2011 MAZDA CX-9

Good Value

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 4 Value Rating: 4

Very comfortable and spacious. Fits 5 adults and a car seat/child very well. Great cargo space when back seats are folded down. Gas consumption could be better. A little wind noisy.

Fantastic Automobile, Kick A Bose, Awesome SUV

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 5 Value Rating: 5

This is with out a doubt the best car I've ever owned in 45 Years. 2011, Just breaking in at 70K Miles. Like new. I'm hangin on to this one. I give it a 10- Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring, loaded.

Unexpectedly Great!

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 5 Value Rating: 5

We have been a "Toyota Family" since we learned the value of looking up consumer ratings. I must say we have been surprised over and over again with this Mazda. It's performance in handling the road is great. The gas mileage, seating capacity, and separate controls makes it special. Glad we switched over.

Maybe I'm having a hard time adjusting....

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 4 Value Rating: 5

I am the daughter of an ASE certified mechanic and wife to a tow truck driver. I like to think I know a little more than the average female car shopper. I did a TON of research before deciding to purchase my 2011 Mazda CX-9. I had specific criteria - so much so that one salesman told me I was "looking for a unicorn". Whatever, I got what I wanted. However, after driving this vehicle for about a month now, I have discovered a few things I do not like about it.... 1. I do not like feeling the shifting between gears. This car has the option to manually shift (Stupid), so the transmission is not a straight 6 (gears in a line). 2. Research put gas mileage at 20-22 mpg. I am averaging (according to the car's computer) 17.7 mpg, with an average speed of 27 mph. I do not drive like a maniac or gun it at a green light. I'm an average driver. Maybe my previous SUV ('03 GMC Envoy) had a bigger tank.....I don't know, but I feel like this car is SUCKING the gas. 3. This is smaller than my Envoy, so I'm still adjusting to the smaller cargo space. When using the 3rd row, I cannot load large items or a bunch of shopping bags. I often carry 6 passengers when the girls go shopping - but there's no room for bags except on the floor where they are sitting. 4. This is the first car I've ever had with leather; and it's black leather. Though the interior looks sleek and nice, I live in the south, and leather seats are HOT!! I almost scalded myself!! Plus, they retain the heat too, so as soon as I sit down, my backside is sweating profusely. 5. Maybe it's just MY car, or maybe it's because it's 10,000 degrees outside with 500% humidity, but the A/C takes its time getting cool. I haven't had it looked at yet. POSITIVES: It can get up and go if you need it to. It has a 3rd row seat that I really wanted. I got a great deal. It has a sleek sporty look inside & out. And, I like the updates that I didn't have in my '03 Envoy, like an AUX port and in-console 12v port (no longer referred to as a "cigarette lighter", I guess). The seats fold & move easily one-handed. With the 3rd row folded, the cargo space is adequate for this size car. It was this or a KIA Sorrento..... I'm considering trading it in, but I'll give it a few more months.

Nice, but....

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Had since new, 28k miles now. I tested everything at the time, traded an 08 Pathfinder. First impression was good; comfy, good power, nice interior. I almost passed for two reasons that now have me shopping again; FWD, and steering position. I prefer RWD or AWD but wanted best fuel econ. Although torque steer is not an issue, it IS a heavy steering feel and quick acceleration out of a tight/emergency spot just spins the wheels.#2, I just can't get comfortable with steering position. The wheel is slanted too far forward, making the reach at 10/2 a stretch (I'm 5'8"). Not enough adj to make it right for me. No lighted window/door lock swtchs, boomy sound and no flat cargo area are other gripes

Transfer case go BOOM!!!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

My wife took her our cx9 on a road trip with our 2 girls. On the way home she heard a clunk trying to back up. Then at low speeds she heard a grinding noise, pulled over and had it towed to a dealership. They said it had mice nesting near the bell housing. Today I was suppose to go get it back and the mechanic called and said he tried to back it up and CLUNK. Cracked transfer case. It will be another 2 - 3 weeks before its fixed. It looks like many other owners have had this problem. Ours only had 17k miles on it. Mazda should recall their cx9.

