I was disappointed with Consumer Reports review

[sranger]

Anywayz... since nobody else seems to have an issue with the seat comfort, I'd recommend you see a (good) chiropractor. I'm not trying to be funny... a disc might be misalligned or something. I see mine every week (for an adjustment) and can't tell you how much better I feel inside and out. Who knows? a couple trips to the chiropractor and maybe you'll be singin a different tune.

I would like to know what medical condition of the spine would cause sore spots on my hips and the back of my legs? Also, since the problem went away once I modified the seat to relieve the pressure points the hard seam caused, common sense would indicate that that was the main problem.

Also since this it the ONLY vehicle I have ever driven that caused the problem, I think your assesment is a little off...

 

[CHICO2003]

I wasn't "assessing" anything. I was merely suggesting you consider seeing one. Like 99.9% of the population, I figured chiropractors were ONLY good for when one had a SERIOUS back injury. After becoming friends with one, I learned just how wrong I was. He told me how everything ties into the spine.

As a quick example...

Not having any "reason" to go, per his advice, I went anyway. I happened to go on a day in which I had a very slight sore throat. I didn't tell him that because, frankly, it wasn't really that big of a deal. Just a minor annoyance I knew would go away within a day or two. Anyway, the first thing he did was hook me up to this machine that measured the "supilzations" (probably spelled that wrong) of each vertebrae in my spine. Since each of them is linked to various parts in the body, the variances in temperature can indicate potential problems. Conversely, fixing the problem will alleviate the supilzation.

Anyway, pretty much everything checked out except the vertebrae that linked to my esophagous. He asked me if I had a cold. I didn't feel (or sound) sick.... yet this thing knew! I was amazed. but that was just the beginning. After I told him, he adjusted my spine (sort of like -systematically- cracking one's knuckles) in accordance with what he saw. Immediately, I kid you not, the sore throat was gone. In addition... I felt like a new man. like the tin man getting all oiled up. Later that day I went running and recorded my best mile time since I was 18.

Getting back to the topic at hand. I didn't realize you found a way to fix your problem. If I did, I never would have made this suggestion. As far as your point about it being the vehicle "since you've never felt pain in any of your other 20 cars"... unless you're driving those cars as frequently as this one, that point is irrelevant.

bottom line... if you start to feel any pain in your back (or anywhere for that matter) I urge you to see a (good) chiropractor. By good I mean someone who is focused on wellness... and not just cashing in on insurance claims for people who got into car accidents.

 

[jrtouareg]

"I urge you to see a (good) chiropractor. By good I mean someone who is focused on wellness... and not just cashing in on insurance claims for people who got into car accidents."

Better yet, go see a "real" doctor, like a medical doctor.

 

[CHICO2003]

LOL I hope you're kidding.

While there's certainly a place for western medicine, most "MDs" are taught to simply fill out a script to solve the problem. Chiropractic DOCTORS (yes, they are doctors too) often have a different way of looking at things. Instead of hitting the body with drugs, they emphasize (in addition to adjustments and reallignments of the spinal column) a more holistic approach.

Having a few friends in both the pharm sales & medical industry, I'm well aware of what goes on. Doctors are provided with incentives to prescribe certain medications over others. Rarely, if ever, will they recommend the type of approach a (good) chiropractor (or naturalist) would. There's simply no money in it. Often times, the welfare of the patient is overlooked for financial gain. I'm sure you'll disagree but these are the facts.

 

[jrtouareg]

LOL I hope you're kidding.

While there's certainly a place for western medicine, most "MDs" are taught to simply fill out a script to solve the problem. Chiropractic DOCTORS (yes, they are doctors too) often have a different way of looking at things. Instead of hitting the body with drugs, they emphasize (in addition to adjustments and reallignments of the spinal column) a more holistic approach.

Having a few friends in both the pharm sales & medical industry, I'm well aware of what goes on. Doctors are provided with incentives to prescribe certain medications over others. Rarely, if ever, will they recommend the type of approach a (good) chiropractor (or naturalist) would. There's simply no money in it. Often times, the welfare of the patient is overlooked for financial gain. I'm sure you'll disagree but these are the facts.

Trying not to get out of subject here but I totally disagree with you. You yankees have a different attitude about people than we do in the friendly south. I know too many chiropractors who team up with lawyers against insurance companies. Why do you think our health insurance is so high? Anyway, I'll take my chances with a good neurosurgeon or orthopedic specialist and you can go to a chiropractor, again, and again, and again. I promise you, it will cost you more in the long run and you'll still have your ailment. Back to the CX-9: one of the best vehicles I've ever had, and I've had quite a few. I'm an engineer and a certified gearhead and coming from driving Hondas and german cars, this vehicle is well put together and drives better than most sedans. I drove 450 miles straight and did not get tired. I had to stop to refuel. Read my post above on our trip..

