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2009 Mazda CX9
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As utilitarian and cool as Samuel L. Jackson!
I know, it’s a bold statement – but you HAVE to take the Mazda CX9 for a spin. Smooth in character, sporting in heart and very utilitarian, the CX9 is an ideal catch for anyone who needs a crossover’s utility. Although it shares the same platform as the Ford Edge, it is a vastly superior vehicle. Add to that, 3 useable rows of seating (for 7).
All Mazda CX9s have a strong 273 horsepower, 3.7 liter V6 DOHC 24-valve engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. The optional Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system keeps the power to the front wheels until slippage is detected, then power is seamlessly sent to the rear wheels.
I managed a 4 wheel rally drift while pounding around Red Feather Lake and loved the sporty feel. This is one of the few crossovers that allow you to feel what the road is doing in the seat of your pants and at the steering wheel. I rather dislike the whole Mazda "Zoom Zoom" ad thing... but it does work with the CX9 - - rats... This thing is a real joy to (ugh) zoom around in.
Rare indeed.
I dare say that the Mazda CX9 is one of the most athletic feeling, 3-row, crossover utility vehicles I’ve driven. It competes with vehicles in a much more expensive bracket. Like Samuel L. Jackson, the Mazda CX9 can blend into many roles. It can seamlessly move from a comfortable family mover (the optional leather is especially comfy) to a sporting commuter right away. 
The Mazda CX9 lambasted my lower region with a rather rough ride. It seems the massive 20 inch wheels, while ideal for smooth roads, was less than ideal for even mildly rough roads. The 19 inch base wheel and tire package is much better for those who want to use the CX9’s off highway utility.
Off-road driving is not in the cards as this is a crossover with no low gear and modest clearance. Still, if you need a snow buster (who in Denver doesn’t from time-to-time) that has a real sporting feel, the Mazda CX9 delivers. The high, yet sporting seating position, excellent AWD system and decent brakes make winter driving a snap. Even the 18 mpg I averaged was impressive as I tend to drive like a baboon on a caffeine high.
Prices start at about $31,000 for the base model front-driver and peak at less than $42,000 for a fully loaded luxury liner. Using restraint, you can get a well optioned AWD CX9 for less than $35,000. That’s right in the middle of the crossover price range and a bargain for a vehicle like this.
I think Mr. Jackson would approve.
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsMain&vehicleCode=CX9
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmW0361WDQg
Photos by: Nathan Adlen
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