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Comments
Vince.
Practical little bugger, too.
Off the line, it's a smidge quicker than the CX7, because it's lighter and there's no waiting for a turbo to spool up. The CX7 will pass soon after launch, but the Mazda5 steps off nicely. It's also more nimble that one might think.
That or a Mazda3s.
Vince
It should be similar to US specs but there may, of course, be differences. Key changes do not seem to be worth waiting for.
CX-7 had subpar ratings too (2 out of 5.....)
http://www.jdpower.com/autos/mazda/cx-7/2007
http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pdf/2007088.pdf
Ford products ace J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (Straightline)
I prefer their Durability study, which looks at 5 year old models.
I have a 3 year lease with 45K miles so I'll be out of warranty. That does concern me. I guess I should have gone 2 year with 30K miles........
I agree that the durability study is a much better indicator.
Actually, going in for normal maintenance is a big pain too. :P
1.63 problems per vehicle
The difference between 1st place and Mazda.
I'd prefer to be in 1st place, however, the differences in Initial Quality are an insignificant factor in choice of a vehicle.
Statistically you will have zero problems if you are lucky and 2 problems if you get a "lemon".
Mazda Awarded First Place in Auto Bild Magazine’s “Quality Report” for the Third Year Running
HIROSHIMA, Japan— Auto Bild, Germany’s largest car magazine, has ranked Mazda in first place in its highly respected “Quality Report” for 2007, which was published on June 8. This was the third straight year that Mazda has been awarded first place in this annual report.
Incidentally, the German Mazda site has some interesting info about the CX-7 and what features Deutschland will be getting that the USA did not, at least in 2007:
* Germans get turn signal repeaters on the side mirrors (they look great, I might add)
* Germans get available auto-windshield wipers (I wonder if Mazda will get this right - is this their first stab at this technology?)
* Germans get a manual transmission (this fascinates me, although I must admit the auto in my CX-7 is the best I've ever had)
-c92
* Auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink® and finishing improvements on Grand Touring model
* Side turn signals integrated into the exterior mirror housings on the Grand Touring Model
* Bluetooth hands free and SIRIUS satellite radio added to the 1MC and 1TE packages
* Dual heated front seats with power driver seat now available on Sport Model
* MP3 capability
* Auxiliary audio input jack
* Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob on Sport model
* Dual illuminated vanity mirrors
Dual illuminated vanity mirrors...there's an idea straight out of the 70's.
David
AJ, much has changed since the 90s. The platforms got much better and the audio didn't.
Tks. Deadeye
I'm starting some VERY preliminary window shopping for something in the CUV/SUV/ maybe even van realm for when my lease runs out on my Impala. I have not driven one of these, but I love the looks of them. I really do NOT want a truck-like SUV. My cars have always been sedans that (mostly) have been fun to drive and handled really well. I've test driven a few SUV type things that I have crossed off my list as 'no way!' because they handle like a Mack truck.
I understand the CX-7's are really fun to drive and you can haul a lot of 'stuff' in them at the same time. However, in reading some reviews and posts, it seems like at least in their first year, they had a lot of issues. Have most of these seemed to clear up? I wouldn't be looking at doing anything probably before early next summer, so probably would be a 2009 model, unless I decided to pick up a year old one and let somebody else take the depreciation hit. Can anyone give me some pros, cons, insights, points to ponder before I go test drive one and get all enamored? Many thanks!
Karen
I can tell you that I've owned my CX-7 for almost two years, and have driven it almost 30,000 miles. I have honestly not had a single issue with this vehicle yet--not one. And yes: it is tremendously fun to drive, and very easy to use from a cargo carrying perspective (the easy to fold down rear seats really help).
Carl
If you are considering buying this car, I would suggest trying to get it w/out this feature, if possible.
Does anyone else have this problem?
1. The speedometer sits in a dark tunnel, and the lighting hardly makes them any more readable. I suppose the GT's EL would fix that (I have a 6 with EL) but that's an expensive fix.
2. The speedo range is ridiculously impractical. 0-140MPH shown in 180 degrees means you spend 90% of your city driving time trying to make out tiny divisions at the bottom. My old slide rule was easier to read.
3. It's not really a five-seater. Try the middle back position and tell me if you could stand that hard convex back for more than 20 minutes.
4. The back rake really cuts into the cargo space.
As a lover of tight responsive handling, this would be my choice, but I've already got the 6. Since it's for my wife (who says she'd be fine with a Kia!), these shortcomings really throw cold water on it. Next up: Mitsu Outlander.
