Faults:

Rubber gasket surrounding right headlamp was not correctly installed at the factory. It was pinched in one area and protruding noticeably from the side of the headlamp assembly.

Silver metal-look trim pieces on the doors and on the sides of the center console damage easily and look bad after less than one year.

Rain-sensing wipers malfunctioned and required replacement of wiper arms and other components.

General Comments:

Interior is very well designed, and the materials are high quality and well assembled.

Acceleration is very good for this type of vehicle.

Handling is exceptional, and makes the CX-9 feel like a much smaller vehicle than it is.

Fuel economy is mediocre, at best.

Faults:

Came from independent dealer with worn pads, which were then replaced.

General Comments:

I wrote this so others may find this and spare the trouble that I'll be going through.

The tailgate where the Mazda logo is mounted is rusting at the seams of the plastic overlay. Both corners of the bodylines have a quarter-sized rust patch currently and I understand that this is fairly common, but somehow not well documented. I have yet to attempt dealer service as I'm not too optimistic that they'll help but I will find out.

I'm really surprised and disappointed first, that I bought this car without thoroughly inspecting it and that I'm now going to be stuck with a repair bill. I just hope that these two spots are the only ones and that the whole thing doesn't turn out to be a rust bucket. I have heard reports that the roof has rust issues as well; if you're shopping for a CX9, be sure to look at the tailgate above the license plate and maybe check the roof. Don't be a dummy like I was and presume that a three year old car couldn't rust!

If not for the rust, I really like how the car drives. It handles corners well for such a heavy car and acceleration is good. Gas mileage stinks, but it is a heavy SUV and this is not a surprise. Interior fit and finish are excellent at three years. No squeaks or rattles. For those of us who have come from a previous generation car with metal keys, the keyfob system (especially when combined with a remote starter) can be confusing so be sure to read the book.

There's a lot to like, but the rust issue is really surprising. I've not had to deal with rust since I was a teenager and I never thought that a modern car would have such problems!

Faults:

Nothing to date.

General Comments:

Very nice CUV to drive, handling is great, easy to get in and out parking spaces. It has lots of passing power and plenty of room for passengers and luggage. The HID headlights work great as well as the Bose stereo. The blind spot monitoring is a must!

Some of the things I didn't like about the CX-9 is the fuel economy. I think the best I ever got was 11 litres per 100 km with all highway. Also I didn't like that the CX-9 didn't have a trip computer on the 2008 model. Kind of weird for a $52000 vehicle, I believe it came standard on the 2009 model though. The other thing I don't like about the Mazda is that it only tows 3500 pounds. So I was limited on what size of boat I could buy.

The all season tires are terrible in the winter. I recommend buying a set of winter tires.

Overall, I highly recommend this good looking and very reliable vehicle.

Faults:

None, I have only owned the car for 4 months. I will update as time and mileage go by.

General Comments:

The car is as advertised. The only thing that I am surprised about so far is the poor gas mileage. I am only averaging about 13 miles per gallon in mixed driving. I guess it will get better as time goes along. Even if it doesn't, as long as the car is reliable like my last car, I will be happy.

I recently took the car in for the first service to a different dealer which is closer to my home. They were very nice and answered all of my questions. I hope that the experience continues over the long haul.