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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  Best Value in Mid Sized SUV - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By stephenb924 - October 14 - 8:50 pm

  Just bought my second CX-7. After 2 years, turned in a leased Galaxy Gray GT for a purchased 2008 Mica Copper Red GT, Sand leather interior loaded with every option. It is the first time ever I have repeated on a new vehicle with the same body style. The CX-7 was ahead of the styling curve and the other crossovers are just catching up. Exception is the Infiniti FX, a great vehicle, but for price and value, the CX-7 cannot be touched. Some ding it for the mileage, but its reasonable for its class and the 2008-09 can use regular fuel (07 required premium). Performance (244 hp) and handling are like a sports car. Zoom Zoom is more than hype. My other car is a 350z roadster. Both are a blast.

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  First Mazda - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By GetReal - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Drove the Honda CR-V, nice drive train but too small. The Subaru Forester has the best interior quality but needs another gear. The Mitsubishi Outlander tested fine except for the (cheap) Goodyear tires which gave every Outlander the shakes,the interior quality and design is a nightmare, other than that loved the power-train. The Ford Edge is way over priced and the Chevy Equinox is expensive and plain ugly. None pleased me for the money until we tested the CX-7 which has the looks, drive-train with the turbo and 6 speed is very smooth and feels like a strong six. The interior is nice and the exterior is very nice also. The Mazda for the money was best, finally after three years of looking

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  So far I like it - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By wilmeland - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Have only owned this vehicle a little more than a month. Initially was a little concerned that it might be a little underpowered, but that is not the case. Transmission and engine combination seem to get the most in terms of performance and MPG. Handles nicely. Only concern may be the stock tires. They ride ok & no issues so far, but when I replace, would probably look at something with a little wider foot print. Interior nicely laid out and comfortable for up to 4 adults. Stock stereo is decent with a little reduction in bass and treble settings. Back seat legroom is the only area where its a little tight, but acceptable. All in all, fun to drive and a lot of bang for the buck.

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  I love this car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By EthelJ - September 16 - 7:50 pm

  I love this car. It is so much more than I expected it to be. It handles very nicely, easy to drive and it looks great. I have had no problems with it, it is very reliable and I love the features. I love the style, the closest to the Lexus SUV, that I could afford, and I am so glad I got this.

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  CX7 Zoom Zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By vfrguitarman - September 14 - 10:53 am

  I ride a sportbike, I like fun cars since they are a "bad" investment, and I usually buy US cars. Having said that, I love my CX7. It drives like a sports car and if you drive it like that then you will see poor gas mileage and accelerated tire wear. I get 19 mpg in town and until last night saw 21 mpg on the highway. Last night we went to purchase a used Mazda3 for my wife and I set the cruise at 65. With the tach at 2k rpm, I got 24.2 mpg! Very pleased. You need to keep under the power band of 2500 rpm or you will not get over 21 mpg, period. The factory tires are terrible in snow with the low aspect ratio profile. An upgrade to a better all season in the future. US guy converted to Zoom Zoom!

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  Fun, Nice, not for everyone - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Houston Dad - September 12 - 11:23 pm

  As I read my fellow CX-7 owners reviews I get the feeling that many of us purchased this car more due to looks and the ability to boast about having a turbo charged vehicle than anything else. Yes, the styling and presence of this vehicle cannot be denied. Nor can I say that it isnt fun to drive. However, if you are considering this car think about these few things: MPG - it gets at best 20 for me on highway and 17 combined on top of the fact that it needs premium fuel. If you think you are going to get away with less, the dealer will tell you that you can but you lose the whole point of having a turbo charged engine and might as well buy a 6 cylinder something else.

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  30000 miles, still love it but..... - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By 30000 miles - September 12 - 11:46 am

  Love the car but afraid of reliability. Been in shop 9 times so far for air pres. lights, check engine lights, power window problem, transmission computer problem. 3 gas caps, new gas tank filler line. Irregular tire wear due to misalignment. Just had 30000 mile check done. All seems well for now.

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By desertrat - September 10 - 9:36 am

  After recently owning both Lexus and BMW, I decided to try a Mazda this time. Considering I had a questionable repair history with the fancy nameplates, whats the worst that could happen with Mazda? Well after 1800 miles, nothing. The vehicle is fun to drive, handles well and looks great. Only time will tell of course, but so far I have been impressed with the car.

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  Curious - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Oscar - August 31 - 6:10 pm

  I just bought a used CX-7 and so far I like it. I used to drive a Mazda 3 but i broke the tranny twice in 2 years. Im hoping this one is much better. I see the reviews and now Im a bit worried. Im curious though to see how its going to perform in the future. The car looks great and the engine strong. That TURBO is nice but wish the lag on it wasnt so long. 0-60mph in 7 sec. cant be beat for a crossover. Also the heated Leather seats are life saver out here in the cold.

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  Too fun for an SUV - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By John B. - August 29 - 4:16 am

  I purchased the CX-7 Grand Touring AWD with the technology package. This is a blast of a car to drive - great acceleration and handling (I havent been able to feel any turbo hesitation). The interior is flawless - everything works as billed. The voice navigation works great and the sound system is terrific. Only drawback - no bluetooth capability. The seating is comfortable (both my wife and I are above 6 ft tall). The keyless entry removes a ton of hassles. The cargo area with the rear seats down is more than adequate for what life with 4 active children throws at us. All in all, a SUV with the soul of a sports car. Zoom zoom!