2008 Mazda CX 9 – A crossover with character
Lines on lines
The idea behind Japanese cars is to always provide utility. In some form or the other, the 2008 Mazda CX 9 does so in spades. However, one of the areas where Mazda strays from the utilitarian concept is in the design department. The car’s design is fluid and smooth. There are lines and curves everywhere and you cannot distinctly tell if the car is an SUV or a minivan. There is nothing boxy about the design of the car.
The nose is acutely angled and in a way that gives the car a unique shape. The honeycomb-like grille also adds to the structure of the car. The fenders flare sharply and the headlights are slanted. The profile of the front fascia is very unique. It is tasteful and separates itself well from other SUVs in the category.
The 2008 Mazda CX 9 is a very sleek and svelte vehicle, from the steep placement of the windshield to the overall swoop of the body, there is a lot to like about the styling of the car. It is a very handsome car and for those that want a car that stands out from the pack, the 2008 Mazda CX 9 is a good choice.
Performance on point
The car’s previous iterations were praised tremendously for its classy handling and drive. Mazda improves on this by adding a punchy engine. The V6 engine inside the 2008 Mazda CX 9 is bigger, it comes in at 3.7 liters and is capable of delivering a nice 273 bhp, which is more than its predecessor.
Mazda has incorporated some good old’ Japanese engineering to ensure that the engine does not need any kind of premium fuel to reach its maximum power output. The engine also delivers a max torque output of 270 lb-ft. The zero to sixty times is improved and you are now able to do it in 7.3 seconds.
You also get a six-speed automatic transmission that is standard. The transmission is plenty smooth and you will have no trouble overtaking or letting the car reach its limits on the highway. You also get a 17mpg mileage, which is pretty standard for the segment. Read any of the 2008 Mazda CX 9 reviews and you will see that the engine’s improvement is well appreciated by the consumers. The performance improvement is much appreciated and consumers are well receptive to this.
A solid driving experience
Despite the size and the heft of the 2008 Mazda CX 9, the handling is superb. You get a ride that is agile and feels taut with each steer and turn. The ride is firm and handles with a lot of steadiness, regardless of the speed. This is surprising as the car’s size might lead you to believe that maneuverability is low.
The car’s steering is nice and has a good response. You will not have problems while cornering and even flat out, it remains responsive. The only issue comes when you try to accelerate from a standing start, the car thrashes a little. However, we think that such a minor drawback is expected, considering the car is not performance-oriented. The real fun is when you take it on windy roads. You will feel zero offsets or the car pulling to the sides. The ride is fun and balanced. The ride smoothness of the 2008 Mazda CX 9 will let you feel that you are in a quality car.
Classy and quality interiors
Speaking of being inside a quality car, the interiors on the 2008 Mazda CX 9 are simply classy. Despite it being a crossover, the car has plenty of space. You get ample head and legroom, even the third row has a good amount of space. The car gives drivers and passengers loads of comfort while adding a touch of sportiness.
The car’s seats hold you tight and especially the front seats, which help the driver feel like they are being held in a secure position. The bucket seats make you feel like you are in a sporty car, albeit without the performance. The second-row seats slide and recline, giving passengers a true sense of comfort. You also get a lot of cargo if you decide to ditch the third row of seats.
Superbly safe
We have already touched on the sturdiness and firmness of this car. That element also plays well to employ a safer cabin. The 2008 Mazda CX 9 is a great family vehicle. The NHTSA gives it five stars and the IIHS gives it a ‘good’ rating. You get six sets of airbags, ABS, dynamic stability control, and traction control as standard. You can also upgrade the base model to get all-wheel-drive and bigger tires. You can also get a blind-spot warning system and a rearview camera as an additional safety aid.
Feature-rich options
AC, cruise control, power windows, and keyless entry come as standard. The base model offers tons of features and you can add more, even choosing the 2008 Mazda CX 9 Touring model to get a high-end experience. You can also add entertainment systems for the third row, LCD screens on seat mounts, a sunroof, and a moonroof. You can also add a 5.1 surround sound system with 11 speakers. Other options include an all-wheel drive, navigation systems, and a Bose audio system.
Problems
While the 2008 Mazda CX 9 problems are minor, there is one issue that constantly plagues the users. The water pump fails after around 100,000 miles of usage. This failure can cause the pump to break and flood the engine with water. Why has Mazda designed this part so terribly? We don’t know. This problem also severely hinders the 2008 Mazda CX 9 life expectancy and cuts it down terribly.
The verdict
The 2008 Mazda CX 9 is an outstanding value. The car does not compromise on any features and you will never feel the lack of anything. The performance is great, the interiors are of amazing quality, and the ride is great.
For all that it is worth, the simple water pump problem may add a hindrance to your purchasing decision. However, the car’s value cannot be overlooked and by being precautious of the impending issue we think you can extract good value out of the 2008 Mazda CX 9.
