Mazda CX-7 Test Drives

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I never fussed with the A/C, but most of the cars had it on already. No complaints here, I never felt hot and it was a hot summer day.

    The event is great, definitely go. You get to sample a bunch of cars back to back with no sales pressure, the perfect environment. And you can push the cars, just don't go crazy with tire squeel.

    The car that impressed me most was the RX8, wow did it just handle. You could take turns almost as fast as you wanted, it just stayed glued down. And for all the complaints about a lack of torque, the car is light and gets to the high revs so quickly that I had no complaints at all.

    After that I drove an MX-5 auto, the paddle shifters really work well. In auto mode it was a dog because it kept choosing the wrong gear, but the paddles worked perfectly. Later we drove a manual model and it was great. Didn't stay glued down as much as the RX8 but it was still a hoot. They're much quicker now, too, I have a '93 and it felt slow after driving the new one.

    -juice
  • cruzdreamercruzdreamer Member Posts: 12
    The Mazda 5 is a great car for the money. Sounds as if the course was not quite right for the CX 7. I have an RX 8 currently and hope to get into the CX 7 next month. I loved the CX 7. For a vehicle it's size and weight I felt it handled superbly and was actually more powerful than my RX 8....mine is automatic w/197hp. Handling is superior in the 8 for sure but the CX 7 did impress me. I drove the 5 again after it and felt the 5 was a great vehicle...it does have a lot of cargo in it's small package. CX 7 has just enough cargo...not too little and not too much. No car is perfect and there may be issues being it's a first year model but I think mazda did a great job again!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    For a vehicle it's size and weight

    That just about nails it. I think my real issue with it is that it's just too wide and heavy for my tastes.

    I bet out on the open road, on a highway, or passing on two-lanes, it'll be more in its element.

    -juice
  • bigfootxx2bigfootxx2 Member Posts: 21
    I fully agree. Late at night on a weeknight I was on the expressway about 70 went full throttle and in about 10 sec. later I let off at 110 mph. there was plenty more where that came from. and dont worry no one was there.
  • satchmosatchmo Member Posts: 34
    While getting my Mazda3 serviced at the dealer, I had the chance to test-drive a front-wheel drive CX-7. SUVs are not my schtick, so I wasn't expecting much. Drove about 25 minutes, on suburban secondary roads but mainly on winding highway (Route 66). I found getting under way a little awkward due to the size and turning radius of the car which seemed otherwise quite tractable at low-medium speeds. Brakes very strong, but touchy. No noticeable turbo-lag above 2000 rpm. Didn't notice any torque steer, either. Highway cruising at about 60-80 mph, the engine is very quiet. When accelerating, though, the engine really howls. Ride very firm, but compliant & steady. Steering is impressive: good on-center feel, communicative, sharp & accurate turn-in, neither too light nor too heavy at highway speeds. Changing lanes briskly, under acceleration, feels precise, stable and confident. Engine strong and linear between 2000 and 5000 rpms. Transmission very smooth and quick ... you barely notice it. I felt no need to try the manual option. Compared with the Mazda6 wagon I drove on the same route, the CX-7's engine felt much punchier, the transmission better calibrated. Incomparably better mid-range acceleration. The Mazda6 corners flatter, but the CX-7 felt more rigid, with better turn-in. Arguably it is the more enjoyable car to drive fast. (The CX-7 does not handle as well as my Mazda3 hatch --a manual shifter equipped with dedicated summer tires-- but the much greater acceleration makes it perhaps equally fun to drive: excitement of controlled agility and acceleration in a relatively heavy and tall vehicle.)
    On the debit side, rear visibility is lousy: this is a car that could use the latest rear-view radar/optical technology. The turning radius could be shorter. The cargo loading area is a bit high. Rear seats don't fold down completely flat. And of course a relatively thirsty engine that likes pricey fuel.
    Still, for the money, one heck of a car.
  • astegmanastegman Member Posts: 171
    On the debit side, rear visibility is lousy: this is a car that could use the latest rear-view radar/optical technology.