That being said, my only two gripes about it are:
1. No port for an MP3 player (a common lament for people who own this car).
2. The blind spot caused by the left mirror/roof pillar combination (essentially at the 11 o'clock low position). One time I actually starting rolling forward from a Stop sign, then noticed a woman crossing in a wheelchair on the opposite side of the intersection from left to right, causing me to come to an abrupt halt in the middle of the intersection. Ever since, I've been extremely careful regarding that viewing angle in the car.
Carl
It fix’s lean conditon that cause’s turbo to get excessively hot, then heat soak back to block on shut down, causing overheating and possible turbo damage.
Part No. L33P-18881-T, File Name SW-L33PET000
SW-L33PET000 = http://www.accessecu.com/accessport/...208%20CDFP.pdf
Page 1 of 6
CONSUMER NOTICE: The information and instructions in this bulletin are intended for use by skilled technicians. Mazda technicians utilize the proper tools/
equipment and take training to correctly and safely maintain Mazda vehicles. These instructions should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers.” Customers
should not assume this bulletin applies to their vehicle or that their vehicle will develop the described concern. To determine if the information applies,
customers should contact their nearest authorized Mazda dealership. Mazda North American Operations reserves the right to alter the specifications and
contents of this bulletin without obligation or advance notice. All rights reserved. No part of this bulletin may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical---including photocopying and recording and the use of any kind of information storage and retrieval system ---without permission in
writing.
© 2008 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Subject:
ROUGH IDLE, LACK OF POWER, AND/OR MIL ON WITH DTC P2177/P2187 (FUEL
SYSTEM LEAN)
Bulletin No: 01-022/08
Last Issued: 04/02/2008
Service Bulletin Mazda North American Operations
Irvine, CA 92618-2922
MULTI-MODEL- ROUGH IDLE, LACK OF POWER, AND/OR MIL ON WITH DTC P2177/P2187 (FUEL SYSTEM
LEAN)
BULLETIN NOTE
This bulletin supersedes the previous bulletin issued on 03/27/08. The REPAIR PROCEDURE has been
revised.
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2007-2008 Mazdaspeed3 vehicles with VINs lower than JM1BK**** ** 859606 (produced before November 22,
2007)
2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles
2007-2008 CX-7 vehicles with VINs lower than JM3ER**** ** 196510 (produced before November 19, 2007)
DESCRIPTION
Due to low fuel pressure at the high-pressure fuel pump, some vehicles may experience the following:
• Rough idle, stall, and/or hesitation under cold conditions.
• Intermittent lack of power during acceleration when the engine gets hot.
• MIL turns on with DTC P2177/P2187 (fuel system too lean at off idle).
This is caused by a delayed fuel pressure build-up from the high pressure fuel pump. There are two main reasons
for this:
1. The drive current from the PCM is not enough for some fuel pumps.
2. Some fuel pumps have slower response.
To fix the problem, the PCM software and the specification of the high-pressure fuel pump have been changed.
Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Reboot the IDS to clear memory before reprogramming.
2. Using IDS 51.9 or later software, reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration (refer to “Calibration Information”
table) by following the “Module Reprogramming” procedure.
NOTE:
• Always update the IDS tool first, then follow on-screen instructions to download the needed calibration
file for PCM reprogramming.
• It is not necessary to remove any fuses or relays during PCM reprogramming when the IDS
screen prompts you to do so. You may accidentally stop power to one of the PCM terminals and
cause the PCM to be blanked, or you may receive error messages during the IDS reprogramming
procedure.
Bulletin No: 01-022/08
© 2008 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Last Issued: 04/02/2008
Page 2 of 6
• IDS shows the calibration part numbers after programming the PCM.
• Please be aware that PCM calibration part numbers and file names listed in any Service Bulletin
may change due to future releases of IDS software, and additional revisions made to those calibrations
for service related concerns.
• When reprogramming a PCM, IDS will always display the “latest” calibration P/N available for
that vehicle. If any calibration has been revised/updated to contain new information for a new
service concern/issue, it will also contain all previously released calibrations.
• When performing this procedure, we recommend that a battery charger be installed on
the vehicle battery and turned ON to a maximum charge of no more than 20 AMPS to
keep the vehicle battery up to capacity. If you exceed 20 AMPS, it could damage the VCM.
