CD Article: 2007 Mazda CX-7

[ghost]

i thought the exterior looked good for a quasi wannabe minivan.

[johngenx]

...unit is WAY TOO BIG.

I hear that ALL the time...



 

[Leviathan]

Make mine an AWD GT in blue

[Benhaze]

Mazda presented this vehicle last Winter at auto shows similar to Ford and Lincoln, and has had their version on the streets for a few months now. Why is Ford taking till November to release their beasts? 

Mazda version of the Ford/Lincoln is the CX-9 which was introduced after the Ford/Lincoln versions, CX-7 isn't much related to the Edge and Aviator.

That said, the "early" introduction is likely a (desesperate?) attempt from Ford to convince buyers to potentially hold off buying a new CUV knowing new models will "soon" become available. The problem with that strategy is GM is also going to come out with new CUVs showing a lot of potential, though these vehicles are larger than the Ford/Lincoln ones but direct competition with the CX-9.

[y2chuck]

I check out the CX-7 a couple times before we ended up getting the Torrent.  There weren't any for test drive but I'm sure it would run circles around the Torrent.

Love the interior, Oakville Mazda had a black with white leather (with black stripe down the middle) and it was drop-dead gorgeous.  Wife didn't like the limited rear visibility due to how the arse end kicks up and for such a large vehicle it does seem a bit cramped inside.

The high finance/lease rates, premium fuel and lack of cargo space ultimately kept me away from it.  Had the lease rates been under 2% and not 6.9, I would have thought more seriously about it.  I was already feeling out the dealer to see whether or not they'd move on price and they flat out said no.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Mazda version of the Ford/Lincoln is the CX-9 which was introduced after the Ford/Lincoln versions, CX-7 isn't much related to the Edge and Aviator.

That said, the "early" introduction is likely a (desesperate?) attempt from Ford to convince buyers to potentially hold off buying a new CUV knowing new models will "soon" become available. The problem with that strategy is GM is also going to come out with new CUVs showing a lot of potential, though these vehicles are larger than the Ford/Lincoln ones but direct competition with the CX-9.

I stand corrected. I knew Mazda went to great lengths to say this wasn't a mechanical twin of the Edge/MKX (stretched Mazda6 Fusion platform) but thought they shared more. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_CX-7

Still, Mazda showed the CX-9 in February and it goes on sale in December (including shipping from Japan). The Edge debuted in Nov '05 and only goes on sale 1 month sooner in November. I think Ford could use the new product more than Mazda, but doesn't seem like there's a rush. And they need not 'rush' it... design was already complete ages ago it looks like, all they needed to do is get Oakville tooled to churn the suckers out. It does look like a good entry (can't stand the Lincoln grille tho).

[Benhaze]

The CX-9 will also be built in Oakville alongside the Edge. I don't remember the Edge being introduced to the public in November '05. I thought the first public introduction was in Detroit this past January (I don't consider schematics/graphic work being the introduction). Anyway, Mazda did the typical Japanese thing by keeping up their sleeve their next new vehicle. US companies don't follow this strategy. Think Solstice, T-Bird, Camaro, Challenger, Aura, Outlook, Acadia, and I can go on and on. Chrysler though has done better by bringing "prototypes" to the market faster than the other 2 for several years.

You're right, Ford needs that new Edge bad. But it also cannot afford to make any mistakes with that vehicle...

[Wolfe]

According to this article the CX-9 will be built in Japan.

"It will be manufactured at Mazda's Ujina 1 plant in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan and will go on sale in December 2006."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_CX-9


Here is a picture of the CX-7 and CX-9 together.

[Oz]

Is it me or do the Ford and Lincoln versions of the Cx9 look way uglier?

[tortoise]

Is it me or do the Ford and Lincoln versions of the Cx9 mazda6 look way uglier?

[Oz]

 

For once I wish they'd make something pretty.

[G0dspd]

So the CX-9 is a CX-7 with decent 2nd row leg room. 

[UmroAyyar]

CX-9 = LWB CX-7

[sirAQUAMAN64]

CX-9 = LWB CX-7

Actually, as I read it I think CX-9 = Edge/MKX = Fusion = stretched Mazda6 platform.
The Sleepy Whale look isn't doing much for me yet but may grow on me. I wish the Japanese MPV would make an appearance as I don't think minivan buyers would cross-shop the CX-9, the 5 is small for many, and the new MPV is dang slick.

CX-7 is a bit of a bastard child me thinkith. Suspension bits from Mazda5, engine from MS6, etc. Not as closely linked with anything.

[Benhaze]

Actually, as I read it I think CX-9 = Edge/MKX = Fusion = stretched Mazda6 platform.
The Sleepy Whale look isn't doing much for me yet but may grow on me. I wish the Japanese MPV would make an appearance as I don't think minivan buyers would cross-shop the CX-9, the 5 is small for many, and the new MPV is dang slick.

CX-7 is a bit of a bastard child me thinkith. Suspension bits from Mazda5, engine from MS6, etc. Not as closely linked with anything.

I think MKII has an elaborate posting explaining the Mazda platform relations. There are some links through the Mazda6 between the CX-7, CX-9 and Ford products. There is a spin-off of the current Mazda6 platform and the next global Mazda6 platform that will be used for many Ford/Mazda/Volvo vehicles.