2008 Mazda CX-9: My Pick of the Litter

whatever happened to the Q7? I haven't seen a post in a long time and I don't remember seeing a wrap-up done on it!

I think you hit the nail on the head as to the positive feedback/popularity with the CX-9. There is a ton of movement in the seats and steering wheel which makes it easy to find the best position. My Camry only lets me telescope the steering wheel 2". Big whoop.
 
Also, throw in the smaller steering wheel and wide center consol and you feel like you are in a cocoon which is why the CX-9 is in my short list of AWD replacement vehicles for my 04 Highlander

"whatever happened to the Q7? I haven't seen a post in a long time and I don't remember seeing a wrap-up done on it!"
 
It's gone and the wrap-up is coming very soon.

p.s. is that a tornado or a tar refinery in the background? Screw the Smart car and talk to the manufacturing company that is pumping out all of the smoke.

I agree with 2002, you really hit the nail on the head with the CX-9. Not only is it dynamically superior to others in its class, but it is comfortable and just feels 'right' for nearly everyone (when I test drove one, I felt so comfortable that I compared it to driving a Miata). My two friends found the perfect driving position as well. The steering wheel, pedals, gauges, seat, and center console were designed to be driver oriented, and you can tell that Mazda tried very hard and succeeded.
 
On the other hand, your CX-9 is, um, boring. The GT trim (or any other color besides that gray) looks much better.

They did a comparo for the Q7 and CX-9 and said the Q7 wasn't worth the extra money.
 
I love Audis though...

Oh! I'm sorry! I'll look it up. I didn't realize they already compared them.

Note: "They" didn't compare them. I did. Didn't want to put the whole site on the hook for my kookie observations (and craptacular Photoshop skill).
 
http://66.160.188.111/roadtests/1593
 
-James Riswick

excuse me
I said "they" meaning the staff

James is a member of the staff. :o)

I guess I'm the only one who still doesn't understand the "sporty SUV" phenomenon. As a people/cargo hauler, the Enclave is still better. I thought that was the whole point of these vehicles but apparently, I was wrong.

James -- How do you feel about the Hyundai Veracruz?

What is the overall mpg of the Cx 9 so far?

chavis10 -
 
Who said economy cars had to be sporty?
The main objective is to have a low starting price and be good on gas, of course they don't need to handle nicely.
 
The Enclave is a better hauler but there are many more areas that matter most to different people, like driving experience.
The CX-9 is the best of both worlds, it has a good third row that can handle smaller adults, and it has driving dynamics that the triplets can't even touch. And the powertrain is just better.

Well I wouldn't be buying any SUV/minivan where I couldn't comfortably fit in the 3rd row seat. I cannot fit comfortably in the CX-9s 3rd row. I can fit comfortably in the Enclave's with room to spare. I also will take the Enclave's smooth ride any day over the noisey Mazda ride/handling philosophy. I also happen to think the two Mazda CUVs are ugly. Don't forget the GM triplets get 290+hp for '09 because of direct injection and while have superior fuel economy.

They're still pigs with that 6F tranny.
Like I said, read the Lambda Forums,
they're doing much worse than the CX-9.
So is the real world MPG.
I'll take the taut ride/handling over the boat/float, slow and sedated Lambda's anyday.
 
I fit in the third row just fine, 6Ft tall.
 
The Acadia isn't a looker, the Outlook is nice but the interior is cheap. The Enclave is bloated.
 
Sounds innovative that you're going to drive from the third row. Is that a new Enclave option? 3rd row steering and throttle brake pedal controls?
 
Why is it that when you see CX-9 praise you never see why? Because YOU can't fit in the third row and you'd rather float around in a Lambda?

"Why is it that when you see CX-9 praise you never see why? Because YOU can't fit in the third row and you'd rather float around in a Lambda?"
  
