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We were intrigued by the Mazda CX-7 from the moment we saw it. This exceptionally sporty look crossover clearly stands apart from other compact utilities.
After 2 months and 2,000 miles, we're still getting use to it. But already our staff praises the cockpit-like driver environment with its supportive seats and great visibility. High marks too for its flexible, if not huge, 5-passenger cabin.
And it's a pleasure to drive. Turbo lag from the strong 244-horsepower 2.3-liter 4 is minimal, allowing for quick getaways. The manual-mode 6-speed automatic is perfectly geared.
Handling balance is well above average for a small utility, even if Mazda's "soul of a sports car" is there mostly in spirit.
But we're not yet enjoying the efficiency we expect from a small turbocharged engine. Fuel economy is a disappointing 18.5 miles-per-gallon using premium fuel. We hope that does improve.
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We have seen the future of popular utility vehicles in America, and it looks a lot like our long-term Mazda CX-7 Crossover.
Our CX-7 combines traditional SUV versatility, confidence building all-wheel drive, and a compliant ride, with the kind of swoopy styling and agile response found in a sporty sedan.
On one recent 2,500 mile round-trip trek to the mid-west, the 5-passenger CX-7 proved both comfortable and entertaining. Except for constantly cleaning away finger prints, the satellite navigation system is among the best out there. One sour note, no trip computer to keep track of mileage.
Still, after 5 months and nearly 12,000 miles our log book reveals an average of 20.3 miles-per-gallon on premium grade.
While that's better than a traditional SUV of the same size, we think the CX-7's 244-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged 4 and 6-speed automatic combo should be more efficient and no doubt will be as it is refined.
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If there is any doubt about the popularity of our long term Mazda CX-7, you only have to check the odometer. 15,000 miles in less than 5 months.
It's a crossover utility that fits the needs of both a trendy family of five, as well as empty nesters. Styling is young and racey, while all-wheel drive gives all-weather confidence. Plus, blessed with the agility of a sporty sedan, it's entertaining to drive.
But, all is not perfect. The 244-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter 4 is noisy, at startup and at speed, and not particularly frugal. Fuel economy has dropped to under 20 miles-per-gallon of premium. It should do better.
But, that apparently hasn't fazed our staff that much. The CX-7 is such a great package, it's always on the move.
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Having racked up 17,500 miles in just six months proves just how popular our long-term Mazda CX-7 is with our staff.
This racey-look mid-size crossover is the perfect size for a small family that seeks all-wheel drive versatility without the bulk of a typical SUV.
But fuel economy could be better - 20 miles-per-gallon using premium grade.
And, our CX-7 is currently off the road as the eager 244-horsepower 2.3-liter 4 developed a clatter in the valve train. Mazda says a small number of early CX-7s have this problem and the camshaft is being replaced under warranty.
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We've said before that the Mazda CX-7 5-passenger crossover utility is the right answer for those that need an affordable mid-size SUV, but don't want to trade people moving for driving fun.
We've racked up 21,300 miles in 11 months in our racy-look CX-7, and enjoyed almost every one of them.
We did have to pause for engine repair, as a few CX-7s had premature camshaft wear. But after the warranty work it drove as good as new.
Given that power is from a 2.3-liter turbo-4 we did expect better than 19.4 miles-per-gallon on premium grade. Still, few mid-size utilities can beat it. And, with 244-horsepower the CX-7 always has some zoom-zoom in reserve.
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From day one we were impressed with our 2007 Mazda CX-7. Now, as the last day of its stay with us approaches, we remain so. This racy-look mid-size crossover utility is the right size for a small family that seeks all-wheel drive versatility without the bulk of a typical SUV.
But, that's not to say that it is perfect, however. After 12 months and 24,000 miles, we think fuel economy of 19.3 miles-per-gallon on premium is marginal at best.
True, its 244-horsepower turbo-4 with a 6-speed manual-shift automatic made for true driving fun, and operation of the all-wheel drive system is invisible. It's just that utilities of this size should be more economical.
The CX-7 did have to go in for engine camshaft warranty work, but that was the only fault we had during its stay, and it stayed parked so little that there was no doubt of our staff's enjoyment of the CX-7.
So, if you still love to drive, but family realities make that sport coupe a non-starter, the Mazda CX-7 will smartly cover all your needs.
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