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Automotive Review - 2008 Mazda CX-9
The Good: The Sophomore CX-9 is a stylish, well mannered SUV in the crowded 7 passenger crossover segment. The Bad: Large doors that allow for easy egress and ingress can be too large in tight parking spaces. Overall: Mazda's CX-9 is a great vehicle, with a nice balance of comfort, convenience, decent space and great design elements. We REALLY LIKE Mazda's CX-9. Last year Mazda introduced the CX-9, with 263 horsepower and it had a good solid power for the large (4500-lb) SUV. So it was surprising when they took a good thing and improved on it this year when Mazda upgraded the engine in their sharp looking 7 Passenger SUV. This year, the CX-9 gets an upgraded 3.7-liter displacement, 273-hp V-6, which now comes from Japan (instead of the U.S.). This is the largest vehicle Mazda has on the road, weighing in at 4500 pounds, yet still clocking a respectable zero to sixty time of 7.7 seconds. The transmission is six speed automatic with sport shift, and front wheel drive (available all-wheel drive). This year the engine and transmission are built in Japan, whereas 2007s were from the U.S. Otherwise, the vehicle remains unchanged. The CX-9 looks like a racer on the outside. From the front facia, integrated headlamps notice the sweeping curves that define the front of the CX-9, and continue through the A back to the B pillar. Really some nice design elements and the lines disguise the fact that the vehicle is so BIG! You'd never know from driving it either, especially as compared to other vehicles in this class. Steering is direct, with very little over steer and good feedback. Adding to the handsome quotient, Mazda's paint has Mica elements in the paint that help to give the finish a deep color texture, it looks very rich! Mazda has a great looking contender in the category, offering excellent styling and performance, in one sweet package. Safety: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the CX-9 it's best rating (5 out of 5 stars) for front and side impact crashes for driver and passenger. All CX-9's come with Antilock Brakes, standard. Stability control with a rollover sensor, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Also, to help prevent accidents the Grand Touring trim CX-9, comes equipped with a blind zone alert notification system simplifying freeway merging with visual and audio cues. Look to your side mirrors and if there's a vehicle in the blind spot there's a light that indicates it is unsafe to change lanes. Now once the turn signal is active, and a vehicle is occupying the blind space, an audio alert will be activated. Technology, gotta love it! Driving Impressions: For everyday errands, the long road trip, the weekend getaway, you'll enjoy exploring in the CX-9. While driving the Grand Touring trim, with 20" wheels you'll experience a stiff ride on concrete freeways. The vehicle is equipped with independent front Macpherson struts, and rear multi-link suspension providing a confident ride. Behind the wheel drivers will enjoy the sport tuned suspension and direct steering, with little to no over steer and good feedback. The way you feel inside: The CX-9 is a family friendly carriage with modern creature comforts on the inside. Jump inside Mazda's CX-9 in the evening time, and you're greeted with pleasant blue accent lighting from the indirect blue lighting. Our favorite lighting is inside the uniquely designed door panels, with a handsome curvature leading to the lower storage space at the bottom of the door panel, where you might stow any items at arms length. From the unique yet practical door panels to the gauge cluster the interior build quality is very good. Find thoughtful design elements like power outlets in the rear of the vehicle, the fold and slide second row seat and large 2nd row doors that make for truly easy access to that third row, and the versatile space. Fold down both rear seats and you have LARGE 100.7 cubic feet, fold only the third you for 47.5 cubes, and with all seats available for passengers you have 17.2 cubic feet of space. However you fold and stow it, the CX-9 provides really practical and versatile space in this modern day mini-van! Our favorite features include the heated front seats, his and her climate control, and interesting combination of finishes with gloss and matte finish on portions of the steering wheel. Discover great curbside appeal, great styling inside and out the 2008 Mazda CX-9. By the numbers: The EPA rating for the FWD CX-9 is 16 MPG city / 22 highway and we averaged 17.9 MPG on regular grade fuel, when driving between city and highway miles. (AWD vehicle rated at one less MPG highway & city) The sticker price on the 2WD Mazda CX-9 starts at $29,400. With the Grand Touring trim, loaded with Sirius Satellite Radio, Blind Spot Monitoring System, Moon roof, Bose 5 CD Package, Towing, DVD Nav, Rear View Camera, and Power Open and Close Hatch (and more) - the MSRP approaches $39,000. Original Publisher, Brian LeBow, LeBow Media, LLC. Brian LeBow, LeBow Media, LLC is the original author of this new car review. More infomation about LeBow Media, LLC is online at http://www.LeBowMedia.com and our automotive review site is online at http://www.GoontheRoad.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Lebow  New, car, Review, Crossover, Review, Go, on, the, Road, Automotive, Review, SUV, Review, Mazda, CX-9, Review
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