Haven't bought a CX-7 yet, but I searched the online owner's manual and couldn't find a remote release mechanism inside the vehicle for the tailgate. Are there only two ways to open it by hand and by key fob? If so, please add this to the list of improvements needed.
Off topic, regarding the Sirius Satellite system...in the owner's manual it states that the audio system has "the ability to receive up to 100 channels." Sirius offers well over 125 channels so is this just a Mazda system limit or a typo? I tried finding the answer in other CX-7 forums but was unsuccessful.
Mazda intentionally designed back seat with less room and more emphasis on front seat comfort. CX-7 is designed for young adults and or with small kids.
Do your research before you buy.
Car is quiet for me.
You are nitpicking other stuff. CX-7 is edmunds most wanted list! explain that...
"You are nitpicking other stuff. CX-7 is edmunds most wanted list! explain that..."
Ummm, people are stupid?
Seriously, the CX7's allure is its exterior styling and get up and go, and if that is what is important to you, some of these issues are nit-picking. If you have a lot of city driving however, you don't get to experience much of the fun and you focus on the vehicle's shortcomings, which are described pretty well above. Of course, my CX7 is having lots of mechanical issues that are souring me on it above all else, but still, how do you have a "technology package" that doesn't include bluetooth, ipod integration, and trip computers and includes a very clunky multi-disc CD changer? The issue about the Sirius antenna is also very telling. Having to use the stick on antenna is very low rent. Also, the interior not particularly classy, with too much black and plastic. Again, however, the "fun to drive" component is high, assuming the vehicle isn't in the shop a week at a time.
you think? I think for the money the engineers at mazda could have done a better job. I also own a Honda CRV-AWD 2007 and that car is much quiter! How do you explain that?
Injectors used in direct injection engines such as the one used in the CX-7 are noisier than their port injection counterparts. This is due to the very high pressure at which they operate.
That makes it a girls car. No thanks, but it looked like a nice car until I realized there is no manual shift with a clutch option. The triptonic crap does not do it for a man.....LOL
Is anyone else having problems with their front seat squeaking? It started last October (when it turned 1 year old). They replaced the entire seat back, under the warranty, on January 9, 2008, and the replacement seat is now squeaking. They told me that I can come back and have a technician ride with me to see if he can hear it, but if he doesn't, I screwed.
All I am saying is that I am not considering any purchase of a Mazda CX7 unless it has a manual transmission with a clutch. You buy what you want, and I'll buy what I want.
Get it with AWD if you're in the Northern U.S. I have a CX-9 GT AWD and just drove it in heavy snow in Chicago today. I was passing all kinds of cars, vans, pick-up trucks, other SUVs (maybe FWDs?) who were sliding all over and I had no problem. I don't see why some people say the 20" tires in the CX-9 are not good in the snow. Mine seems fine. The ride was tight, no sliding.
On the CX-7, I wish that the Trip Odometer readout was below the Main odometer, and with smaller numbers. When you look at the readouts, the Trip numbers are bigger and on top of the main, which in my opinion is counter-intuitive, making one think that you're looking at the main odometer. On the CX-9 is the other way around, the Main odometer readout above the Trip, which is more cognitive-friendly.
Another pet peeve is the wipers' lever on both the CX-7 & CX-9. You have to move the lever downward if you want increasing wipers speed, and the intermittent rotary switch setting backwards for more frequent actuation. I find this also counter-intuitive. Normally, the wiper lever should be moved upward for increasing speeds and the intermittent rotary switch forward for more frequent actuation.
Minor things but worth noting.
Oh yeah, I also don't like that the "+" and "-" symbols on the manual shifter mode do not illuminate when the lights are on. You have to always remember that the shifter motion forward is for down-shifting and backward is for up-shifting.
The following should be standard on the base model: Lumbar support adjustment on driver seat Retractable cargo cover
Things to improve: Lighter steering effort at low speed Smoother and less sluggish launch at low speed and stop-n-go (stay in 2nd gear a little longer ?)
Hi everyone, I am in the market for a new car. We live in western NY and will need an SUV that will hold 2 car seats and maybe an adult in the back. We were looking at the 08 models of the Mazda CX-7, honda CRV, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan Rogue. I didn't really like the Rav-4. I would like some opinions on the above car. Which one would you buy and why? Thanks
I've had my 2007 CX7 since October of 2006. This is my 4th Mazda, and my last. I think their engines are great, but the "fit and finish" are not so great. there is always a rattle or a squeak that they can never find.
I've had to replace the gas cap twice, and the driver's side seat has been squeaking loudly since October of 2007. Mazda's solution is to "lube" the rails, when they actually should be replaced. The day after I get it home, the seat starts squeaking again, and around and around we go.
