motor Trend: "exterior details exude sport" The 2008 Mazda CX-9 may sport minivan-like ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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:

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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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