Mazda CX-9.... Opinions-Thoughts...

[Wingate]

We gave up on Jeep releasing the 2011 Grand Cherokee. Apparently there are a few at dealerships in northern states, but none here as of yet. And the first ones showing up are NOT the packages we would be interested in. Sooo. . We went shopping and actually ended up purchasing a Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring.

I HOPE that this is a decent vehicle, but I have no experience with Mazda. By comparison to the Jeep, it wins in every way. The vehicle feels very well made, very comfortable and what seems to be twice the room of the GC. Extremely powerful v-6 and a solid feeling 6 sp. auto.

It came off the showroom floor with every option box checked except for remote start, thats being added next Monday.

Any Mazda guys out there, I'd like to hear the good and bad on the CX-9 and Mazda in general. KBB says it holds its re-sale pretty well, if thats any indicator. We had looked at a Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX... and it appears as though they share the same powerplant???... The salesman said that the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape are the same vehicle. While the body of the Edge and CX-9 are definitely different, is it possible that Ford and Mazda are sharing the V-6 and 6 sp. trans????

 

[rscurtis]

I've never owned a Mazda, but they and Subaru are proof that you don't have to be a giant to survive in the auto industry. I haven't heard of them having to go through the death throes of the "small three". BTW, the new Jeep is a Mercedes in Jeep clothing. I don't know if that's good or bad.

 

[Wingate]

Wish we had a Subaru dealer local, I would have really liked to have looked at their product line. We checked with Honda, but unfortunately, they didn't have anything we liked. I had read that the new Jeep had alot of the Mercedes technology in it... We have been chasing the 2011 Jeep GC for months. Finally got to talk directly with two local dealership "stock managers" and can't get the air ride suspension, can't get the nice leather interior that you see in the commercials and internet photos, exterior paint combinations are dull and left overs from previous years... Everything seems to be "scheduled for release at a later date!"

 

[omlambu]

Yes Ford and Mazda share many things across brand lines. We own a 90' miata and a 06' Mazda 6. we love both vehicles and have been considering a CX-7 or 9 when we feel the 6 needs replacement.

 

[MChrist]

We've owned a few Mazdas and loved them. Very nice, well built cars. I can only hope the CX 9 carries on that tradition for you.

 

[rscurtis]

Mazda has joined the Diesel Technology Forum and will be offering a diesel vehicle late in 2011 for the '12 MY. It will be capable of 40+ MPG.

 

[Wingate]

It seems to be ok so far... had one issue a week after buying that turned into a fiasco... Had to have a wrecker come pick it up from home and haul it back the dealership... NOTHING worked. . They fixed it the same day, Mazda even sent my wife a $50. 00 debit card and she got SEVERAL calls from Mazda corp. the day it failed and several days there-after. Car has been flawless since and continues to thoroughly impress us.

 

[AHarris]

Mazda

My brother had a Mazda truck years ago that lasted him 200K miles with no major problems and he drove the S*** out of it. I've rented several Mazda5s over the past couple years on trips and they thoroughly impressed me. Tried to get my wife to test drive one but she was dead set on the VW Jetta TDI (which is a great car too!!).

If the Jeep is a Mercedes in Jeep clothing as a previous poster alluded to, WATCH OUT because their reliability ratings for their SUVs (especially first year models) stink. Plus if you think Chrysler dealers are awkward working on Cummins trucks, they really get lost with a Mercedes.

Enjoy your Mazda and don't look back--you made a wise choice!