 

[the gamper]

Funny that nearly every auto magazine is picking the CX-9 as a winner in comparos and generally showering praise on it with only a few minor gripes. Take what consumer reports says with a grain of salt. History has proven that if you were to put a Toyota or Honda badge on the CX-9 and have them retest it, the CX-9 would probably be the class leader by far.

I have tested the CX-9 and simply love it. I want one, but wish it had better fuel economy than the current SUV I own.

I am sure you guys are aware of this, but automobile companies pay people to post on these internet sites to promote their vehicles and also to disparage the competition. Take the overwhelming majority of comments that are positive and go out for yourself, take a drive and decide if it is for you. Mazda makes some very reliable vehicles. In fact Mazda tops some reliability surveys in Europe and performs admirably in just about every survey out there. The CX-9 is essentially a parts bin model, meaning that just about everything on the CX-9 is proven hardware on other vehicles. Should be a good buy if it fits your needs.

 

[jrtouareg]

I want one, but wish it had better fuel economy than the current SUV I own.

I just got 25 mpg on the highway on our recent family vacation with 5 people on board plus an 18 cu ft cargo carrier on top of the car. We drove 455 miles before refueling with 18.1 gallons of gas averaging 70 - 80 MPH from Knoxville, Tn to Charleston, SC. That is crossing the Smoky mountains. I don't know any SUVs that get that kind of mileage unless its a hybrid or a CRV or a VW Touareg V10 TDI(wink) (I own one).

 

[musicola]

I'll chime in, hopefully without pissing anybody off... ;-)

Ride and maneuverability - great (with 20"), although too much body roll.
Styling - great. Isn't this the #1 reason people buy this thing?
Price - good deal for the money, if you ask me.
Mileage - poor - my wife gets about 17 in a mix of driving (at 6500 miles). Knew it would be that way before we bought it, though.
Nav system - below average even for OEM units.
Three rows of seats - all work well for our mix of kids and adults (although when driving my knee rubs against the console and it drives me crazy).
Sound system/satellite radio/DVD - great (although DVD is expensive).
Seat heaters - I agree, too simplistic for an upmarket vehicle.
Roof insulation - too little. Too much noise coming in from the roof, especially when it rains.

Overall, we are pleased. Compared a a minivan, it is not close as far as actual utility and family features, but we knew that going in.

 

[musicola]

P.S. Chiro = 50% quackery. That % has improved over the last 20-30 years, but it's still darn high.

SORRY, I HAD TO SAY IT.

 

[CHICO2003]

Well, you're certainly entitled to your oppinion. But... in the end, that's really ALL it is.

 

[CHICO2003]

Trying not to get out of subject here but I totally disagree with you. You yankees have a different attitude about people than we do in the friendly south. I know too many chiropractors who team up with lawyers against insurance companies. Why do you think our health insurance is so high? Anyway, I'll take my chances with a good neurosurgeon or orthopedic specialist and you can go to a chiropractor, again, and again, and again. I promise you, it will cost you more in the long run and you'll still have your ailment. Back to the CX-9: one of the best vehicles I've ever had, and I've had quite a few. I'm an engineer and a certified gearhead and coming from driving Hondas and german cars, this vehicle is well put together and drives better than most sedans. I drove 450 miles straight and did not get tired. I had to stop to refuel. Read my post above on our trip..

You Yankees? LOL Let's try not to stereotype here. After all, southerners tend to get a bad rap. Being originally from the south, I can easily see why. Even still, I'm not about to start calling everyone from the south a redneck. That would be stereotyping and stereotyping isn't cool

Another thing that's not cool is you taking what I said out of context. As you will recall, I suggested he see a GOOD chiropractor. I also implied that, just like in ANY other medical field, there are plenty of shady characters. The friend I was referring to certainly isn't one of them. He lives a very modest life and, since he doesn't prescribe any drugs, isn't influenced by the incredibely shady industries of pharm & pharm sales. (THAT, my friend, is why our health insurance is so high. If you think Chiroractors contribute 1/100000th to this you're off your rocker.) Clearly, with chiropractors and doctors, insurance scams run rampant so it's irrelevant to even bring up in this conversation.

As far as the cost of seeing a chiropractor is concerned... everyone's insurance is different so it's impossible to comment. All I know is, I see mine every week and it doesn't cost me a dime. (my insurance even pays the co-pays) He says my insurance is among the best, but that I'm definitely not alone.

