Anyone Seen the 2010 CX-9? Yikes!!

[vinsuz]

My lease is up in about a year and WAS planning to get the exact same CX-9 (GT w/GT Assist Package + Moonroof in Brilliant Black/Black Mica), but I'm not sure what I'll do now that I've seen the '10 redesign.

I can't tell you how much I HATE the smiley face! It makes my beloved CX-9 look like a minivan!!!

[fatti03msp]

the smiling face seems to be a trend with the mazda's

I was behind a Acura TL and i swear its ass end was grinning at me to take catch up and blow past him haha, btw the new TL's are fugly.

[vikefan7]

Totally agree with the smiley face. Why do they always have to mess with a good thing? The same thing happened to me when I bought my 04 Sentra Spec V. They had just changed the front and added this stupid bucktooth emblem and totally destroyed the cleaner look of the '03's.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Some of the new Mazdas look okay with that, and some look terrible (3 and CX7). I think the CX9 got lucky that it's not worse, but I will reserve judgment until I see them in person.
It does have some nice new features.

[hamproof]

I'm willing to bet the smiley face, esp on the Mazda 3 will be well received by most reviewers. Current owners, usually are a bit more critical and bias since they have the older look model. At least it lets its presence known, like the CTS for example in a good way, unlike the new TSX, TL, RL and MDX. Same when Audi went with the new corp grill in 05 or 06.

For small car right now, Civic no doubt is the big seller. The new Mazda 3 is going to sway a lot of Civic buying folks, unless they are blind to Honda. The smiley face makes it look a lot sportier and classier than the price would seem to indicate.

[NRRfrogmanP5]

its not as bad as the one on the 3. its tolerable i think

[vinsuz]

I will reserve judgment until I see them in person.

Actually I'm hoping I will be less offended when I see it in person and without a front license plate mount. If worse comes to worse, I'll just take a spray gun and black-out the chrome in the lower grill.

I do like the new fog lights and side mirrors though!

[hamproof]

For 3 row SUVs (ok Crossovers if you must), CX-9 is still the best looking one. Though styling is subjective, it's hard to find another one in the same price range that looks better.

Highlander is quite bland (and smallist interior as well).
Pilot is outright atrocious unless you are into boxy look.
Ford Flex is a different animal (though Lincoln MKT might be in a different class).
MDX is in a different class costing at least $7-8k (compared to the GT with all the incentives though MSRP to MSRP, they are very competitive).

GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook are fine looking vehicle, but with the trouble GM is in right now, esp Saturn, why take the chance for a hit in resale value.

Chevy Traverse rear end doesn't look right and I bet visibility isn't that great either.

Buick Enclave is probably the closest competitor more on the plush side. Good looks and nicely appointed. Priced competitively with the CX-9 as well.

[cccx9]

You do realize that Chevy and Buick are also GM owned and the Acadia, Outlook, Traverse and Enclave are all essentially the same vehicle?

[hamproof]

Of course I know. I'm in the metro Detroit area. Same hardware, but vastly different styling.

Outlook/Acadia is very similar. Enclave the better looking of all of them. Traverse, coming late to the party seem to have an ill-designed rear look esp the narrow glass on the liftgate.

[cccx9]

I agree with what you said. It was just that the way you worded it made it sound like the Chevy and Buick were not GM. Just clarifying.

[hamproof]

I see ... but GM already said they are keeping Chevy, Buick and Cadillac. I presume GMC as well. Since Buick is their top seller in China, there's no way Buick is going away.

[cccx9]

Yeah Buick is definitely popular in China. That is why Pontiac got shut down before Buick. This whole GM will be "temporarily government owned" deal has me worried about the future of all the GM brands.

Anyway, sorry for thread hijacking.....

[T.Narley]

http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/2010_mazda_cx_9_wide_main.jpg
http://lastrow.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/mcqueen.jpg

[vinsuz]

Exactly!

+1 T. Narley!

