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2010 Mazda CX-7 i Sport

Vehicle Tested: 2010 Mazda CX-7 i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5A)

The 2010 Mazda CX-7 struggles to get attention in the crowded small-crossover segment. Ever since it debuted three years ago, it has come standard with a 244-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. Typically, a powerful engine like this is either an option or not offered at all in this segment. This punchy engine, along with the CX-7's impressive handling abilities and swept-back styling, helped it stand out in comparison tests and on editorial pages — just not in sales.
Why? Most consumers in this segment are perfectly happy with a regular four-cylinder engine that trades power for better fuel economy and a lower price tag. Therefore, the CX-7 was, for many shoppers, too thirsty, too expensive and too small compared to the segment's best-sellers.
The Mazda CX-7 gets a revised face for 2010 along with a less powerful but more fuel-efficient base engine.

The handsome interior design is mostly carried over. The color display screen is a new option, though.

A keen eye is needed to spot the new wider reflectors and only one exhaust outlet for the base engine.

Performance
The CX-7 i is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 161 hp and 161 pound-feet of torque, an output that is actually less than that of the related four-cylinder engines used for the lighter Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 sedans.
In terms of fuel economy, a front-wheel-drive CX-7 obtains an EPA estimate of 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. That's 1 mpg less than the front-wheel-drive CR-V, RAV4 and Nissan Rogue, and 3 mpg less than the Chevy Equinox. In two weeks with our CX-7 i test vehicle, we essentially matched the combined number at 22.46 mpg.
It was also slower through the slalom and circled our skid pad with significantly less grip (0.73g versus 0.79g). However, the CX-7 still feels sportier than everything else in its class. The steering is well-weighted and transmits more road feel than you'd typically expect, providing a better connection between driver and car. If you're an owner of a Mazda 3 hatchback and looking to move up a size, the CX-7 should provide enough of a familiar driving experience to satisfy.
Function
The CX-7 falls into the smaller of two subcategories within the so-called compact crossover segment. Its 59 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity (with the rear seats folded) is on par with similarly sized crossovers like the Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Rogue, but significantly smaller than the larger group of CR-V, RAV4 and Subaru Forester.
Still, there's plenty of room for golf clubs and a large suitcase in the deep cargo area, while those rear seats fold easily thanks to a pair of pulls located close to the tailgate. A child safety seat fits better in the CR-V and RAV4 (and is more easily accessed from the driver seat because of those models' sliding rear seats), but most parents will find that the CX-7 meets their needs.
Design/Fit and Finish
The Mazda CX-7 offers one of the more visually interesting cabins in the class. Even though our test vehicle was of a lower trim level, the materials used and the construction that put them together are slightly above average.

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Weird Traffic Laws That Could Get You A Ticket

We want you to stay on the right side of the law when traveling our wonderful country and would hate to see you fined or jailed for breaking a law you were simply unaware of (or unlikely to even imagine).

And there are indeed some strange traffic laws out there that could come back to bite you.

Some are old, out-dated laws that just don't make sense today, but are still on the books and therefore technically still binding and enforceable.

Others are just plain odd and make you really wonder about common sense. At any rate, here's some odd driving laws to keep in mind when you're out and about.

Alabama

- When driving in Alabama, please remember to remove your blindfolds. You see, it's illegal to drive while blindfolded there. If you've been getting away with this in your state, you are now forewarned ... ditch the blindfolds in 'Bama.

Alaska

- When driving in our most northern state, don't forget to untie your dog from the roof rack. It's illegal to tether a dog to the roof of a car up there (who knew?). (I dunno, maybe strapping Fido to the hood or the bumper will keep you from being pulled over.)

Arkansas

- If you've got a hankering for a sandwich or a cold drink while driving in Little Rock at night, lay off the horn ... or that snack can get very expensive. Yep, it's against the law to blare a car horn where cold beverages or sandwiches are served after 9 p.m.

California

- If you are a woman, it is illegal to drive in a housecoat. Look sharp ladies or they may just write you up.

- Also remember that a vehicle without a driver may not exceed 60 miles per hour. I bet this one probably gets a lot of people.

- It's also illegal to shoot any animals from a moving vehicle in California, so put away the guns while driving ... except if you see a whale. Shooting them is okay.