That's easy. Praise for the CX-9 never includes use of the vehicle in its intended purpose. Who in their right mind buys on of these things if they don't have a family to haul around? Again, as a seven passenger SUV, it's inferior to the Lambdas. As a sports car, it's better but I continue to beg the question of who needs a seven passenger 4500+lbs sport car? Do you personally know anyone needs this kind of capability? I don't.
   
Newflash, other people would be permitted to drive any vehicle I own. Have you ever heard of the concept of a family road trip with multiple drivers? Obviously not. I'm single so I'd never buy any of these vehicles but if I had a family of 5 or more, than I'd definitely pick an Enclave over a CX-9 because a minivan/multi row SUV is supposed to be a family/cargo hauler- not a sports car. The thought of the GT's brittle ride scares me and if I had kids in the back, I'd want them comfortable.
  
If you are six foot and can comfortably fit in the third row with second row properly adjusted for another six footer, than you are a liar. Your knees will be jutting into the second row backrest at an awkward angle and your butt will have no support. I know because I am six foot and have tried this mutliple times at autoshows and my current Mazda dealership. You will obviously stretch the facts to make a point which is why no one respects your jaded opinions. You need to reduced your consumption of that zoom-zoom juice.
  
The transmissions are not faulty, they have awkward shifting algorithms but I've noticed many GM cars need lots of throttle application to request a downshift. In fact, the manual in the '98 Intrigue and '08 Impala states the required amount of accelerator travel necessary to request a kickdown. Many drivers aren't used to this which could be the cause of some of these concerns. I find it amusing that you are such a Mazda promoter when they are installing the worst transmissions known to man in the Mazda3. Both the 4 spd and 5 spd are terrible.

How the hell are you going to call me a liar? I had a rental CX-9 and I was in the third row with NO problems.
And, the ride isn't brittle, it's firm.
So you'll have a family of 7 all 6ft tall? Of course everyone is built like you, however that is.
 
You're a bitter Mazda hater.
Get your GM and be happy boating around in it.

http://www.saturnoutlookforum.net/index.php?PHPSESSID=79338a78171401ed6c80d04364c502fd&board=1.0
 
Take a look, I see about 10 complaints just by glancing.
 
http://www.enclaveforum.net/index.php?PHPSESSID=6c3d093c7fa482e7de0b6664fed5e2e0&board=20.0
 
http://www.acadiaforum.net/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=6096c0f09240bd5a9136fe1cda7fa26c&board=17.0
 
I see transmission this, transmission that.
 
The CX-9 has it's LITTLE issues, but not nearly as many reported. Definitly no SERIOUS wide spread issues.

"The CX-9 is the best of both worlds, it has a good third row that can handle smaller adults, and it has driving dynamics that the triplets can't even touch. And the powertrain is just better."
 
You are hilarious, thats for sure. Your exaggeration never ceases to amaze. The triplets have been praised since DAY ONE for their handling and EVERYONE says they handle like smaller vehicles. The CX-9 may be sportier but that doesnt mean the triplets "cant touch" the CX-9 in handling. You say the engine is way better but dont explain why you believe that. You say the fuel economy is much better but dont back that up with any numbers. As far as I know the GM SUVs have better mileage according to the EPA even though they are heavier.
 
You fail to mention the CX-9's third row is smaller and there is less room for luggage when the 3rd row is in use. On top of that the Lambdas have better interior materials and easier access to the 3rd row with the flip and fold 2nd row seats.
 
"The Acadia isn't a looker, the Outlook is nice but the interior is cheap. The Enclave is bloated. "
 
Three lies in a row. The interior materials of the Acadia and Outlook are of the exact same quality, they just have different designs. The Enclave has higher grade materials than either. Every Lambda is attractive from the outside and most reviwers agree on that point.
 
