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We were impressed by the audio quality. As part of the rear-seat entertainment option, the car also got an upgraded 296-watt 11-speaker Bose audio system, with 5.1 surround sound. This system produces a refined sound, without overwhelming bass or highs. The separation is good, and Bose's CenterPoint technology helps fill the car's cabin.
Playing a DVD in the rear-seat video system, the audio sounded even better. The speakers seemed designed to produce a theater-like experience. But we weren't too impressed with the video quality from the ceiling-mounted LCD. We noticed jaggy edges and horizontal lines running through the picture.
We mentioned the Bluetooth cell phone integration, standard at the Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. This system is easy to use through its voice command system, but it won't copy over your phone book. You have to make entries one at a time into the car's phone book.
Our review car didn't have the navigation option, but we've seen Mazda's system before in the CX-7, and found it worked well. We also made use of the third-row seating for one trip. Mazda took pains to make access to the third row easy, but the ride in back accentuates the stiff nature of the suspension, which is mitigated somewhat by the large, 20-inch wheels.
Under the hood
Although the CX-9 seems big, its 263 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine has no problem moving the car along, giving it enough strong acceleration to power through freeway on-ramps and take off fast from a traffic light. Its six-speed automatic shifts smoothly and keeps engine RPMs reasonably low at freeway speeds.
But fuel economy isn't that great, with an EPA-rated 16mpg in the city and 22mpg on the highway for the all-wheel-drive version. We didn't get an accurate reading while we had the car, but it seemed we were tending toward a number in the mid-teens. The emission rating is better, with the car getting a ULEV II rating from California's Air Resources Board.
As mentioned above, the suspension in the car is pretty rigid, in keeping with Mazda's sports car ideals. The ride can be jouncy, but the 20-inch wheels help smooth things over. Our car also felt a little jerky when starting from a stop, but that could be due to the included towing package, which changes the engine characteristics to add torque at low speeds.
The steering wheel feels nice and tight, with good feedback and control over the wheels. The car is a little big for really hard cornering, though, and we weren't bold enough to push it too hard.
During parking maneuvers, we weren't happy with the rear visibility, which is seriously compromised by big D pillars and narrow windows. But this problem can be solved with the optional rear-view camera, which comes as part of the navigation package. Standard parking assistance would be a very useful feature on the CX-9.
In sum
The 2007 Mazda CX-9 comes in three trim levels, starting at $29,630, but the tech doesn't really start getting interesting until the middle, Touring trim level, which includes Bluetooth cell phone integration standard. Our CX-9 was the top-trim Grand Touring, with all-wheel-drive, for a base price of $33,875. Also included: the Rear Seat Entertainment package--which adds the Bose sound system and six-disc changer for $2,550--and the Towing package, for $525. Along with a $595 destination charge, the total came out to $37,555.
Although on the pricey side, we liked the comfort and drivability of the Mazda CX-9. It's a good-looking car that we were happy to spend time in. We would have a hard time choosing between it and the Chrysler Pacifica, a comparably priced crossover with similar technology. We also think the CX-9 compares favorably to the Mercedes-Benz R350, a much more expensive car.
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Where to buy
2007 Mazda CX-9:
$32,335.00
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