Very Good Vehicle!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I have had my CX-9 for 2 years and 36,000 trouble free miles. I have two small children and my wife and the kids have made several 1,000 mile road trips. Very comfortable and stable on the road. I also have a 550i BMW, and this car definitley is as much fun to drive. Relatively speaking. Best value out there!

Best value in a 7 seater!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I did a HUGE amount of driving and trying of many cars (Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Merc GL450, Hyundai veracruz) and found this to me the best mix of style and value. Not wanting to drive a outwardly expensive car and still wanting sport we picked this. I love it more now than when I test drove it. Great car for a good price.

CX-9 a Mixed Bag

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

We have had our CX-9 GT AWD now for six months and the best description I can give is a “mixed bag”. There is a lot of extras for the $ but.. After 6 months I’m wishing we would have spent a little more and made another choice. Issues include; poor mileage – I have a ’06 V-8 Yukon XL 4X4 that gets better mileage both in town and HWY. Poor Navigation. There is a lot of noise inside – wind noise, road noise, gas sloshing around in the fuel tank and after six months many new squeaks and rattles surfacing. The Bose sound is nice but too much noise to really enjoy it. Interior quality looks great but not quite refined yet. Interior leather looks great and appears to be holding up well.

Best 7 Passenger SUV I could find

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

After an exhaustive search we finally decided on the CX-9 GT AWD. We looked at EVERYTHING. From Kia to Audi and everything in-between. High on the list was the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7 TDI. The Q7 was the best SUV we tested, and if money wasn't an issue that's what we would have bought. However, after driving the Mazda and seeing all the standard equipment you get for under 40K I couldn't believe it. I thought we would have to give something up in either luxury items, interior material, or ride quality, but we didn't. I really feel like we got it all in this vehicle and saved 30K over the Audi. Hats off to Mazda for making such an affordable, enjoyable vehicle to drive.

Complaints

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3

A few items are rather [violative content deleted]: 1. The power rear lift gate does not operate by squeezing handle. It is only power open by using the remote or the switch inside the car. 2. The memory seats do not include side mirrors. 3. You can not enter a single contact in the bluetooth phone book. 4. There are no audible sensors with the backup camera. 5. Freeway speed limits are not shown on GPS Seems to me a so called "Grand Touring" car should include these items.

Better 2nd Time Around

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Went from leased 2009 CX-9 Touring to 2011 CX-9 Touring and am pleased with the improvements Mazda has made. Biggest difference is the suspension; still sporty, but smoother over the bumps. More than enough power under the hood, but overall fuel economy of 19 mpg not the best. Speed-sensing door locks and rear camera are nice additions. Multi-Information Display is nice to look at, but not very functional; touch screen capabilities would be nice. All the orange lights on the dash display aren't very attractive. Upgraded Bose stereo definately better than the average, especially in the bass range. Could use more leg room on the driver's side. Best bang for the buck for SUV's in class.

Love My CX-9

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We test drove on the same day the following vehicles: Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Veracruz, and the CX-9. For the price, content and fun to drive factor, we couldn't go wrong with the CX-9. It's quick, agile, spacious and well built. Aside from poor fuel economy (still waiting to see if 17city/24hwy for FWD is really true), we have no complaints.

Very pleased with the CX-9

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

We purchased our 2011 CX-9 about a month ago and are very pleased with the car. We traded out of a 2006 Honda Odyssey, after looking at the new Odyssey and not wanting more of the same (although it was a great vehicle). But we weren't ready to give up the thirdrow seat just quite yet, either. We wanted something a little more interesting to drive, as well. So, as advertised, the CX-9 is a treat to drive for a large crossover and the interior has a solid and upscale feel. Lots of room in the second row seat for the kids.

Love this CX-9

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have had my CX9 for 15 months with no problems. Love the confort, handling, small turning radius, easy acess third row seating, blue tooth radio and even the GPS now that I am used to it. I will buy another CX9 next year. My wife love is and I can't believe how much I use the car for moving stuff and lots of people.