    It's available if you wish; you just have to get the tech package.

    What vehicles are currently available with the rear camera standard?
  • satchmosatchmo Member Posts: 34
    Good point. The rear camera is a great option for this car.
    Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of Audi's Side Assist (available on the new Q7 SUV) or maybe Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (on next year's S80).
  • nmknmk Member Posts: 111
    Have now owned our CX-7 exactly 5 weeks and a day.

    So pleased to have purchased the Nav system with rear view camera. It is a terrific safety feature if you live in an area with young children.

    It is also a boon when parking. You can actually see how far away you are from the car behind you, judge distance from curb, etc.

    Parking by "ear" is now a thing of the past. ;)

    NMK
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I've heard it called parking by braille. :D

    -juice
  • fonefixerfonefixer Member Posts: 247
    Any complaints about the CX-7 so far? How has the gas mileage been?
  • astegmanastegman Member Posts: 171
    I think this is the third or fourth time you've asked about the mileage in every thread BUT the MPG thread!!
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    How has the gas mileage been?

    This is where you want to be: Mazda CX-7: MPG-Real World Numbers

    tidester, host
  • fonefixerfonefixer Member Posts: 247
    Not every CX-7 owner reads every sub-section of the forum. The more responses received about this issue will help determine a buying decision concerning the CX-7. But really, as another poster stated, "if you can't afford the gas, you can't afford the car," so that should put this matter to rest!
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    "Not every CX-7 owner reads every sub-section of the forum"

    That may be true, most people will quickly scan the index of Mazda discussion forums to determine where best to post their questions/comments, instead of throwing a dart to determine where to post. :)

    Vince.
  • autohound1autohound1 Member Posts: 45
    Wasn't sure if anyone in this forum would be interested, but I have test driven both the CX-7 and the 6wagon to compare/contrast and decide between the two. I don't want to double-post, so if you want to see my thoughts on how the two compare, you can find it on the Mazda6 Wagons forum. See posts 1267 and 1268. The first post was from a night-time drive. The second post was after driving both vehicles back to back, during daylight. Both cars are great, but the CX-7 really speaks to your "emotional" side, while the wagon seems perhaps a bit more "practical" overall.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Thanks, Autohound.

    Here's the link:

    autohound1, "Mazda6 Wagon" #1268, 25 Nov 2006 5:13 pm

    (It says #1268, but the link should dump you at #1267)
  • pvsurferpvsurfer Member Posts: 50
    I just test-drove a CX-7 GT after test-driving a Murano SL (with SL Touring Pkg) and here are my impressions. Btw, both were FWD.

    Overall looks: I find both CUV's attractive, but I give a slight edge to the CX-7.

    Seat Comfort: The Murano SL-Touring driver-seat lumbar was more comfortable for me (I have a bad back, so I'm sensitive to that). The back seats are a toss-up.

    Interior Space: Murano, it's simply larger in every area.

    Instrumentation: Murano's was very easy to view and was illuminated (orange) all the time without turning the headlights on. On the other hand, I found the 2 instruments on the right-side of the CX-7's cluster (fuel + ?) almost impossible to see clearly in bright daylight!!!

    Performance: The CX-7 with it's Turbo-4 was faster off the line than the the Murano with its V-6. I think that's due to the Murano's Continuous Variable Transmission (even though I had it in Sport's mode). The CX-7 also cornered better. On the highway however, the Murano was the quieter of the two.

    Question: One thing I forgot to check-out. Does the CX-7 GT have seat and steering wheel position memories? My wife is 5'2" and I'm 6'0, so it's a drag always having to readjust the seat and steering wheel. The Murano SL did have this nicety (which worked when unlocking the door with the remote).
  • fonefixerfonefixer Member Posts: 247
    Driven both cars extensively, decided on the Cx-7. No question, the Murano is more luxurious and roomier, by far. It should be at 3 or 4 thousand dollars more!

