The Mazda CX-9 thread

[ifcar]

Driving this for the week:



What should I be watching out for? Catman, particular pros/cons I should be aware of?


Photos/specs:
http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-national/a-week-the-2010-mazda-cx-9-introduction

[omicron]

Oh no! They've ruined it with that stupid grille and oversized foglight surrounds.

[ifcar]

It always had a big grille.

[Atomic]

Oh no! They've ruined it with that stupid grille and oversized foglight surrounds.

mazda really seems to be into the smiley face-look lately. works far better here, on a cool family hauler, than on the once sportier looking mazda3. warning! leave the mighty miata alone, i say  ! < what smile? lol!

[2o6]

mazda really seems to be into the smiley face-look lately. works far better here, on a cool family hauler, than on the once sportier looking mazda3. warning! leave the mighty miata alone, i say  ! < what smile? lol!

Too late.

[CALL_911]

Too late.

<3

[Catman]

I love my CX-9.  One of the very best cars I have owned. Couple things I don't like:

- Dim halogens
- Thin carpet
- Didn't care for the OEM roof rack (replaced with a Thule)
- Downshifts are a bit slow when passing.
- No RDS on the radio
- Visibility could be better out the back

That's about it.  Haven't run out of room yet with it.  Handles great and rides decent with the 18's.  

[Atomic]

I love my CX-9.  One of the very best cars I have owned. Couple things I don't like:

- Dim halogens
- Thin carpet
- Didn't care for the OEM roof rack (replaced with a Thule)
- Downshifts are a bit slow when passing.
- No RDS on the radio
- Visibility could be better out the back

That's about it.  Haven't run out of room yet with it.  Handles great and rides decent with the 18's. 

i remember how stoked you were after delivery, greg. you made me take note of this sharp vehicle. does the cx-9 have a cvt? with the blind spot, is there a rear review camera and/or auditory sensors? does the high-end model offer l.e.d. lights? if not, these seem like easy enough fixes for newer mazda cx-9's, as they continue to approve upon an already outstanding package and crossover/suv. good report.

[Catman]

i remember how stoked you were after delivery, greg. you made me take note of this sharp vehicle. does the cx-9 have a cvt? with the blind spot, is there a rear review camera and/or auditory sensors? does the high-end model offer l.e.d. lights? if not, these seem like easy enough fixes for newer mazda cx-9's, as they continue to approve upon an already outstanding package and crossover/suv. good report.

I believe the Grand Touring comes with HID headlights and back up sensors (IF?).  Mine is a Touring model so it doesn't have some of the those options.

[Atomic]

I believe the Grand Touring comes with HID headlights and back up sensors (IF?).  Mine is a Touring model so it doesn't have some of the those options.

when car shopping, i check every box of the top level model until the reality of paying for it! lol. i priced a volvo xc60 at just below $50,000.00 and a vw tiguan sel approaching $39,000.00 with most accessories. yikes! cost cutting is a given.

[Catman]

when car shopping, i check every box of the top level model until the reality of paying for it! lol. i priced a volvo xc60 at just below $50,000.00 and a vw tiguan sel approaching $39,000.00 with most accessories. yikes! cost cutting is a given.

Get a CX-9 loaded.

[ifcar]

I love my CX-9.  One of the very best cars I have owned. Couple things I don't like:

- Dim halogens
- Thin carpet
- Didn't care for the OEM roof rack (replaced with a Thule)
- Downshifts are a bit slow when passing.
- No RDS on the radio
- Visibility could be better out the back

That's about it.  Haven't run out of room yet with it.  Handles great and rides decent with the 18's. 

I agree about passing, and I'll check the carpets on mine. This one doesn't even have a factory rack installed, but as a Grand Touring it does have a backup camera. Visibility even without the camera really is on par for the low standards of the class, for the most part.

[Atomic]

the new infiniti q (suv) has a really cool camera system that covers the entire area around the vehicle. in time, i think this system will make its way onto other vehicles. after having experience with a rear view camera, i doubt i can live without it. i would opt for the grand touring cx-9 just for one.

[r0tor]

How does it compare to the cx-7 besides being bigger?

[ifcar]

How does it compare to the cx-7 besides being bigger?

They're only similar in looks, inside and out. They're otherwise unrelated. The CX-9 has a big V6 instead of a 4, a lot more space, and better ride and handling for its size -- but it's much bigger.

Basically, if you like one, you probably aren't looking at the other. It's like "what's the difference between a Corolla and Camry?"

[Atomic]

They're only similar in looks, inside and out. They're otherwise unrelated. The CX-9 has a big V6 instead of a 4, a lot more space, and better ride and handling for its size -- but it's much bigger.

Basically, if you like one, you probably aren't looking at the other. It's like "what's the difference between a Corolla and Camry?"

they look way too much alike. i think it would be more cost effective to have one model with an extended version offered. it seems as though the cx-9 rates better for more reasons other than just room. perhaps that could be the basis, yet, mazda is obviously selling a fair amount of both or they would have thought of this.

[Atomic]

i can see that the rear windows go all the way down. i like that. the family's accord and my many maxima's allowed for it, too. what a huge difference in driving with all fours down and sunroof open! speaking of that, i would like to see a panorama roof option. they are growing in popularity. the volvo xc60 has the best i have ever been in thus far. extremely light, airy and cheerful. makes driving, especially in the wintertime (with all of the added sunlight) more bearable!

[Catman]

Is there a final review?

[ifcar]

Is there a final review?

On the way.

[Catman]

On the way.

Still waiting

[ifcar]

I'm waiting for the new Explorer before publishing a comparison.

[Catman]

I'm waiting for the new Explorer before publishing a comparison.

IC

[Atomic]

i am not attracted to the new explorer whatsoever, but i do love the changes to the '11 edge and lincoln mkx... but the price can really build up! i would stick with the mazda for looks, any way vs. the explorer. i am certain that the new ford will be awesome. it just looks blah.

[Catman]

After 62,000 miles I still love this vehicle.  Brakes aren't even half worn.  Just put on some new Michelin's the other day!

[SVT666]

no accessory keyboard.

junk

[Atomic]

After 62,000 miles I still love this vehicle.  Brakes aren't even half worn.  Just put on some new Michelin's the other day!

I remember when you first acquired it and comparing it to what we loved most about owning Maxima's. The vehicle has really kept its modern looks. IMO, it even looks fresher than the all new CX-5, yet that, too, is a nice car. Still, the "9" is awesome. It would be my choice among Mazda's.

No Mazda dealers close by. We had two and they closed when Ford became involved (or at least more involved) many years ago. I think FMC saw Mazda as competition and closed the dealerships. I wish I had the capital and influence to open up a franchise now that Ford sold off its shares. I see the brand on the upswing with the new CX-5 and 2014 Mazda6, plus upgrades across the board.

[Atomic]

no accessory keyboard.

junk

Not certain what you mean by accessory keyboard, bro?

Ford's keypad type entry or a smart key?

[Raza]

After 62,000 miles I still love this vehicle.  Brakes aren't even half worn.  Just put on some new Michelin's the other day!

62,000 miles on one set of tires!? 

[TBR]

At 180k the subaru is only on its second set, although they'll need to be replaced soon.

I've always liked the CX9, glad to hear it's still treating you well.

[68_427]

Yeah I'm pretty sure my car is on it's second set at 160K+