Overview & Reviews

The Mazda CX-7 is a compact crossover SUV with seating for five. Introduced for 2007, it was a refinement on the more utilitarian Tribute and like most newer Mazdas, it has an athletic demeanor. The CX-7 also incorporates most of the elements that continue to make crossovers so popular, including carlike handling, available all-wheel drive and a useful amount of cargo capacity.

Although the CX-7 is fun to drive as crossovers go, its base four-cylinder engine is memorable for its sluggish acceleration and subpar fuel economy. The available turbocharged four-cylinder solves the performance problem, but its fuel economy is even worse. With the efficient CX-5 waiting in the wings, the CX-7 was phased out after the 2012 model year.

User Reviews:

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  DRIVING IT UNTIL IT DIES - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By multi_cars - June 2 - 10:34 pm

  Bought it new on 12/31/2007 and have put on a little over 55,000 miles. Taken it to the dealer for service for oil changes and regular maintenance. Had a bearing start to go around 54,500 miles and they replaced it under warranty - NO charge. Great overall car. Grand Touring package (leather) makes it just as nice as a Lexus. Great Snow car (just change out the factory tires) Gas mileage ok - around 20-21 overall. Probably a great car to buy used as well as it has a LOT of features and is not a typical SUV box to drive around in.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Martiif - May 30 - 8:00 am

  A few days after I purchased the car a huge storm hit the Northwest and I had a wedding to go to in the Mountains. I felt safe driving it from the start and never at any time had trouble with traction. I love the heated leather seats. I drove 300 hundred miles with four other people and their luggage with no problems. Most of the driving was on snow covered roads. Its maneuverable, quick and yes fun to drive even for an old guy. Ive never really been into cars except for transportation and utility. I just hope I feel the same way about it after I own it for a longer period of time.

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  Not Disappointed - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By GVD - May 9 - 7:26 am

  Originally looking for a sedan but just couldnt could something that was fun to drive. Starting looking seriously at Nissan Murano and CX-7. The CX-7 was lower cost and more fun.

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  VVT Timing Chain Issue? - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By houstongfamily - May 8 - 6:24 pm

  I was driving my Mazda CX-7 on the highway at 65 mph when my car made a loud noise from the engine and had a loss in power. I towed the car to a Mazda dealer where the technician that inspected my car stated the timing chain was missing a pin and caused the engine to break. Therefore my engine needed to be replaced. I replaced my engine at 72K miles which is slightly over the 70K mile service notice that Mazda recently put out for reimbursement from repairs related to the VVT Timing Chain. I hired a lawyer to pursue reimbursement of my engine replacement cost and would like to know if there are more cases of engine failure or repairs around/above 70K miles due to the timing chain.

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  Keep mama happy - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By robert ballard - April 24 - 5:46 am

  My wife wanted a car that was higher off the ground then her 03 Honda Accord coupe and more room. She wanted an 05 Lexus RX 330. I suggested she test drive the 07 CX-7 also. She liked it so much, she bought it that day. She loves it and even I have been seen driving it to the golf course. Its a kick!

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  Great SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By skorste - April 12 - 9:09 pm

  Ive been driving the CX7 for 2 months. Its been driven through a foot of snow-no problem. Iced over roads- no problem. Heavy rain- no problem. The AWD has performed awesome. The leather interior is very comfortable, sound system is good, and the heated seats are nice. Been getting 19-20 mpg with 50/50 city/highway driving. The turbo is a blast. When I need it to move quickly, it does. Handling is as advertised. So far, its been great.

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  2007 Touring - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By RSSTLS - April 10 - 7:00 pm

  Drives very well with a definite sporty feel. Like the turbo surge. Very comfortable. Gas mileage has been between 19 and 23 in the city which isnt bad.

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  Best Decision I Ever Made - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Demetri - April 9 - 7:36 am

  I have only had the car for a week and I absolutely love it. I went to buy the Mazda 3. The price on the CX7 was outstanding so I took a test drive. Wow what a car. I love the turbo 2.3 engine no problems pulling out when needed. When I first sat in the CX 7, I thought to myself, "Now this is a car". I drive 30+ miles each way to work and I want to be comfortable. The radio controls are a little out of the way and I always change the channel when I think Im hitting the volume but now I use the controls on the steering wheel for everything. The one gentleman was correct the Radio Mute Button is fantastic. I think the car needs to add telescoping steering wheel to their tilt controls.

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  Sporty SUV - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Mid life crisis - April 5 - 12:10 am

  Touring AWD purchased 2/29/08. This copper red/sand leather sports wagon replaced my 2005 Tribute. Came with Sirius, 6 CD changer, fogs, wheel locks. The standard speakers are above average for a non-upgraded factory sound. The drive reminds me of my old Eagle Talon, turbo 4 AWD. The suspension is a bit firm, but for that it corners on rails. Nice steering wheel and tight steering feel. Other than the feeling of the vehicle size, a very sporting ride. My three kids (13,12,9) find the rear seat wider and with more leg room than the Trib. The leather seats are quite comfy and supportive, worth the upgrade.

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  Worst car ever - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By killer - March 29 - 7:23 am

  3 years of problems, everything from AC compressor to turbo, Some things died at least twice (turbo). All kinds of noises, hesitation and pieces breaking left and right. Check engine light at least 2 times a month. Forget winter... You will get stuck in nominal snow. Tires went bald right away. Sun visors, trims, and other items broken lost or came off while driving. Terrible knocking noise from the fuel injectors while idle. Oil change is 2 hour nightmare. Gets under 15 MPH on HIGHWAY!!!! With premium gas. Check other forums, a lot of problems reported. Mazda dealers are not that friendly. Car came back from service with more problems than going in. Never buy mazda again.