Mazda CX-9 2007 review
Even though the Mazda Tribute — a version of the Ford Escape compact SUV — has been on sale for years, SUVs don't come to mind when I think of Mazda. Instead, I see Miatas and RX-7s — sporty cars.
That said, Mazda took the right approach with the new seven-seat CX-9 crossover by giving it a sporty look that both reaffirms Mazda's brand image and is likely to appeal to more buyers than conventional SUVs do. Add a roomy interior, refined engine and transmission, and carlike handling, and the CX-9 is an attractive entry that seems more than able to hold its own against other full-size crossovers like the new Saturn Outlook.
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Safety & Reliability
In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the CX-7 earned top
scores in both front and side-impact tests. Standard safety features include
antilock brakes, traction control and an ele ...
Exterior
The outside of the Tribute didn't get as dramatic a face-lift as the Escape
did for 2008. The grille lost its crossbar and the Mazda logo was moved up.
* Standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
* ...
Ride & Handling
The Miata's low weight delivers ride and handling benefits, however. With
less mass to keep in check when cornering, the suspension doesn't have to be as
firm to limit body roll. This helps with r ...