I have a pair of comfy, weathered, totally fashionable Frye boots that I consider the most versatile accessory in my closet. I wear these boots with everything from jeans to girly, twirly dresses. They can cap off the ultimate fashion statement, or I can wear them to work in a field and feel just as good about the whole thing. (I haven’t tested that theory out in real life, but I’m sure it’s true.) I wear them all the time.
After driving it for a few days, I decided the 2008 Mazda CX-7 is just like these favorite boots. It’s practical, stylish and very versatile. Check out how it compares to last year’s model here.
It was snowing like mad the day I got the car, and the all-wheel-drive CX-7 didn’t bat an eyelash; it plowed me through the snow without a problem. Heated side-view mirrors and a fast-acting defrost on the front windshield put me at ease in the near-whiteout conditions, and the Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control System worked to give me a smooth, slip-free ride. All these standard features, together with the standard seat warmers in front, add up to a vehicle that can handle the snowiest of days with ease. They also served to make me a lot more relaxed, which is a huge plus given that we all know busy moms do not need extra stress.
The day after the snowstorm was 75 degrees and sunny (and if you don’t believe that you’ve obviously never been to Colorado). With an open sunroof (optional but worth it in my opinion) and the air conditioning on low, we were feeling pretty good about the world. Topping it off was the optional Bose stereo system, which sounded good enough to keep me in the car a few more minutes than was strictly necessary.
The Bose system is part of the optional Technology Package. If you have $4K to spare, it’s a worthy investment. Not only do you get the kickin’ stereo, but there’s also a DVD navigation system with voice command and a rearview camera. This was the first time I’d driven a car with a rearview camera for an extended period of time, and I will now make sure that the next car I buy has one. With little kids running around and toys everywhere, it’s a very useful accessory. I must note, though, that as with fashion, accessories in cars should only serve to highlight natural savvy. In short, even with a rearview camera, you should walk all the way around your vehicle before getting in and pulling out (as our friends at www.kidsandcars.com tell us).
As a final test for the CX-7, we headed to the mountains so my hubby could get in one last day of skiing this season. My son’s car seat was a breeze to install, and the CX-7 showed plenty of power climbing hills at altitude. We could have used a bit more storage space, though. Without a ski rack, we had to maneuver the skis in at an odd angle because the backseat doesn’t have a pass-thru. The rear cargo space is also a little smaller than I would like.
My only real issue with the car, though, is its gas mileage: 16/22 mpg city/highway. That isn’t unique to the CX-7, but with the ever-rising price of gas, it’s tough to justify using a full tank ($55 to fill up) to go up and down the mountain. When I know there are cars out there that make that drive more efficiently, it’s hard for me to consider purchasing a car that can’t. Still, we had a zoom-zoomy good time in this car, just as Mazda tells people they will. And who knows, maybe if my favorite boots required gas they’d be guzzlers too. Perhaps that’s just the price of versatility.
*For more information on the 2008 Mazda CX-7 and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.
LET’S TALK NUMBERS
Latch Connectors: 2
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent
Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Groove On
Specs
2008 Mazda CX7
Base price: $28,000
Price as tested: $33,910
Engine: 244-hp, 2.3-liter I-4
Fuel: 16/22 mpg
Length: 184.1″
Width: 73.7″
Ground Clearance: 8.1″
Turning Radius: 18.7′
Cargo space: 29.9-58.6 cu. ft.
NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings
Frontal Impact
Driver’s side: 5 Stars
Passenger’s side: 5 Stars
Side Impact
Front occupant: 5 Stars
Rear occupant: 5 Stars
Rollover resistance: 4 Stars
