I had the keys to the CX-9 for its last weekend in our LT fleet. So I took it to dinner, a walk on the beach and then we headed back to my place for a nightcap and a tearful farewell. And then I measured its lifetime fuel economy (I'm quite the romantic). Last month, I reported in the Big List of Fuel Economy that the CX-9's recorded lifetime fuel economy was 18.1 mpg. What I didn't mention then was that number was current as of February 2008. Seems we hadn't updated the fuel log in a good many months. When I plugged nearly 8 months of data into the spreadsheet today, I got a slightly different number.
Continue reading 2008 Mazda CX-9: Fuel Economy Update.
Categories: 2008 Mazda CX-9
After a 480-mile weekend round-trip to the Central Coast, I was hoping to shed some new light on our Mazda CX-9. I discovered, however, my fellow bloggers had already made 40 posts on the well-traveled vehicle. Oldham has illuminated us on the dim bulbs which are indeed poor, MacKinnon logged our collective fuel economy, to which I can now add my 20 mpg average, Riswick documented the fritzy window switches that seem to have fixed themselves, and Riches, among others, posted a warning about the handy-yet-miniscule rear-view camera that I can attest is even harder to see with polarized sunglasses.
Despite my daughter's best efforts to adjust the rear HVAC knobs with her feet from the child's seat, they didn't fall off once, unlike Jacquot's experience. And only after reading Brauer's post about the counterintuitive audio controls did I learn that it wasn't necessary for me to push-push-push the toggling tune button to advance radio stations. (The multi-functioning tuning knob is directly below the button I used--duh.
About the only thing I can add is that Sirius satellite radio is very difficult to use in the absence of a more advanced display. The over taxed dot-matrix display (that also shows time of day, HVAC temp and mode) reads, "Loading" for about 5 seconds when you finally land on a station with a limited ability to display what and where you are on the dial. Happily, we've got a few key stations saved as presets which made jumping ahead a little less problematic.
I performed the initial testing back in January, and it still feels as sporty now as it did then. The CX-9 really does drive smaller than it really is, which is big. I wish I had more to share, but the highly competent CX-9 has seen a ton of use in its 9.5 months with us. At this rate, it'll likely rack up 30,000 miles before it leaves in January.
Chris Walton, Chief Road Test Editor @ 22,736 miles
Categories: 2008 Mazda CX-9
I was thinking the other day (always a dangerous proposition, I know) and wondering how all the current (or really, really recently departed) Edmunds/Inside Line long-term vehicles stack up against each other in fuel economy, at least the fuel economy we've been recording during their time with us. So I made a list. For you and for me. In case we were both wondering.
The only current vehicles missing from my list are the Audi R8 and the Dodge Grand Caravan, and that's because no one has entered any fuel data into the tracking spreadsheet for those vehicles yet. The very top and the very bottom of the list aren't going to surprise anybody (I don't think), but the middle is kinda interesting. Seeing the Rondo and the WRX so close to each other made me raise my eyebrows. Ditto the Ford GT's spot above the Veracruz. Ready to check it all out? Follow the jump with me.
Continue reading The Big List of Fuel Economy.
Categories: 2002 BMW M3,2004 Toyota Prius,2005 Ford GT,2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI,2006 Lexus RX 400h,2007 Chevrolet Silverado LT,2007 Ford Edge SEL,2007 Honda Civic GX,2007 Honda Fit Sport,2007 Kia Rondo,2007 Saturn Aura XR,2007 Toyota Tundra SR5 Double Cab,2008 BMW 135i,2008 BMW X5 4.8i,2008 Buick Enclave CX,2008 Cadillac CTS V6 DI,2008 Ford Focus SES Coupe,2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6,2008 Hyundai Veracruz SE AWD,2008 Mazda CX-9,2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport,2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X MR,2008 Pontiac G8 GT,2008 Scion xB,2008 Smart Fortwo Passion Coupe,2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI,2009 Ford Flex Limited,2009 Nissan GT-R
Our long-term 2008 Mazda CX-9's 3.7-liter V6 also sees duty in the Mazda 6 s and the Lincoln MKS. Sure, sure -- Mazda's "MZI 3.7" isn't identical to Ford's "Duratec 37." The former is assembled in Japan, while the latter hails from the Midwest, and some mild tinkering with the MKS version has made it infinitesimally more powerful. But for all intents and purposes, it's the same engine.
