2011 Mazda CX9 SUV (879)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2011 Mazda CX9 – which was a Rental from Enterprise while on Vacation in Sandpoint, Idaho, USA. Not a press car but this is a great way to see a new car that has been abused by renters… know what I mean?!

Anyway it was a good experience and the car was holding up well against the abuse. I have tested the CX9 in the past so I had some reference point from a new vehicle driven very little, from the factory. Kudo’s to Mazda. Everything worked and it was still Zoom, Zoom, Zooming…

General Info:

55% of Parts are from the US and Canadian; 35% come from Japan including the Engine & Transmission. It is assembled in Flat Rock, Michigan, USA. Class is Midsize. Cars from Mazda – CX-7, CX-9, Mazda 2,3,5 & 6, MAZDASPEED3, MX-5 Miata, RX-8, Tribute, Tribute Hybrid & Truck..

Handling & Performance:

I took it off road and never had a problem with this FWD (Front Wheel Drive) version. In most cases you won’t ever need 4-wheel drive anyway although I would have preferred it in the places I was taking this SUV.

Styling:

I like it, even if it is a typical look of most of today’s SUVs that obviously appeal to a lot of people. Most all brands have adopted a similar look because that is what consumers want from an SUV.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

$29-34,000 is an expected price range for this class SUV and acceptable.

Conveniences and comfort:

As a rental car it was pretty basic. I like navigation, but I still recommend getting an add-on product like Tom-Tom or Garmin, to save money. This rental did not have Nav so I just used my phone Navigation application – VZ Navigator. . . still cheaper than a factory option. I’m sure manufacturers will give up eventually because the option is still way more expensive than I can justify. They can’t compete with portable units now but as the const continues downward they may be able to make it a standard feature in time.

Recognized Competition:

Mazda CX9 $29,000, Acura MDX $43,000, Audi Q5 $35,000, BMW X5 $46,000, Buick Enclave $37,000, Cadillac Escalade $63,000, Chevrolet Traverse $29,000, Dodge Durango $29,000, Dodge Journey $22,000, Ford Flex $29,000, GMC Acadia $33,000, Honda Pilot $28,000, Hyundai Veracruz $28,000, Infiniti QX56 $59,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $30,000, Kia Borego $26-40,000, Lexus RX 350 $39,000, Lincoln MKX $39,000, Mitsubishi Endeavor $28,000, Nissan Murano $29,000, Subaru Tribeca $30,000, Toyota Highlander $28,000, Toyota Sequoia $41,000.

Good News:

In the hunt price wise in class, nice styling, very comfy and nice handling.

Bad News:

Only Fair fuel economy.

Standard Equipment:

3.7 liter 273 horsepower V-6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel power ABS disc brakes, traction control, power moon roof, dual remote power mirrors, air conditioning, audio with CD changer, remote keyless entry, power windows & auto door locks, power leather seats with 60/40 split fold down rear seats, seats 7, tilt & telescopic steering column, , leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, trip computer, Bluetooth phone, cruise control, sun visors with extensions, LATCH child safety seat anchors, front and side and side curtain airbags.

Gas Stats:

$3.63/ Gal avg. August 8, 2011

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

17 City and 24 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $31,055.