The 2008 Mazda CX-7 is a midsize, 5-passenger crossover vehicle featuring a sleek design and a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that offers the performance of a V6. The well built interior is visually appealing with a sport style steering wheel and gauges as well as extra plush comfortable seating, but it does lack some of the interior conveniences found in some other vehicles in its class. After its 2007 debut, the CX-7 returns unchanged but just as desirable for the 2008 model year.

This fun to drive Mazda is available in 3 trims beginning with the entry level CX-7 Sport which comes standard with 18 inch alloy wheels, power windows, door locks and mirrors; cruise control, air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system and a 6 way power adjustable driver seat. The CX-7 Touring adds heated leather seats and increases the level of adjustability for the driver seat. The top of the line CX-7 Grand Touring includes all of these features and adds heated side view mirrors, xenon headlights, upgraded leather upholstery and automatic climate control. All 3 versions can be enhanced with options, some grouped into packages like the Technology Package, which includes a rear park assist system and a rearview camera, a navigation system and a keyless ignition feature. A Preferred Equipment Package is also available to facilitate transporting a multitude of personal items and includes a rear bumper step plate, cargo tray, cargo net, and retractable cargo cover.

The CX-7 is available with either all wheel drive or front wheel drive. The one and only powertrain is a 2.3 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine that delivers a respectable 244 horsepower that is paired with a 6 speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability. Despite its nearly 2 ton weight, the CX-7 offers brisk performance and easily goes from 0 to 60 in under 8 seconds. Unfortunately, enjoying the invigorating ride comes at the sacrifice of fuel efficiency, with the all wheel drive versions rated at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Towing capacity is also less than average for this class, with 2000 pounds being the maximum.

The entertaining and affordably priced 2008 Mazda CX-7 offers more acceleration than just about any other vehicle in its class. Plenty of power combined with its firm suspension and nimble steering offer the driving excitement typically associated with a much more expensive, sport oriented sedan. With the rear seats folded down, the CX-7 provides a little less than 60 cubic feet of cargo space, and about 30 cubic feet available with passengers occupying the rear seats. Emphasizing sport over utility, the provocative and edgy styling of the CX-7 will certainly appeal to those who need the additional passenger and cargo space yet still want to feel as though they are driving something more exciting than an SUV.