2007 Mazda CX-7 Review Preview

As I say goodbye today to the Mazda CX-7 I've been driving all week, I have to start thinking about my full review for the research pages. I don’t like to get started on the actual review until I’m done with my full week behind the wheel.

I’ll let you blog readers in on a little secret: I'm actually considering the CX-7 to replace my own — or I should say my wife’s — 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. That makes the perk of testing a new car for a week even better, as I get seven days with no salesman to decide whether or not the CX-7 will top our wish list when our lease is up next spring.

All the attributes I liked most about the CX-7 when it arrived are still what I like most now that it’s gone. A good-looking exterior and interior, a window sticker less than the competition, the fun-to-drive factor — especially for an SUV — and the fact that it gets decent mileage. I even liked — scratch that — loved the upgraded Bose stereo. 

All those things make the CX-7 a major player in the segment and on our shopping list. The big drawback is the SUV’s blind spot problem. Because of those narrowing side windows, visibility is slightly limited at the very rear end of the vehicle's side. It’s an odd location, too, because it isn’t the vertical pillar causing the problem, it’s the horizontal frame of the window. I would think an owner would get used to this over time, but it does make me wonder. I just hope that doesn’t negate all the positives, because I’ve been itching for a new car. Of course, there are another two or three new vehicles not out yet that could knock the CX-7 off the top of the list, blind spot or no.

Update: Cars.com CX-7 Review

Comments

[ilya]

It's a BIG version of the MAZDASPEED3! What else can you expect! I think for the price, it's a perfect catch! Once i get my porshe for a few month, and need an SUV again, screw the LR3, and all the American "big boi" stuff, THIS IS, the way to go!!! Glad you enjoyed it!
--ilyaa?!

[Jacque]

I've had my CX-7 for a little over a month now and loved it, at first. In the past month my a/c has quit and the dealership has replaced my Bose stereo, not once, but twice. Thankfully the dealership service has been outstanding, even coming to my house to pick-up the car. In the back of my mind I wonder if my husband was right in that we made a mistake and should have purchased the Honda Pilot instead. The next few months will be very telling. As long as nothing else fails, I'm happy, but I do wish the reliability were better.

[Shawn]

Jacque, I guess the A/C and Bose audio failing is because it's the first year production model, most cars when it goes through its first year production, alot of problems can occur. However, have fun with your CX-7.

[David]

My wife love's her new CX7, but like Jacque, we've had several problems with the Bose stereo and brakes. Almost two months of ownership and five re-visits to the dealer and all is well. We don't regret buying it, but then again our Mazda dealer is only two minutes away.
We love the way it handles, wish it was a tad bit more quiet and really cannot get used to the blind spot but every thing else is absolutely perfect. We knew we were taking a gamble because it's a Mazda and a first year model. All in all we are pleased. Now if it just lasts as long as our Honda's have we'll be in heaven.

[Dave T.]

Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences with the CX-7.
David, the blindspot I mentioned is still a problem for you after two months? You don't get used to it?
I'm guessing the stereo and a/c issues will be hammered out in the next model year.

[sboyNAcamaro]

avoid the pilot and the mazda altogether and look into a torrent or an equinox, maybe even an SRX

[Dave T.]

Sboy,
We like you commenting but every answer can't be a GM product. We like certain GM vehicles for what they are but currently GM doesn't have anything that competes with the Pilot or the CX7. You'll have to wait for the next gen Equinox platform before that happens.
The new crossovers (GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave) will also be interesting but will be a bit bigger than the two Japanese models mentioned here.

[Jim]

I just bought a CX-7 a week ago. So far so good. I'm curious to see what MPG i will get on the first tank. The Bose stereo actually sounds good. The gauges, control, and seat adjustment are all very functional. I'm happy with the car.

[Igor]

Mr. Thomas ...

for the blindpot - just get the round convex mirrors from AutoZone for both sides ... I have a Mazda3, and have them and I cannot even drive a car without them - they are the best $4 I ever spent on that car ... eliminates ANY need to look over my shoulder to check for cars...

PS: I sat in a CX7 today - just sat, did not drive - I love it - but after getting out of my loaner Mazda6, I expected more - softer - plastics .... there were "soft touch" - not quite soft ... I am not sure whether it wold fly well in such as "performance" car, but it did startle me a little bit ..

