Honda Pilot vs Mazda CX-9 vs Toyota Highlander

444 messages, Last post on Nov 10, 2009 at 12:41 PM

You are in the Mazda CX-9 Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester

What is this discussion about? Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Car Comparisons, SUV

2009 Honda Pilot vs. 2008 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander - Although we've been hearing about a mad dash to get out of sport-utility vehicles and into fuel-efficient compacts, the reality is that seven- and eight-passenger crossover SUVs like the 2008 Mazda CX-9, 2008 Toyota Highlander and 2009 Honda Pilot aren't going away anytime soon. (more)

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#287 of 444 Re: Another feather in the cap of.... [citivas] by 4kids3dogs2cat Nov 03, 2008 (7:29 pm)
Replying to: citivas (Oct 27, 2008 11:23 am) Hello! My first post here. I have a 2004 Sienna XLE AWD w/ 55K miles (had since new) and am starting to think about a new car. Even though I am a 52 yr. old father of 4, I still like minivans for their versatility. There's a lot I like and a lot I hate about my Sienna. The AWD option and it's associated issues have been a real love-hate relationship unto it's own. At any rate, I still can't seem to find anything that I like better. I just read the Edmunds and C&D shootout, and the mazda did surprisingly well, so I must go see the Mazda. First question..what is bluetooth? Hands free cell phone of some sort? My main hot button is a sharp turning circle. I have a driveway that makes a sharp 180 curve into the garage and it looks like the Mazda is the only one I've seen so far that is competitive with the Sienna and can do it w/o a 3 point turn required. We shall see on the test drive. Our last Mazda was a lemon. 20 years ago we bought a 626 4 wheel steering model. Although the parallel parking was superb due to the 4 wheel steering, the car maintenance problems were a real hassle. I'm afraid that with all the kids and pets, I might be relegated to a minivan for quite a few years more. I get chided for driving one but I really don't care what anyone thinks. I would like to just get back to driving sedans at some point, but that is years away. My wife drives an Escalade for 4 years and loves it, but I hate driving a behemoth that big. I guess we have reversed the normal roles of what American couples might drive. Thanks for reading and I'll post again after seeing the Mazda. Nice group you all have here. Dave in Philly Replies to this message: aviboy97 (Nov 04, 2008 12:21 pm) ceric (Nov 04, 2008 3:14 pm) 4kids3dogs2cat (Nov 05, 2008 11:49 am) ceric (Nov 05, 2008 4:06 pm) ericw2000 (Nov 13, 2008 1:20 pm) guy1974 (Nov 13, 2008 1:03 pm) citivas (Nov 13, 2008 1:42 pm) and 2 more... citivas (Nov 13, 2008 1:57 pm) 4kids3dogs2cat (Nov 19, 2008 6:47 pm) tourguide (Nov 20, 2008 4:03 am)
#288 of 444 Re: Another feather in the cap of.... [4kids3dogs2cat] by aviboy97 Nov 04, 2008 (12:21 pm)
Replying to: 4kids3dogs2cat (Nov 03, 2008 7:29 pm) No matter who makes the car, a lemon is always possible. Consumer Reports, whom many regard as the most accurate in vehicle reliability, rates the CX-9 very highly and also gives them a recommendation to buy.
#289 of 444 Re: Another feather in the cap of.... [4kids3dogs2cat] by ceric Nov 04, 2008 (3:14 pm)
Replying to: 4kids3dogs2cat (Nov 03, 2008 7:29 pm) Dave, Welcome to post more here. I have a CX-9 so I visit here very often (almost on daily basis ). Bluetooth is for hand-free cell phone. With 2009 GT Assist package, it has A2DP support so that you can stream music (from iPod, music-capable cell phone) through the Bluetooth to the stereo of CX9. If you look at the list of CX-9 TSB (another threads), you would see that Mazda is actively trying to fix complaints of CX9 owners. I would say CX9 built after 08/2008 have no applicable TSBs. i.e. the quality is very stable now. Build date can be found on door stickers. (TSB: technical service bulletins) 2007/2008 model owners might need to take care of some production/early model issues. With all the running changes made by Mazda, the later ones are getting better and better. I would probably buy 2009 if I were you, but there are great deals to be had with 2008. Just pick one that is built as later as possible (less TSBs to fix potentially). CX9 has very tight turning circle (37.4ft), which is on par with Camry and Accord. Replies to this message: 4kids3dogs2cat (Nov 05, 2008 11:49 am) ceric (Nov 05, 2008 4:06 pm) ericw2000 (Nov 13, 2008 1:20 pm) guy1974 (Nov 13, 2008 1:03 pm) citivas (Nov 13, 2008 1:42 pm) guy1974 (Nov 18, 2008 11:57 am) and 1 more...
