LexFather

1st Place:
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD
The premium blend of performance, utility, and value.

2nd Place:
Acura MDX
The driving enthusiast's CUV, stalled only by a stiff price tag and a snug third row.

3rd Place:
GMC Acadia SLT AWD
The biggest and roomiest...and the heaviest and the slowest.



FWIW, their impressions pretty much echo mine. http://forums.thecarlounge.net...69330

Threxx

You have test-driven all three vehicles, then? How did that end up happening?

speedflex

I'm happy to see the CX-9 come out on top. And I might be in the minority here but I think, proportionally, it looks better than the CX-7.

Mazda has done well with both vehicles.

TXSTYLE

iTrader: (1)

I'm strongly considering getting the CX-9 for my wife later this year when the lease runs out on the Pathhfinder. She gets a new vehicle @ 2 - 3 yrs and with our little one (and possibly another in the making) we want a new suv/crossover for her often. It looks damn nice on the road and standing still. I've already gotten great pricing on a loaded out pearl and may pull the trigger even sooner. As a huge car buff I must say this vehicle looks, feels, performs much higher than it's price tag!

LexFather

SOrry, I coped and pasted from VWVortex. JWaters posted this, I believe he is also a member here and is looking at a SUV to buy

LexusChris

iTrader: (1)

Nice job on the CX-9 for Mazda, took a look last week. However I didn't find it anymore roomier than my MPV. It's third-row is actually useful for adults.

marshmallo

I would just go with the MDX. Mazda reliability is spotty,
especially on a large vehicle like this. One of my co-workers
recently bought a CX-7 and it's a big headache for him.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

I would also pic the MDX but i can't beleive the Mazda came 1st place.. To me it looks much better than the Cx-7 and all for under 30k i think.. THe MDX is priced way over 40k but as they say you get what you pay for right..

LexusChris

iTrader: (1)

Not all Mazdas imo, my Mazda has been trouble free these past seven years.

spwolf

So Ford first, Buick last? :-)

mmarshall

Not exactly, but you're not far off. The CX-9 is a joint Ford-Mazda design, shared with the Ford Edge and a new, up-coming Lincoln SUV. I can't comment directly on the CX-9, but I have reviewed the CX-7 and overall was not terribly impressed with it.....I much preferred the earlier Mazda Tribute/ Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner.

The GMC Acadia, as you note, is a multi-use GM platform that is shared with the Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook....rumors are that Saab may also get a version, but that is not confirmed that I know of. I have not reviewed either of the three, but on the surface, I like the look of the Enclave's interior. GM, though, is noted for cheap interior materials.....sometimes disguised to try and LOOK expensive. Doesn't fool me.


I have several CL member requests for a review of the new 2007 MDX (I did the 2006 last year) and it is next on my list...possibly this weekend. I will post my own write-up of it.

cip

Mine, too. We have an '02 MPV & put 68K on it in 5 years. Only thing that went was one of the coils (1 coil per cyl.) and 1 TSB for brake clunk, that's it. Regular fluid changes (@ Merlin, not dealer). My wife likes the MDX & RX, but I thought the new Mazda's do look pretty good.

We'll see what happens in the next year or so; what these new Mazda's are all about

mmarshall

Mazdas, in general, have average to better-than-average repair records, somewhat lower today than years ago, before Ford took over. The Miata's reliability, among U.S-market Mazdas, is clearly the best (one of Consumer Reports' top 10), but the Miata is pure Mazda and has NO Ford influence.

Lexmex

I have had a few friends here with the CX-7 and no problems. They really wanted the V6 RAV4, but Toyota decided not to sell it here, just the 4 cyl and pricing differences here are huge compared to the U.S.

mmarshall

Maybe because of the V6's octane requirements? You yourself know what gas is like in Mexico.