I love this SUV, it is huge inside, great MPG even with the diluted and low quality gasoline sold in Mexico. I believe its a great value even thought I paid 6,000 usd more in taxes for it to mantain the corrupt Mexican government. It is still a great value after this obscene price increase due to taxes. At the price you get it in the States, it is a bargain.

Having had multiple new SUVs (BMW X3, Chevy Tahoe, and S10 Blazer) over the years - considering a Mazda SUV/crossover wasn't really on my mind until I decided I needed more interior elbow room.

Then I read about the Motor Trend award, kicked the tires at the local car show, and decided to consider it. Since my wife is the primary driver, she had the last word...(as if...lol). The vehicle is fairly scarce to buy with decent options here in AZ, but I knew I wanted the Grand Touring variant with a tow pkg.

The vehicle I found was priced less then comparable luxury 'utes with more wiz bang technology then I could have imagined. We're still playing with all the technology almost a month later !! The in ceiling gameboy/DVD player with wireless controller, and wireless headphones will surely satisfy the little darlings !!

Safe to say I've done my due diligence on this vehicle and compared it to almost everything currently available. One thing I did find in my analysis is NOT to consider the GM variants (Outlook, Acadia, Traverse...). Why? Supposedly they're not engineered as well as the Mazda CX-9 and mechanics who've worked on both after 20k miles have shared - hands down the CX-9 has fewer issues, better engineering and will have a longer life then the GMs.

Being a GM guy - I wanted to hear otherwise...but appreciated their information sharing.

So - without hesitation I share with you the Mazda CX-9 is the 'best of the bunch'. Don't buy it thinking it will get the best gas mileage - it won't. Do buy it thinking it will carry seven more comfortably then most, with one of the highest cubic inch interior storage with the rear seats folded down.

-- Zoom zoom

Traded an Aviator for CX-9. I miss the eminities such as computer check for mileage, MPG, engine check etc. Very little storage space. Wife mistakes car for lexus, so I know looks good from outside. Plus, I own a car wash, rear window does not clean well, due to slant. I have to wipe it down afterwards. Never had to on the Aviator. I do recommend the CX-9, if you want sport over MPG. It does go Zoom Zoom Zoom. It is a blast on winding roads.

After we trade in a 2005 Odyssey, we realize may be boring is not such
a bad thing.
Wife got tired of Suburbans & minivans; make the mistake of getting
a AWD CX-9 with all the options for $39k+tax.
While it handles well & have more ommph, the 20' tires let you feel
all the bumps on the road.
we got 13mpg combined..... worst than our Suburbans.

For 40k, you get some nice leather, Navi, DVD, cheap fake wood grain,
keyless start. The power liftgate option cost me additional $12k .....
since you can't get it without the whole package.
Their top of line does not have trip monitor, memory seats, etc....
Mazda milk you..
if you like the vehicle, save 10k & get a FWD with cloth seats.
You will not miss it.
How I know, our first CX9 WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 4 weeks out of the first 6 weeks.
The FWD loaner drove better with the regular 18" tires.
Take it to Carmax after 900 miles and it was worth 30k....

But save yourself trouble and get a RELIABLE VEHICLE;
you will thank me.
YMMV

First I was looking at the toyota highlander then when I so the spec I was so disappointed! The trans has only 5 speed and to have the drop down DVD you need to get the option package! the option packge worth 5,000.00 !!! Thanks to an old magazine! I saw this model "CX-9" I said to may self this is it! And after a week we bougth it and we got a very nice deal and has a drop down DVD cool!

Review is for a 2007 model.

Comments others are making about mpg do not add up. We have over 25,000 miles on our CX-9. City MPG 17-18, Hwy MPG at 22 . We check it every tank full.

Only one problem over the 25,000 miles and it was a minor recall.

We love the car. ZOOM ZOOM.

Looks great, has more than enough room, and drives like a sports car. Mazda has always treated me very well.

Maybe value if you are looking for a car to get the kids to soccer practice. Very uninspiring vehicle. This thing has no great features, just a checklist. V6 Check. All wheel drive check. On and on. Just like most imports, these things are built off someone else's specifications, so the vehicle comes out the same. Junky plastic interior parts.

I too, as did others, look and try out other vehicles such as the Acadia, Ford Edge, and the Hyundai. Before we had a Honda Odyssey. The CX-9 hands down get the best value for your dollar compared to all the others. First AWD I owned and it is awesome! I live in ND so it definitely has been tried and true in my book. Gas mileage is the same if not better than the Odyssey we traded and the CX-9 has surprisingly alot of room, with the 3rd row folded into the floor of course. But with the third row up, it is actually not that bad for room and I am 6"1 and can fit back there. The CX-9's transmission is the smoothest I have ever driven. Absolutely seamless! I feel like I am in high school again with the Bose system thumping away. Excellent fit and finish for the interior and gives the driver the cockpit feel. The only drawback to the vehicle is that my head practically touches the headliner and I sit very high in the vehicle, even when adjusting the seats. It is something I can live with though. It is still comfortable. THe look of the CX-9 can be compared to a high end luxury vehicle for the fraction of the price.

I drove and reviewed lot of vehicles before purchasing the CX-9. everything from direct competitors, small SUV's and large sedans. I was looking for alternative to the the wifes minivan.

The CX-9 offers the ride and handling of a sedan, the seating space of a minivan and the best crossover styling.

I actually drove a CX-9 Sport for a weekend and was very happy. When I took deliver of my Touring the leather and Bose audio options were the icing on the cake.