In the end, as I said before, traditional doctors have their place. If I break my back or need some surgery... obviously I'm going to see orthopedic surgeon. However, these are the same people who will prescribe to me some drug (that's probably not that good for me overall) to 'fix' the problem (ie. mask the pain). This is what they are taught. Chiropractors take a much differnt approach. Their approach involves realligning the spine, preventative measures, hollistic therapy and (most importantly) recommendations on how to ensure the problem doesn't continue. I traditional doctor's head would spin if I asked him how to prevent virtually any condition. Naturally I'm exagerating but the bottom line is... they're taught to treat with medicine. People who understand the body know that that approach should only be considered if a more natural means was deemed ineffective.

But like I said.. everyone's entitled to their oppinion. I merely wanted to open some eyes & minds.

 

[Mazda3]

Guys, this thread has gone waaay off topic. You are welcome to continue this debate in the off-topic section, but lets try and keep this somewhat CX-9 related.

 

[musicola]

I agree.
Sorry Chico if I overgeneralized and offended you with my personal-history-based comment.

 

[CX-7owner]

BOT, Can you really take what CR says seriously? They're such a joke to me. Thats why this review of the CX-9 has no effect on me what so ever.

 

[todd92]

I am 6' 3" and have read his posts with some interest. One thing I noticed is I think the seats are actually the most comfortable of any I have ever sat in. Way better than the MB E320 that CX-9 replaced and better than the sport seats in my BMW 330 and better than the seats in my Nissan Titan too. But that is subjective. He does bring up some good point, so I responded to his post with my observations. I do have my own nitpicks, the already known headlight chime when set on Auto (a blunder) and the mirrors settings aren't saved with the seat memory.

[/B]The CX-9 does have some good points:

1) It handles very good for it's class. ( Why I bough it ) Absolutely

2) It rides good and is reasonable quite. I do not find the 20" wheels to be harsh as some thought. Slight jiggling, extremely quiet

3) The Bose sound system is excellent. Yep

4) There are plently of tye-down hooks in the cargo area. Never use them?

5) I Think it looks good... Subjective, but I think best in class, with the GM ones a close second

6) The climate control system work quite well. No complaints

7) I like being able to slide the second row seats Forward for more cargo room. Really designed to give 3rd row passengers some legroom

However, there are many negatives as well:

1) The engine is quite weak off the line. It pulls hard in the mid range and then dies off in the top end. This makes merging with the high speed Atlanta traffice difficult. It is difficult to pass. Basically it needs more HP and torque to move it's hefty mass. The new 3.7L for 2008 should help some... Have not noticed any lack of power in any situation?

2) Even though it is a big vehicle, it's usable interior space is quite limited. Mazda should have done a better job at giving you more storage inside. The single console box is quite small for this class of vehicle. Depends if you are a pack rat I guess, try a plastic box under the seat if you have that much junk?

3) The rear seat is too low to the floor making it uncomfortable on long trips for adults. I also do not like the rails in the floor that you see infront of the rear seat. It is hard to keep stuff from falling into the cracks. The rear seat is low for someone with long legs, but almost all cars are that way?

4) You cannot lock the doors until all of them are shut. This is VERY annoying. You have to stand and wait for everyone to get out and close the door before hitting the lock switch. The door locking/unlocking logic of the three outside switches is a little silly. You cannot open the rear hatch with the FOB or rear switch until you unlock it. However the rear switch will lock all of the doors if ANY doors currently unlocked the first time you press it even if the rear door is currently locked. Haven't noticed an issue locking and having to wait, but yes having to unlock all the doors before the hatch opens is really stupid

5) My knee hits the center console and the dead pedal foot rest is almost under teh brake pedal. I guess it is because the wheel well protrudes so far into the cabin. My knee touches the center console too, but I forget about it in a few minutes, haven't noticed the dead pedal being in a ackward position

6) There is a LOT of wind noise near the top of the driver and passenger door at highway speeds. I don't think there is lots of wind noise, I think the car is so quiet that the only noise you can hear is the wind on the roof rails

7) The mirrors shak a lot while driving. It is a little annoying especially when there is a light reflection in the mirror. Mine don't shake at all?

8) There is a bad blind spot one each side of the vehicle. You really should add a little round mirror to the side mirrors. Mirrors properly adjusted and no blind spot?

9) I hit my head on the rear lift gate ( 6'-4" ) I am finally learning to duck...But it clears the garage door when open inside my garage

10) There is very little head room for me even with the seat all the way down and tilted back. I have plenty of headroom with no unusual seat positions and I have the sunroof?

11) The navigation system is pathetic. It's map is very outdated. It is difficult to uses. I have a little Garmin Nuvii 330 and it is far superior in just about evry way. You CANNOT use the Nav system at all when driving even if there is a passenger in the vehicle. The Rear view cammera is nearly usless as it's prespective is very distorted. I rarely use it...Other than not being able to enter a new destination while in motion (very annoying) it works well, and the back up camera is meant solely to check that you are not running over something in the blind spot behind the hatch and it works fine for that?

