2007 Mazda CX-9

arumage

Sounds nice! Thanks for the update!

exalteddragon1

I am new here, i just read the edmunds article, and could not help to wonder why they failed to mention that Mazda's new 3.5L V6 is actually Fords new duritech 35? The HP it makes is identical to the lincoln Zephyr and 2 shy of the Edge,

also, I can't help but wonder why everyone one the planet know that Fords new triplets are based on the mazda 6, yet not too many are willing to mention this...

Also, on the Mazda it says VVT, but i read someware that says fords 3.5 does not use it, or uses a modified version of it. I know they could tune the engine to mazda specs, but its still the same thing.

Am i wrong? Thanks.

simagic

Does anyone of you well informed people have any info on the navigation system as to it's technology. ?????? voice activated ????.....touch screen ??????......GPS traffic reports..???????

simagic

Any info on their 4 wheel drive system....for instance, the MDX goes into detail how the 4 wheel drive works. Is there any info out there about how Mazda's works??????

audia8q

Does anyone of you well informed people have any info on the navigation system as to it's technology. ?????? voice activated ????.....touch screen ??????......GPS traffic reports..???????

I don't have anything specific but I suspect it will be the same system found in the CX-7 technology package. voice activated and touch screen.

lateralg

The Grand touring package has everything I want. But, I'm concerned about the increased ride harshness associated with the 20" wheels.

* Are they mandatory on the Grand Touring package?
* Is the increase in harshness vs. the 18" significant?

rcf8000

If the 20" wheels are mandatory, and I believe they are, that is a really dumb move. This trend to larger and larger wheels is getting out of hand. If they want to put them on a "sport" model, that's fine. By putting them on the top of the line model the implication seems to be that they assume that the only reason someone wouldn't want 20" wheels is cost. I believe that the ride will be harsh with the 20s compared to the 18s.

nxs138

I agree that they should give you a choice. However, assuming that there are no suspension changes, the 20 in wheels shouldn't have a dramatic difference on normal roads. I think you will have a little more road noise/bumpy ride on bad roads due to less sidewall, but it is all relative: the 20 in wheels will still have more sidewall that a performance car would.

My car came with 17 in wheels, which I switched out to 18 in. Less sidewall, but did not notice much difference in ride or comfort.

russ_49

Aviboy, I need some help here...can you tell me what is in the Touring assistance package for $2,717? I recently purchased my CX-7, my wife loves it, but she wants the third row seating for some reason, and wants to trade in her 05 Tribute S with 4WD, and was waiting to see the 9's pricing. I would assume that you only get the rear camera, if you purchase the Tech package, and was wondering if the tech package is in the this assistance package. I'm just trying to price out what I would be looking at Touring v. GT. I know that the rear camera is a big thing for my wife, so I have to make sure that it is included with the configuration. I will be looking at either Touring or GT, must haves are Bose system, with rear camera, and AWD. Moon roof not a necessity, since she never opens it, because she doen't want to mess up her hair...lol... :P

Mine, CX-7 GT, AWD, Tech package, Homelink, winter mats, mud guards, etc...Copper Red...and loving every minute... :shades:

aviboy97

The Touring Assistance Package includes the following:

DVD based navigation system, rear view camera, Mazda's advanced keyless ignition and entry system, power open and close hatch.

aviboy97

Any info on their 4 wheel drive system....for instance, the MDX goes into detail how the 4 wheel drive works. Is there any info out there about how Mazda's works??????

The Mazda CX-9 most likely uses an AWD system, as opposed to 4WD system, designed by Haldex. Same application found in the CX-7 and numerous Volvo vehicles.

This is a front wheel drive based system that is more or less AWD on demand. There is no manual control for the driver to operate the system. The benefit is increased gas mileage and longer tire life.

Since the computer reassesses (spelling?) it's self several times every millisecond, the system is very responsive.

aviboy97

Yes, this MZI 3.5 is the new Ford Duratec35.