Finally Settled on the CX-9 Touring After Months of Test Drives

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I switched from a 2008 Camry, a car I only liked for the gas mileage, to the CX-9 Touring. We looked at the GMC Acadia, the Pilot, the Highlander, Volvo XC-90, the Flex and the Explorer. XC-90 - Uncomfortable, cost too much Flex - Comfortable but strange looking Acadia - Didn't seem to have the quality I was looking for Highlander - Built on a Camry chassis and this was what I was trying to get away from Pilot - Seemed clunky and I did not like the dealer. The CX-9 is comfortable, spacious and it drives great. It has a very easy to manage center console, radio, etc. What I don't like is the mileage and how it's tough to be more a la carte while building your car online.

Very Nice Vehicle

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I've had my 2011 CX-9 for about a month, have taken two long road trips in it, and use it to commute in Atlanta traffic about 40 miles round trip. I traded in my 2001 Toyota Highlander for the Mazda, and so far, I'm very happy with the CX-9. The driving experience is great for this size vehicle. The third-row seating is very accessible, and is roomy enough for my 9-year old (my 15 year-old complains it's too tight, but then again, he complains about everything!). I am disappointed in the gas mileage, even when travelling on the interstate at reasonable speeds. I suppose that is the price one pays for this kind of performance. I really like the Bose sound system.

WOW....

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I just traded in my 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L for the CX-9 Touring. With this car we also got the Bose stereo, moon roof, power lift gate, bluetooth, and I few other bells and whistles I believe I am forgetting. We were deciding between this and the Honda Pilot EX-L, but it came down to price and options and the Honda couldn't touch the value in the CX-9. With tons more features, better styling and handling, we got the CX-9 for over $150 less per month! The interior is beautiful and there is a TON of space. The bluetooth is actually clear to those on the receiving end, something I have not experienced with any other car. The exterior is sleek and nice.

Great Car, avoid the GPS

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

We have had the vehicle for about 3 months, and are very satisfied. Gas milage is consistenly about 19 miles per gallon. We compared most of the 5 and 7 passenger SUVs and Crossovers. The Mazda was great on price and features. We liked the Nissans, but they did not have the seating or the storage areas. My biggest concern is the Ford motor and transmission, but it will be a couple of years before I can know if this was a problem. There are not many Mazda dealers near us, so we will be using Ford for most service and repairs.

Best AWD Crossover

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

After extensive research and test driving, we selected the CX-9. Based upon reviews, and experience with friends' cars, we narrowed it down to the Highlander and the CX-9. Previously we had a Ford Explorer, and opted to not consider Ford due to the problems we had with that vehicle. GM and Honda were eliminated due to the price point (Toyota and Mazda clearly offer more value.) In the end, the Mazda won out due to its handling, and its interior space. We test drove the CX-9 and Highlander back to back, and the difference in handling curves was remarkable. We also checked out the Audi Q7. We felt that the Mazda compared favorably to the Audi in all aspects, and is priced $20k less.

Good Value

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

We needed a secondary people mover with a 3 row seat and AWD for the winter. The CX-9 fit the bill. For shuttling kids around town is good enough. Long road trips would be tough with more than 4 people/kids, but that is what we have our mini-van for. When driving solo or on date night it is a fun, sharp, and enjoyable car to drive.

Great car - but be aware...

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Like most reviewers, I looked at a lot of cars in this class. Right now, the CX-9 is the best deal, hands down. For around $32K, you get a lot more features for the dollar than almost any competitor, foreign or domestic. The CX-9 has been around several years, so the reliability should be terrific. It may not have every bell and whistle, but it's got the ones that really matter.

Mazda CX -9 Soars

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

When I began my SUV search I hadn't considered the Mazda brand until I read the outstanding reviews. With a family of five to transport plus lots of sports equipment - yes, I'm a soccer mom, I wanted a lot of space for people and cargo but didn't want to feel as if I was driving a bus. Mazda delivered with style, functionality and performance. Mazda had superb ratings and having now owned my car for 3 months I finally can attest to the incredible driving experience. It is pure luxury and is a pleasure to drive. The car is very roomy with lots of leg room for the driver (5'10" and husband 6'3") and the vehicle soars across the road. A driving machine that is pure joy to drive.

Many strong features, a few minor irritants

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

We've had our GT for two months and 2500 miles. I'd give it 93 out of 100. It's a stylish combination of fun and functionality. Compared to other SUVs, the CX-9 is sporty in appearance and handling. Engine is strong and relatively quiet. Transmission is smooth. Interior quality and design are well done. Third row is both usable and accessible. I think it stacks up well against the Enclave or Acadia for less money. There does seem to be a problem with wind noise on the highway. Like some other reviewers, I paid $100 over invoice, with front window tint and pinstripe tossed in.