12) It does not come with cross bars on the roof rack??? Don't know what you use the roof rack for, but I have to use Thule crossbars for my Thule box anyway?

13) The carpet is very cheap looking and very thin. And you can get any color you want as long as it is black...Oh please

14) The second row seats do not fold completely flat...You are right

15) The sotrage area under the rear floor is very small. The one in my little 2005 Marinere was bigger. Subjective, it plenty big enough for what i use it for

16) There are NO side cubby holes in the rear at all??? ?

17) It does not get good gas milage. 15mpg-18mpg is about all it will get in real world driving...Got 18 MPG on the very first tank in mixed driving and 22 MPG on the first 75 MPH highway run?

18) Uses the little 1-1/4" towing hitch. I know it is rated for 3500lb, but the 2" is much more versital and there are many attachments that cam make use of it for thing like bike racks. True

19) The seat heaters are simply on or off. They pulse on and off making it too hot and too cool at times. WOuld Low, Med, High be too much to ask in a 40K vehicle??? They are stupid, yes

20) There is no trip computer. ( really minor issue ) But I would like one, can't beleive they skipped this

21) The rear glass does not open so you have to ope the hatch more often. I wonder how long the auto hatch will last... Big deal

22) The Manual shift feature is nearly usless. There is nothing sporty about it. There is a long 2-3 Second pause before it will upshift or down shift when you flick the lever. The only thing I can see it will be good for is holding a lower gear to slow a decent in hilly areas. Manumatics are useless on every car that has them

 

[Mazda3]

BOT, Can you really take what CR says seriously? They're such a joke to me. Thats why this review of the CX-9 has no effect on me what so ever.

The part that really makes me laugh is that they say the CX-9 has bad brakes!!

Other than the MDX what other CUV/SUV this size stops as quick as the 9? Mazda is an industry leader in braking systems, totally hilarious!!

 

[todd92]

The part that really makes me laugh is that they say the CX-9 has bad brakes!!

Other than the MDX what other CUV/SUV this size stops as quick as the 9? Mazda is an industry leader in braking systems, totally hilarious!!

Agreed. Tires have a tremendous effect on braking distances and handling and both were just average in the CR test, yet mine with 20" wheels stops and handles great, even with the same Bridgestones in the CR test (they had 18" though and the same tires can be totally different in various sizes)

 

[satwar]

Agreed. Tires have a tremendous effect on braking distances and handling ............

That's a good point, you may be on to something. Anyone have any insight into the difference in performance rating of factory installed tires for CX-9 versus competitors ? Has Mazda factory installed a sub-par tire design ?

I tend not to laugh off the CR braking test results, I believe their test results are real (hopefully this is not a naive statement). The question is why does braking performance fall behind the others, although I'm puzzled why a extra 10 ft out of a nominal 140 ft stopping distance, should bring the overall rating of the CX-9 down so low. I realize shorter is better, but how much difference does 10 feet make in the real world, when there are so many factors affecting braking a vehicle safely ?

 

[CX-7owner]

That's a good point, you may be on to something. Anyone have any insight into the difference in performance rating of factory installed tires for CX-9 versus competitors ? Has Mazda factory installed a sub-par tire design ?

I tend not to laugh off the CR braking test results, I believe their test results are real (hopefully this is not a naive statement). The question is why does braking performance fall behind the others, although I'm puzzled why a extra 10 ft out of a nominal 140 ft stopping distance, should bring the overall rating of the CX-9 down so low. I realize shorter is better, but how much difference does 10 feet make in the real world, when there are so many factors affecting braking a vehicle safely ?

I Think the tires that come with CX-9's are Bridgestone Turanza's, and those are not very high performance tires. That was not naive but the best thing to do is compare what CR got to other publications, And the CX-9's brakes are far from sub par. Sub par braking=MKX

 

[Mazda3]

That's a good point, you may be on to something. Anyone have any insight into the difference in performance rating of factory installed tires for CX-9 versus competitors ? Has Mazda factory installed a sub-par tire design ?

I tend not to laugh off the CR braking test results, I believe their test results are real (hopefully this is not a naive statement). The question is why does braking performance fall behind the others, although I'm puzzled why a extra 10 ft out of a nominal 140 ft stopping distance, should bring the overall rating of the CX-9 down so low. I realize shorter is better, but how much difference does 10 feet make in the real world, when there are so many factors affecting braking a vehicle safely ?

The fact is that in every other magazine test the CX-9 braking is top of its class. So either there was something wrong with their test vehicle or they are just retarded.