2008 Mazda CX-7 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Mazda CX-7 crossover SUV debuted in 2007 and receives no significant changes for 2008. Built from an all-new platform, the CX is the...
The Mazda CX-7 crossover SUV debuted in 2007 and receives no significant changes for 2008. Built from an all-new platform, the CX is the next phase in Mazda's "zoom-zoom" campaign of reasonably priced and fun-to-drive vehicles.
The CX-7 embodies the Japanese automaker's continued pursuit to blend all the desirable SUV conveniences with the pleasant road manners of a performance sedan. It competes most directly with the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Honda CR-V. However, the CX-7 is geared more toward performance, perhaps at the expense of crossover SUV utility. The CX-7 is a class leader in terms of handling, acceleration, and overall ride quality, but its interior does not offer the same flexibility as its comparably priced competitors. The Mazda crossover has also earned praise for its bold exterior, sleek cabin design, and durable build. However, its fuel efficiency falls a bit short of expectations for a small four-cylinder SUV.
There are six CX-7 variants for 2008: three trim levels, each available with two- or all-wheel drive. The entry-level trim is the Sport, followed by the Touring, and the top-shelf Grand Touring. All three trims come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a six-way power driver seat and a CD player. Options include a sunroof and a premium Bose audio system. Standard safety items include stability control, front side airbags, ABS, and full-length side curtain airbags.
All CX-7s are powered by the same 2.3-liter direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder power plant, which generates 244 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This small but potent engine is teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-7 zips from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.7 seconds, but that apparent engine power does not translate to towing ability; the CX-7's maximum towing capacity is just 2,000 pounds. When equipped with AWD, the CX-7 gets fuel-economy estimates of 16/22 mpg city/highway. While the four cylinder is plenty powerful for spirited highway driving, reviewers warn that this mill is not quite as smooth as some competitors' V6s, and it exhibits some turbo lag at higher speeds.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2008 Mazda CX-7 are quite satisfied with their rides. They particularly enjoy the car's handling, comfort, and performance aspects, especially the turbocharged engine. However, many reviewers highlighted concerns about subpar gas mileage and expensive repairs as drawbacks."
I love the heated leather seats, the AWD is great for the rain or the snow. Plenty of cargo room for road trips with the family and the car is just good looking all around. Great design and very dependable.
May 18, 2012Really happy with my car. It's a perfect size with tons of cargo space for my job. Sits at a nice height, not being too big/tall. Great handling, drives like a car. Have had it for about a year and a half and really enjoyed it. Never put snow tires on and it handled fine in the bad winter weather. Very comfortable sitting in the front and the back seats. Easy to drive with almost no blind spots. Could be better on gas!
January 11, 2012Fairly good fuel economy for a crossover/SUV. Nice interior, though a little short on storage. Stereo is pretty good (Bose, cd changer). A few modern amenities are missing, but corrected in '09 model. Suffers from turbo lag from a dead stop, but makes up for it once it gets going. Nice acceleration for passing. Leather seats are quite comfortable. Not the quietest interior, but not too noisy either. Overall I give it an "A-/B+". I think I would give the '09 model a firm "A-", maybe better with Grand Touring version (navigation system, Auto climate control, etc.).
November 21, 2008What owners say
I love the heated leather seats, the AWD is great for the rain or the snow. Plenty of cargo room for road trips with the family and the car is just good looking all around. Great design and very dependable.
May 18, 2012Really happy with my car. It's a perfect size with tons of cargo space for my job. Sits at a nice height, not being too big/tall. Great handling, drives like a car. Have had it for about a year and a half and really enjoyed it. Never put snow tires on and it handled fine in the bad winter weather. Very comfortable sitting in the front and the back seats. Easy to drive with almost no blind spots. Could be better on gas!
January 11, 2012Fairly good fuel economy for a crossover/SUV. Nice interior, though a little short on storage. Stereo is pretty good (Bose, cd changer). A few modern amenities are missing, but corrected in '09 model. Suffers from turbo lag from a dead stop, but makes up for it once it gets going. Nice acceleration for passing. Leather seats are quite comfortable. Not the quietest interior, but not too noisy either. Overall I give it an "A-/B+". I think I would give the '09 model a firm "A-", maybe better with Grand Touring version (navigation system, Auto climate control, etc.).
November 21, 2008my car is brillant it handles brilliantly and the 2.3 litre turbo engine gives decent power and torgue the handling is amazing and the ownership costs i paid 11,800 pounds for my car and the car is fun to drive
July 4, 2011This car is RAW with few creature comforts witch focuses more on handling and performance. Hitting the twisties won't dissapoint you just feeling the way it grips makes you thing that the tires are melting on the road. This car truly is a drivers car and a true Rally legend.
June 27, 2009Awesome acceleration, braking and handling. Expensive repair costs. Interior & exterior styling was awesome. Good gas mileage. This car was definitely fun to drive. Gotta say Zoom Zoom! A 2.3 Liter Turbo Charged Engine with inter cooler. There was a lot of possibilities for this cross-over.
August 29, 2010My one line summary just about says it all. It's a great smaller car considering I traded in my Cadilac DTS in for the CX-7. It gets great gas mileage too!
May 13, 2008i love driving this car, for a crossover you would never be able to tell your driving something so big, its nimble, has a decent amount of power, gas mileage is terrible but worth the price epa estimated 17-23 mpg.
November 17, 2011Like a wagon but nicer. Better on gas mileage
March 1, 2021The Mazda is a good car. the acceleration is slow. like that it had a cd player.
May 3, 2023Trims & specs
Base MSRP $23,750 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 244 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 29.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $25,450 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 244 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 29.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $25,500 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 244 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 29.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $27,200 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 244 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 29.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $26,300 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 244 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 29.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $28,000 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 244 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 29.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
