2009 Mazda CX-7 Milwaukee WI

November 18, 2009   By Brian Alexander, Content Editor



2009 Mazda CX-7
DriverSide Overview
Entry-level crossover. Those words – typically synonymous with uninspired, utilitarian design – strike fear into the hearts of automotive enthusiasts the world over. Which leads us to believe that the 2009 Mazda CX-7 must be in the midst of a severe identity crisis. While it certainly looks, smells and tastes like an entry-level crossover, if you were to drive it blindfolded (safely, of course), you’d never guess its proportions matched those of a Honda CR-V . Tactile steering and sport-tuned suspension bless the CX-7 with surprising agility and response. Its turbocharged engine delivers a torque-filled surge that will put a smile on anyone’s face, and it’s keen to snappily turn into whatever corners you throw at it. For all intents and purposes, it drives like a car. A fun car at that. But unlike most fun cars, when it comes time to load in bulky cargo or tackle adverse conditions, the CX-7 loses none of its flair. It just might change your idea of what a crossover can be.








What's to Like
There’s plenty of space inside the CX-7 and rear storage is ample, as is headroom. The turbocharged engine has plenty of power anywhere over 3,000 rpm, minimizing gear changes yet providing surprising performance. The standard equipment list is impressive and matches the price well.

What's not to like
While the CX-7 has plenty of headroom, rear legroom comes at a premium, and you can forget about sitting behind tall drivers. Getting a good view through corners can be tricky due to the large A-pillars and the small, chunky fixed corner window. Road noise can be intrusive on particularly coarse pavement.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Forget any impressions the CX-7’s unassuming exterior may have left you with – it’s more nimble than you would ever have guessed. The torquey engine provides ample punch and is happy to rev, though power does drop off at the very top of the rev range. Steering is a particular highlight, and while there is a minute dead spot at the center, twist on some lock and you’ll be greeted with fantastic tactile feel and impressive accuracy. The suspension complements this well with stiff, controlled dampening, providing you with a connection to the road that few cars in this segment can emulate. The transmission has a manual-shift mode, and apparently someone at Mazda has actually driven a sequential gearbox racecar – you pull back to go up a gear and push forward for downchanges, as it should be.

Engine and Drivetrain
Perhaps the best piece in the CX-7 puzzle is its 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged, direct injection engine, which produces an impressive 244 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic drives the front wheels and Mazda offers an optional all-wheel drive system for those who demand extra grip and ...

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