Segment:
Three-row Mid-size Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, drivers seeking versatility and comfort
Competitors 2008:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse
Seating:
Available 7-passenger seating
Drivetrain Options:
Standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Driving Dynamics:
Sporty handling characteristics for its class, praised by reviewers
Interior Quality:
Upscale interior design and materials for its segment
Safety Focus:
Emphasis on safety features and ratings
Diy Suitability:
Highly suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics
Cost Savings:
Enables significant cost savings on maintenance and repairs
Diagnostic Capability:
Empowers users to diagnose and fix complex issues
Engine:
Yes (Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul)
Transmission:
Yes (Automatic transmission, diagnostics, repair, fluid service)
Drivetrain:
Yes (AWD system, differential service, axle repair)
Suspension:
Yes (Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shocks/struts)
Brakes:
Yes (Brake system components, hydraulics, ABS, parking brake)
Steering:
Yes (Power steering system, steering column, tie rods)
Cooling System:
Yes (Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications)
Fuel System:
Yes (Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, pressure specifications)
Exhaust System:
Yes (Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipe repair)
Electrical System:
Yes (Battery, charging system, starting system, wiring diagrams)
Lighting System:
Yes (Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb replacement)
Climate Control:
Yes (HVAC system, AC compressor, heater core, refrigerant)
Body And Frame:
Yes (Body panel removal/installation, structural information)
Interior Trim:
Yes (Dashboards, door panels, upholstery repair)
Safety Systems:
Yes (Airbag system, seat belts)
Maintenance:
Yes (Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation)
Repair:
Yes (Component replacement, system overhauls)
Disassembly Assembly:
Yes (Step-by-step instructions for major components)
Diagnostics:
Yes (Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and procedures)
Specifications:
Yes (Torque values, clearances, tolerances)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (Comprehensive electrical schematics)
Tightening Torques:
Yes (Critical fastener torque specifications)
Lubrication:
Yes (Lubrication points and fluid types)
Depth:
Comprehensive (From basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Displacement:
3.7 Liters (3726 cc)
Configuration:
V6, 60-degree bank angle
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (24 valves total)
Bore X Stroke:
95.5 mm x 86.4 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1
Fuel Induction:
Electronic Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Horsepower:
273 hp @ 6250 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
270 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approximate)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline (87 Octane)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (with filter change)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20, API Certified
Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission
Type:
N/A (Only one transmission offered for this model year)
Transmission Control:
Electronically controlled with adaptive shift logic
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine ATF FZ or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 9.6 US quarts (pan drop and fill)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test:
5-Star (for front and rear passengers)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crash Test:
Good
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Standard (EBD)
Airbags Front:
Dual front advanced airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Three-row side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
Available Bose premium audio system, multi-disc CD player, MP3 capability.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Rear Seat Entertainment:
Optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
Parking Sensors:
Available rear parking sensors.
Backup Camera:
Available rear backup camera integrated with navigation screen.
Keyless Entry Start:
Available Keyless Entry and Push Button Start.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free phone system.
Aux Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Engine Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect every 30,000 miles; replacement typically recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles or under severe driving conditions.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Green)
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Some early models reported occasional hard shifting; manual may address solenoid or control module issues.
Water Pump Leaks:
Potential for water pump seal leaks over time; manual details replacement procedure.
Carbon Buildup:
Direct injection systems (though this model is port injected, V6s can be sensitive) can develop carbon buildup; manual may offer cleaning procedures.
Power Liftgate Issues:
Some owners reported issues with the power liftgate operation; manual might cover diagnostics for motors, switches, or struts.
Brand Philosophy:
Mazda is known for its focus on driving dynamics ('Zoom-Zoom'), innovative engineering, and distinctive design.
First Generation Launch:
The CX-9 was introduced for the 2007 model year, representing Mazda's first entry into the three-row crossover segment.
Platform Basis:
Built on the Mazda CD3 platform, shared with the Mazda 6 and Ford Edge/Fusion.
Design Language:
Featured Mazda's 'Nagare' flowing design language.
Manufacturing Location:
Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan
Production Years First Gen:
2007-2015
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Recipient of IIHS Top Safety Pick awards in multiple years for its generation.
Kbb Best Family Car:
Often cited in Kelley Blue Book's 'Best Family Cars' lists.
Edmunds Best Midsize SUVs:
Praised by automotive critics like Edmunds for its driving dynamics and value.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings vary by model year; manual helps address potential issues.