Mazda CX 9

[KEISER]

Hi all,

Was wondering if anybody has any opinions/experience with a Mazda CX 9? I am looking at a new 2011 model. There is a dealer here that has one last 2011 and I can get it at about $6000 below MSRP. It is the AWD Touring model. The reviews I have read seem to be pretty favorable, but I figured I would come out of lurkdome and see what people's opinion here at BITOG are. Thanks

 

[The Critic]

My main concern about Mazda is their ability to survive in the next decade since they have lost Ford as their main supporter.

 

[meangreen01]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
My main concern about Mazda is their ability to survive in the next decade since they have lost Ford as their main supporter.


Mazda isn't going anywhere. Buy with confidence if the product appeals to you.

 

[slingha]

We have a 2009 cx-9 awd grand touring. We bought her new and she just literally hit 35k miles.

1 word....bulletproof.

I dont even know if this thing has a check engine light. We had the GPS replaced under warranty, but all is well otherwise.

The engine is a ford motor that has great history.

 

[dwcopple]

why would you expect a check engine light in only 35K miles? I'd be upset if one appeared.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: slingha
We have a 2009 cx-9 awd grand touring. We bought her new and she just literally hit 35k miles.

1 word....bulletproof.

I dont even know if this thing has a check engine light. We had the GPS replaced under warranty, but all is well otherwise.

The engine is a ford motor that has great history.


Any warranty repairs means it isnt bulletproof.

 

[lyle]

I looked at the CX9 before buying my Flex. The front seats were great. Lots of room and amenities for the 2 in front. Everything back of that was a disappointment. The second row seats were too low to the floor and legroom was poor, and the 3rd row is for pre-teens only. Storage space with either row stowed was less than I needed. The 3.7 felt nice, and it is really torquey, but the 3.5 ecoboost just blows it away.

The CX9 may fit your needs, but I bought something that fit my needs better.

 

[cchase]

Originally Posted By: slingha
We have a 2009 cx-9 awd grand touring. We bought her new and she just literally hit 35k miles.

1 word....bulletproof.

I dont even know if this thing has a check engine light. We had the GPS replaced under warranty, but all is well otherwise.

The engine is a ford motor that has great history.


Your basis of "bulletproof" is whether the car shows a check engine light within the first 35k miles of ownership?

I'm sure they're nice cars but having a GPS replaced sounds like a big ticket item. Did it go out very early or recently?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: lyle
I looked at the CX9 before buying my Flex. The front seats were great. Lots of room and amenities for the 2 in front. Everything back of that was a disappointment. The second row seats were too low to the floor and legroom was poor, and the 3rd row is for pre-teens only. Storage space with either row stowed was less than I needed. The 3.7 felt nice, and it is really torquey, but the 3.5 ecoboost just blows it away.

The CX9 may fit your needs, but I bought something that fit my needs better.

Considering the mileage that the CX9 probably gets, I would just upgrade to a Sequoia which has a true third row.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
My main concern about Mazda is their ability to survive in the next decade since they have lost Ford as their main supporter.


They are just behind Subaru in sales.

If Mazda goes away, Subaru isn't far behind.

Be much more worried about Suzuki and Mitsubishi than Mazda.

 

[slingha]

The GPS which is made by Denso was replaced recently. The kids did something to it which caused a functionality issue.

Lyle - the second row seats actually move back and forwards so legroom is not an issue.

 

[KEISER]

Thank you to those who offered feedback on this. I am going to try and make a deal on the cx9 tomorrow.

 

[SSGSTbirdtoyman]

We have a 2010 CX9 AWD Sport and it has been fantastic! No problem with legroom or rear access or lack of storage room and I have a family of 6. Its a gem in the handling dept. read the tests.
On the highway when it was loaded and I was pushing it fast it gave me 24.2 mpg, when lightly loaded and loafing on the highway in 6th gear I got 27.2 mpg.

A couple of state DOT workers (who need to get to work even in blizzard conditions) first told me about how great the AWD system works in the snow and ice (with studded tires)and with its locking rear diff. and they were right I have no problems in the ice and no problems in 16" of snow.

 

[Autobahn88]

I have driven a CX9 and although it is a little too big for me, I must say it handled great for such a big vehicle. I found lots of leg room in the back for a normal sized human. Fuel mileage does not seem too bad for the size of the vehicle.

CX9 fuel milage

Sequoia milage

 

[Spazdog]

Quote:

The engine is a ford motor that has great history.


Actually, the 3.7 variant was a Hiroshima made Mazda motor long before it found it's way into the Mustang or F-150. But yeah, it is based on the Ford Cyclone 3.5. So it's a "Ford motor"

The CX-9 is lauded for being the most "sport" of the crossover Sport/Utilities. Motor Trend likened it more to a "sport wagon" than a truck in a comparison where it beat the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander, and Chevrolet Traverse.

The "sport" might be a problem if you want something with lazy steering and marshmallow suspension.

 

[Dupree]

I love mine it is a great handling vehicle for such a large crossover. I have the Grand touring AWD model, and we get 24-26 mpg highway, and round 19 city. very pleased.