2008 Mazda CX-9 AWD 4dr Grand Touring

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• 2008 Mazda CX-9 Review Summary
• 2008 Mazda CX-9 Review Handling
• 2008 Mazda CX-9 Review Safety
• 2008 Mazda CX-9 Noteworthy

2008 Mazda CX-9 Details

Select a different trimFWD 4dr SportFWD 4dr TouringFWD 4dr Grand TouringAWD 4dr SportAWD 4dr TouringAWD 4dr Grand Touring

Base MSRP: $34,655
Fuel: 3.7l/227.4
MPG (city): 15
MPG (highway): 21
Base Invoice: $32,041
Body style: Sport utility
Destination: $635
Transmission: 6-speed a/t
Engine: Gas v6
Drive Type: All Wheel Drive


2008 Mazda CX-9 Overview The 2008 Mazda CX-9 comes in three trim levels.  Each is available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).   The CX-9 Sport ($29,400) comes with three-zone air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio, power windows, power door locks, remote/keyless entry, cruise control, telescope-tilt steering wheel, variable-speed wipers, rear-window wiper; cloth upholstery, six-way manual adjusting driver's seat, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.   The CX-9 Touring model ($31,615) adds leather upholstery, power and heated front seats, power heated outside mirrors, and Bluetooth hands-free wireless technology for cell phones.

 

          

2008 Mazda CX-9 Review Summary
The 2008 Mazda CX9 is a very stylish and low priced SUV crossover with good handling and is ranked number 1 by Allcarguides.com. The Mazda CX9 was introduced just last year in 2007 but the 2008 model has improvements to an already attractive option in the crossover 7 passenger car arena. Motortrend called it the 2008 “Sport Utility of the year ” while the press at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit called it the “truck” of the year. The biggest improvement is to the engine with an additional 10 horsepower and 21 additional torque resulting in 3.7-liter displacement, 273 hp and 270 torque. All models come with six-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive while all trim levels offer all-wheel drive as an option. The Mazda CX9 delivers strong acceleration and smooth transition from one gear to next. The 2007 model got to 60 mph in just under 8 seconds and reviewer think the 2008 model will be a bit quicker. Fuel economy is average at best and is on par with its peers which does not say that much, 16mpg in the city and 22mpg. Most reviewers comment on the very attractive exterior styling, sporty handling and acceleration, as well as very roomy interior with legitimate room for 7 adults. The CX9 comes in three trims: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring but even the base model Sport offers plenty of features. All three trims come with standard front wheel drive and optional all wheel drive. The upgrade to Touring provides upgraded leather seating, heated/powered front seats, Bluetooth and heated sideview mirrors while Grand Touring offers 20-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a blind-spot warning system, rain-sensing wipers, key. Fully equipped it approaches $40,000 but most will find the $30,000 base model more than sufficient. It competes very well in a very crowded space with models that include Honda Pilot, Toyota Higlander, Chrylser Pacifca, Ford Taurus X, Dodge Magnum and GMC’s Acadia/Buick Enclave/Saturn Outlook. Some of these offer very specialized features but the CX9 rates well in most categories which leads thetruthaboutcars to say “CX-9’s dynamics strike a satisfying compromise between perky and plush, delivering a well-refined driving experience” which is the general reviewer consensus about the 2008 Mazda CX9.

2008 Mazda CX-9 Review Handling
The upgraded engine provides more than enough power, rigid frame and steering is precise all combine to create a very sporty car for its class. The six speed transmission had great reviews from a number of sources including Motrtrend all stating that it refined and intuitive which means it upshifts or downshifts in a manner you would if you were doing it manually. Very comfortable ride on highways and cornering rates very high when compared to its peers. Some reviewers including thecarconnection and Detroit News commented that it handles the curves much better than a typical SUV with little body roll.

2008 Mazda CX-9 Review Safety
Mazda CX9 comes with standard antilock disc brakes, stability control with a rollover sensor - which is able to analyze body-roll rate and wheel speed to determine if a momentary torque reduction and brake application are necessary, - front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. It scored very well in safety, five out of five in all front and side crash government tests. But rated it marginal (on a scale of good, acceptable, marginal and poor) for protecting necks in rear impacts of 20 miles an hour by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Grand Touring trim comes with a blind-spot warning system.

2008 Mazda CX-9 Noteworthy
Reviewers called the Mazda CX9 as probably having “the best interior in its class in terms of styling, ergonomics, quality and space.” The wood trim, metal, leather all come together in an elegant package that is very stylish and comfortable or passengers. The dashboard and controls are easily accessible. The third row is exceptionally roomy even for 2 adults. CNET said “interior feels like a well-furnished living room” and others also commented on the thoughtful ergonomics and spacious interior. But CNET was underwhelmed with Stereo controls and that it did not play MP3s but sound quality was more than adequate. Just about every reviewer mentioned not think of the CX9 as the CX7 stretched, it is a very different and well thought out vehicle as noted by Motortrend and others.