Anyway, what a difference a bodystyle makes. When I sampled the MZI 3.7 in the Mazda 6 s, it sounded a bit too brawny for my tastes, as though it had been borrowed from a truck (which, of course, it had). In the MKS, the Duratec 37 sounded surprisingly grainy at higher rpm, in stark contrast to the numerous silky-smooth powerplants available at that price point (Toyota/Lexus V6, Hyundai V8, BMW inline-6, etc.).
But in the CX-9, the MZI 3.7 sounds just right. The engine note isn't as mellifluous as that of Toyota's 2GR-FE V6, yet it's muscular and refined -- precisely what I'd hope to hear in a sporty crossover SUV. It's another strong point of this arguably best-in-class vehicle.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com @ 21,707 miles
Categories: 2008 Mazda CX-9
After five nights straight in our long term 2008 Mazda CX-9, I'm convinced it has the unusually weak headlamps. They don't seem to be on. I keep double and triple checking the switch and the reflection in the car I'm following just to make sure. And my wife, always the backseat driver, keeps asking me, "Are your lights on?"
Now, we have a CX-9 Touring, which is the middle of three trim levels and comes with the same halogen headlamps as the base Sport model. The top of the line Grand Touring trim comes standard with Xenon Hight Intensity Discharge lights or HIDs (shown in photo) and a set of foglights, which our Touring model does not have.
The illumination seems to be worth the money.
Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief @ 21,626 miles
Categories: 2008 Mazda CX-9
Spent a few hundred very enjoyable miles in our long term Mazda CX-9 this weekend, including this trip to Pepperdine University in Malibu, California to check out its inspired tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Nearly 3,000 flags were placed on the school's front lawn (one for each American life lost in the attacks) that borders the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. It was quite a sight, and will remain in place until this Thursday. If you live within driving distance I highly recommend a visit.
Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief @ 21,567 miles
Continue reading 2008 Mazda CX-9: One Truck, Nearly 3,000 American Flags.
Categories: 2008 Mazda CX-9
Our CX-9's auto up/down function for the driver's window is malfunctioning. It still goes up and down, but pushing through the usual auto detent does nothing. You have to hold it in order for the window to get all the way open or closed. Woe is me. How did we ever function without auto up/down? Luckily the passenger side auto/up is still working. Maybe we can move the steering wheel.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 21,089 miles
Categories: 2008 Mazda CX-9
This will seem totally trivial and lame to some while a few others will get why I think this one feature is cool.
The CX-9 has the one-touch feature for both front windows - that's one touch down AND up. A nice feature for sure, but there's one other thing that I really like. If you tap the window switch, just tap it, the window will open with a pre-set gap. For those who occasionally like to "crack" the window a bit it's great. Excellent attention to detail Mazda - now make the ride a little softer so I can love the rest of the car.
Brian Moody, Road Test Editor.
Categories: 2008 Mazda CX-9
As noted in Edmunds' recent crossover comparison drive, "the CX-9 is the seven-plus-passenger crossover all but one of us would take home." Confession: I was the one. The Veracruz got my vote instead. Why? Two reasons: (1) the Veracruz had a significantly more compliant ride than the CX-9 Grand Touring in our comparo while still offering decent handling, and (2) the Hyundai's interior materials quality was leaps and bounds ahead of the Mazda's.
There's not much that can be done about (2), but our long-term CX-9 Touring provides a simple solution for (1). Whereas the CX-9 Grand Touring has 20-inch wheels, our long-termer rolls on 18s. Result? Its ride is comparatively supple, with no discernable handling penalty at any sane cornering speeds. Translation: if you pushed these CX-9s to the point where you could tell a difference, you might not come back in one piece. It's just a shame that Mazda makes you roll on dubs if you want the Grand Touring's top-of-the-line luxuries.
