CX-7 in the Market

Rants aside, the CX-7 represents a lot of performance for the money, and thanks to some clever features and a workable starting price, it's not a pragmatic embarrassment, either. Does that make it the right car for these times? Probably not — Subaru clinched that with the sub-$20,000 base-model Forester. But I'm not convinced every car buyer out there is sidelining whatever he or she wants and choosing the smartest plain-vanilla car for the money. If you are leaning toward something a bit more fun, the CX-7 is worth a look, and it might not break your (shrinking) bank account, either.

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    Interior
    Up to five people can fit inside the Mazda3. The steering column tilts and telescopes, and the instruments sit in a trio of round, recessed nacelles. A ratchet-type mechanism permits seat adjustme ...

    Rocking the Vehicle
    WARNING: Do not spin the wheels at more than 56 km/h (35 mph), and do not allow anyone to stand behind a wheel when pushing the vehicle: When the vehicle is stuck, spinning the wheels at high sp ...

    Exterior
    Comparatively upright in profile, the Mazda3 is built with a wide track and a relatively long (103.9-inch) wheelbase for its size. A Sport Package that includes sport bumpers, side skirts, 17-inch ...