I do absolutely love the car though ... too bad that my family's budget recently shrunk, and the Cx7 got spaced out of the price range for the new car ... we will have to look lower for Escape or such.

Igor

[Nick]

I am considering the CX-7, but I read a review that said they averaged 14 mpg. I was very suprised considering it is a 4 cylinder! can any owners tell me what they are actually getting on fuel economy?

[Hank]

CX-7 for three weeks and still love it with no problems. Road trip to Amish Country in PA with its tight turns in little river valleys was a pure joy. Mileage started off at 18 and is moving to 20 in combination of city and freeway. My wife has turned into a GPS Nav addict - very useful in No. VA where nothing makes sense and the route to is different than the route back.

I always said I wished they made a car that had what I wanted in performance and features. CX-7 fits the bill.

[Dave T.]

Nick,
I averaged just over 20 mpg with my week in the cx-7 for the review that will go up later today or tomorrow.
It was mostly highway miles but also about half a day for a photo shoot where the engine was idling a lot.

[Kevin Bui]

Thank you for sharing your insight about this CX-7. Could you please let me know how much you paid for your car (sale price before tax, ect)? I am looking for a base model (Sport Model) CX-7 which is all what I need. Thanks.

[Jimmy T.]

We just made the jump into the CX-7 about 3 weeks ago. We actually had gone in to look at the Speed6, but instantly fell in love with the performance and comfort of the '7'. Right now, I'm getting about 21mpg, most of my driving is done on the highway. I honestly have to say that it is easy to get much worse than that if you enjoy the quick punches the turbo can let loose. The shifting is smooth at all speeds, not alot of body roll in hard turns, the traction control is not too overbearing like you feel in some vehicles, and on a long haul with 2 kids and a dog (all 115lbs of her) comfort was not a sacrifice. The ‘after purchase’ factory options/add-ons are a little thin right now, but you can easily get what you want for little cost. All in all, for a 4 cylinder, I am VERY please with the acceleration and you can surely feel the more sporty handling from its smaller kin in the Miata and RX-8. I look forward to see what else Mazda has up its sleeve.

[Jim]

The engine warning light went on in my CX-7 about a week after I bought it. Also the seat makes a rattling noise and the storage compartment between the driver and the passenger doesn't lock. Has anyone else experience these problems? Regarding the mpg, I got 18 mpg the first tank, and 20 mpg the second tank. Mostly slow and go driving on the highway, and probably 65% AC on. I think the car can do maybe 22 mpg with the AC off on the highway.

[Scott]

Unless I'm mistaken, the only part of the audio system that is "Bose" are the speakers and their placement. The head-unit itself is not made by Bose.

[andy]

Like many, I've had issues with mine. The biggest is the stumbling and missing of the engine, poor gas mileage, now the audio system. My dealer says Mazda is working on a fix for the engine that is supposed to be out by 10/6. If it's not here, I'm getting a buy-back. This is a fun ride, but it's got WAY too many issues.

[Annette]

I guess I must be one of the lucky ones because I've had my CX-7 for three weeks now and nothing has gone wrong. I got the AWD Grand Touring model(loaded except for the technology package - none available)and couldn't be happier. It's my first SUV and I was looking for something sporty with excellent performance. I'm used to driving mid-sized V6's, so it was a suprise how much power this had with a 4 cylinder - turbo charged or not, considering it's weight. One thing did happen this morning - the tire pressure monitor went on when I started the car (grabbed the handy instruction booklet that comes with the car since I was clueless what kind of idiot light it was)but after filling up with gas at lunchtime it went off. It may be an idiot light problem, but it's definitely not the tires...they were not low on pressure. If this is the only problem I have it was well worth taking a chance on a first-year model. BTW - I have had no problems with the A/C (and I would know since I like it cold) or the stereo - it works great. One thing nobody has mentioned - it did take some getting used to the shifter - I had a tendency to slide it into the manual mode when putting it in drive, but that has passed and I am 100% satisfied and happy I made this purchase. Very roomy interior and the Temp/stereo/clock display on the top of the center console is east to read.