I still like the Veracruz a lot, but our long-term CX-9 handles better while offering a satisfactorily cushioned ride. Slap some Hyundai-style soft-touch materials on the dash and I'd be sold.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com @ 19,837 miles
Categories: 2008 Mazda CX-9
I prefer to use the manual-shift option if a car offers it, especially in stop-and-go traffic because it helps me stay off the gas and brake pedals. Just go back and forth from 1st to 2nd gear and I'm not always nudging the gas to move up 5 feet. I tried this with our 2008 Mazda CX-9 but the jump in gear from 2nd to 1st is so great that it causes an undue amount of engine braking and I fear that the motorist behind me will think that I'm stopping short for no apparent reason. No biggie though. I just made sure to slow way down before I downshifted so it wasn't as obvious. Took some getting used to.
Continue reading 2008 Mazda CX-9: Long Way Down to 1st Gear.
Categories: 2008 Mazda CX-9
No one else has mentioned this before but I noticed over the weekend that the brakes for our 2008 Mazda CX-9 feel crunchy or shudder a bit. The thing is, this wasn't a consistent thing and I couldn't duplicate it if I tried. I had just noticed it when I drove it first thing on Saturday morning. But then it never reappeared as badly as it did in that first hour.
But it happened when I slowed to a stop and then pushed the pedal further to actually stop the vehicle. The flutter was so noticeable that I wondered if there was something seriously wrong. "Uh oh, the CX-9 needs to be taken in!" But then, it never was that bad again. I could still feel that faint flutter but someone else would have to really be aware of it to notice it. Anyway, thought I'd mention it to our vehicle testing assistant and for the record.
Caroline Pardilla, Deputy Managing Editor @ 18,857 miles
Categories: 2008 Mazda CX-9
It's not any vehicle that can carry four Ford GT wheels and eight Ford GT tires. That adds up to a lot of cubic storage, but the CX-9's cargo area handled it with room to spare. It did require folding the second and third-row seats, and four of the tires had to be placed upright, which meant no rear visibility.
But careful adjustment of the exterior mirrors and careful planning prior to lane changes kept the CX-9 from intruding on other vehicles. The guys as Stokes Tire Pros were kind enough to encase the rolling stock in large mint-green garbage bags to keep interior scuffs to a minimum.
But with those bag colors I'm not sure what other people thought I was hauling. Fertilizer maybe?
Karl Brauer, Edmunds.com Editor in Chief @ 18,746 miles
Categories: 2008 Mazda CX-9
Mazda features three different key designs and our CX-9 features the switchblade one (there's also the credit card and the 3's old school). I'm a big fan of the switchblade design, having had one with my old Jetta for seven years. While some people chew gum or twirl their fingers through their thick luxuriant hair, I would incessantly open and close the switchblade either in the open or stealthily in my pocket -- and I know I'm not alone in this. Plus, it was a compact key design that took up minimum real estate in my pocket...
Continue reading 2008 Mazda CX-9: I'm Flippin' Stuck.
Categories: 2008 Mazda CX-9
I love the compact mirror-mounted display for our 2008 Mazda CX-9's back-up camera. This morning while backing into a parking space, though, I was reacquainted with the limitations of a tiny camera mounted just above the rear bumper.
Continue reading 2008 Mazda CX-9: Don't Get Complacent.
Categories: 2008 Mazda CX-9
I did some spur-of-the-moment furniture shopping this weekend. Luckily, I was driving an SUV with 101 cubic feet of space in the back.
SUVs like the Mazda CX-9 can save you lots of moolah on delivery fees. The three-piece set fit nicely into the back of the CX-9 with the second and third row seats folded...
Continue reading 2008 Mazda CX-9: Cargo Capacity.
Categories: 2008 Mazda CX-9