- But if you end up in court in Los Angeles for one violation or another, please try to maintain your composure because it is illegal to cry on the witness stand and will only get you into more hot water.

Illinois

- In Crete, cars can't be driven through the town. I guess the choices are to drive around the town, or maybe get out and push.

- In Evanston, it's unlawful to change clothes in an automobile with the curtains drawn, except in case of fire. So when changing your cloths, make sure you're clearly visible or they'll nail you. Sounds like a "fun" city.

- In Park Ridge, remember to park your truck out of sight because they can only be parked inside closed garages

Iowa

- If you're passing through Indianola, you better not be in a truck selling ice cream ... it's illegal there. Yep, the "Ice Cream Man" has been banned.

Kansas

- When in Derby, please be aware they put a high value on peace and quiet. Screeching your tires, for example, is considered a misdemeanor and can cost you 30 days in the slammer.

- In Topeka, it's against the law to transport dead poultry on Kansas Avenue. So, use an alternative route when traveling with a bucket of chicken wings.

Maryland

- In Rockville, swearing from a vehicle is considered a misdemeanor. So, either clean up the vocab, or get the #@&* out of the vehicle before laying into someone.

Minnesota

- In Minnetonka they really value cleanliness. They'll nail you if your truck leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on any road. It's best to clean up before heading into this town, sort of like wiping your feet before going in the house.

Missouri

- In University City it is illegal to honk the horn of someone else’s car. So those of you with a habit of switching cars before honking should know that it's just not tolerated in U. City.

New Jersey

- Although not really a driver law, it's good to know you'll have clear sailing in Blairstown where it is illegal to plant trees in the middle of the street. Don't you hate when that happens?

North Carolina

- When in Dunn, it is against the law to drive on sidewalks, sorry. You also can't drive through a cemetery unless you're there to dig a grave or bury someone.

Ohio

- When passing through Youngstown, make sure you've got plenty of gas because it's illegal to run out of gas there.

Oregon

- When in this state, you must yield to pedestrians when driving on the sidewalk. Good to know in advance.

- They'll also ticket you if you leave your car door open longer than is deemed necessary. You might want to practice getting in and out a bit before heading into Oregon.

- And it's a Class A traffic violation if you use your car on a highway to demonstrate your physical endurance. So, no pulling your car with your teeth or lifting it over your head or stuff like that.

Rhode Island

- In Scituate, it is illegal to drive with beer in your vehicle even if it is unopened. Perhaps this is an attempt to get beer drinkers to walk more.

- When passing another vehicle, either on the right or left, the law says you must give the vehicle an "audible signal" (I wonder if screaming would qualify if the horn doesn't work). Sounds like a noisy place to me.

South Carolina

- When in Hilton Head, bear in mind that it is against the law to store trash in your vehicle. It's probably best to get your interior detailed before heading into town.


So, there are indeed some unusual driving laws in our great land. And hopefully, this "heads-up" will help you avoid unexpected fines or jailtime.

See answer under Car Doctor.

Road Trip Fun: Car Games

If you're planning a long car trip, you're going to need some help keeping your teenager from spouting off "I'm bored!" every fifteen minutes. Of course a portable DVD payer helps, but simple car games are a standard. Here are a few of my favorites:

I Spy
The person who starts picks out an object that everyone can see. That person then says, "I spy something..." and gives a clue such as the color or shape of the item. The other players ask questions about the item, and these questions are answered with a 'yes' or 'no'. The first player who guesses right becomes the new spy.

What did you bring on your trip?
Start this game by saying, "I'm going on a trip and I'm bringing...". The first player should name an item that starts with the letter 'A'. The next player will say the same thing but with the letter 'B', and the games goes on until you get to the letter 'Z'.

License Plate Games
There are all sorts of games you can play with license plates. You can collect the number of states you see. Find the highest number on a plate, ignore the letters. Or, you can find the alphabet in order.

Twenty Questions
One person thinks of a person place or thing and starts off by saying, "I'm thinking of a person (place or thing)." Everyone takes turns asking questions that are answered with 'yes' or 'no', or they may guess the answer during their turn. The first person who guesses correctly thinks of the next person, place, or thing.