[vikefan7]

Someone posted the Cars pic in another post. Doesn't get any less funnier seeing it again. I noticed on my '08 that the smiley face did exist on my model year, but it's not as pronounced and there's a piece that crosses it where the license plate is attached. Looks like Mazda just decided to exaggerate the smile a little more.

[ceric]

Well, in comparison, I would take the smiley face of Mazda than the sad face of Highlander or the goldfish look of Pilot any day.
Maybe, it is just me.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Well, in comparison, I would take the smiley face of Mazda than the sad face of Highlander or the goldfish look of Pilot any day.
Maybe, it is just me.

I'll second that Guvna.

The 2010 is a but more finished than ours, with an actual grill, and the trim rings. I'm curious if my tie downs will work on the 2010.

[vinsuz]

Well, in comparison, I would take the smiley face of Mazda than the sad face of Highlander or the goldfish look of Pilot any day.
Maybe, it is just me.

So the only other crossover that I think matches the CX-9 in design and styling is the Audi Q7, so I did a little MSRP comparison of comparably equipped vehicles. The result is probably not surprising; CX-9 GT with every major option except the DVD player was around $40,500. A comparable V-6 Q7 was over $55,000. For $15k I guess I can deal with a little smiley face! :)

[hamproof]

Too bad VW doesn't currently make a VW version of the Q7. Toureg is only 2 rows unfortunately.

Don't think you can take a premium brand like the Audi and compare it with the Mazda. Besides free maintenance (I still they still offer that), Audi has been known to have the best interior quality, longer warranty (4/50 - don't know what Mazda has since this is my first Mazda) and better service (this I question since I have an A4 before and the dealership was the worst).

How about comparing it to the MDX (again you can argue both ways whether Acura is premium or not) or Buick Enclave? Buick may be slightly ranked higher than Mazda in terms of brand prestige. Besides Q7 is a bit long in the tooth already. The smaller 2 row Q5 just won the recent C&D comparo and I'm sure the re-designed Q7 will be much better, and more $$.

[ceric]

I got better service from my local Mazda dealer than from Acura dealer when I owned an Acura. Other than fancy dealership, my Mazda dealer offers service no less than Lexus at 1/3 of the price. Do you know how much is the 5,000 service for a Lexus? $200. That is just oil change + tire rotation + N-points inspection. You don't even get a loaner since it is not considered as a "major service". My local dealer would probably do it for $50-60 while you wait in dealership drinking coffee and having cookies.

I owned a BMW 540iA for 10 years. BMW is a nightmare to own once the warranty ran out. Same goes for Audi.
My brother owns a Q7 diesel abroad. There isn't Mazda CX9 in the country he is in (only CX7).

[hamproof]

Slightly off topic, but the Audi dealership in metro Detroit (Bill Cook Audi) was hard to deal with. I guess one look at me, they realized I probably won't be upgrading to a $50k next from them (which is true). Even under warranty repair (coilpack, camshaft, autoclimate control sensor), I have to fight tooth and nail to get a loaner. That's right, a loaner from Enterprise.

The Acura dealership we didn't buy the car from was actually much nicer than the one we bought ours from. The one we actually bought from, from warranty work to services, refuses to give us any type of loaner, even if we call early (Acura of Troy). Acura in Farmington Hills was very nice and courteous each time. Loaner. No problem. Happy to oblige.

Since then I do all maintenance work on my own. Haven't step foot in the service area for almost 7 years now. Don't intend to with the CX-9 unless it is warranty related.

[CX9 SportOwner]

You get free maintenance because you pay for it up front when you buy a 'luxury' car.

Maybe the quality is slightly better, but it's not like an Audi is hand made like a Bentley. It's mass produced the same way as any other car. Like every luxury CUV, it also has less room in it than the CX9, and swaps other functions for flashy gimmicks, so I could never justify that extra cost.
I can also change my own oil, replace brake pads, and get free tire rotations at Discount Tire, even if I didn't buy tires there. Free maintenance my a**.