So Far So Good

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car at the start of February, 2011 after a good bit of research and do not have any major complaints so far. I got the sport model with power heated seats. It drives very much like a sedan and you never get the feel that you are driving a large seven passenger vehicle. I have been putting 1000 miles/mth; the mileage definitely could have been better, but i knew what i was getting into. Getting about 18.5 miles/gallon with an about 50/50 city/highway driving. I have been hearing wind noise sometimes on the highways and also there is a strange smell that shows up every few days and lasts for few minutes. Will have it checked during the first service appointment next week.

Great car for a family

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We have had our CX-9 for three months now. We went to the Boston Auto Show and went through every single mini-van, SUV, and CUV in the place and found the CX-9 to be the best. Now having owned one for three months I can definitely say we are not disappointed. If you want the maximum amount of room get a mini-van. However, the CX-9 balances room (which it has plenty of) with a car that you enjoy driving. I love it and would recommend it, no strings attached, to anyone.

Best 3-row CUV on the market

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

After researching the GM cousins, the new Ford Explorer, the new Toyota 4-Runner, and Honda Pilot, we gladly purchased the CX-9. Nothing compares to the Mazda's driving dynamics or what you get for the money. I highly recommend this crossover as the mid-level Touring package comes standard with power everything, leather, and a fold-flat third row. Fuel econ is decent considering the size and power. We upgraded from a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee. There is really no comparison to be made. The CX-9 is smooth and does not feel enormous, but is more than roomy enough. The dealership did a very good deal for us as well. Thumbs up, Mazda.

LOVE IT!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

We traded-in our 2007 CX-7 and are not looking back (lots of problems with it) This car handle as good as the CX-7 even being heavier/bigger so I was pleansantly surprised by that. The interior is of high quality as you can see on the stitched leather seats. It's nice having extra room and all these cool options (rear view camera,blind-spot monitor,power lift gate,Bose Audio,GPS...) Only 2500miles on it so far so I cant comment on the reliability. We got the Black GT FWD model with Navigation/Bose audio/Power lift gate/Moonroof/Towing prep packages. Real cost was ~$36500 after all taxes/fees (we ended up paying a little less with the trade-in)

Just got a Copper Red CX-9 Grand Touring

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Love this car for the value and ride. We stole this car for $100 above invoice armed with the Edmunds data. Bring it with you!! It really helps. We went to the dealer in Stamford and they treated us well. They were very friendly and we negotiated easily to get a great deal. I spoke with a John (?) who gave us a great test drive and wound up getting the car we wanted (copper red) in 2 days. We love the car and it has great room and safety features (we have four kids) so we are really happy and would buy a Mazda again no problem.

CX-9 Just picked up today!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Just picked up my CX-9 GT. Man this car is awesome. I know it's new so I'll return after a while and update everyone. Paid well below TMV price! Trust TMV!

Great Value, Great Crossover, Great Dealer

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

After test-driving the Traverse, Equinox, Venza, Highlander and a few others we took a look at the Mazda GT9. It was love at first site -- the test drive only reinforced our initial notion that this was the best vehicle in its class, by far. The GT9's interior is incredibly luxurious; the exterior is sleek and stylish. And its "pep" on the open road was second to none! What made the purchase even sweeter was the extent the folks at AutoWest Mazda in Roseville, CA worked with us to get us approved and in our dream car! It was by far the most pleasant of buying experiences!

Very good, not quite great

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

After comparing the Acadia/Traverse, Ford Flex, and a few others, I choose the Mazda based on my test drive, available options in my price range, and also based on reviews here. I just took delivery last month so I haven't put on many miles yet, but there are a few things worth noting. One, the performance, handling, ride, etc is everything I read about. It handles like a much smaller SUV, body roll is almost zero, acceleration is more than adequate (how quick do you need to go from stop light to stop light really?), and it stops on a dime. Mileage is what it is, if I wanted 30 mpg I would've got a silly hybrid - no thanks. The car looks awesome from the outside though.