2012 MAZDA CX-9

"Zoom Zoom" in size XL!

Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 4 Value Rating: 5

I wish I could have rated it 4.5 stars, because it deserves it. It isn't perfect (what vehicle is?) but it's an exceptional mid-size/large SUV and it's more fun to drive than anything in this class should be. Handling, acceleration and braking are all better than any previous car or SUV that I've owned. The ride was a little on the harsh side when it was new (it has 20" wheels/tires) and the road noise from the tires was noticeable. I replaced the factory tires with a set of Michelins at 28k miles and it is so much quieter and smoother but still handles great and performs well on wet roads. I drove it to Pittsburgh (from Atlanta) and back last February and got to see how well it performed in the snow. For a FWD vehicle with all-season tires, it was perfect. The few minor issues I have are technology-related (no USB port; Bluetooth setup is cumbersome, especially with some phone; and the process of opening the power liftgate with the remote is annoying- press unlock twice, then hold the 'open' button' for a few seconds). The fuel economy isn't great, but I knew that going in. I average about 18mpg overall. I bought mine new in 11/2012 (as a leftover 2012) and I currently have 66,000 miles on it. The only problems I've had were brake-related. The front brake rotors had to replaced around 10k miles and they were warped again (causing horrible pedal vibration) at 18k miles. They only offered to resurface the rotors at that point (which would make them thinner and more likely to warp again even sooner). I corrected the issue myself with a pair of $225 aftermarket high-performance rotors and they're still doing great after almost 40k miles. The power brake booster also failed in May 2015 and it was replaced under warranty.