Most articles I see do mention the design platform of the Mazda6 being the under pinnings to the FoMoCo vehicles.

The CX-9 is all Japanese, except for the Duratec35. Tranny, platform, design, electronics all japanese design.

russ_49

I don't see in your response the Bose system...based upon that, I assume that I would be forced into purchasing the sound system and moonroof...or just add on the Bose package...what is the cost, without the moonroof? I am also assuming that the Bose package does not come standard on the touring or GT package, am I correct?

arumage

You're probably stuck purchasing the moonroof or some other option with it. That would be my guess. I think the "hair" factor in the moonroof depends on the air flow around the vehicle. My wife sits up pretty close to the moonroof in our 2000 Intrepid ES, and it doesn't do anything to her hair, even with the side windows up. You can try to drive one with a moonroof and one without once the vehicle comes out just to check it out.

arumage

Part of Ford's selling point is that the MZI 3.5 does not need all of the extra valve train goodies, and extra electronics to produce its hp and torque numbers. The engine is fairly simple in design. Had they added those goodies in, they might have gotten a couple of mpg's higher, but the vehicles would have gotten more expensive too.

nxs138

I notice the same thing with our moonrooft: just having it open on our car doesn't really get your hair moving at all. But if you do want a nice little cross-breeze, you just open one of the back door windows a bit.

I find that the moonroof is a "nice to have" option, but not all that necessary. As well, whenever our 2 year old gets in the car now, he always wants the darn thing open, even when it rains!

lateralg

I believe the Bose system is packaged with the navigation system. This is an excellent system, that once you own one, you won't be without one on subsequent cars.

arumage

You can package it that way or with the moonroof.

aviboy97

I believe the Bose system is packaged with the navigation system

That is incorrect. The Bose Audio system is not packaged with either the Touring Assistance Package, or the Grand Touring Assistance package.

You must have either the Touring or Grand Touring models equipped with the moon roof/ Bose Audio system (1MC) before you can select either assistance package. This is a different set up then the CX-7.

lateralg

Oh. Thanks for the information.

Can we consider you a reliable source on this stuff? We certainly need one.

I'm interested in the top of the line model with navigation and assistance package. I don't need moon roof or the Bose system. What's the least expensive way to get there?

arumage

I checked on tire rack for cost difference between the 245/60R18 tires vs. 245/50R20. There is only about a $20 difference or $80 for a set. 50's are a decent size sidewall for a 20" wheel.

aviboy97

I would not post false information, that is helpful to no one!

I'm interested in the top of the line model with navigation and assistance package. I don't need moon roof or the Bose system. What's the least expensive way to get there?

Top of the line would be the Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. If you want the Grand Touring assistance package($2,500), you must have the moon roof/ Bose Audio system package as well ($1,760).

If you opt for just a Grand Touring, they list at $34,470. If you go for just the moon roof/ Bose Audio package, your total is $36,230. If you add the Grand Touring Assistance package, you will pay $38,730. That's a total option price of $4,260, which is similar to the Tech Package on the CX-7 ($4,005), however, you do get a power lift gate in the CX-9. On the CX-9 GT the Advanced Keyless Entry and Ignition system is standard, it is packaged in the Tech Package for the CX-7.

I would expect to pay in the $38,000 range, depending on what type of deal you work out with your local dealer. Some may discount, some may not. I know when we get our first few, we will not be discounting.

lateralg

Thanks avi for the good info.

