- 6,977
- old-guy64
Well Mazda lovers:
I have had the occasion to spend a few days with a Mazda CX-7.
I will warn you before read any further that I'm not much on "crossover" vehicles, as I don't really get their niche in the market.
GENERAL IMPRESSIONS:
The Mazda CX-7 is a 5 passenger "crossover" vehicle, that is part SUV and part wagon. It is available as an AWD or FWD vehicle. It is equipped in all trim levels with a 2.3L DISI Turbo 4 cyl putting out 244 HP.
Based on the "Build a Vehicle" feature on www.mazdausa.com the vehicle I'm using is a basic Sport FWD model.
While it is basic it is very well equipped with a 6-spd auto trans (manual not available), AM/FM/CD player, 6-way manual adjust driver's seat, 2 AC power points, AC, 18 inch wheels, etc.
Mazda does know how to do creature comfort.
Seating is per comfortable, fairly supportive bucket seats in front, and a 60/40 split bench in the rear. The cargo area will hold at least a weeks worth of luggage for a family of four.
It also has about the brightest headlights ever. I have been "hi-beamed" every time I've taken it out in the dark. The actual high-beams bring to mind the phrase, "set phasers to kill, Mr. Sulu." They really are THAT bright.
Comfort-wise, the vehicle is terminally average. I think this is because to keep the roof as low, and the ground clearance as high, you lose a lot of head and leg room.
Walking around the vehicle, you are struck by how large it seems. Getting in, you wonder where all that space could have possibly gone.
DRIVING IMPRESSION:
Let me say first off: Damn! this thing is a lot quicker than it has any right to be.
The 2.3L Turbo 4 makes it's power from about 1000 RPM thru red line. Yet, if you keep your foot out of it, it'll short-shift itself better than you ever could using the Manumatic gate of the shifter.
The steering wheel is perfectly sized and weighted. The power steering is not vague, and communicates the feeling of the road. It would not be hard to get into this thing in the morning, and drive from Kansas City to Colorado Springs. You would have to stop and stretch every 2-3 hours, as it can get kinda tight in there if you are over 6 feet tall.
Like new Mazda's tend to do, this vehicle corners nice and flat. It is the first SUV-ish car that I've ever driven that did not scare the heck out of me in turns.
Also, the CX-7 is nearly as quiet as the Mazda6. Sensation of speed is something that tends to go away for me, when I'm driving this thing.
Cruise control is a must. Barring that check your mirrors often for State Troopers.
The other thing this vehicle has a strong appetite for is gas. I've gotten 21.5 MPG out of it. (Consider My wife's 6 has the same powerplant, w/o the turbo, and it pulls down 27-29 mpg.
Verdict:
Mazda has a winner on their hands with this one. It's not my taste, but I can see where it would be a popular choice for soccer mom's everywhere.
Add to that, dad won't be embarrassed to be seen in it.
I have had the occasion to spend a few days with a Mazda CX-7.
I will warn you before read any further that I'm not much on "crossover" vehicles, as I don't really get their niche in the market.
GENERAL IMPRESSIONS:
The Mazda CX-7 is a 5 passenger "crossover" vehicle, that is part SUV and part wagon. It is available as an AWD or FWD vehicle. It is equipped in all trim levels with a 2.3L DISI Turbo 4 cyl putting out 244 HP.
Based on the "Build a Vehicle" feature on www.mazdausa.com the vehicle I'm using is a basic Sport FWD model.
While it is basic it is very well equipped with a 6-spd auto trans (manual not available), AM/FM/CD player, 6-way manual adjust driver's seat, 2 AC power points, AC, 18 inch wheels, etc.
Mazda does know how to do creature comfort.
Seating is per comfortable, fairly supportive bucket seats in front, and a 60/40 split bench in the rear. The cargo area will hold at least a weeks worth of luggage for a family of four.
It also has about the brightest headlights ever. I have been "hi-beamed" every time I've taken it out in the dark. The actual high-beams bring to mind the phrase, "set phasers to kill, Mr. Sulu." They really are THAT bright.
Comfort-wise, the vehicle is terminally average. I think this is because to keep the roof as low, and the ground clearance as high, you lose a lot of head and leg room.
Walking around the vehicle, you are struck by how large it seems. Getting in, you wonder where all that space could have possibly gone.
DRIVING IMPRESSION:
Let me say first off: Damn! this thing is a lot quicker than it has any right to be.
The 2.3L Turbo 4 makes it's power from about 1000 RPM thru red line. Yet, if you keep your foot out of it, it'll short-shift itself better than you ever could using the Manumatic gate of the shifter.
The steering wheel is perfectly sized and weighted. The power steering is not vague, and communicates the feeling of the road. It would not be hard to get into this thing in the morning, and drive from Kansas City to Colorado Springs. You would have to stop and stretch every 2-3 hours, as it can get kinda tight in there if you are over 6 feet tall.
Like new Mazda's tend to do, this vehicle corners nice and flat. It is the first SUV-ish car that I've ever driven that did not scare the heck out of me in turns.
Also, the CX-7 is nearly as quiet as the Mazda6. Sensation of speed is something that tends to go away for me, when I'm driving this thing.
Cruise control is a must. Barring that check your mirrors often for State Troopers.
The other thing this vehicle has a strong appetite for is gas. I've gotten 21.5 MPG out of it. (Consider My wife's 6 has the same powerplant, w/o the turbo, and it pulls down 27-29 mpg.
Verdict:
Mazda has a winner on their hands with this one. It's not my taste, but I can see where it would be a popular choice for soccer mom's everywhere.
Add to that, dad won't be embarrassed to be seen in it.