MSRP: $23,750 - $28,000
Invoice: $22,225 - $26,188
MPG: 17 City / 22 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.4
Performance:8.3
Exterior:8.9
Interior:7.3
Safety:9.3
Reliability:8.0
Pros and Cons
  • Car-like, sporty handling
  • Powerful turbocharged engine
  • Excellent crash test scores
  • Distinctive styling sets it apart from its class
  • Cramped rear seat
  • "Un-boxy" design creates less usable cargo space and interior storage than most other midsize SUVs
  • No available manual transmission

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Mazda CX-7 - What the Auto Press Says

The CX-7 delivers a fun, sporty ride in a distinctive-looking, safe and functional crossover SUV package. The Mazda's strong all-around appeal helps it earn a ranking in the top half of its large class. However, itranks in the bottom half of the Affordable Crossover SUV class.

Introduced just last year, the CX-7 borrows elements from the Mazda5, Mazda3, Ford Focus and Ford Edge. The Mazda CX-7 carries over into 2008 with only minor changes. It's 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." While the CX-7 boasts many positive attributes, many reviewers still wish it had a roomier interior, a more comfortable rear seat and better fuel economy. With a base price under $25,000, experts generally see the CX-7 as a good buy -- 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 2008 CX-7 comes in three trim levels -- Sport, Touring and Grand Touring -- with a universal turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

  • "This is a great car for the money, especially when compared to its competition." -- AutoWeek
  • "Engineered with ample space to transport five occupants, the functional and comfortable front-drive CX-7 cuts an uncommon path through the ho-hum of regular SUVs and other crossover vehicles." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune
  • "The Mazda CX-7 is a competent crossover utility vehicle when measured against the competition. It's a bit smaller inside than some of the competition, but not everybody needs or wants room for seven passengers. What it does have is the sporty Mazda look and a good measure of the marque's sporty handling characteristics." -- New Car Test Drive
  • "Turns out, I can be a good mom and drive a cool car. Let me repeat that mantra: I can be a good mom and drive a cool car! Thanks to that ah-ha moment, I think Mazda and I will be BFF." -- Mother Proof

CX-7 Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2008 Mazda CX-7 offers a deliciously sporty performance that ranks near the top of its class. New Car Test Drive says: "The CX-7 has a remarkably energetic engine and an equally accommodating transmission, and it's available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. That easily makes it worth a look." However, test drivers heavily criticize the CX-7's fuel economy. Read More

CX-7 Exterior - 8.9 (Very Good)

The CX-7's high-ranking exterior styling makes it one of the better looking SUVs in the class. USA Today calls the CX-7 "gorgeous" and U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman says it's "sleek and stylin.'" Reviewers especially like the sporty-looking windshield. Critics love the SUV's front styling, but find the rear rather boring. Read More

CX-7 Interior - 7.3 (Good)

The CX-7 loses points for its interior, which ranks near the bottom of the class. Though the space and comfort is acceptable, the cramped rear seat and some cheap materials detract from the cabin's overall appeal. "Some parts seem to work, others not so well," says New Car Test Drive. "Importing styling elements and even components from other Mazdas no doubt makes sense in terms of cost savings and even consistency of so-called DNA but doesn't always yield the desired harmony in look, feel, and function." Reviewers find the cockpit controls and stereo systems confusing. Read More

CX-7 Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)

The 2008 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. However, there are front visibility concerns due to the CX-7's styling. Read More

CX-7 Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2008 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. Read More

Review Last Updated: 2/18/09