2008 Mazda CX-9 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$29,400 to $34,655

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(19 reviews)
2008 Mazda CX-9 Preview summaryImage

A sporty-looking crossover seating seven in three rows and earning five-star crash ratings seems a bit like having your cake and eating it, too. Hip soccer moms rejoice at the Mazda CX-9, introduced last year, but entering 2008 with a more-powerful engine. The roomy crossover seats seven comfortably, with easy access to the adult-size third row via larger doors and a second row that slides and flips forward easily. The second row split-folds 60/40, reclines, and slides back and forth to add more legroom or cargo space. The third row splits 50/50. Both rows fold flat, expanding the 17-cubic-foot cargo area to an oversized 100 cubic feet.

The 2008 CX-9 features the rear suspension from the Mazda 6, sport-tuned to take advantage of the new 3.7-liter, 270-hp V6 that gets 273 ft-lbs of torque with a 6-speed shiftable automatic. It is available in either front-wheel or automatic all-wheel drive. The base Sport model comes with 18-inch wheels, power features, cruise control, a rear spoiler, and dual exhaust pipes. The Touring trim adds power seats and leather upholstery, while the Grand Touring receives larger 20-inch wheels, remote start, rain-sensing wipers, xenon lamps, memory settings, and flashier chrome trim. New for 2008, the Grand Touring gets a blind-spot warning system. The CX-9's high safety marks are due to ABS brakes, stability control with rollover protection, and dual front-side and head curtain airbags for all three rows.

The sport-tuned suspension adds extra road grip and precise performance, which drivers love. But the 2008 CX-9 is also practical for families, with two cupholders and a bottle holder per row, not to mention 39 inches of second-row legroom. There's little for CX-9 owners to complain about, and the biggest downside seems to be the 16/22 mpg estimates and the lack of a power liftgate and radio data. Otherwise, they rave about the manual mode response of the powertrain, the easy access to the third row, and the spacious interior.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2008 Mazda CX-9

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User rating:
by Anonymous
Mar 06, 2022
A lot of BLIND spots Bad gas mileages Hard to read dashMar 06, 2022
by Aimee B
May 27, 2021
Comparable to Pilot, MDX, Sorento, Santa Fe w/ 3rd row. May 27, 2021
by Anonymous
Mar 27, 2021
The car has a lot of issues been working on it since I got it Mar 27, 2021

2008 Mazda CX-9 Pricing

Original MSRP
$29,400 to $34,655
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Sun sensor climate control front air conditioning · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Wireless headphones · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: 8 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.46

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 9 · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Sun sensor climate control front air conditioning · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Wireless headphones · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.46

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 9 · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Sun sensor climate control front air conditioning · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Wireless headphones · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front, rear and third row · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Keyless ignition: push-button start · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power activated trunk/hatch: open and close · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.46

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 9 · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: turn off headlights

Lights

Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Wireless headphones · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Keyless ignition: push-button start · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power activated trunk/hatch: open and close · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.46

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 9 · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: turn off headlights

Lights

Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Wireless headphones · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front, rear and third row · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power activated trunk/hatch: open and close · Power outlet(s): 115V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.46

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 9 · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: turn off headlights

Lights

Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Sun sensor climate control front air conditioning · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Wireless headphones · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power activated trunk/hatch: open and close · Power outlet(s): 115V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.46

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 9 · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: manual leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: with wind deflector

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

See all trims (6)