Mazda CX-9 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.62/5 Average
562 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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 391 through 400 of 562.00
  • Best Value and with High Quality, Superb - 2007 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    My wife was tired of the Expedition and wanted something easier to park. She wanted either a Murano or the Infinity FX. As I started to do the research on these vehicles, I noticed the CX9. In my opinion this is a far better value than the Infinity FX or Murano and the third row seating is surprisingly comfortable for adults. A big plus over the others that dont have the third row seating. Seats fold down easily. We got the Galaxy Grey Grand Touring model. This vehicle rides better than my 300 (the base company car). With the all aluminum V6 it has plenty of get up and go.

  • "impressive ride" - 2010 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    Got the CX-9 im place of my leased07 Envoy. Took test drive and was sold. Great power and handling. The cockpit really sold me. Took it out in the snow and WAS IMPRESSED ON HOW IT HANDLED. Price was right for a 7 pass CUV.

  • Great SUV but - 2008 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    It is since 3 weeks, 1000 miles on it. Drive is smooth, but engine roars a lot even on small uphills, or starting from signal light. So too much of interior sound when the gear changes higher. Good pick up, but cannot compare with MDX, absolutely no sound inside. Good shock observers, lot of pot holes literally cannot be felt. Basic Audio system is not great. I have given 9 for performance, reliablity as it is too early to be determined. Expected better fuel economy from a 6 speed gear box.

  • Awesome Crossover - 2007 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    We love our CX-9 GT! We have had it for 2 weeks, and love everything about it! It drives like a sports car, but has all the cargo space of an SUV. The leather seats are very comfortable, and all the controls are easy to use. It has a very high end feel inside, and out! It turns heads everywhere we go!

  • Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    Researched Lexus, Toyota, VW, Nissan, Ford and Saturn but none compared to the price, drivability and style of the CX-9. Actually brings back the fun in driving. Bose sound system is the best car stereo I’ve ever heard. Lots and I mean lots of room especially in the second row seating. At 61" I actually have room to extend my legs. Third row folds down perfectly for more cargo space. Safety features are endless. Lots of comments on the outside appearance but when they open the doors and look in, they are amazed. Like others, it lacks a few of the items that should be standard, compass and fuel computer

  • Best Value without a doubt! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    Looked a Lexus GX470 for months but did not want to pay high prices for DVD and navigation combo, this car gave me both and a much lower price. Perfect size car for the wife to drive too. Love all the features!

  • New CX-9 GT Owner - 2008 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    We have owned this 2008 car--a loaded AWD GT for a month and a half but have only driven 1,000 miles so far. We LOVE this car--rides better than our 2004 Audi Allroad but there are a few missing elements that should be available on a car at this price. The interior is very nice in beige. Adjustable Xenon headlights are good.

  • Beautiful, affordable, and fun! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    I purchased this vehicle used with 46,800 miles. Runs and looks like a brand new car without having to pay the new car price. Totally happy with my choice of car after trying out the Chevy Acadia and the Nissan Pathfinder. It drives very nice and smooth. Its spacious but not overly big like some of the SUVs out there. I have the sport model which is the basic model but I love it because I dont need the leather seats or navigation system. Its pretty good on gas too. Not as bad as I thought.

  • Very Good Vehicle! - 2011 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    I have had my CX-9 for 2 years and 36,000 trouble free miles. I have two small children and my wife and the kids have made several 1,000 mile road trips. Very comfortable and stable on the road. I also have a 550i BMW, and this car definitley is as much fun to drive. Relatively speaking. Best value out there!

  • Best SUV/Crossover for the money! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    This is our second Mazda, having driven a 2008 CX-7 since early 2008, which was a company car. We were so impressed with it, that we decided to buy the CX-9 for its greater seating and because of excellent consumer reviews to accompany our experience with the CX-7. We couldnt be happier with our purchase. We bought a program car with 18K miles on it for about $21K, with leather seats. Another $600 spent on a DVD player and $200 on GPS saved us about $2-3K for the factory installed versions. We couldnt be more pleased with this vehicle! The ride and comfort is better than the CX-7; its quieter and feels very luxurious. Well have this for a long time!

Mazda CX-9 Reviews By Year:
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