Also, the turning radius is awful. I had an Expidition before this one and it would turn on a dime. Most of the time, I have to do a three point turn in order to make a u-turn. Gas milegae isn't as good as they say either.
I test drove the CRV and Sante Fe before choosing the CX-7. I commute some country roads and fun to drive was important. CX-7 has been a great choice for me - had to have the tech package though. Bose Sound system great! Also much more car for the money than the Nissan Murano or Ford Edge. The car exudes Zoom zoom. Gas milage not great and uses premium so be warned. Back seat will get small fast - only two kids for any length of time...
"CX-7 is not alone, new Honda RDX also has not up to the par gas mileage.."
That's a shame too, a REAL shame IMMHO.
Both could benefit mightily from the use of just a tad more current, modern day, technology.
Stop operating the engine in DE-RATED mode. The MAJORITY of the time this engine is in operation it is being operated in a highly inefficient derated mode in order to take advantage of the BOOST provided by the turbo once it comes "on line".
This engine, and the one in the RDX, could easily have a 50%, or better, improvement in FE.
Simply convert to the Atkinson(Miller/West) cycle "mode".
Dynamically "shift" from the highly FUEL efficient but low torque Atkinson cycle to the Miller/West cycle as the need for engine torque rises.
Many new engines, with the advent of DFI, are currently running a 12:1 native compression ratio. The RDX' native ratio is 8.8:1 (??). The CX-7, with DFI, could have a Native ratio of 12:1.
The CX-7 & RDX engines could have a "native" (off-boost) compression ratio of as much as 16:1 but effectively derated to 12:1 via delaying the closing of the intake valves during a portion of the compression stroke.
Then, as you apply more pressure to the gas pedal to attain a higher level of engine torque for acceleration the intake valve closing would be delayed even more, a greater and greater percentage of the compression stroke, to take advantage of the rising level of BOOST from the turbo without destroying the engine.
"I think the number one reason for choosing an X3 over a CX-7 is probably that one has $10,000 extra to blow."
No, if you have that extra $10,000 to spend for THAT reason you probably know that a CX-7 is a patently UNSAFE, for wintertime adverse roadbed conditions, FWD or F/AWD vehicle whereas the X3 will be a good solid, SAFE, R/AWD vehicle throughout the year.
Unless you also know that you can buy an aftermarket TOAD kit (REMCO..??) that allows you to disable the F/AWD CX-7's FWD aspects during the winter months. In this latter case you are just simply "blowing" $10,000 needlessly.
To many folks out there in the world today that don't understand the shortcomings of FWD and F/AWD with automatic transaxles in wintertime adverse roadbed conditions let alone give them the option of a stick shift.
Downshifting a RWD or R/AWD vehicle to attain a significant level of engine compression braking can be fairly beniegn on a slippery roadbed compared to doing the same in a FWD or F/AWD.
Yes, get the F/AWD CX-7, drop one front half-shaft and "seal" the rear driveline "closed" and while you will not have a perfect driveline for wintertime adverse roadbed conditions you will find your RWD CX-7 to be much SAFER than your fellow CX-7 owners, FWD or F/AWD.
Hello to all, I'm new here so please forgive my novice mistakes.
I have a 2008 CX7 with 13k miles. I'm relatively happy with it except for the rough ride. This may have been addressed in another post but does it bother anyone else? Does it get better? I haven't had any problems with the vehicle nor have any other big gripes.
Comments
Off topic, regarding the Sirius Satellite system...in the owner's manual it states that the audio system has "the ability to receive up to 100 channels." Sirius offers well over 125 channels so is this just a Mazda system limit or a typo? I tried finding the answer in other CX-7 forums but was unsuccessful.
Thanks for your help...
Do your research before you buy.
Car is quiet for me.
You are nitpicking other stuff. CX-7 is edmunds most wanted list! explain that...
Ummm, people are stupid?
Seriously, the CX7's allure is its exterior styling and get up and go, and if that is what is important to you, some of these issues are nit-picking. If you have a lot of city driving however, you don't get to experience much of the fun and you focus on the vehicle's shortcomings, which are described pretty well above. Of course, my CX7 is having lots of mechanical issues that are souring me on it above all else, but still, how do you have a "technology package" that doesn't include bluetooth, ipod integration, and trip computers and includes a very clunky multi-disc CD changer? The issue about the Sirius antenna is also very telling. Having to use the stick on antenna is very low rent. Also, the interior not particularly classy, with too much black and plastic. Again, however, the "fun to drive" component is high, assuming the vehicle isn't in the shop a week at a time.
I think for the money the engineers at mazda could have done a better job.
I also own a Honda CRV-AWD 2007 and that car is much quiter!