[jaqe]

I wish it had a 6 cylinder engine with equivalent HP rather than a turbo charged 4. I would expect fuel consumption to be similar. Love the look, however, I'm concerned with long term reliability and maintenance costs (...). The turbo charged engine will endure higher stresses, hence, I fear this would compromise its longevity with resulting high maintenance costs and depreciate its value. Any reassuring opinions out there ?

[sum dude]

Your fears are well-founded but generally factory turbocharged engines are built to handle the extra stress that it will endure (provided they actually take the time to do it), granted the turbos have to be rebuilt after a certain amount of miles, i dont know how many. The only problem i see with a turbocharged engine is higher labor costs with major engine work.

[MR. SMITH]

My wife and I have had our CX7 now for 2months and we just love it no problems at all and it is a HEAD turner we have the Grand Touring model with every possible option and everything works well. Some people complain about the sound system it is a matter of tast if they learn how to tune it,it will sound great. Thanks Mazda you have a great product

[John Brown]

I've had my CX-7 since August. Filled the tank 9 times and the mileage has been a HUGE disappointment. I know this is a heavy vehicle (almost 4000lbs I think) and that's a lot to ask of the 4 cyl engine - also its a turbo. But I'm getting way below EPA numbers (18city/24highway) - I expected to be somewhat close, maybe 10-20% below - I started off getting 22mpg, then 20. The last two fill ups were 16mpg, then 15mpg and the trend continues in the downward direction. This is a mix of city and highway too and I'm light on the pedal - I don't engage the turbo very often. Quality control is poor as well (almost like Mazda released a beta-version!). My brakes are squeeling terribly, the rear tailgate creaks - dashboard creaks - and blind spots are terrible . You can't see the front end of the vehicle either, making parallel parking tough unless you have lots of space.

[oscar Cervantes]

I need the Navigation system Bose Bcause in mexico there selling the CX7 without the nav syst some one knows where i can buy that or some one knows people on EUA that maybe removed their stereo and there maybe want me to buy it!!! plzz if someone know info please send me an email or post me thanks

[Chi]

Any concerns about turbo reliability are unfounded (but probably based on 20-30 year old rumours).

The engines themselves are no more complicated than a normally aspirated engine and the new technology in turbo design makes for turbos that last far longer than the average car owner's love for the car. (I have a 91 Audi Turbo with 187k miles on the original old tech turbo)

Mazda chose a turbo 4 cylinder to save on weight and gas consumption. A 6 cylinder will get worse mileage.

I think a CX7 turbodiesel would be a big hit as long as it got 30+mpg on the highway.

[Glenn]

Concur with the last comment re turbo reliability. 1980s' tech turbos were less reliable than those available now and generally required a higher degree of operator input (idling down following driving generally with a turbo timer and dependent upon makem rebuilds after say 100 000 kms). Fortunately things have changed and turbos are reliable and do not require any special operator management. This is my experience with two 21st C Subarus - absolutely bulletproof.

As for my CX7 - an AWD - so far so good. Blind spots have been eliminated with stick on convex (trucker) mirrors, city fuel consumption is less than expected (around 13 MPG) however highway consumption has been around 25 and the AC struggles in anything above about 32 Deg C (90 Deg F) which is a typical Brisbane (Australia) summner day. Otherwise all is good and no regrets with the purchase.

[Rick]

I bought my Cx-7 in November 06. I have a Grand Touring w/ Tech package. I think this vehicle offers the most for the best price. It drives and handles great. I have only a few minor issues, the automatic lighting needs to have a delay to prevent swithing back and forth in marginal light conditions and when passing under a bridge. The stereo is supposed to have an automatic volume adjustment for background noise that does not seem to function. I also get an odor of hot oil very breifly after heavy highway driving and then stopping at light. The odor seems to get sucked into the ventilation system from the motor. I am having the dealer look into these issues but was checking this site to see other mazda owners experiences. My gas mileage is about 21 MPG. It started at about 17-18 and then after breaking in around 2600 miles has been consistently 21. Overall a good vehicle for a good price and would recommend to anyone at this point!

[oopablo]

As far as the engine and the extra stress it endures do to turbo, rembember this is the same 2.3 turbo set up used in the Mazdaspeed 6, only its been de-tuned to make 30 less hp. So same block, head, and general internals, but lower compression, lower stresses. Plus the 2.3 is popping up everywhere from Ford Focus' to the CX-7. Its a tested engine, im not worried about it one bit.