[hamproof]

So the only other crossover that I think matches the CX-9 in design and styling is the Audi Q7, so I did a little MSRP comparison of comparably equipped vehicles. The result is probably not surprising; CX-9 GT with every major option except the DVD player was around $40,500. A comparable V-6 Q7 was over $55,000. For $15k I guess I can deal with a little smiley face! :)

My 08 GT with nav, bose, moonroof and power liftgate was very close to $42k MSRP.

I checked and a 09 Q7 V6 Premium is $47725. Adding nav is $1800 more. If I add in the Premium Plus package, it is $3250. Prestige is $5900. Package price listed might be invoice (I'm using carsdirect.com). But both Premium and Prestige is adding more level of equipment that is not available on the CX-9 such as the fr/rr warning, memory for mirror, power folding exterior mirror, bi-xenon with auto leveling among others.

So, MSRP to MSRP it is not as much as $15k. More like $8k, which is 20% more. It is up to you to decide if 20% more is worth it to get a premium brand, undoubtedly a much nicer interior (everyone raves about Audi's interior), 4yr/50k warranty, free maintenance (free oil change every 10k miles, wipers, brakepads, rotors etc. if needed).

But since I got $10k off MSRP for my GT, if I compare $32k vs $50k, a whopping $18k (I doubt I can get much off MSRP for an Audi in metro Detroit - they are snobs), it was a no brainer.


Premium:
Audi Parking System Advanced w/Rearview Camera .• Includes front and rear acoustic warning system..•Audi Navigation System w/DVD .• Includes 1 DVD for all US and Canada (except Alaska) and 8-color driver information display with resolution of 442 x236 pixels..•Bose Surround Sound System .• Includes 14 speakers, 270 watts, 10-channel DSP with centerpoint surround technology and Audi Pilot noise compensation..•Memory for Driver's Seat & Mirror Adjustments .• Includes 2-position memory located on driver's door..•Auto-Dimming Power-Folding Exterior Mirrors .

Prestige:
Audi Parking System Advanced w/Rearview Camera .• Includes front and rear acoustic warning system..•Audi Navigation System w/DVD .• Includes 1 DVD for all US and Canada (except Alaska) and 8-color driver information display with resolution of 442 x236 pixels..•Bose Surround Sound System .• Includes 14 speakers, 270 watts, 10-channel DSP with centerpoint surround technology and Audi Pilot noise compensation..•Memory for Driver's Seat & Mirror Adjustments .• Includes 2-position memory located on driver's door..•Auto-Dimming Power-Folding Exterior Mirrors .•Audi Advanced Key .• New access and driver authorization system combining a high level of safety with innovative operating convenience. Doors can be locked and unlocked without active use of the car's ignition key; the engine is started with a button on the center console next to the gear shift knob, without the need to insert ignition key..•Audi Side Assist .•Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights .• Includes automatic self leveling..•Voice Recognition .

[tx9]

I had a Q7 rental a few weeks ago and have to say that Audi continues to master the luxury interior and handling. My previous A4 was no exception. On the other hand, the engine was way underpowered compared to my CX9 and I'm sure far less reliable. I'm a biased fan of the American/ford engineering combined with Japanese/mazda assembly and interior design.

[jirathcx9]

http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/2010_mazda_cx_9_wide_main.jpg
http://lastrow.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/mcqueen.jpg




wow that's right!!!

[randy00]

wow that's right!!!

lol cheeze!!!

[mixmasterlove]

I wonder how many MPG the 2010s will get seeing as they are giving that federal money in exchange for cars that get 18 MPG or less??? I am guessing around 22-26.

[lasermp5]

... the smile strikes again!

[robin2660]

the smiling face seems to be a trend with the mazda's

That and the ridiculous front fender flares influenced by the RX-8.

[CX9 SportOwner]

I like the flares, and the whole front dam. Looks more finished than ours. I think the lower grill is a bit big, but like the trim around it, too. I'd still buy one.

