Hi guys, I've been driving Subaru's for last 17 years (Impreza, Legacy Wagon), but it is time to get a new vehicle, and I'm seriously considering a new CX-9. One of the decision making aspects for me is that they are built in Japan. I know many of us don;t care, but I still believe that the Japanese assembly is the best. What I'm trying to gather is any input on any existing big (or not so big) issues with CX-9 or Mazda in general. For example, pretty much any 2.5 liter Subaru prior 2011 would have a head gasket leak, and it is a known 'illness'. Is there anything similar in the Mazda world to be aware of?
Thanks!
First, Welcome! You're doing the right thing by asking intelligent questions and probing existing Mazda CX-9 owners.
Second, I've owned both the 2017 Signature and 2018 Signature. I can feel the performance improvement in the 2018 as compared to the 2017, but that's because I drive my CX-9 in ways that probably the typical Signature owner does not. I have personally had no major mechanical faults to deal with in either of my Signatures. I've had problems with my Mazda Dealer, but that's another story entirely and on that applies to many New Car Dealerships in America (though not all).
In all honesty, new Mazda owners in general have reported minor issues with the CMU. You can scan the forum and the net for details. At the same time, I've posted a list of other well known car manufacturing companies that had similar problems with their new CMU as well - some of them, very big names in automobile manufacturing. In fact, there are two Supercar Manufacturers out there who have also had problems with their respective head units. So, it is not uncommon. What I have noticed however, is that the unit in the CX-9 has seemed to improve over the years since its first release in 2016. That's enough to let me know that Mazda gets it and has been working the issues. I've had zero issues with my 2018 CMU, thus far.
Yes. The Japanese auto manufacturing process is tighter. Years ago, I worked inside a number of automobile manufacturing companies as an enterprise technology SE/SC. I worked with Honda, Toyota, GM and Ford on both pre-sale and full implementation cycle of various enterprise software solutions (including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and Airbus in the aerospace industry). Having seen large scale manufacturing of various kinds of transport vehicles from the inside and having an understanding of how QC/QA, Assembly, JITI, etc., all impact the core manufacturing process on the floor, I was most impressed with the way the Japanese does things.
Their philosophical approach, the way they train their people, their organizational structures, the manner with which they handle manufacturing exceptions on the floor, the way they manage inventory, tooling, equipment, etc., all goes to producing a more efficient and better optimized process overall. I'm not slamming US based auto manufacturers. I'm simply saying that as an outsider to the automotive industry, I worked with some of these companies from inside the datacenter to the manufacturing plants and I've seen the philosophical differences that produce the distinctions in output - which means, quality at the end of the day. So, from someone who has seen it from the inside, I agree with you. Although, I will say that Ford, has taken enormous steps to improve its manufacturing process. Ford's biggest problem however, remains in its Design intent in my opinion. The earlier Ecoboost engines are just one example of this.
The other issue that most people don't typically think about when it comes to the manufacturing of their vehicle, is how the automobile manufacturer handles new environmental regulations, the homologation process and how its works with its parts supplies to do the same. It is not a simple matter, bringing a brand new vehicle to market - especially a world wide market. Again, the Japanese tend to handle this strategic process better than most with a few exceptions out of Europe, Volvo being probably the best of the best in this regard. Its just really tough to out manufacture Volvo on just about any level related to QC/QA, efficiency and safety. It is one of the main reasons why I like Volvo so much. However, you are going to pay for that level of efficiency as well when it comes time to write a check.
Mazda, is doing a lot of things right. In the areas of engineering, manufacturing & supply chain management (they go hand-in-hand), safety, design esthetic, regulatory compliance, corporate customer service (I'm not talking about Dealer customer service), etc., this company is on the right track for some really good things both now and in the future. The very fact that you are considering a new CX-9 means that you are considering what is probably the best seven passenger cross-over SUV at this price level. Right now, as far as seven passenger cross-over SUV are concerned, I simply don't see anything that offers more value, performance, safety, quality, utility and a fun to drive experience like the Mazda CX-9 - at this price.
All the best on your decision. I'm almost certain that when you are done with your homework, that a new CX-9 will be sitting in your garage in the not so distant future. Probably perfect for the Vancouver area, too! Love that place.
