CD Article: 2007 Mazda CX-7

[CD_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Test Drive:

Mazda enters the crossover market for 2007 with its all-new CX-7, available solely as a turbocharged five-passenger model. Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh finds it "one of the better examples of the breed" that "handles far more like a car than a truck", but she also finds turbo lag and a throttle that's tough to modulate.     More...

[Benhaze]

I had an opportunity to sit in a CX-7 which allowed me to understand and appreciate a review I read. This vehicle is advertised as being targeted to the "young"couple without kids. The appointments in the back are lacking and really basics. Amenities are nearly non-existent and the door trim are solid hard plastic. Power window switches don't feel sturdy. All this is irrelevant if there are never or rarely any passengers there unless young kids, although the door trim panels may not resist their wear and tear very long.

I was really impressed at the Detroit auto show (car was locked though) and by the various pictures of the inside, but sitting in the car didn't oooohm me as much as I was expecting. It's nice, don't take me wrong, but not overly exceptional as the pictures could lead someone to believe. Then again it is not a $50K vehicle either.

Interesting vehicle, and we can thank Mazda for bringing another cool to the market vehicle but the level of refinement appeared to me to be a notch or two below our Mazda6.

[Mitlov]

I had an opportunity to sit in a CX-7 which allowed me to understand and appreciate a review I read. This vehicle is advertised as being targeted to the "young"couple without kids. The appointments in the back are lacking and really basics. Amenities are nearly non-existent and the door trim are solid hard plastic. Power window switches don't feel sturdy. All this is irrelevant if there are never or rarely any passengers there unless young kids, although the door trim panels may not resist their wear and tear very long.

I was really impressed at the Detroit auto show (car was locked though) and by the various pictures of the inside, but sitting in the car didn't oooohm me as much as I was expecting. It's nice, don't take me wrong, but not overly exceptional as the pictures could lead someone to believe. Then again it is not a $50K vehicle either.

Interesting vehicle, and we can thank Mazda for bringing another cool to the market vehicle but the level of refinement appeared to me to be a notch or two below our Mazda6.

The CX-7 is a very cheap vehicle for what it delivers drivetrain-wise.  I'm not surprised that they cut corners on the interior.  Some people won't mind.  For them, the CX-7 is perfect.  For those that do mind, the Acura RDX is the way to go.

[Bullet Blue]

Mazda really needs to get over it's fetish of clear tail lights. Otherwise it looks quite nice. I've seen two to date so far. One of them was grey and was pulled over by the bridge police (I assume for speeding), so I got a good look at it while I was waiting in traffic. It looks really good from the side. The front end seems a tad plain to me, but overall, a nice looking vehicle. The interior isn't too bad, could be a bit better. Overall I'd say Mazda has another winner on their hands. That said, I'd probably take a Mazda6 wagon over the CX7.

[Jameel]

What's up with the huge key fob?   

[haris]

Good looking station wagon (ok, CUV, whatever). Love the engine, wish it came with a manual (even though they'd probably sell two or three) only because of the turbo. Makes being in the right gear for the moment much easier.
I'm going to have to take one out for a test drive...

[johngenx]

...I'd probably take a Mazda6 wagon over the CX7.

I'd definitely take a Mazda6 wagon over the CX7.

[BJB]

i read this article with interest as this is a clear competitor to my murano (despite what the writer states).  I really like the interior layout in the front and think they did a good job with it.  As for the exterior, I just don't like it, it's a personal taste thing, but it looks like they just tried to knock off the styling of the Murano, which is already a chubby looking car and they made it even chubbier looking, the exterior of this vehicle does not impress me at all.

While this vehicle is probably marketed directly at me as I have no children, the Murano is a much better looking vehicle.  Although the pricing of the CX7 is aggressive, it can get expensive and if the CX7 were out when I was looking last summer I believe I still would have ended up with the Murano.

[jww]

What's up with the huge key fob?   

It's the CX-7 inteligent key which allows "keyless" access and starting. Lots of Nissans have this feature in their top-end models as do many luxury cars such as Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes. Interstingly enough, the top-end/loaded Grand Vitara also has this feature.

