2008 Mazda CX-9

With mottos coming and going from automakers, it's refreshing when one sticks around for a while. It makes sense, especially when you have one that works for you. For example, if we say "Oh what a feeling" you instantly say Toyota, even though they haven't used that line in decades. More successful is "The Ultimate Driving Machine" owned by BMW, and the friendly "Zoom-Zoom," which has become Mazda's mantra in the last few years.


Zoom-Zoom works because it's more than marketing hype—it really seems that Mazda cares about building engaging vehicles to drive. Certainly the RX-8 and MX-5 are red-blooded sports cars, but all their sedans, crossovers and minivans have a genuine fun and responsive nature, too. Yet with all of this, we were still surprised by the 7-passenger CX-9 crossover SUV. The CX-9 comes in a choice of three trim levels: nicely equipped Sport, comprehensively equipped Touring, and ultra luxurious Grand Touring. All models are offered in either front- or all-wheel drive. Our test CX-9 was a top-of-the-line Grand Touring AWD model.

Style

Unlike other manufacturers who create 3-row seating vehicles by stretching their current SUV models, the CX-9 is an entirely different vehicle from the smaller 5-passenger CX-7 that was recently introduced. Looks-wise, the CX-9 is one extremely handsome vehicle. Long and sleek, with a striking accent line that gives a rakish profile, the CX-9 looks powerful and, in our tester's beautiful Liquid Platinum Metallic perched atop handsome 20-inch wheels, also quite upscale. We were asked more than once if we were driving the new Acura MDX or some upcoming European or Lexus model. Many were surprised when we told them it was a Mazda, but they were also excited because people know Mazda is an affordable brand.


The CX-9 definitely has the performance to go along with those sporty lines. For 2008, power is supplied by an all-new 3.7-liter V6 pumping out a strong 273 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. This is an engine that loves to run, and pulls strongly up to redline. That's something right there: a big SUV that makes you want to run it up through the gears. And speaking of gears, the 6-speed automatic is a gem, with quick, positive shifts, and a manual mode for even more driving fun.

Performance

Turn the wheel and the Mazda continues to impress. Its fully independent suspension is taut, providing a sporty, yet comfortable ride, with no wallowing. The optional all-wheel-drive system is worth mentioning here. Originally developed for the super-sporty MAZDASPEED6, it's a high-performance system that really imparts great road feel to the driver and makes it great fun to toss the CX around like a sport sedan. How many 7-passenger crossover SUVs can you say that about? Adding to the enjoyment on our Grand Touring model were standard 20-inch wheels and tires that provide plenty of grip.