2007 Mazda CX-7 Review
2007 Mazda CX-7 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sporty performance and handling, stylish cabin design, solid build quality, eye-catching style.
Cons
- Mediocre fuel mileage, premium fuel requirement.
What’s new
The 2007 Mazda CX-7 is a new crossover SUV that combines design cues from the Miata and RX-8, the practicality of an SUV body style and the sporty performance expected from a Mazda-brand vehicle.
Edmunds says
Plenty of room, adequate vroom, and yes, there is zoom-zoom. If you still haven't found a midsize crossover SUV that fits your lifestyle, Mazda has come up with the sporty alternative.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2007 Mazda CX-7 Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$289/mo for CX-7 Sport
CX-7 Sport
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Up until now, Mazda has had just one SUV in its lineup, the compact Tribute, which is essentially a corporate twin of the Ford Escape. Now, with the introduction of the 2007 CX-7, Mazda has a vehicle to compete in the midsize crossover SUV segment. This has proven to be a very popular category, as it appeals to those who may want an SUV for the all-weather grip of all-wheel drive, the generous cargo capacity and the higher-up driving position, along with carlike ride and handling dynamics. Mazda drew from the Miata and RX-8 sports cars for a styling theme and from the Mazdaspeed 6 sport sedan for its performance-oriented hardware.
Sharing its turbocharged 2.3-liter inline four with the feisty Mazdaspeed 6 (modified for a broader power spread at the expense of peak power), the 2007 Mazda CX-7 features a six-speed automatic transmission, a fully independent suspension and ventilated disc brakes at all four corners. Further driving home the on-road performance intent of the CX-7 are standard 18-inch wheels shod with 235/60 street tires and an optional all-wheel-drive system.
Based on the CX-7's mid-$20Ks price tag, its chief competitors would seem to be the Honda CR-V, Saturn Vue Redline and Toyota RAV4 V6, but it has more in common, sizewise, with the larger and more expensive Nissan Murano. And it possesses a sportier personality than any of these SUVs. Geared toward driving enthusiasts who desire a roomy and affordable performance SUV, the 2007 Mazda CX-7 delivers on the company's promise. Its sporty cabin design, along with its buttoned-down handling, tight steering, rapid acceleration and strong brakes, almost make one forget that he's driving something that makes sense as a family car.
Performance & mpg
The sole powertrain is a turbocharged, direct-injection 2.3-liter inline four good for 244 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability is standard. The CX-7 is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; there is no low-range gearing, confirming the on-road mission of the CX-7. In normal driving situations, the all-wheel-drive system routes 100 percent of the engine's power to the front wheels. Up to 50 percent of engine power is automatically and quickly applied to the rear wheels in case of limited traction.
Although a loaded Grand Touring AWD model weighs close to 2 tons, performance is still relatively brisk, with zero to 60 mph taking just 7.7 seconds. Braking performance is world-class, with fade-free stops from 60 mph of 113 feet. Fuel economy is less impressive, as the EPA rates the CX-7 AWD as returning 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway, mediocre numbers for this class. Owners interested in towing will be somewhat limited, as the CX-7 is limited to 2,000 pounds.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes, stability control, a tire-pressure monitor and six airbags (including front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags) come standard on all 2007 Mazda CX-7 trim levels.
Driving
When it comes to handling and brake performance, the 2007 Mazda CX-7 lives up to the "soul of a sports car" hype. The power steering is nicely weighted, and the effort increases in direct proportion to cornering forces. This SUV feels very stable in turns and changes direction quickly, while maintaining solid control over body sway. The CX-7 rides a bit firmer than most competitors, but it's a small price to pay for such an enjoyable drive.
Interior
The Miata and RX-8 influences show up in the cabin, with a sporty three-spoke wheel and instrument cluster that look as though they were lifted from those cars. The center console is taller to mimic the relationship between the steering wheel and shifter found in the RX-8. The design also creates a cavernous lockable center storage compartment that can swallow a purse or laptop whole. Cargo capacity measures 58.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats down and 29.9 cubes with them in use.
2007 Mazda CX-7 models
The 2007 Mazda CX-7 is a midsize SUV that's available in three trim levels. The well-equipped Sport starts things off with 18-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control and a CD player. Next up is the midlevel Touring model, which adds leather-trimmed seats, front seat heaters and an eight-way power driver seat. The Grand Touring is the top-of-the-line CX-7 and features HID headlights, heated exterior mirrors, automatic climate control and distinct leather upholstery. All three trim levels can be further improved with additional options. A moonroof and an upgraded Bose audio system (with an in-dash six-CD changer) are grouped together as a package. They are also part of the Technology Package, as is a navigation system, a keyless-start feature and a rear park-assist system with rearview camera. A preferred equipment package consists of a cargo net, cargo tray, retracting cargo cover and rear bumper step plate.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2007 Mazda CX-7.
5 star(57%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(8%)
1 star(3%)
323 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
2.5 out of 5 stars
VVT Timing Chain Issue?
houstongfamily, 03/20/2012
2007 Mazda CX-7 Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I was driving my Mazda CX-7 on the highway at 65 mph when my car made a loud noise from the engine and had a loss in power.
I towed the car to a Mazda dealer where the technician that inspected my car stated the timing chain was missing a pin and caused the engine to break.
Therefore my engine needed to be replaced.
I replaced my engine at 72K miles which is slightly over the 70K mile … service notice that Mazda recently put out for reimbursement from repairs related to the VVT Timing Chain.
I hired a lawyer to pursue reimbursement of my engine replacement cost and would like to know if there are more cases of engine failure or repairs around/above 70K miles due to the timing chain.
5 out of 5 stars
Great fun cuv !!
Ken McWilliams, 10/05/2016
2007 Mazda CX-7 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
It's more like a car than a truck. Quick and nimble but more room than Honda CR-V or Toyota rav 4
3.5 out of 5 stars
Turbo failure x 2 and only @ 63,000 miles
highland303030, 04/25/2013
2007 Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1st turbo blown @ 43,000 miles driving down the road 30 miles an hr hear a load pop and whine and total loss of pwr. Seemed like i could only drive in 1st gear. Took to dealership and the following:
1. turbo charger replaced
2. Gasket, Turbo Charger
3. Gasket, oil pipe
4. Stud
5. Stud, Surge Tank x 8
6. Nut, Flange x 9
7. Sensor, air & Fuel
8. Pipe Fuel main
9. Valve, Selenoid
Confirmed … Customer concern, performed compression test and evaluated engine 175, 175, 180, 180. Engine appears not to be internally damaged, found turbo Impeller Rattling and sending engine oil into exhaust system, found no oxygen sensor signal. Replaced turbo and oil lines, replaced oxygen sensor. replaced fuel lines
3.25 out of 5 stars
Some good advise to current owners
wlu, 07/29/2011
2007 Mazda CX-7 Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Here is my advise to those who still own a 2007 CX7.
1. Pay the $600 (or so) and have a mechanic open engine to clean any sludge that may have accumulated over the years. Make sure they check over the timing chain and VVT actuator.
2. Don't follow Mazda's service plan, perform oil changes every 3000 miles. My Mazda dealer switched to 5w-20 (instead of 5w-30) because it is more durable … with the turbo. You might want to do the same.
I loved the performance of the car the short 2 years I had it. Build quality is ridiculously cheap! Parts are crazy expensive!
I traded our CX7 in yesterday for our first Ford (always owned Mazda until now). I wish you all good luck with this car.
2007 CX-7 Highlights
Sport
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,750 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $289/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 29.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the CX-7 include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestMarginal
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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