    The Cx-7 is like driving a sports car! The handling, cornering, braking, and acceleration are much more responsive. Didn't like the feel of the CVT transmission, I'm sure it is fine for those that have a "moderate" driving style.

    Cx-7 does not feature seat memory of any type. I like the roominess of the Murano, but the enjoyed the driving characteristics of the Cx-7 more.
  • pvsurferpvsurfer Member Posts: 50
    I think you summed it up prety well... I would agree - the Murano SL is more luxurious and spacious, but the CX-7 GT is definitely more fun to drive (if only I could see those 2 gauges)!!!

    Based on the prices I'm getting, a Murano SL can actually be had for about $2K more than a CX-7 GT (comparably equipped).
  • fonefixerfonefixer Member Posts: 247
    I paid $28,350.00 plus TT+L for the CX-7 GT AWD w/ compass mirror, rear bumper guard,trailer hitch hook up, and rear floor tray w/ no navigation.

    Believe a similar equipped AWD Murano w/ no navi runs about $34,000?
  • pvsurferpvsurfer Member Posts: 50
    You got a very good deal for a GT w/AWD - a comparable Murano can actually be had for about $31K B4 tax & lic.
  • fonefixerfonefixer Member Posts: 247
    Besides mine,I have yet to see a Cx-7 on the road, the dealer has 97 in stock for sale. St.Paul/Minneapolis. I simply bought it for what Mazda was basing the Capitalized cost for a lease, $3000 off MSRP.

    Simply wasn't going to buy an SUV w/o Xenon lights. Maybe the premium fuel requirement is scaring off potential buyers, or just plain tough times for the new SUV market in general?
  • pvsurferpvsurfer Member Posts: 50
    Here in So Cal there are also very few CX-7's to be seen on the rosd. But even so, I could not do bettet than $500 over invoice for the CX-7 at the 2 Mazda dealers I visited and on top of that, they are adding an additional $150 for something called Los Angeles Assessment.

    On the other hand, 2007 Murano's can be had here for $100 over invoice and no LA Assessment. Go figure!
  • fonefixerfonefixer Member Posts: 247
    When you mentioned $500 over invoice, what was the actual price quoted? All I know is that I paid $3000 off MSRP, maybe that price is no better than what you are being quoted.
  • cx7rediccx7redic Member Posts: 18
    I bought mine, 2nd week of Sept for actually i would guess less than invoice. I got GT AWD w/bose & sun pkg for 28,500 even.

    Also, i have seen many cx-7's here in the north east (NYC/Boston/RI) compared to the new SUV models, i see more 7's than CRV's & RDX's combined. The CX-7 seems to be very popular in the city areas.
  • pvsurferpvsurfer Member Posts: 50
    $3000 off MSRP is an unbelievable deal (in my case that would represent about $600 UNDER invoice)!

    According to my paperwork, the total invoice price of a GT FWD with Tech Pkg, MR/Bose Pkg, and Prem Pkg is $29,451 (price includes a $595 destination charge). After adding $500 (Costco deal) and $150 (LA Assessment) my final deal came to $30,101 BEFORE CA tax & lic (from which I walked away)!

    The deal you get depends a lot on geographic location, so when people discuss the deal they got, they should disclose where!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Check out the posts in the Mazda CX-7: Prices Paid & Buying Experiences discussion. (I know you're in there Pvsurfer, but others may not know about it).
  • fonefixerfonefixer Member Posts: 247
    Remember, I did not get the TECh package, which would have added about $1500.00 to the total.I could have had the GT AWD w/ tech for just under $30,000 plus TT+L.

    You probably don't need the AWD in L.A. and the MPG will be slightly better.