#290 of 444 new engine for 2009 highlander by nikbert Nov 04, 2008 (7:31 pm)
Even though I'm leaning towards Pilot - this one is definitely interesting http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/toyota-announces-all-new-four-cylinder-engine- -for-09-highlander/ (almost) as good as hybrid without the price penalty Replies to this message: aviboy97 (Nov 04, 2008 7:50 pm)
#291 of 444 Re: new engine for 2009 highlander [nikbert] by aviboy97 Nov 04, 2008 (7:50 pm)
Replying to: nikbert (Nov 04, 2008 7:31 pm) Yeah, I noticed that. However, with road tests of the new Toyota Venza with the 2.7L I4 comming back calling it a "dog", I highly doubt it will be a good choice for the heavy Highlander.
#292 of 444 Re: Another feather in the cap of.... [ceric] by 4kids3dogs2cat Nov 05, 2008 (11:49 am)
Replying to: ceric (Nov 04, 2008 3:14 pm) Thanks ceric. I see that I can't get the rear power liftgate without the NAV screen? I love the former, don't care for the latter. It's a shame I am forced to buy the Navigation system when I don't want it. The power rear lift gate should be standard in all Touring and GT models. I love it in my Sienna. How does the cell phone hook up to the car via bluetooth? Does it come through the sound system in the car and is two-way, like a speakerphone in an office? Thanks! Replies to this message: ceric (Nov 05, 2008 4:06 pm) ericw2000 (Nov 13, 2008 1:20 pm)
#294 of 444 Re: Another feather in the cap of.... [4kids3dogs2cat] by ceric Nov 05, 2008 (4:06 pm)
Replying to: 4kids3dogs2cat (Nov 05, 2008 11:49 am) Can't help you on the packaging. I see no difference in 2009, either, on power hatch. For Bluetooth, the incoming sound comes out of the driver's side speak. The microphone is located near the interior light control panel. The nice thing about it is that it also cuts off music when phone call comes in automatically. Depending on your cell phone implementation of Bluetooth, the usage might be slightly different from one phone to another.
#295 of 444 Re: Another feather in the cap of.... [ceric] by guy1974 Nov 13, 2008 (1:03 pm)
Replying to: ceric (Nov 04, 2008 3:14 pm) Hi, I am, reluctantly, looking to change my Subaru Legacy wagon for a CUV due to the impending birth of twins (to add to my 2 year old daughter). My question is : can three car seats (two rear facing and a toddler forward facing seat) be fitten on the second row bench in any of these vehicles? I like the Honda except for the front styling. The Mazda sounds great and I will be looking at it in more detail soon. The GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook are also possibilities. Thanks for any information. Replies to this message: citivas (Nov 13, 2008 1:42 pm) guy1974 (Nov 18, 2008 11:57 am) citivas (Nov 18, 2008 12:18 pm)
#296 of 444 Re: Another feather in the cap of.... [4kids3dogs2cat] by ericw2000 Nov 13, 2008 (1:20 pm)
Replying to: 4kids3dogs2cat (Nov 05, 2008 11:49 am) I bought a CX-9 in June of 2008. I struggled with the navigation w/ the power lift gate issue until the dealer quoted a price within my budget with the nav package. I never needed a navigation device, but now I wouldn't do without it. I wish my map was more up to date. As far as bluetooth, I found it very easy to pair my phone with the bluetooth. The sound comes from the front driver's side speaker. I have trouble using the voice dialer as too many of my contacts sound similar, but everyone says the sound quality is clear on the other end. As far as handling and turning radius (from your nov. 3 post), I'm very pleased with my CX-9. I drove Ford trucks before this, including 2 Expeditions, and my wife has a Honda Odyssey, and I can say that the CX-9 handles the best of all of them. Parking is very easy. I've also had no problems now in 5000 miles other than the peeling door handles, which is addressed in a TSB and will be replaced by the dealer.