I'm not completely clear yet. Here are my specs:
* Grand Touring
* Assistance package
* Navigation system

Is this combination possible, or must the moonroof or Bose system be included?

andavid

Hey, what about the engine, it's said to be a Duratec 35, but i think that as with the mazda 6's V6, mazda must have tuned this engine to their own flavor, and by the way it's called MZI 3.5, just like the one in the m6. It has 263hp(like the mazdaspeed3), and 249lb/f, i don't know how heavy it is, but edmunds says it has more than enough power, it should be fast for the size and for the class it belongs. :shades:

arumage

Nope, the engine is straight out of the Lincoln MKZ, making the exactly the same numbers. Mazda did, however, give the CX-9 a different transmission. Ford builds its own transmission, while Mazda has sourced its 6-speed auto from Aisen (very similar to the transmission in the CX-7). The two articles I've read, from Edmunds and Motor Trend, have both talked about how smooth the shifts are.

There's a little article in the newest Motor Trend about it. Generally they seem to really like it. They said that they engine had a wonderful power curve and estimated 0-60 at under 8 seconds which is pretty good for it's class.

lateralg

Ford has used exclusive-to-Ford software to aid in the design of the D35. I predict that it will be the envy of the industry in terms of low NVH, power output, and durability. Getting the power with 87 octane is a significant accomplishment. And they've yet to add things like direct injection & variable exhaust valve timing.

And, because of the very broad application of this engine, it will become attractive to after-market producers to offer perfomance enhancements.

arumage

It's then exact same size of the aging 3.0L V6 as well so the D35 can replace them in every vehicle that uses that motor. There is also some word of reducing displacement to 3.0L for other applications (not sure of what) and increasing displacement by added 2 cylinders to create a 4.2L V8 (future Lincolns and other large sedans).

lateralg

And a 3.7L V6 version for the Lincoln MKS.

arumage

It will be Lincoln only and gets all the goodies (vvt, direct injection, 300+ hp, etc.)

audia8q

it looks like the MKS will get a turbo version of the new V6...

arumage

It's highly possible it will get a naturally aspirated 3.7V6 and a turbo version for upper models. Only time will tell...

fsmmcsi

It seems that Ford / Mazda is delaying publication of information which surely will not change, such as the weight. I wonder why? I have an Edge on order and like the smaller size, but I may need the large cargo hold of its platform-mate, the CX-9. The CX-9 also has some nice additional features, so I will be looking very closely at both at the Orange County Auto show in Anaheim. I'll be there on the first day (Wednesday starting at 4:00pm). Is anyone else here going? Besides the Edge and CX-9, I am also looking at the Acura MDX, although I am concerned that the Acura dealers will pull the same high price, take or leave it stuff they pulled when the outgoing version of the MDX went on sale in 2001.

nxs138

I also briefly entertained the thought of the new MDX, but have come to realize that Acura is introducing it with the "bundle as much as you can" packages in order to pump up profit margin: all I would have wanted is a base MDX with entertainment package, but no, I'd have to get the sport or tech package in order to get the entertainment. That gets me in the mid $40 range, which is too much for what you get, imo, especially considering that the CX-9 or Buick Enclave will probably be in the mid 30's nicely equipped.

simagic

Anybody have any more info about the NAV.. The MDX has "real time traffic reports" incorporated in with the NAV-GPS. For someone like me who spends lots of time on the road, this is a GREAT thing to have. Nothing like pulling onto an entrance ramp to a major highway and seeing the traffic at a standstill and 5 miles to the next exit. I like both the CX-9 and the MDX. That real time traffic just may sway me towards the MDX. Anybody know more about the NAV on the CX-9?

fsmmcsi

Simagic - Don't worry, you can have XM NavTraffic in just about any vehicle. Here is what I plan to install if I buy an Edge or CX-9:

Pioneer AVIC-Z1 navigation head unit $1,569.99
Pioneer GEX-P10XMT tuner for XM radio & Nav-Traffic $169.99
Pioneer WD-BT1 Bluetooth unit for the AVIC-Z1 $134.99
Pioneer ND-BC1 rear view camera $189.99
PAC SWI-PS steering wheel control interface $49.99
Interface to turn on Ford Audiophile amplifier from
http://www.sminntech.com/ampinterface.html $11.99 + shipping

The total comes to $2,127 for a system far superior to the factory offering.