    What in the world is the "L.A. Assessment" charge? The CX-7 is produced in Hiroshima and L>A> is a heck of a lot closer shipping to Japan than St. Paul, Mn. Should be a "St. Paul, Mn. Assessment" charge!
  • cxrabbitcxrabbit Member Posts: 134
    The tech package adds way more than $1500, even on your best day -- MSRP on it is more like $4k so even with a good deal you'd have to expect to pay $2500 or more for it.

    I got FWD w/Tech, Preferred Equipment, Remote Start & Sirius Radio for just under $30K. From what I understand, I was just very slightly above invoice. I highly doubt you could have gotten AWD for that price (AWD adds about $1500 to the price).
  • fonefixerfonefixer Member Posts: 247
    I paid $28,350.00 for AWD GT, but didn't get the Tech package, remote start,or Sirius. You could be right about the tech package, I think a Mazda salesperson told me it was about $1500 more for the Navi part alone, factoring in all the extras that come with the Tech setup.(if purchased separate)
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    What in the world is the "L.A. Assessment" charge? The CX-7 is produced in Hiroshima and L>A> is a heck of a lot closer shipping to Japan than St. Paul, Mn. Should be a "St. Paul, Mn. Assessment" charge!

    Where did you purchase your vehicle?

    The assessment charge is a regional advertisement charge placed on the vehicle, depending on what region you are in.
  • pvsurferpvsurfer Member Posts: 50
    They already tack on a substantial Destination Charge, so what the heck is Mazda's Assessment for? I don't see Honda, Nissan, or Toyota doing that!

    And if a Local Assessment is a legit charge, why doesn't it show up in Edmunds pricing after you enter your ZIP code???
  • smg1smg1 Member Posts: 1
    Here in Portland, Oregon, I don't see that many CX-7 around. Sold my gas guzzling 2001 designo ML430 and bought me a Sport CX-7 for $20,950.00 which included plate and registration with no sales tax in Oregon. That's pretty much the basic CX-7. Drove over 1,200 miles since 11/11 and 2 lights came out within 2 days. Dealer said, as many of you already guessed, overly-sensitive sensor in gas cap and low-tire pressure which they found no tire was losing air. For the price, I can't ask for a nicer looking and nimble SUV like CX-7.
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    "The assessment charge is a regional advertisement charge placed on the vehicle, depending on what region you are in"

    If true, then that sounds like those dealers are resorting to a tactic to recoup some costs. Adding advertising charges are a scam and can usually be negotiated out of the final price. If the dealer balks, then walk away.

    Vince.
  • pvsurferpvsurfer Member Posts: 50
    Of course it's a gimmick to get a couple hundred more from the buyer. Since this thread also involves the Murano, I would point out that the 2 Nissan dealers I recently visited did not do that. They didn't even tack-on a doc/reg fee, but then again the Murano is more expensive & luxureous than the CX-7.
  • fonefixerfonefixer Member Posts: 247
    I purchased the Cx-7 in Minneapolis, Mn. The dealer can add on any charge they want to.... but like the last poster wrote, you , the customer, can also walk away.

    Like in Las Vegas, at the Wynn Hotel, there is a $10 or $20 charge just to look at the Ferrari's in their dealership. Does anyone know where else a dealer charges to walk into the showroom? Maybe only in Vegas?
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    The assessment has nothing to do with the dealership...Mazda charges a separate line item charge for regional advertising on the dealer invoice. Most mfg have it but they use different names. Toyota calls it TDA, Ford calls it FDAF, Lincoln calls it LMDA...

    The cost doesn't vanish because somebody doesn't want to pay it, the dealer pays it no matter what. If your haggling from cost up expect to see and hear things you wouldnt if you haggled from retail down.
  • pvsurferpvsurfer Member Posts: 50
    I've been car shopping for a Nissan Murano (as well as a CX-7) and I was given a copy of the Nissan invoice. While there'e a destination charge on the invoice there is no other charge other than for the car and its options.
  • carlitos92carlitos92 Member Posts: 458
    It sounds like you are predetermined towards the Murano. Good for you.