How do you explain that?
And the info in the manual is a bit dated. SIRIUS, when added to the NAV, receives the entire channel package.
Vince.
No thanks, but it looked like a nice car until I realized there is no manual shift with a clutch option. The triptonic crap does not do it for a man.....LOL
Most guys are buying automatics these days. :shades:
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Another pet peeve is the wipers' lever on both the CX-7 & CX-9. You have to move the lever downward if you want increasing wipers speed, and the intermittent rotary switch setting backwards for more frequent actuation. I find this also counter-intuitive. Normally, the wiper lever should be moved upward for increasing speeds and the intermittent rotary switch forward for more frequent actuation.
Minor things but worth noting.
Oh yeah, I also don't like that the "+" and "-" symbols on the manual shifter mode do not illuminate when the lights are on. You have to always remember that the shifter motion forward is for down-shifting and backward is for up-shifting.
The following should be standard on the base model:
Lumbar support adjustment on driver seat
Retractable cargo cover
Things to improve:
Lighter steering effort at low speed
Smoother and less sluggish launch at low speed and stop-n-go
(stay in 2nd gear a little longer ?)
I am in the market for a new car. We live in western NY and will need an SUV that will hold 2 car seats and maybe an adult in the back. We were looking at the 08 models of the Mazda CX-7, honda CRV, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan Rogue. I didn't really like the Rav-4. I would like some opinions on the above car. Which one would you buy and why? Thanks
I've had to replace the gas cap twice, and the driver's side seat has been squeaking loudly since October of 2007. Mazda's solution is to "lube" the rails, when they actually should be replaced. The day after I get it home, the seat starts squeaking again, and around and around we go.
Also, the turning radius is awful. I had an Expidition before this one and it would turn on a dime. Most of the time, I have to do a three point turn in order to make a u-turn. Gas milegae isn't as good as they say either.
So, I would suggest something other than a CX-7.
Good luck with your search.
Strengths of the CX - handling, acceleration, looks, cockpit
weaknesses - horrific gas mileage, premium fuel (07), Mazda lousy service, CEL with 07
but read the article for yourself if you are serious about buying the cx
The CRV is definitely more practical than the cx-7. Drive both and you will know which 1 is for you......2 completely different beasts........
I had a CRV before the CX-7 and got bored with it.....
That's a shame too, a REAL shame IMMHO.
Both could benefit mightily from the use of just a tad more current, modern day, technology.
Stop operating the engine in DE-RATED mode. The MAJORITY of the time this engine is in operation it is being operated in a highly inefficient derated mode in order to take advantage of the BOOST provided by the turbo once it comes "on line".
This engine, and the one in the RDX, could easily have a 50%, or better, improvement in FE.
Simply convert to the Atkinson(Miller/West) cycle "mode".
Dynamically "shift" from the highly FUEL efficient but low torque Atkinson cycle to the Miller/West cycle as the need for engine torque rises.
Many new engines, with the advent of DFI, are currently running a 12:1 native compression ratio. The RDX' native ratio is 8.8:1 (??). The CX-7, with DFI, could have a Native ratio of 12:1.
The CX-7 & RDX engines could have a "native" (off-boost) compression ratio of as much as 16:1 but effectively derated to 12:1 via delaying the closing of the intake valves during a portion of the compression stroke.
Then, as you apply more pressure to the gas pedal to attain a higher level of engine torque for acceleration the intake valve closing would be delayed even more, a greater and greater percentage of the compression stroke, to take advantage of the rising level of BOOST from the turbo without destroying the engine.
No, if you have that extra $10,000 to spend for THAT reason you probably know that a CX-7 is a patently UNSAFE, for wintertime adverse roadbed conditions, FWD or F/AWD vehicle whereas the X3 will be a good solid, SAFE, R/AWD vehicle throughout the year.
Unless you also know that you can buy an aftermarket TOAD kit (REMCO..??) that allows you to disable the F/AWD CX-7's FWD aspects during the winter months. In this latter case you are just simply "blowing" $10,000 needlessly.
Stay away from anything BMW as long as you can.
Sorry, NOT going to happen....!!
To many folks out there in the world today that don't understand the shortcomings of FWD and F/AWD with automatic transaxles in wintertime adverse roadbed conditions let alone give them the option of a stick shift.
Downshifting a RWD or R/AWD vehicle to attain a significant level of engine compression braking can be fairly beniegn on a slippery roadbed compared to doing the same in a FWD or F/AWD.
I have a 2008 CX7 with 13k miles. I'm relatively happy with it except for the rough ride. This may have been addressed in another post but does it bother anyone else? Does it get better? I haven't had any problems with the vehicle nor have any other big gripes.
And pretty damn poor FE to boot.