Overview & Reviews
Mazda CX-9, Crossover SUV
The only vehicles capable of carrying seven adults or lots of cargo used to be minivans, traditional full-size SUVs and passenger vans. But the full-size crossover SUV (sometimes referred to as CUV) has been a game-changer, providing the space of a large SUV, respectable fuel economy and handling, and exterior styling that doesn't immediately scream "diapers!" Mazda's entrant in this segment is the stylish yet practical CX-9.
The Mazda CX-9 combines a spacious interior that can be lavishly appointed along with the sporty handling characteristics that Mazdas are known for. Though the CX-9 shares its basic architecture and engine with the Ford Edge, the Mazda feels much better executed, with superior driving dynamics and a more athletic feel despite its larger size.
Current Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims. All are powered by a 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional on all trims.
The base Sport trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a multifunction tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system. Safety features include antilock brakes, stability control and side curtain airbags. Stepping up to the Touring trim brings heated and powered front seats, leather upholstery, a blind-spot monitoring system, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.
The Grand Touring model includes 20-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power rear liftgate, memory settings for the driver seat and keyless ignition/entry. Notable options include a Bose stereo, a navigation system, a towing package, a sunroof and a rear seat entertainment system.
Seven-passenger seating is standard on all Mazda CX-9s. The prospect of hauling around seven people can be daunting, but this crossover SUV's third row can hold actual adults, though you'll have to slide the second-row seats forward, making legroom tight for both rows. Also, third-row headroom is limited. On the bright side, access to the rear is relatively painless thanks to an easy-to-use latch that lets you slide past the second row into the back. With the second- and third rows folded flat, the CX-9 can carry 101 cubic feet of cargo.
On the road, we've found that the Mazda CX-9 is fun to drive. The carlike unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension provide sporting responses, with minimal body roll and controlled ride motions. The steering is surprisingly responsive and the effort is weighted just right. However, the CX-9's ride quality (particularly with the Grand Touring's 20-inch wheels) is rather firm by segment standards.
Used Mazda CX-9 Models
The CX-9 was introduced for 2007. In its debut year, the CX-9 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that made 263 hp and 249 pound-feet of torque. The current 3.7-liter V6 replaced the 3.5 in '08, but the original CX-9 was hardly lacking for power, so we wouldn't discourage anyone from purchasing a used example. In the years since, Mazda has made only minor adjustments to the CX-9's exterior styling and availability of standard and optional features.
User Reviews:
Showing 191 through 200 of 562.00-
My First Mazda - 2016 Mazda CX-9
By Jamaal Bandele - September 12 - 2:32 pm -
Good car, poor service. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
By veniero - September 6 - 10:00 amThis car has served us well for three years now. There have been a few build quality issues, such as paint peeling and plastic parts falling off repeatedly. More importantly, Mazda service leaves a lot to be desired. We found out that the right front tie rod was damaged. The car has been in the repair shop for a week and Mazda has been unable to obtain the necessary parts! In the meanwhile, we have been responsible for the repair costs! The actual company has been very difficult to deal with. Based on this experience, this is likely to be our last Mazda vehicle.
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Good car, Horrible tires - 2010 Mazda CX-9
By njpathfinder28 - September 6 - 7:40 amI like my CX-9. Except for two things. No fog lights on any models below the GT. I dont like the Zenon headlights and those low profile, 20 inch rims are bad news. So I have an expensive vechicle the doesnt even come with fog lights. Second major problem is Mazdas choice of Bridgestone Dueler tires. They are NOT all season radials. I drove on an inch of snow and the car couldnt hold the road! So I have a AWD car that is dangerous in the snow!
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Practical yet cool SUV - 2009 Mazda CX-9
By tiruvan - August 22 - 2:42 amLet me start by saying that I am not a fan of SUVs. But I got one since every other car on the road is a truck of some sort and in the event of a crash I want my family to be safe. The CX-9 was the only SUV that received 5 stars for front and side crash and 4 star for rollover in ratings. Reliability has been superb so far with regular maintenance. We drove the Pilot, Highlander, MDX as well and hands down the MDX was the best of the 4 but at $10K more than the CX-9 it was expensive. The gas mileage was lower as well. Pilot was too boxy and the highlander costed as much as the MDX (which is lame). After a couple years and 20K miles its still as solid as the first day! Recommended!
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Big CUV w/ heart of a sports car - 2008 Mazda CX-9
By mattyj - August 18 - 8:50 pmI am a Realtor and I drive a lot of miles for work, to the tune of 25K-30K a year. I got rid of an 06 BMW M5 for my Mazda for practical reasons. Ive had too many friends with the X5 that had many problems with a whole laundry list of stuff. I dont care for the way the Acuras or Toyotas look. So for me it was between the VW, Mazda CX-9 and Audi. The Mazda was in there because I have all car magazines coming to the house and I had read that the Mazda was truly something. And it looks incredible. So, I went and drove them all and the Mazda was truly all by its self. The Audi and VW had quicker 0-60 times but the handling of the Mazda made you forget about its 4300lbs. the other did not.
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A beautiful and sophisticated SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-9
By Terrific Car! - August 12 - 7:50 pmWe have owned the car for just over 2 months and it so far has been a terrific automobile. The build, and performance is excellent and it seems to be far superior to our previous SUV, Ford Freestyle. When I first drove it I was in awe of its appearance, handling and performance. It is just a very beautiful SUV with a large WOW factor. I am glad I purchased it for my wife.
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CX9 Sport with lots of Bells & Whistles! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
By Jules from SoCal - August 6 - 7:00 pmNeeded to downsize from a 2007 Chevy Tahoe but still needed third row option. I loved my Tahoe! But did not love the $604 monthly payment! We compared the CX9 to the Pilot and the Acadia. The CX9 Sport had soo many more bells and whistles for a base model! It was a NO BRAINER for us! Bluetooth, roofrack, seat warmers, satellite radio, dual zone heating/cooling, nice dashboard finish, power seats and drives beautifully! The first night I had the CX9 7 of us piled in for my birthday! We all fit comfortably!
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Very Happy Owner - 2010 Mazda CX-9
By Bob - July 25 - 10:00 amI bought the CX-9 GT to replace our 9 year old Odyssey. This time I bought a loaded vehicle (only 2WD though) and am glad I did. Previous reviews are spot on. Performance is good for a vehicle of this type. Interior fit and finish also very good. I looked long and hard at the Chevy Traverse (nice but too expensive), Ford Edge (no 3rd row seat) and the Subaru Tribeca (cheap looking interior and just didnt feel right). MDX was wonderful but couldnt justify the extra $8-$10k more. Sticker was $38,315 and I put $0 down and $630/mo for 60 months @ 0% interest.
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Best SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-9
By Zoom Zoom - July 14 - 3:50 amThis is really nice vehicle. I drove it for the last 2 months and I love it. It has road presence and distinct design. Mazda did a good job in designing this SUV. Finally, there is an SUV which does not look like it was designed in 1945. The price counts too. Navigation systems, rear camera, keyless entry feature, power lift gate, rain sensor made this car absolute fun to drive and to own. If you can spend few more dollars on extra options it is definitely worth it.
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Great car for a family - 2011 Mazda CX-9
By ckraymond - July 8 - 5:23 pmWe have had our CX-9 for three months now. We went to the Boston Auto Show and went through every single mini-van, SUV, and CUV in the place and found the CX-9 to be the best. Now having owned one for three months I can definitely say we are not disappointed. If you want the maximum amount of room get a mini-van. However, the CX-9 balances room (which it has plenty of) with a car that you enjoy driving. I love it and would recommend it, no strings attached, to anyone.
