"The CX-9'S silky-smooth ride and power delivery," says Truck Trend art director Thomas Voehringer, "make it my personal, rolling therapist. Throttle tip-in is light and responsive without the aggressive overreaction many 'scoot/utes' possess. The powerband is strong and fluid as you watch the digital display tick off the gears. Shifting can best be described as smooth-even under full power, gear selection is seamless." Luckily, our 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year continues to impress when turning and stopping. "Braking is progressive, and, yes, smooth. The initial grab will not jerk you, or your passengers, out of the seat. It's a firm, measured deployment reflected exquisitely in pedal feel. The entire driving experience in the Mazda CX-9 is graceful" -and it drives through trees with amazing accuracy.
| 2008 Mazda CX-9 |
| Months/miles in service | 12/29,696 |
| Avg econ/CO2 | 16.9 mpg/1.15 lb/mi |
| Unresolved problems | None |
| Maintenance cost | $225.90 (3 oil change/inspection/rotate tires) |
| Normal-wear cost | $0 |