Mazda CX-7
Overall Score - 8.4 (Very Good)
The CX-7 delivers a fun, sporty ride in a distinctive-looking, safe and functional crossover SUV package. If you're in the market for an affordable crossover SUV, you should also consider the sleek Nissan Murano and Ford Edge, or the more traditionally-styled Honda Pilot and GMC Acadia. For a larger crossover option from Mazda, consider the all-new seven-passenger CX-9.
Auto reviewers see the all new 2007 Mazda CX-7 crossover as a successful combination of sporty looks and performance with SUV functionality. The Detroit News calls it "one of the most exciting vehicles of the '07 model year, a true creature of the new millennium that works hard to combine the best of several vehicle segments." In fact, the CX-7 borrows elements from the Mazda5, Mazda3, Ford Focus and Ford Edge, prompting AutoWeek to call it "a parts-bin wonder, but a wonderful sum of all parts."
One of Consumer Guide's "Recommended" cars, the CX-7 is a performance crossover with a turbocharged engine that reviewers say makes for a fun driving experience. USA TODAY writes, "For the sporty-minded, it sets the standard for so-called crossover-utility vehicles." Kelley Blue Book calls the CX-7 a "sleek, five-passenger SUV with the heart of a sports car" and notes it has the "handling of a car with the high seating position and spacious cargo hold of a large SUV, but without the larger vehicle's penalties for fuel economy and maneuverability." While the CX-7 boasts many positive attributes, many reviewers still wish it had a roomier interior, a more comfortable rear seat, higher fuel economy, and an available manual transmission.
With a base price under $25,000, experts generally see the CX-7 as a good buy, with AutoWeek noting, "This is a great car for the money, especially when compared to its competition" -- an even more pertinent point considering that the CX-7 offers many of the same features as much more expensive competitors, such as the Acura RDX. The New York Times similarly comments, "The jaunty CX-7 looks good under any circumstances, and...it looks like a good value, too." IntelliChoice gives the 2007 CX-7 an "average" value rating for its predicated five-year total cost of ownership, compared to vehicles in its class.
CX-7 Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)
Critics agree that the 2007 Mazda CX-7 offers very good performance. Kelley Blue Book says that "the CX-7 excels in the areas of handling, braking, acceleration and overall ride comfort." The CX-7's four-cylinder turbo-charged engine "would be right at home in a sports car," reports the Detroit Free Press. continue
CX-7 Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)
Mazda has won hearts with the CX-7's bold, sporty exterior styling. Kelley Blue Book says, "The CX-7 is not your father's chunky SUV. With a windshield fixed at a sleek 66-degree angle, front wheels pushed far forward and an RX-8-inspired hood and front fenders, the CX-7 looks almost as though it was built to race rather than commute." continue
CX-7 Interior - 7.3 (Good)
Most critics feel the five-seat design is good for space and comfort, competitive with other crossovers. However, many reviewers complain about the cramped rear seat and cheap interior materials (in all but the luxury Grand Touring model). continue
CX-7 Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)
The 2007 Mazda CX-7 has received excellent scores in federal government crash tests. It features a comprehensive array of safety equipment, including side curtain air bags and electronic stability control. continue
CX-7 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Mazda CX-7 reliability score shown
is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates.
This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial
quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically
the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).
The CX-7 comes with Mazda's three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.
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