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2008 Mazda CX-7 Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Mazda CX-7 Review:
5.
6.
Mazda CX-7 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Mazda CX-7 Review
The 2008 Mazda CX-7 gets no major changes following its 2007 introduction. This crossover SUV comes in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring models with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All have a 244-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 2000 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Touring and Grand Touring have leather upholstery and heated front seats. Available for all is a navigation system with rearview camera.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
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2008 Mazda CX-7 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Ride |
| Cargo room | "Turbo lag" power delivery |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Peppy once rolling. An AWD Grand Touring did 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds in our test. Turbo lag is noticeable away from a stop and during around-town passing maneuvers. Manually shifting the automatic transmission partly offsets the lazy throttle response.
| AWD Sport | AWD Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Peppy once rolling. An AWD Grand Touring did 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds in our test. Turbo lag is noticeable away from a stop and during around-town passing maneuvers. Manually shifting the automatic transmission partly offsets the lazy throttle response.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, AWD models averaged a disappointing 14.3-14.5 mpg in mostly city driving and 18.0-21.4 mpg with more highway use. No opportunity to measure with front-wheel drive. CX-7 requires premium-grade gas.
| AWD Sport | AWD Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, AWD models averaged a disappointing 14.3-14.5 mpg in mostly city driving and 18.0-21.4 mpg with more highway use. No opportunity to measure with front-wheel drive. CX-7 requires premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Firmer than some might prefer. Sharp bumps can pound through. There's minor but annoying body jiggle on rippled surfaces at highway speeds, and some testers say wavy surfaces generate too much up-and-down body motion.
| AWD Sport | AWD Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
Firmer than some might prefer. Sharp bumps can pound through. There's minor but annoying body jiggle on rippled surfaces at highway speeds, and some testers say wavy surfaces generate too much up-and-down body motion.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Trades some ride comfort for handling. CX-7 is less carlike than advertised but is agile for an SUV of this size and weight, abetted by fine steering and a well-planted feel. Its turning radius is also impressively tight. Standard antiskid control is laudable, though it activated on one test CX-7 even in fairly low-effort cornering. Impressive brake response and control.
| AWD Sport | AWD Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.4 |
Trades some ride comfort for handling. CX-7 is less carlike than advertised but is agile for an SUV of this size and weight, abetted by fine steering and a well-planted feel. Its turning radius is also impressively tight. Standard antiskid control is laudable, though it activated on one test CX-7 even in fairly low-effort cornering. Impressive brake response and control.
Quietness
More than acceptable, all told. The main problem is coarse-surface tire hum. Some testers cite engine whine during acceleration, but engine and wind noise are modest in routine cruising.
| AWD Sport | AWD Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
More than acceptable, all told. The main problem is coarse-surface tire hum. Some testers cite engine whine during acceleration, but engine and wind noise are modest in routine cruising.
Controls
Testers agree the gauges are stylish but are divided on whether they're easy to read. Some testers also dislike red night lighting. A dashtop display puts audio and climate readouts remote from controls. Standard steering-wheel audio switches are a plus because the main array takes time to learn. Not so the large, simple knobs for climate functions. The navigation system is easy to program.
| AWD Sport | AWD Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
Testers agree the gauges are stylish but are divided on whether they're easy to read. Some testers also dislike red night lighting. A dashtop display puts audio and climate readouts remote from controls. Standard steering-wheel audio switches are a plus because the main array takes time to learn. Not so the large, simple knobs for climate functions. The navigation system is easy to program.
Details
Cabin decor matches CX-7 pricing, but it's let down by a few budget-grade plastics and unconvincing silver paint that passes for metal accents. One model tested suffered from a dashboard rattle when going over rippled pavement.
| AWD Sport | AWD Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Cabin decor matches CX-7 pricing, but it's let down by a few budget-grade plastics and unconvincing silver paint that passes for metal accents. One model tested suffered from a dashboard rattle when going over rippled pavement.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Abundant legroom for all, but taller folks might want more head clearance. The seats are well-bolstered, but some of our testers feel they don't rise high enough for an optimal driving position. The steering wheel tilts, but, disappointingly, is not telescopic. Despite its curvy styling, visibility is quite good all around. High-ride stance makes step-in a bit steep.
| AWD Sport | AWD Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
Abundant legroom for all, but taller folks might want more head clearance. The seats are well-bolstered, but some of our testers feel they don't rise high enough for an optimal driving position. The steering wheel tilts, but, disappointingly, is not telescopic. Despite its curvy styling, visibility is quite good all around. High-ride stance makes step-in a bit steep.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Legroom is tight with the front seats set far back. The front passenger seat doesn't slide as far back as the driver's, leaving slightly more right-rear knee space. Good toe clearance, but the seat cushion contour forces some riders into a slight knees-up posture.
| AWD Sport | AWD Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Legroom is tight with the front seats set far back. The front passenger seat doesn't slide as far back as the driver's, leaving slightly more right-rear knee space. Good toe clearance, but the seat cushion contour forces some riders into a slight knees-up posture.