Unless you have info about tranny replacements or recalls I suggest you stop touting these tranny issues in every post. There are people who do not like the shift logic of the 6 speed and that is a legit complaint. However this doesnt mean the tranny is failing or in need of replacement. A tranny geared for fuel economy is likely to have less than ideal gearing and that seems to be part of the issue with the lambdas. I havent read any reviews or seen any owner comments suggesting that current owners wouldnt recommend a lambda based on tranny issues. Here on Edmunds the Enclave is one of the highest rated crossovers by its owners. I read some of the comments and few mentioned any complaints about the tranny.

"How the hell are you going to call me a liar? I had a rental CX-9 and I was in the third row with NO problems. "
 
I'm about 5'10" and I cannot comfortably fit in the 3rd row of the CX-9. Its slightly better than the Highlander or MDX in terms of 3rd row space but its not on the same level as the GM vehicles. The numbers tell you this, reviews tell you this- its a fact. You are obviosuly so biased that you will say anything to make a point even if it totally ruins what little credibility you have here.

PS.
 
I dont dislike the CX-9 but its not a clearly superior vehicle to the Lambdas. Its styling is awkward from the front, its mileage is worse and its ride quality is worse. The Enclave is slightly more expensive but its better looking inside and out and has more available features than the CX-9.

Did you happen to read any of those links you posted my ill advised friend? Here's one on the TSBs:
  
#08-07-30-022: Hesitation or Flat Spot Between 56-80 km/h (35-50 mph) (Reprogram Transmission Control Module) - (May 8, 2008)
  
Subject: Hesitation or Flat Spot Between 56-80 km/h (35-50 mph) (Reprogram Transmission Control Module)
Models: 2008 Buick Enclave
 2007-2008 GMC Acadia
 2007-2008 Saturn OUTLOOK
 with FWD or AWD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Condition
Some customers may comment on a flat spot or hesitation between 56-80 km/h (35-50 mph) speed range.
  
Cause
The existing transmission calibration is programmed to maximize fuel economy and requires a greater throttle input than some customers would prefer to provide acceleration in this speed range.
  
Correction
A new calibration is available. This new calibration increases the speed required to obtain upshifts and removes TCC apply from 2nd to 3rd gear, thereby reducing engine lugging and improving vehicle response to accelerator input.
  
Important: This calibration will have a negative impact on fuel economy of 0-1.2 L/100 km (0-2 mpg) combined driving."
  
Is this just not what I reported earlier? If people bothered to RTFM manual, they'd simply step on the gas a little harder to achieve the desired result. Why are you trolling on those forums anyway since those "floating boats" are clearly inferior products. GM tried to extract the most mpg from these heavy vehicles with aggresive upshifting. If you want more performance, step on the gas or use the shift buttons at the expense of worse economy. This is true in any car.
  
Notice James Riswick picked the CX-9 based soley on performance driving criteria. If we were talking sport sedans, the CX-9 would get my nod over the Enclave but we are talking about 7 passenger vehicles and the CX-9 is compromised as such.
  
PS: Why were you in the 3rd row of the CX-9 anyway?

I never said it was the third row better in the CX-9, I stated that it IS better in the Lambdas but that's not everyones only criteria for buying one of these 1487.
Anyway
 
That has nothing to do with the leaks that are being reported or the fact that the problem still has NOT been fixed for some.
 
Then if you just take a stroll you see all the other issues that they're having.
 
Besides that, the main objective for these things are people hauling, the CX-9 can do that, albiet not as good as he Lambdas, that is not ALL a crossover can do. You can sacrifice a little space behind the in and behind third row for a MUCH better drive and lower price.
 
Check the forums, the reported MPG for all Lambdas is terrible with some reporting 9mpg. and getting as high as 20.
 
Most of the MOMS that buy these aren't lugging around 7 or 8 - 6'2" adults and don't NEED the extra space, thought!! I had the CX-9 for a while and it felt no bigger than my CX-7, the relationship to the steering wheel, shifter and driver was the same, it was perfect. The V6 is more refined and the transmission operates much better and has no issues with leaking. People with smaller frames will appreciate having something that can carry 7 people without feeling like an expedition, smaller women mostly. Dads will love the CX-9 because it handles so nicely for the size, and because it's NOT soft, but it can still carry him, the wife, two teens and two little ones.
 