[ceric]

A lot of vehicles look better in person than on photos.
I will make my judgement for myself when I see one in Oct and
likely sit in one in SF Autoshow during Thanksgiving time.

For now, the new CX9 looks like a "happy CUV".

[Speedkid]

I think it looks ok.

[mihalis]

My boss has a 2007 Q7 4.2 Premium, one thing that Audi forgot (and just about most other SUV's out there) was the 3rd row seat. Once of the reasons we went with the Mazda was because I'm not a small guy, but could fit in the 3rd row seat, including getting in and out of there.

[CX9 SportOwner]

How about paying $40k+ for a Volvo XC60 and not even getting a third row for your money? (And a suspension that's too soft to offer any real performance)

Oh well.... people with money to waste would never buy a Mazda anyway. Their loss.

[ceric]

I respect Volvo vehicles for their safety design in passenger cage and pioneer in many safety features. However, their reliability is certainly below average.
My friends who own Volvo would tell me that,
"Hey, you buy Volvos for safety, not for reliability. For that, you go get a Toyota or Honda."

One time, when we were getting into his S70 sedan, he pressed the unlock button on the remote, and the trunk pop-opened as well (together with locking the doors).
He said, "something is wrong", and he proceeded to close the trunk and ignored it.

[CX9 SportOwner]

I laugh at all the 'luxury' cars now. They are getting more and more desperate to justify their prices to the point that some of the gimmicks they are adding are outright laughable.
I looked at the Volvo sight before I posted, after watching a review, and they actually list things like 'Interior Lighting" and "Rear defroster with Timer" as features to boost the list. Desperate. What next...carpeting, see-through window glass, seats?

Here are some of my favorite from different makers:

Seatbelts that hand themselves to you. I guess too many people are breaking their arms reaching for them.

Mirrors that fold in when you park. Where are you parking your 50k+ car that is that tight?

Headlight washers. I have NEVER needed to wash off my headlights while driving, even off road. Where are people driving their luxury cars that is that dirty?

Lane Departure Warning. Another excuse for people to not pay attention. "I have lane assist, so now I can eat breakfast, talk on the phone, AND read the paper as I drive. Whoopee!" Compensation for bad drivers.

Hill Descent Control. Another gadget to compensate for poor driving skills. If you're towing, you should know to slow down and reduce your gear already. By the way, when cruise is engaged for normal non-towing driving, the CX9 does have descent control.


But alas, I digress......


I don't mind the 2010 CX9

[ceric]

>> Seatbelts that hand themselves to you:
Think old people who have shoulder problems...

>> Mirrors that fold in when you park.
The streets in Asia and Europe are pretty narrow. The 1st thing got scratched is usually the side mirrors....

>> Headlight washers.
I heard that it is a mandatory equipment in Europe (or some European countries).

>> Lane Departure Warning.
Some people do fall asleep at the wheel and kill fellow motorists. I don't mind some people spending money to avoid running into me. I am all for it.

>> Hill Descent Control.
I think this is for slow speed and steep decent (I know Honda has it). Agree. Good drivers probably don't need this, but lots of untrained drivers out there. Just look at our requirements
for a drivers' license.

SportOwner, you forgot to mention the active cruise control that keeps a distance from the vehicle in front of you. With that you can set cruise control and take a nap..... zzzzzzz

[CX9 SportOwner]

SportOwner, you forgot to mention the active cruise control that keeps a distance from the vehicle in front of you. With that you can set cruise control and take a nap..... zzzzzzz

Exactly my fear. Putting my life at even greater risk because every other driver chooses to rely on these gadgets instead of learning to drive and pay attention.


And Volvo specifically cites towing as an advantage of their descent assist. Imagine inexperienced towers thinking the car will take care of the trailer behavior by itself. I already get passed by idiots with trailers, and I don't drive slow.