3. For vehicles built before April 7, 2007 that are experiencing the conditions as noted in this service bulletin
after the PCM calibration update, perform a Warranty Vehicle Inquiry using your eMDCS System and
inspect Warranty Claim Inquiry Detail for high-pressure fuel pump replacement.
• If no prior history of replacement, replace the high-pressure fuel pump. Refer to MS3 online instructions
or Workshop Manual section 01-14 FUEL PUMP UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.
• If the history indicates part number L3K9-13-35ZB was used during a repair, use the following illustration
to inspect the production date of the high-pressure fuel pump. Replace it if the production date is before
March 26, 2007.
Date of production is marked as a 4 digit code “YMDD” at the pipe.
Y for Year 4 for 2004....7 for 2007
M for Month 1 for Jan....9 for Sept, X for October, Y for Nov, Z for Dec
DD for Date 01 for 1st of month....31 for 31st of month
Example “4Z16” means Dec 16, 2004; 7608 means June 8, 2007
Bulletin No: 01-022/08
© 2008 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Last Issued: 04/02/2008
Page 3 of 6
CAUTION: When replacing the high-pressure fuel pump, it is very important to make sure that the tension
collar is present before reinstalling the pump. Failure to do so will result in excessive engine
noise and the subsequent failure of the high-pressure fuel pump and its cam lobes.
4. After performing the PCM reprogramming procedure, verify the repair by starting the engine and making
sure there are no MIL illumination or abnormal warning lights present.
NOTE:
• If any DTCs should remain after performing DTC erase, diagnose the DTCs according to the
appropriate Troubleshooting section of the Workshop Manual.
• After PCM reprogramming, it is no longer necessary to road test the vehicle to “relearn” KAM
(Keep Alive Memory).
5. Fill out an “Authorized Modifications” label (P/N 9999-95-AMDC-97) with the new PCM calibration information,
your dealer code, and today’s date.
AUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS
THESE MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED, AS APPROPRIATE,
BY THE EPA AND CARB.
THE FOLLOWING MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE:
1326c
Bulletin No: 01-022/08
© 2008 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Last Issued: 04/02/2008
Page 4 of 6
6. Place the “Authorized Modifications” label on the “A” pillar below the tear tag in the driver door jamb.
CALIBRATION INFORMATION
Mazdaspeed3 (52.2 or later software)
Mazdaspeed6 (51.9, 52.2 or later software)
Spec New PCM Calibration Part Number File Name
CA L39R-18-881D SW-L39RED000
Fed, Canada L39S-18-881D SW-L39SED000
Spec New PCM Calibration Part Number File Name
CA L38G-18-1881G SW-L38JEG000
Fed/Canada L38K-18-1881G SW-L38KEG000
1326d
AUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS
THESE MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED, AS APPROPRIATE,
BY THE EPA AND CARB.
THE FOLLOWING MODIFICATIONS H
As to my experience with reliability, again, you can gain lots of info from people on this and other CX-7 forums who have had the CX-7 much longer than me. The consensus I reached on my own was that the 2007 model had a few problems, but that 2008 and 2009 have been pretty good as far as reliability. I wouldn't let that deter you at this point.
I am only on my second tank of gas so far, the first one being 1/2 a tank from the dealer. That was almost certainly junky gas, and that did run down very quickly and had me a bit concerned. Since I filled up with premium though, the mileage got a lot better and has seemed fine so far. No hard numbers from me yet though.
As to 2009 vs. 2010, timing may be an issue, and cost may be an issue. In my case, I simply needed a new car sooner rather than later, and I found the ability to deal on the CX-7 at this time very compelling. If you can wait, the 2010 should have some tweaks and upgrades for the better, but will likely cost more at least at the outset. No easy answer.
But again, I am loving the CX-7. It is so much sharper than a lot of its competition imho, and the drive is awesome. So much pep. I love the built-in bluetooth, moonroof, upgraded stereo system, built-in Sirius with free 6-month trial. At the current prices, the CX-7 offers a lot of bang for the buck. I may have sold some of its competition short, but I felt that by the time I got a model with some of these features in some of the other brands, I'd be looking at a much more expensive crossover. With the CX-7, between the 3 trims, and AWD vs. FWD, you can get a very good sense of what you want to pay and should pay, for the features you want, without worrying too much about a ton of other options being forced upon you. Just my view at least. Anyway, good luck.
Mazda has good incentives now, especially for the Miata - $5000!
It seems odd to me that the new non-turbo CX-7 engine isn't this same one but without the detuning/derating required of the boost capability via an exhaust powered turbo.