    On the flip side of the coin are probably plenty of happy CX-7 owners who had the determination to tell the Mazda dealer to stick the assessment charge, and who think the Murano is an overpriced minivan with a face only a mother could love... not to mention a flatulent exhaust note. :P To each his own.

    Anyway, maybe the Nissan invoice is already overpriced by the amount of an assessment charge... as long as the consumer's happy with the car, and doesn't feel ripped off, I don't know what it matters.
  • pvsurferpvsurfer Member Posts: 50
    I don't think that was called for. I didn't bad-mouth the CX-7. I'm just questioning the pricing of the car.
  • carlitos92carlitos92 Member Posts: 458
    Hey, no offense intended. Believe me, I would love to strangle my EX-service manager (I am not going back to that Mazda dealership for anything again). But all the finger-pointing at dealers and Mazda, and quibbling over an assessment charge seems funny to me. The bottom line is the bottom line, and how you get there is irrelevant.

    You have thrown in some subjective views on the Mazda's interior that I didn't agree with, but it's okay if you don't agree with my take on the Nissan, too. Sorry if you took my ribbing the wrong way. Cheers.
  • fonefixerfonefixer Member Posts: 247
    My general assessment is that the Murano is roomier and more luxurious than the Cx-7, but doesn't handle, brake corner or accelerate as well. Gas mileage appears close, with the Murano apparently able to use regular. The Cx-7 has the turbo potential issues, the Murano has the CVT transmission potential issues. The Murano is perhaps about $2000+ more, and who knows, maybe it is worth it?
  • cxrabbitcxrabbit Member Posts: 134
    I test drove both and came away not liking the Murano. It DID have a smoother, quieter ride, but I also felt like I was driving a big SUV. It did not even remotely handle like a smaller sportier car, which was the feeling I was after. With comparible features, the closest I could get the price was still almost $4K more than the CX-7.

    The Murano is a nice vehicle, no doubt, I just PREFERRED the CX-7. I'm sure there are people who prefer the Murano. To each his/her own.
  • defreitasmdefreitasm Member Posts: 152
    "The Murano is perhaps about $2000+ more, and who knows, maybe it is worth it?"

    I was under the impression that with similiar features the Murano is almost 6000 more. Even Edmunds metioned that when the did the RAV4/SanteFE/CX7 comparison.
  • defreitasmdefreitasm Member Posts: 152
    "Did you test drive the Mazda CX-7? Thoughts?"

    I drove a CX-7 Grand Touring today and was so impressed that I'm going back tomorrow to work the numbers up with my trade.
  • fonefixerfonefixer Member Posts: 247
    To give you an example, paid $28,350.00 +TTL for an AWD GT w/ compass mirror, rear bumper guard/package tray.Now have 3000 miles on the vehicle, no issues except a replacement gas cap. Averaging 17.81 mpg in town on premium fuel. Excellent acceleration, (love the manual shift option), cornering, handling around corners, and braking. Nice cruising vehicle on the open road with the 6 speed transmission and very low rpm's at highway speeds.
  • offset_98offset_98 Member Posts: 31
    We too shopped this against the Murano and for the money, the Mazda made more sense. Sure we'd like to have a Murano sitting in the driveway but not for what they want for them equipped the way our Mazda is equipped. I have no mileage issues as we're averaging 21-22mpg city/hwy mix for the work commute.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Mazda is giving a $15 gift certificate (Best Buy) to test drive a CX-7 in a few states. Here's the link.

    If you wanted to test one anyway, may as well get paid for it. ;)
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    Adding advertising charges are a scam and can usually be negotiated out of the final price. If the dealer balks, then walk away.

    I should have been more clear. That is a charge placed on the invoice from Mazda, not the dealer. No matter what you do, it will not come off the invoice
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    If you focus on your "out the door" price, it won't matter what the line items charges are.

    More in the Out The Door (OTD) Pricing questions discussion. Post #4 there is a good starting point.

    Know All the Costs Before Saying "Yes" may help too.
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