Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2008 Mazda CX-7 and although I like this vehicle I was a little surprised at the engine noise. It reminded me of Tim Allen in the Santa Clause movie and the line “there rose such a clatter”.
Secondly, with all my preaching over the years people still insist on buying fuel IN-efficient cars, and mostly it has been because of their love affair with the automobile. And even though I have preached to my kids as well (they never listen), I have to defend my son buying a big Tahoe SUV. Why? Because he has 4 kids. Count them and the parents and all the car seats for the three little ones and I get tired just thinking of it. Then throw in all the gear for a trip to grandma’s house over the river and through the woods and you have to question the wisdom of large families. Well, you get the point. Oh, I forgot the boat. Can’t pull a boat with a Toyota Yaris that gets an impressive 38 mpg. To my son Mike I suggest he think about a second car that most of us can actually afford to drive.
Fight back, I say. Buy a fuel efficient car and push the manufacturers to change the emphasis from profits alone as motivation in making cars we must buy. Yes, these big gas guzzlers are profitable. Ok, so they were profitable. Now you can’t give them away. Why, because people are worried about where gas prices may go. Remember the world price of gas is over $8.00 a gallon. Helloooo!
With nearly half of every car on the road today being a truck or SUV the turn around won’t be easy or fun for anyone. However, don’t panic. Keep the SUV, park it most of the time until you really need it and buy a Yaris, Prius, Hyundai Accent or wait for the new Chevy Volt Electric car.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 10%, Japan 85%,
Assembly – Hiroshima, Japan
Class: – Special Purpose
Cars: – CX-7, CX-9, Mazda 3, 5 & 6, Mazdaspeed3 & 6, MX-5 Miata, RX-8, Tribute, Tribute Hybrid & Truck.
Well it’s the LAW now that you must use a “Hands Free” device while talking on your cell phone driving the car. It’s a good law most would agree but it’s a pain in the neck to “HAVE” to use it. Come-on, lets face it, either way when you’re on the phone in the car you have to know most of us can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. So why do we think we can drive a car safely and carry on a conversation on the phone? Think back and try to recall where you just traveled while on the cell phone? Bet you experienced a blank spot in your memory banks.
Handling & Performance:
You’ll enjoy driving this Mazda CX-7, I’m sure, but you won’t appreciate giving up performance and not getting any better fuel economy than it delivers. It is a perfect size for mobility and agility in most driving situations, but not as good on the open highway as the CX-9.
Styling:
Of course the CX-7 is just a cut below the CX-9 but it can save $10,000 in purchase price if you don’t need the extra 2 seats. Both are great looking and the crossover has been a natural evolution from the SUV. The CX-7 provides good cargo space and seating for five with that sport look rolled into the SUV convenience. It comes in 3 trims; Sport, Touring and Grand Touring that I tested.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
In the hunt in class.
Features and Conveniences:
Good compliment of useful standard equipment and features and eliminating expensive options can reduce the price $6,000 if you can do without the voice activated Navigation system, upgraded sound and entertainment systems and a few other minor items. Reminder – buy a portable Nav system instead, and consider the kids will probably be more interested in their new iPods and game boys etc.
Consumer Recommendation:
Resource – www.safercar.gov
Look at the Hybrid versions if you are considering an SUV/ Crossover.
Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid and coming in 2009 – Ford Escape Hybrid. Some other notables are the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid.
Recognized Competition:
Mazda CX-7 $22-26,000, Saturn Vue $22-29,000, Saturn Vue Green line Hybrid $25,645, Pontiac Torrent $24-30,000, Mercury Mariner $22-26,000, Chevrolet Equinox $23-30,000, Jeep Compass $17-23,000, Dodge Nitro $20-28,000, Toyota RAV4 $22-27,000, Honda CR-V $21-28,000, Hyundai Santa Fe $21-30,000, Ford Edge $26-33,000, Ford Escape $20-27,000, Mitsubishi Outlander $20-25,000, Suzuki Grand Vitara $19-25,000, Kia Sorento $21-26,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $29-43,000, BMW X3 $38,600, Infiniti EX $32-37,000.
Good News:
Spacious, sporty styling and popular crossover convenience.
Bad News:
Poor fuel economy and noisy engine.
Standard Equipment:
2.3 liter 244 hp 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, 6-speed sport shift automatic transmission, front wheel drive, 16” Aluminum Alloy wheels, auto headlights, heated power mirrors, 5-passenger leather trimmed seats, 8-way power driver front heated seats, rear 60/40 split fold down seats, tilt leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, power windows, front and side airbags, stability control and traction control, LATCH child safety system, vented 4-wheel anti lock disc brakes, fog lights, variable intermittent wipers front and rear, retractable rear cargo cover, climate control, power windows and locks, rear seat armrest, 2- 12 volt outlets, tire pressure monitoring system, keyless entry, anti-theft engine immobilizer and audio with CD and 4-speakers.
Options: DVD entertainment system, SIRIUS satellite radio, technology package including 240 watt Bose 9 speaker surround sound, 6-in dash CD player, DVD navigation system touch screen with rear view camera, Start system for Keyless entry and perimeter alarm. Total options $6,275.
$4.59/ Gal avg. July 1, ‘08
for more information.
17 City and 22 Highway MPG
www.safercar.gov or 888-327-4236
Pricing:
MSRP $26,300 – with options $32,575.