The CX-9 is a better mix, the Lambdas are for the wider americans that like to be in big huge feeling SUV's and need the extra hip and shoulder room and want to float around on a soft rider, which is what all the Lambdas are.
 
I'm not even a member on any of those forums, but thanks for calling me a troll?!
If anything you're a troll, I only see you come out to bash Mazda products simply because you have one and you can't stand the "brittle" ride on an economy compact.
 
It was a rental, I was subjected to try the third row just like I was trying all the other rows, duh.

This Enclave/CX9 thing needs to stop....the fact is that each has its high and low points. Mazda makes vehicles that are fun to drive, but sacrifice ride quality. Buick makes vehicles that are quiet, refined, and comfortable. IMHO they aren't even competitors. The Enclave is a higher-class vehicle; the CX9, Acadia, and Outlook will all steal sales from each other, but the Buick is in a more premium class of SUV. They have different sales demographics and have very different selling points, so arguing over which one is superior is simply a waste of space.
 
They are both selling well (above sales expectations) so obviously many people like the CX9's styling and sporty character and different people like the refined and stylish Enclave. I'd buy the CX9 because I like a sportier ride and the 6speed auto
is incredible, but I know that my parents would rather have the Enclave because it is quieter and more comfortable and classier, while offering decent power and MPG. Just let it go.

"You can sacrifice a little space behind the in and behind third row for a MUCH better drive and lower price. "
 
That is pure subjectivity which is what you do best. Most folks buying this type of vehicle are not doing so because they want sportiness. That is just common sense. The media (and you) have bashed the edge for many reasons, including the fact that its not "Sporty" like the CX-9 or Murano. Meanwhile the Edge has been selling well since its introduction and is currently outselling the Highlander, CX-9 and Pilot. People do not care about steering feel or lack of body roll when taking an off ramp at 60mph in a 4500lb people hauler. Get over it.
 
The lambdas are better at their mission than the CX-9. If you want to pretend a 4600lb truck can be sporty and try to push it through the corners while suffering a harsh ride the CX-9 is definitley the SUV for you.
 
The Enclave is selling at least as well as the CX-9 if not slightly better in spite of its higher price.
 
Also, what is the point in posting a few complaints from Enclave threads if you arent going to give us any details about what CX-9 owners are saying? You state that people are disappointed in the Enclave's real world mileage but dont provide any real world figures from the CX-9. What are the Mazda owners saying about mileage? I cant see there being much of a difference at all. Both of these crossovers will likely return about 15mpg in city driving.

zoomzoom- cx7lover does not understand logic. If he did, he'd realize these "floaty soft riding pigs" are what most people want. The Enclave is basically a 7 passenger version of the RX350- a vehicle that sells in droves. Never once did I say the CX-9 is a bad vehicle. I simply don't find it attractive (albeit much nicer looking than the CX-7) and wouldn't want to experience Mazda style ride quality in a $40k vehicle. Since I do 90% of my driving on city streets, it'd be pointless to endure the constant noise and harshness that is the hallmark of Mazda suspension tuning.
  
Instead of admitting the Lambdas are superior people/cargo movers, he argues that "Most of the MOMS that buy these... don't NEED the extra space." Now, most people have come to the conclusion that the CX-9 is a great handler (for it's size) but he's so jaded he can't just concede an advantage to GM without a boat load of excuses. He is also the only person who claims the size of the Lambdas is ungainly and infers that most people aren't able to effectively pilot them due to their supposed excessive bulk.
  
CX7lover- how many MPGs are you averaging in your gas guzzling ute? I'm at 16.7 mpg- so I'll glady admit to being bitter.