[Spencer]

I have a new one for you. Generally we love our new CX-7, but I have been back to the dealership twice in the past two weeks for similar issues that are posted on this site. However, today I experienced a new issue. My CX-7 refused to recognize the smart keys and would not turn over. Two hours later, it decided that it was okay to start now, but the engine light stayed on. It's back in the shop this morning and I'm in a Mazda3 rental. I really love driving this vehicle, but I'm getting very nervous about its reliability.

[Dave T.]

Spencer,
Do you live in cold weather? how cold was it when this happened?

[Spencer]

The temperature outside this morning was -16C.

[Spencer]

I have an update regarding my smart key issues. I'm still in a rental today, but I was given an update from my dealership this morning. They were able to dump all of the codes that were generated during my issue. The dealership reported some of the findings to Mazda Canada and today there is a Mazda engineer visiting my dealership to take a look at my vehicle. This would lead me to believe that the dealership found something new for the CX-7 that could be a big deal. In the end, I have been told that I can pickup my CX-7 tonight.

[Dave T.]

Spencer,
Thanks for the update. Mazdas, especially the RX-8, have been known to be temperamental in cold weather. I would think the turbo would be pretty tricky in that way too. Obviously that's no excuse but not unheard of and something Mazda should definitely work on if they're going to be selling AWD SUVs, something we all want in cold/bad weather areas.

[Nick Li]

I have my cx7 for a little over 5 weeks,everything is alright, but i don't know why it drinks too much gas, it works out to 14 km/Liters, which dealer said it's only 12.

[spencer]

Hi, I'm in a loaner again, atleast this time I'm in a CX-7 loaner. Engine light issues and this time passenger air bag trouble as well. I had a 1:1 session with the dealership owner this morning about my situation. I think we are reaching the end of this saga, I hope!

[Sean]

I have had my cx7 for about a month now. I do agree that the fuel economy does seem to be below the stated mpg on the sticker. I also have had the check engine light come on and off randomly, which I believe is due to the cold weather. The dealership says the C.E.L. issue is a known problem with a sensor and that Mazda is currently working on a solution. However, it is kind of annoying when you buy a new car to get away from problems such as this and you end up spending more time in the dealership service dept. than you ever have before. Per the message boards, the CX7 seems plagued with issues. I do love the cx7; however, if I had a chance to do it all again, I would not have purchased this vehicle right now. I would recommend waiting 'til they work the bugs out of this 1st edition and then buy one a year or so from now. Other than the little problems, the overall package is nice. I do not agree with others that the interior looks cheap. Compare any foreign to a domestic and you'll uderstand what cheap looks like. The ride of the car is great and the acceleration is awesome. This is my first Mazda and I have always heard people bragging about their dependability, which is why I went forward with the purchase. I just hope the vehicle lives up to the reliable reputation.

[Juan]

For all those talking about Mileage: Is everyone using Premium gasoline? It's the one recommended by the Manufacturer, I am looking into an Crossover vehicles like the Murano, Edge, CX-7 and 9, etc... and would like to have an idea regarding the GAS. Thanks in advance.

[Elaine Tobies]

I have a mazda 626 and am considering buying a Mazda CX-7. I love my Mazda 626 and she still handles well, but after 10 years it's time for a new car. I see mixed reviews regarding the CX-7, and I have one question. Has anyone done their research regarding this car? I've checked blogs, Consumer reports, Edmunds, etc. and the car seems to be pretty good. Not GREAT..But pretty good..I'll keep reading to see more reviews and continue to test drive and see what happens.

[Dave T.]

Elaine,
You can read consumer reviews on Cars.com here:
http://research.cars.com/go/crp/research.jsp?makeid=30&ASSET_TYPE=Affiliate+Review%2CBuying+Guide%2CVehicle+Profile&logtype=6&year=2007&modelid=8239&revlogtype=17&section=consumerreviews&call=&section=summary&mode=&aff=national

But just do a google search for "Mazda CX-7 forum" and you'll be able to find at least one message board of owners.
http://www.mcx7.com/
is one
http://www.mazdaforum.com/

is another. Good luck.

[Elaine Tobies]

Thanks Dave T.

