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SUVs Mazda CX-7 Mazda CX-7 Test Drives - what did you think?
101 messages, Last post on Feb 10, 2007 at 10:06 AM
You are in the Mazda CX-7 Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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Replying to: wwxman (Aug 15, 2006 3:46 pm) I thought everyone did that.  tidester, host |
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It is interesting to hear the diversity of opinions regarding the performance of this powertrain in this otherwise stellar small SUV. I think much of the difference boils down to what you are used to and what you are using as a reference point. If your reference for quickness is a sub-six second 0-60 dedicated performance vehicle, I guarantee this engine will feel "weak." If your reference is the performance of a CRV or the like, than this will feel quick. Further, if you are familiar with turbo vehicles, the "kick" and sound provided by the engine coming on boost will seem relatively less impressive than to those who have never experienced it. How Mazda has chosen to market this product naturally attracts performance enthusiasts, many of whom are very discerning when it comes to challenging advertising hyperbole. Its a great vehicle, that may or may not appeal to the individual performance enthusiast depending on their point of reference and their priorities with respect to how they define "performance." All vehicles are tradeoffs, "you buy the ticket, you take the ride."
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Replying to: wwxman (Aug 15, 2006 3:46 pm) By the way the reports I have seen from the "pros" focus on styling and few have actually test driven the vehicle.
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Replying to: doctyphoon (Aug 16, 2006 9:25 am) 
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Replying to: taz6 (Aug 16, 2006 9:33 am) You are absolutely right about the benefits of a "regular people" forum like this, but with regular people come regular opinions that are all over the map... |
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Replying to: taz6 (Aug 16, 2006 9:33 am) |
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Replying to: taz6 (Aug 13, 2006 5:47 pm) |
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I have a Mazda RX 8 automatic and will be purchasing the CX 7 in the next month. I was very impressed with the turbo engine and so was my husband...he actually said to the manager "this car far surpasses his brand new V-6 Mariner and the RX 8 we currently own." My RX 8 has had it's quirks and the power in the automatic is just adequate...I don't like that it prefers staying above 2500 RPM's to get the performance. I did not feel the CX 7 was like this at all...I didn't even feel much lag in the turbo and the steering wheel felt like it was flying out of my hands when I drove it because I did not expect the power it had. It was smooth, handling was superb with little to no body roll. It was a blast to drive....way better than my RX 8. Now I have the 2004 RX 8 and I heard they are now much improved on power. I guess it's a matter of opinion and what you are used to. Mazda's may not beat you off the line but it's refined power and handling are far superior than many vehicles in the same class. The price is very good too! If you want speed right from the get go(actually I thought the CX 7 was great)than maybe buy a 350 Z or go for the RAV4. How often do we need that? The CX7 is neat looking, power is great, handling is phenomenal, braking is superb, fit and finish inside is excellent!! It's very safe to boot! Great job Mazda! No car is perfect and as the years go on the CX 7 will only get better....maybe some of us should wait a year!! 
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Finally got to drive one at the DC area Zoom Zoom Live event. More than once, actually. Drove it twice on the course where you're supposed to come close to the cones they set up, and another time on a different course. I was with a buddy and he took laps as well, so overall we did 4+ laps in these. First off, the course was not ideal for this car. They were tight and short, and never really let the turbo spool up. As soon as the engine began to build steam, you had to brake or turn, so we could not make good use of the power. Overall, the vehicle felt very big, good if you like a substantial feel, but bad if you want something small and sporty. It was very hard to place, in fact in 4 laps between the two of us we only succeeded once at the challenge of coming within 12-24" of the yellow cones they'd set up. Basically it felt like a bull in a china shop. Mazda should have planned the course out more carefully. Complaints? Visibility - you could not see the front corners of the car to place it on the course, which is why so many people did poorly. That plus we felt turbo lag because the engine never really got a chance to spool up. Cargo space could be better, the Mazda5 for instance has a lot more room and it's smaller. Likes? Very comfy. Felt wide inside and out. Felt very substantial. I've loved the styling since the MX-Crossport concept came out and I still do, by far it's the best looking CUV on the market. So perhaps it was the way the course was set up, but I actually left preferring the Mazda5. It's cheaper and roomier, plus sans turbo lag and weighing much less it actually felt a little peppier going around those tight courses. It also is more narrow and with better visibility, was easier to place at the apex. Strange outcome, I know. -juice
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Replying to: ateixeira (Aug 21, 2006 10:56 am) How were the air conditioners holding up in each of the different cars? We've been hearing they are inconsistent across the board. No excuse these days for poor A/C. I'd like to attend the event if it is upcoming in the L.A. area... I will look into it. Any suggestions? Thanks again Juice.
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