You could also buy a portable navigation unit from Garmin which has XM NavTraffic.

I drive all over southern CA (35,000 plus miles per year for business), and think that the NavTraffic will be very helpful, as none of the traffic reports on the radio are really good enough, and the AVIC-Z1 will integrate the NavTraffic information into the route planning / guidance.

lateralg

I urge you to evaluate the Pioneer navigation unit. The one in my car mis-routed me ny a HUGE margin. I asked it for shortest route from Liberal, KS to Green Valley, AZ. It directed me thru Colorado Springs for a total route length of 1257 miles. I used a paper map and experience with the area to get a route of 819 miles. The Pioneer directed me to a route 53% longer.

It was definitely not operator error, or incorrect setting of preferences. I have 5 years experience with automotive GPS units, and consider myself a GPS enthusiast.

fsmmcsi

lateralg - Thanks for the heads-up. Was that a one-time event? All of the navigation software and units seem to have a preference for freeways, even though the route may be far longer. However, some Nav-Traffic units claim to adjust based on the traffic data. We certainly will not stop carrying (and using) paper maps. I do not know anybody who owns an AVIC-Z1, but I won't have any new vehicle for a while, so I have time to do more research before buying anything.

lateralg

fsm

This was the worst error we found. During our trip from Liberal to Green Valley, the unit continually re-calculated the route, directing us northward.

An unforgiveable error occurred during our southwest driving on Rt. 54. The unit directed us to take a gravel road to another gravel road, then back to paved Rt. 54. In other words, two sides of a gravel triangle, ignoring the paved hypotenuse.

Also, the voice guidance sounds like Frasier's wife Lilith with a sore throat. The "repeat" button gets a LOT of work.

fsmmcsi

First, Homelink. I can't find any menion of it in the Ford literature. Are they really going to make people who want Homelink so that they do not have two or more transmitters cluttering up the car go out and buy and aftermarket rearview mirror with Homelink, especially since they offer it on so many other Ford products?

lateralg- I forgot to ask - do you have an AVIC-Z1, Pioneer's latest and greatest, or some other / older model?

XM Navtraffic would be excellent for deciding what to do based on traffic flow, and the AVIC-Z1 integrates it nicely:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/division/0,,2076_310069609,00.html

We have a laptop which can access the Internet to reach the live traffic data maps over the cell phone network, but holding a laptop in a car is really ackward, it takes a substantial amount of time to boot it and connect to the internet, and the cell connection to the Internet is not reliable enough.

lateralg

fsm

I have the OEM Pioneer nav. system in my 2006 Mercury Mountaineer.

simagic

I see NAV and other "stuff" you want to put in yourself. But there are several issues. First...Someone has to go find all this "stuff"..then..someplace to "aftermarket" install all this "stuff". Then, since this is not factory installed, certainly it's not warranted by Mazda. The pretty important issue is that now that "someone else" has messed with all the electronic components in the car, I'm sure when you have an unrelated electrical/electronic issue in the car, then Mazda will say ..."well we can't care of the issue for you since "others" have played with the car"..Imagine you having some, behind the dashboard problem. Mazda will certainly say "hey, someone else was in there playing around with the wires...sorry.....your problem now". I was hoping maybe Mazda would offer the "real time traffic" with their NAV/GPS

lateralg

I've evaluated the nav. system in the CX-7, and believe that it's superior to the excellent systems I've had in a 2001 Lexus GS430, and 2003 Lincoln LS.

fsmmcsi

simagic - I understand what you are thinking, but you would have to have found a really terrible or criminal dealership to have them blame an aftermarket navigation / sound system for anything not directly related to it. As for finding the components, you just order them or go to a store and buy them. Installing them, especially if you are using the factory amplifier and and speakers, is really simple. You could pay someone, but why? They even make adapter wire harnesses these days so that you may not have to splice even one wire. Unless you really haven't a clue about using tools, you could easily do it. As for a warranty, the aftermarket equipment comes with a warranty, and electronic things with a defect usually either do not work from the start, or fail soon after being put into service.

