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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Vehicle Overview
Mazda's larger, more powerful replacements for the departed Protege sedan and Protege5 hatchback went on sale in the 2004 model year. Built on the same platform as the Volvo S40, the compact, fron ...

Tiedown Hooks
CAUTION. Don't use the tiedown hooks under the front and rear for towing. They are designed ONLY for tying down the vehicle when it's being transported. Using them for towing will damage the bum ...

Superior Traction - Mazda's Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive
A main contributor to the predictable handling of the Mazda CX9 is its Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive system that provides traction in all road situations. Based on the system used by the Maz ...