Reader Review of the Week: 2011 Mazda CX-9

There are two interesting things to take away from Fast Freddy’s review of his Mazda CX-9. The first is that this is his second CX-9, so it already got his dollars once. The second time around, he cross-shopped it against the new Ford Explorer and still went back to the Mazda.

The second piece of info we found interesting was Freddy’s golf club requirements. We get questions sometimes about why we always photograph a car’s trunk or an SUV’s cargo area loaded with golf clubs, and here’s a perfect example. They also serve as an illustration of any big, bulky item.

Check out Fast Freddy’s full review below, and write a review of your own car here.

Cars.com Reviews the 2010 Mazda CX-9

Even if your family is big enough that you’re locked in to buying a three-row vehicle, there are still a surprising number of options out there for seven-seaters, ranging from truck-based SUVs to compact crossovers. The Mazda CX-9 tries to split the difference, offering a roomy-enough third row with gas mileage that won’t make you immediately wince. Stuck in a crowded field, the 2010 CX-9 still manages to distinguish itself, according to Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder. Read his full review to find out how the CX-9 reaches a healthy balance.

2010 Mazda CX-9 Review

Mazda Offers Zero-Percent Financing

Mazda is offering zero-percent APR financing for 60 months on 2010 Mazda3, Mazda5 and Mazda6 models through June 1.

On top of that, certain Midwest customers qualify for an extra $500 cash toward the purchase or lease of new select Mazda models on top of zero-percent financing. We found the deal extended to the most vehicles in Midwestern ZIP codes, so check in your area, as eligible cars may vary.

Note that the Mazdaspeed3 does not come with this offer.

Mazda is also offering $500 in owner loyalty cash for previous Mazda customers who buy a 2010 Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-7 or CX-9.

Recall Alert: 2010 Mazda CX-9

Mazda has issued a recall for 12,300 CX-9 vehicles from the 2010 model year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This applies to vehicles equipped with heated front seats.

Under extremely cold conditions, the seat heater control circuit could overheat due to insufficient electrical grounding and burn the seat cushion’s surface. In a worst-case scenario, it could cause a fire.

Dealers will install an additional ground harness on the seat heater control system, replace the entire system or replace the seat if necessary. Whatever the fix, it will be done free of charge.

Owners may contact Mazda at 800-222-5500 or the NHTSA vehicle safety hot line at 888-327-4236.

2009 Cash-Back Deals You Can Still Find

As the 2010 models push out nearly all of the old 2009s on dealer lots, a lot of buyers become annoyed by valid, advertised cash-back offers on 2009 cars that basically aren’t available anymore.

We tracked down some interesting offers on 2009s that are:
a.)    Cars we wouldn’t mind buying
b.)    Have a significant cash-back offer
c.)    Readily available, according to Cars.com’s new-car inventory

Check out our list below. And if you want to search our inventory scroll to the end of the post for handy links for each model.

2010 Mazda CX-9 Debuting at 2009 New York Auto Show

As we get closer to April’s New York auto show, we’re learning more about the few new arrivals scheduled for release. Over at the Mazda booth expect to see a new 2010 Mazdaspeed3, the updated 2010 CX-7 and a just announced 2010 CX-9.

While there isn’t much information on the new CX-9, Mazda does say it received an exterior/interior refresh and some new options and safety features. Judging from the single quarter-profile shot provided above, the CX-9’s exterior refresh amounts to some minor cosmetic surgery to the front lower lip. The result is probably the least successful transference of Mazda’s controversial “smile” design language to an existing model. Both the CX-7 and new MX-5 Miata look more natural sporting the new design element.

Mazda said the “zoom-zoom” driving characters were also improved on the CX-9, which probably means they dialed in the tuning a bit. As for interior enhancements, the CX-7 received higher quality materials and a new gauge cluster. Maybe something similar is in store for the CX-9, which already is quite luxurious inside. It won Cars.com’s Family Car of the Year in 2008, and its upscale interior was one reason it garnered the award. We’ll have more information on the changes when we travel to the New York auto show next month.

2010 Mazda CX-7 Gains New Base Four-Cylinder Engine (KickingTires)
First Look: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 (KickingTires)

Recall Alert: 2007-09 Mazda CX-9

Mazda has issued a recall for 30,600 CX-9s from the 2007-09 model years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall applies to CX-9s equipped with power-adjustable seats with a memory function. The power seats can potentially short-circuit, causing seat malfunctions that increase the risk of accidents, NHTSA said.

Dealers will inspect the seat harness and fasten the seat frame with a cable or tie free of charge. Mazda expects to send out recall letters to affected owners by no later than March 9.

Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500 or the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.