[Elaine Tobies]

WELL I have finally purchased the car I've been staring at since last summer on Friday 3/30. The CX-7 Sport in Silver/Gray. And I must say I am loving this car. It is roomy inside, the handling is good and the pickup speed is great, Sound system is nice and I love the display features. Coming from a Mazda 97' 626 which I still have to a 2007 CX-7 is very different. I love being up so high!!! Blind spot! What blind spot!!! Just use your mirrors and windows and you'll be fine. The only negative is the MPG, Guess I got spoiled in my smaller car.
I just gotta stop lookin for that clutch...there isn't one!!!

[Eileen]

I've had my CX-7 for about 2 months now and love driving it. My only problem seems to be when I'm excerlating and getting on the highway (between 3rd and 4th gear) it seems to stumble and makes a noise. Then it goes away and is fine...does anyone else have a similar problem?

[Helga]

Thanks so very much for taking your time to create this very useful and informative site. I have learned a lot from your site. Thanks!!1

[Hillary]

i love this site.

[Sally]

I purchased my CX-7 a week ago and love it! I am on my second tank and not real thrilled on the gas mg as of yet. It is brand new and can't expect to get the milage the sticker says until the engine is broken in.
I love the handling, look and turbo. Fun to drive! I had a mazda 6 and it was wonderful but I missed the roominess and being up high that you get in an suv.

[Jn1x]

I am on my second CX-7. The first one was purcahsed in 12/06. I had to be towed off the interstate 2 weeks after buying it. The dealership told me there was nothing wrong with it and that I should come pick it up. 3 weeks later I was towed again off the interstate (the car would just stop accelerating...the engine stayed on but wouldn't go). The second dealership told me again that there was nothing wrong with it and that I should pick it up. 50 miles later I was towed off the interstate again (same issue as the first two times). The car was taken back to dealership #1 and after two days they called and said there was nothing wrong with it and to come pick it up. I refused to drive it any more and told them they would have to figure out what to do with it. The next day they called and told me to come pick it up because there was nothing wrong with it. Somehow, they didn't see that being stranded 3 times in below 0 degree (farenheit) weather was an issue. I again refused to pick up the vehicle and they were starting to get pretty upset with me. They spent the next day driving the vehicle and the technician got stranded about 50 miles from the dealership. Ultimately the transmission was replaced, along with several other parts of the drivetrain, but I didn't want the car back. After about a month and a half of arguing with Mazda, they agreed to buy-back the vehicle about an hour before my attorney filed the papers with the court.
The second vehicle was good for the first month or two, but I have had it re-alligned once, it has eaten 4 tires (due to cupping, which the dealership tells me is related to the mis-allignment) and it needs to be re-alligned again. Mazda hadn't released the specs for allingment to their dealerships by the time I needed to have mine done - so I had to take it to a Chevrolet dealership to be done. Mazda claims that I drive too much and as a result they will only pay for 2 of the tires to be replaced.
Overall, I regret trading in the 2005 Mazda 6 on this vehicle. I don't have time for all these problems, but if they continue I'll be pushing the lemon-law again. This time I'll take the cash.

[Jn1x]

I am on my second CX-7. The first one was purcahsed in 12/06. I had to be towed off the interstate 2 weeks after buying it. The dealership told me there was nothing wrong with it and that I should come pick it up. 3 weeks later I was towed again off the interstate (the car would just stop accelerating...the engine stayed on but wouldn't go). The second dealership told me again that there was nothing wrong with it and that I should pick it up. 50 miles later I was towed off the interstate again (same issue as the first two times). The car was taken back to dealership #1 and after two days they called and said there was nothing wrong with it and to come pick it up. I refused to drive it any more and told them they would have to figure out what to do with it. The next day they called and told me to come pick it up because there was nothing wrong with it. Somehow, they didn't see that being stranded 3 times in below 0 degree (farenheit) weather was an issue. I again refused to pick up the vehicle and they were starting to get pretty upset with me. They spent the next day driving the vehicle and the technician got stranded about 50 miles from the dealership. Ultimately the transmission was replaced, along with several other parts of the drivetrain, but I didn't want the car back. After about a month and a half of arguing with Mazda, they agreed to buy-back the vehicle about an hour before my attorney filed the papers with the court.
The second vehicle was good for the first month or two, but I have had it re-alligned once, it has eaten 4 tires (due to cupping, which the dealership tells me is related to the mis-allignment) and it needs to be re-alligned again. Mazda hadn't released the specs for allingment to their dealerships by the time I needed to have mine done - so I had to take it to a Chevrolet dealership to be done. Mazda claims that I drive too much and as a result they will only pay for 2 of the tires to be replaced.
Overall, I regret trading in the 2005 Mazda 6 on this vehicle. I don't have time for all these problems, but if they continue I'll be pushing the lemon-law again. This time I'll take the cash.