They keep talking about full auto pilot cars that follow an embedded wire in the road, but they can't even make basic electronics like power windows or throttles work 100% of the time. Imagine setting the car to auto for a long trip, taking a nap, and waking up in the hospital because the car decided to change lanes for no reason. Trains ride on rails and still hit other trains.

Ugh.

[blink_me192]

>> Seatbelts that hand themselves to you:
Honestly I've never seen this before

>> Mirrors that fold in when you park.
I've never understood the reason for this. If it were that tight, you should'nt have been in that street in the first place.

>> Headlight washers.
Correct. Headlight washers are mandatory on all vehicles fitted with HID Xenon headlamps. Auto levelers are also required by law. Just part of the design regulations. I know in Australia HID's are considered illegal if they don't have the washers and self levellers.

>> Lane Departure Warning.
Aussie roads are pretty bad and some roads don't even have lane marking so until our roads are up to scratch, we'll probably never see this feature.

>> Hill Descent Control.
Hill descent control is only for low speed off roading. Usually only softroaders have this as they lack a low range transfer case. Its useful to keep a low speed when descending without have to go for the brakes which often result in skidding and sliding.

[ceric]

blink,
>> Mirrors that fold in when you park.
You probably haven't been to Japan yet.
Once you get off main streets, most roads are very tight.
Sometimes, only one side is allowed for parking.

[vikefan7]

I wish I had the folding mirrors on the CX-9. If I had my passenger side wouldn't have a scratch and dent in it from my wife running into some containers in our garage while parking. I've had the CX-9 for about 8 months now and it's my daily driver and she's driven it about 6 times and has put all the scratches and dings in it that weren't caused by flying rocks.

[ceric]

vikefan7,
I doubt that was gonna help in your wife's case.
The mirrors fold only when you turn off ignition, and they unfold when you put ignition into ACC/ON position. I wonder if there is an override option, though.

[danz75]

I wish I had the folding mirrors on the CX-9. If I had my passenger side wouldn't have a scratch and dent in it from my wife running into some containers in our garage while parking. I've had the CX-9 for about 8 months now and it's my daily driver and she's driven it about 6 times and has put all the scratches and dings in it that weren't caused by flying rocks.

Our wives must come from the same family. ;) My previous Subaru Outback Wagon was my DD and in the few times that my wife drove it, she managed to get it dinged and hit another car/get hit by the other car(both drivers at fault) causing a $5k body damage.

We bought the 9 for her recently and my wife has managed to hit the mirror going into the garage. Luckily it was slow so the mirror just folded in(that's what they're supposed to do right?) causing no damage.

I'm ok with dents and scratches as long as the car does it's job and protects my family if it was ever in an accident.

[Force-1]

vikefan7,
I doubt that was gonna help in your wife's case.
The mirrors fold only when you turn off ignition, and they unfold when you put ignition into ACC/ON position. I wonder if there is an override option, though.

What vehicle are you referring to? Many vehicles with power folding mirrors have a switch that allows you to fold them manually.

[ceric]

What vehicle are you referring to? Many vehicles with power folding mirrors have a switch that allows you to fold them manually.
Never had the honor to own a vehicle with folding mirrors. I have sat in one ('03 Lexus LS 430, coworker's) many times and saw them in action.

That is why I specifically said
"I wonder if there is an override option, though."

[apamau]

I thought all toyota camry have folding mirrors, honda aircord as well. But I dol think the cx-9 can have in asia as our parking is really small.

[ceric]

AFAIK, no Camrys or Accords in US have folding mirrors.

[BIGhouse]

Hey, sorry to get back to the discussion regarding the looks of the Cx-9 vs. other crossovers. The only other head-turner in terms of crossovers to me is the Infiniti FX. I almost rear-ended someone when I first saw it. Course that almost happened when i saw my first Cx-9. And my wife, too. (might be reading this)(jk)

I think the Audi places third. Purely in terms of aesthetics.

[mixmasterlove]

Has anyone seen 1 in person yet? I sit @ the dealerships?