Exterior

There is no understating the looks of the CX-7; it's a bold design statement all around. Onlookers are confronted with a menacing face and blacked-out grille, all pulled together by a very, very large Mazda emblem. The front wheels are topped by exaggerated fenders that remind me of Mazda's RX-8 sports car. They also force the eye down the CX-7's side profile to the tapered rear windows, which narrow considerably at the rear. While that effect is great for exterior design, I found that this eye-catching element actually detracted from the driving experience. More on that later.

Even from behind, the CX-7 shines, with frosted plastic taillights that exhibit an expensive air. Large 17-inch wheels add to the muscular look, as does the low ride height, which also allows for easy access for passengers and cargo.

    See also:

    WindshieldWipers and Washer
    The ignition must be switched ON. WARNING: Use only windshield washer fluid or plain water in the reservoir: Using radiator antifreeze as washer fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the windshield, ...

    Efforts to promote vehicle recycling
    Mazda has achieved recyclability ratios of over 90 percent. Beginning in 2005, Mazda also became the first in the auto industry to fully implement 'bumper-to-bumper recycling' that recycles materi ...

    Interior Design
    The roadster spirit of the exterior is reflected in the cockpit. The facelift inherits the clean forms of the original third-generation model, and updates these with new materials, detailing and c ...