Long Term Update 3: 2008 Mazda CX-9

With nearly 20,000 miles in only eight months of service, our long-term CX-9 is racking up the amount of mileage we're accustomed to seeing from ultra-utilitarian minivans. Why? We love it, of course. "It continues to validate its Sport/Utility of the Year trophy," declares editor at large Arthur St. Antoine. "The CX-9 superbly balances roominess and utility with rewarding performance and handling. It's a lot of fun to drive, and the ride is compliant without being overly cushy." Ougarov concurs: "The CX-9 is as close to the driver's people-mover as it gets. I don't know how Mazda did it-voodoo magic, goat sacrifices, druidic rituals, all of the above?-but you'd never guess it weighs north of 4500 pounds when you're driving it, unlike the similarly hefty Veracruz." At 15,000 miles, the CX-9 went in for its second scheduled service, an $88.21 oil change, inspection, and tire rotation.