Cargo Room
Beats most like-sized SUVs for space behind the rear seat, but total space is small by class standards. Loading is hampered by a high deck. The cargo bay has two nice touches: a reversible carpeted/plastic rear floor panel, and easy-to-reach releases that make lowering the standard 60/40 rear seatbacks a quick operation, but they don't fold flat. Laptop-size center console bin and integral door cupholders are also nice, but CX-7 cabin needs more spaces for small items.
| AWD Sport | AWD Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8.6 |
Beats most like-sized SUVs for space behind the rear seat, but total space is small by class standards. Loading is hampered by a high deck. The cargo bay has two nice touches: a reversible carpeted/plastic rear floor panel, and easy-to-reach releases that make lowering the standard 60/40 rear seatbacks a quick operation, but they don't fold flat. Laptop-size center console bin and integral door cupholders are also nice, but CX-7 cabin needs more spaces for small items.
Value within Class
CX-7 emphasizes sport over utility and ride comfort to stand out in a crowded market segment. Its turbo 4-cylinder engine is neither as fuel-efficient as one might expect nor as smoothly powerful as it ought to be. But there's appeal here for those who need something roomier than a midsize car and want fresh-looking SUV styling.
| AWD Sport | AWD Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 5.8 |
CX-7 emphasizes sport over utility and ride comfort to stand out in a crowded market segment. Its turbo 4-cylinder engine is neither as fuel-efficient as one might expect nor as smoothly powerful as it ought to be. But there's appeal here for those who need something roomier than a midsize car and want fresh-looking SUV styling.
Total Score
| AWD Sport | AWD Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
| 58 | 57 | 63.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 53 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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2008 Mazda CX-7 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/15/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| 2WD Sport 4-door wagon | $23,750 | $22,225 | $635 |
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| AWD Sport 4-door wagon | $25,450 | $23,811 | $635 |
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| 2WD Touring 4-door wagon | $25,500 | $23,857 | $635 |
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| AWD Touring 4-door wagon | $27,200 | $25,442 | $635 |
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| 2WD Grand Touring 4-door wagon | $26,300 | $24,603 | $635 |
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| AWD Grand Touring 4-door wagon | $28,000 | $26,188 | $635 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
|
|
|||
| CX-7 | 1.9% financing. | Customer | 06/02/08 |
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Sport
Powertrain
2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, variable-intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/60HR18 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Touring adds to Sport:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cargo cover.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Grand Touring adds to Touring:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, heated power mirrors, outside-temperature indicator, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Technology Pkg.
|
||
|
Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$4,005
|
$3,484
|
|
Navigation system w/voice control, rearview camera, keyless access and starting, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, alarm. Sport requires 8-way power driver seat.
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Bose and Sunroof Pkg.
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$1,585
|
$1,379
|
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Power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Sport requires 8-way power driver seat.
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Preferred Equipment Group
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Sport
|
$315
|
$252
|
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Touring, Grand Touring
|
$190
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$152
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Cargo cover (Sport), cargo net and tray, rear bumper guard, wheel locks.
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Aero Pkg.
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||
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$400
|
$320
|
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Front wind splitter, color-keyed rear roof spoiler. NA w/mud guards.
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Under Guard Pkg.
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$445
|
$356
|
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Front and rear underguards. NA w/Aero Pkg., Class II tow hitch receiver.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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DVD entertainment system
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$1,200
|
$960
|
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$500
|
$400
|
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Satellite radio
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$430
|
$344
|
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8-way power driver seat
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Sport
|
$350
|
$305
|
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Includes lumbar adjustment.
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Remote engine start
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$350
|
$280
|
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
|
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$200
|
$160
|
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Includes compass.
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Cargo cover
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Sport
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$125
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$100
|
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Cargo tray
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$50
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$40
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Cargo net
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$50
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$40
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Rubber floormats
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$78
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$62
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Fog lights
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Sport, Touring
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$250
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$200
|
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Scuff plates
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$145
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$116
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Special paint
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$200
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$174
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Rear bumper guard
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$50
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$40
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Mud guards
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$95
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$76
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Class II tow-hitch receiver
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$335
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$268
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Trailer hitch and wiring harness
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Sport
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$350
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$280
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Includes trailer hitch cover.
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Wheel locks
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$50
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$40
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||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Mazda CX-7 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mazda CX-7 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 108.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 184.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 64.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3929 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 58.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.3 /138 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 244 @ 5000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 258 @ 2500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed automatic | 16/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mazda CX-7 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | --/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Mazda CX-7 Review:
5.
6.
Mazda CX-7 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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