It's a great convenience feature but the Mazda unit is WAY TOO BIG.

[haris]

It's the CX-7 inteligent key which allows "keyless" access and starting. Lots of Nissans have this feature in their top-end models as do many luxury cars such as Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes. Interstingly enough, the top-end/loaded Grand Vitara also has this feature.

It's a great convenience feature but the Mazda unit is WAY TOO BIG.

Yeah, but if someone attacks you in a parking lot the Mazda unit is the only that can be used as a weapon...

[Bullet Blue]

It also has a panic button too if that happens 

[bmorton]

We were in the market for a CUV last month and looked at the CX-7 -- liked the handling and the techno-gadgets you get for the price, but didn't care for the exterior styling, smallish interior, or the relatively thirsty turbo and premium fuel requirement.

We ended up with a RAV4 V6 for about the same money as the CX-7 GT AWD. The driving experience is less sporty, but it's both more powerful AND more economical than the CX-7, has more room in the back, and the more conventional styling looks better to our eyes. It doesn't have the same number of gizmos on it but that isn't a Toyota hallmark anyway.

Still think the CX-7 is a great choice for people who are looking for a stylish, more carlike CUV.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

This CX-7 looks great. I LOVE the Winning Blue exterior over light/black accented interior. Just gorgeous. The dash gets big  from me, as do the look of the seats and steering wheel. Mazda does performance minded (and feeling) machines well, and that separates the vehicle from the rest of segment well. Respectable pricing to boot.

On the negative, it probably can't tow very much (don't know this for sure, but maybe just 1,500 - 2,000lbs, which I guess is good enough for recreational boats/Sea-Doos/pop-up tents), the rear seat legroom does look restricted (I sat in one and didn't think it too, too bad tho), and it does suck premium.

The outside looks very good, but at the rear I'd be on the hunt for a hatch-top spoiler. It just looks too jellybean rounded to me, and I think a little extension over the rear window would help.

Mazda presented this vehicle last Winter at auto shows similar to Ford and Lincoln, and has had their version on the streets for a few months now. Why is Ford taking till November to release their beasts? 

[Bullet Blue]

Why is Ford taking till November to release their beasts?  [/color]

At first I read that as "why is Ford taking till November to release their breasts?" 

Seriously though, I don't know why Ford is taking long, but they should really get on that. They need to get their new products together and ready as soon as they can. They can't afford to wait.

[AVToller]

I think it would be a much GREATER mistake for production/release to be rushed and have major (or at least numerous) recalls like with the Focus and Escape in their early days.

[Bullet Blue]

I think it would be a much GREATER mistake for production/release to be rushed and have major (or at least numerous) recalls like with the Focus and Escape in their early days.

Maybe so. Either way, I think Ford really needs to get it's act together to stay in the game.

[quadzilla]

I noticed this...

"The folding rear seats drop by pulling a handle, opening the cargo area from a length of 100 cm to 165 cm when they're down"

The 6wgn has 109 cm when up and 183 cm when folded.

I really like the looks of the CX-7 but it won't be a replacement for our wagon because of less space and more gas (premium + usage).

It should do well in the market for those who want CUVs though.

But I will probably take one for a spin next time I'm in for servicing just to see what it is all about.

[nefcanuck]

At first I read that as "why is Ford taking till November to release their breasts?" 

Seriously though, I don't know why Ford is taking long, but they should really get on that. They need to get their new products together and ready as soon as they can. They can't afford to wait.

From what I understand, Ford discovered some quality control issues and put a hold on things until they could be straightened away.  A sensible plan and I'll be interested to see how Ford's Edge turns out.

NefCanuck

[jww]

It also has a panic button too if that happens 

All the intelligent keys that I have seen include the same buttons on a key-fob remote for locking, unlocking, trunk and panic. No one comes running when you press panic anyway.

[Howswedeitis]

I can't get past that 'fast back' windshield with corresponding A pillars that block
your line of sight. I don't in heavens name know why the Japanese car makers love
this heavily sloped windshield so much. Just look at the new Civic with it's
ridiculous windshield angle...it may look "cool" to some but it has more
downsides than anything else.