We have an 03 MDX that's lease is ending in 30 days. Our short list before deciding to pursue an Enclave was:
1) MDX
2) CX-9
3) Enclave
I agree with all of the below positives for the positive side of the Enclave ledger. However, here are some positives for the CX-9:
1) Looks better than a lot of other SUV/CUVs (except the Enclave)
2) Handling is very nimble - not as good as the new MDX (which rocks for an SUV BTW) but the CX-9 definitely handles more aggressively than the Enclave. And, I for one like a vehicle that is fun (as in fast and quick and nimble) no matter if it is a CUV or a sports car! One must get their driving enjoyment from the Enclave from its solid, quiet luxurious ride, which will also work for me because the Enclave will be my wife's bvehicle and she places almost no premium on sports handling.
3) Blue tooth!
If the new MDX were a little bigger, a little nicer looking and a little less money we may have went for an MDX again over the CX-9 or the Enclave. The MDX is a handling monster and thge new SH-AWD is incredible.
ALl this being said, I remain very excited and am extremely comfortable witrh our family's decision to get an Enclave sometime in the next 4 - 6 weeks!
Thx, Steve
ajaybarve said:
I nearly bought a CX-9 before I saw the Enclave. Thank god the dealer could not find the color&Config I wanted so I got my deposit back. After looking at the two cars, there was not much discussion about which car to get. Waited 8 weeks to get the enclave after we decided. In our opinion:
1) Enclave is more luxirous.
2) 2nd row captains chairs makes getting in & out easier.
3) Smoother ride - I could feel the road sitting in the CX-9 2nd row, granted Mazda has the zoom-zoom factor, however as the CX9 gets older the ride is going to get harsher)
4) More cargo room.
5) Like the Skylight, makes the car look roomier.
6) More features.
7) Looks classier.
Having never bought an American car (always owned Imports), we felt the positives about this car overcame the potential reliability issues as well as lack of bluetooth. We will be mitigating some of the reliability risk by purchasing a GM Extended waranty before our 1st year is up.