The 2008 Mazda CX-7 is a high-performance sport utility vehicle (SUV), a stylish ode to sports car design, and a versatile platform for the modern lifestyle. It offers seating for five, comes with sporty handling, and has a turbo-charged four-cylinder that provides V-6-like power. It also has an attractive interior, good build quality, and attention-grabbing styling.

The Mazda CX-7, available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), has a 2.3-liter, direct injection, turbo-charged four-cylinder engine generating 244 horsepower. The combination of a turbocharger and direct injection spark ignition (DISI) creates a high level of performance normally found in larger, sport-specific engines. The front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive optional. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability is standard. The fuel economy estimates from the EPA rate the Mazda CX-7 AWD at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

This midsize, five-passenger crossover SUV is available in three trim levels - Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. It offers a sporty look and sporty handling. The body design innovatively combines a traditional SUV look with the muscular curves of the sporty Mazda RX-8. Premium 18-inch alloy wheels lend a bold and speedy look, even when it's standing still. It is comfortable and roomy inside. It can tow up to 58.6 cubic feet.

A pressure monitoring system; advanced dual front air bags; front side-impact air bags; and side air curtains (front and rear) with roll-over protection; three-point safety belts for all seating positions; front safety-belt prentensioners with force limiters; fold-away brake pedal assembly; Latch - rear seat child safety-seat lower anchors (2) and upper tethers(3); and an engine immobilizer anti-theft system are standard. In crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2008 Mazda CX-7 performed very well, garnering a top five-star rating in both front and side collisions.