As long as Ford has a business relationship with Sirius, it would be unreasonable to expect to find XM NavTraffic or XM anything offered by Ford. Of course, I think that Ford needs to see that XM has NavTraffic, something which people want, and offer a choice of XM with NavTraffic or Sirius without it.

arumage

Weight is supposed to be about 4300lbs or about 400lbs less than the equivalent GM products. I love the looks of the CX-9, and this new engine is getting some pretty decent reviews.

simagic

fsmmcsi.....Don't you have to take portions of the dash apart to get a NAV in the dash of the car??. Now, if that is the case, any problems ( not NAV related ) happening that "COULD HAVE" been a result of the dash and wires being played with, just might be looked at as not the dealers problem now.
On my current car, I had a company install "remote start". About a year later my ABS light kept coming on. I brought it in to the dealer. When the service guy went under the dash and saw that the remote start "unit" was under the dash,(resting against the ABS unit) the first thing he said was "well, somebody's been messing with the wires down there and COULD HAVE affected the ABS and I should go back to the guy who installed the remote start to check it out".. It did work out o.k. in the end, but it could have been a "situation".

fsmmcsi

Simagic - Sorry to hear you ran into one of those "pass the buck instead of figure it out" guys.

The MDX is surely the easy way to have Nav-Traffic (and there are other vehicles), but at $8,000 more than the comparable CX-9, it will have to be clearly superior in many more ways than that before I could justify it. Also, the Acura navigation system is NOT touch screen, but has one of those knobs.

suvguy2005

Sirius is trying to buy XM which I think would be awesome if it happens. I currently own an XM receiver only because we got it from a friend for $10 and jumped in with my brother's subscription for a discount. If I were paying full retail I would get Sirius because their music selection is better and they have the NFL. If they merged it wouldn't make people choose between MLB and NFL, Howard and OA, etc. Satellite radio will never be competitive if XM and Sirius are constantly in bidding wars for sports, celebrities, and car makers. Ipods and mp3 players out sell satellite 10-1. Neither Sirius or XM has yet to make any money.

nxs138

I think the problem with both XM and Sirius is twofold: (1) most people probably end up listening to one or two stations, like I do (I currently have XM and basically just listen to Flight 26, which has relatively new "hit" music), and (2) it is competing with iPod coming into new cars.

These 2 reasons alone are likely enough for people not to renew subscriptions when they buy cars that come with satellite. If it wasn't for that darn iPod, I'm sure both companies would be doing better...

music287

Today my wife and I ordered a CX-9 Grand Touring with most of the bells and whistles. It will be delivered in late January/early February and we paid $1K over invoice. It will replace our fifth Chrysler minivan since the Town & Country isn't offered with awd, xenon hid headlights and etc... (FYI the ordering information was released to dealers on Friday i.e. yesterday. We ordered one of the three initial CX-9s this dealer is getting. Get 'em while they're hot!)

I cancelled the Sirius sat radio subscription that came with our Jetta TDI. Listening to the classical vocal station was unbearable and low-fidelity. IMHO it's worse than AM or mp3. I think the advantages of sat radio might be worthwhile if I were a long-haul trucker that needed to listen to major league team games coast to coast. You are correct: an iPod with music recorded via Apple Lossless is far superior w/o the monthly $12.99 hit.

Jay

arumage

I'm glad you found what you wanted. The CX-9 certainly seems to offer everything my wife and I want in a new vehicle. We'll just have to see how it fits in the budget.

As for music, I personally enjoy would enjoy a feature Rockford Fosgate employed in one of their CD players. It was a hard drive unit that could be placed in the trunk that could make a wireless connection to your computer in the house. That way you could park in your garage and download music to your car via your computer.