[lvmg]

I love my black cherry 2007 CX7 - EXCEPT for the steering. It seems to pull right then left and follows ruts in the road. My arms get tired from holding the steering wheel straight.
Is anyone else experiencing this problem??

[Gail]

WARNING: Do not put the pedal to the metal on a Mazda CX7

On August 23, our CX7 test drive gave us a lot more than expected. Gail drove it first along HWY 7 and down McCowan to the highway. On the 407 she mentioned how much it was like driving a sports car rather than an SUV. She liked the responsive steering and the ride and we thought the look and handling of the car was superb!

Then for the return trip, I wanted to try the car myself. I was concerned about the overall headroom as I am just over six feet. I also wanted to try out the Sport Shift mode as I have one in my Volvo XC70. When I exited the highway, the first thing I noticed at the end of the ramp is that the engine was racing and I had to tap the brake repeatedly to stop the racing. Then when I turned north on McCowan and pressed hard on the gas pedal, once again the car lurched forward and the engine raced even after I took my foot off the gas pedal. I was alarmed and tried to show the salesrep in the back seat that the car was behaving uncontrollably. The car was still gaining speed while I held both feet away from the pedals. Again tapping the break repeatedly, the engine dropped back to idle.

Then when I turned east on 16th Ave to return to the dealership and stepped on the gas the car surged forward again as if the gas pedal was pressed to the floor. This time, numerous attempts to brake the car caused the brakes to smell but the car continued to race forward. In an attempt to gain control of the speeding vehicle, I tried shifting from automatic to manual and neutral but no matter what, the car kept accelerating. For over a kilometer, I tried to stop the car. I hammered on the brake pedal as hard as I could but I could not stop the CX7. Then I decided to use two feet on the brake and that’s about when I started to scout for something soft to run into. The stoplights on 48 were coming up fast, and in one last attempt before I tried switching off the key or stepping on the parking brake, I put both feet and all my weight on the brakes and the car finally kicked out of its acceleration mode and I was able to gain control and drive it slowly back to the dealership.

Needless to say we won’t be buying the CX7 even though we loved the car. Unless there is a simple explanation (which I doubt) I would always be wondering when the car was going to take off.

[Alexandro]

Dont pay BIG dealer prices Like me Take over my lease I have a 2007 mazda cx-7 I have 20 payments remaining 350 each at the end walk away or buy it at 18000 great car I love it but need to cut bill's more info at uchasss@hotmail.com FLORIDA

[AS]

We purchase our CX-7 on June 19th, 2007, in CA. My husband and I were very pleased with the vehicle at first. We loved the fact that the engine was so quite and the car drove very smoothly. 3.5 months later are problems began.

In the morning the engine starts at a high RPM about 2500 until its warm. We have less than 3,000 miles on the car. Issues should not be coming up until much later....maybe 30,000 or so...

The engine became very loud and had a knocking noise to it...so we took it into Mazda last Wed. Mazda says "oh is a software issue and they've upgraded the program and everything is fine and for us to pick up the vehicle...so we stopped by to pick up the vehicle and the knocking noise and high RMP idle problem was still there...we refused to take the vehicle home and ask them to have a technician/mechanic take another look at it.

The saga continues...in the order of service conducted:

1.)9/28, Service called: The technician said it was because of loose engine valves and that they have ordered hinges to fix the problem...after replacing the hinges the issues still remains

2.)10/1 Service called: Technician said it could be the cam shaft. A new cam shaft was ordered and replaced it...still the issues remains

3.)10/2 Service called: Cam Shaft replacement did not solve the issue. Technician have to replace the surpentine belt & the tensioner..parts have been ordered..

...we are now waiting to find out if Mazda can resolve the issue....very disappointed....