02/07/2008 09:43. If vehicles have a DNA that defines their personalities, then Mazda's molecular building blocks speak the language of sport. Surprisingly, it's even evident in this big seven-seat crossover. The CX-9, with its three rows of seating, is a family hauler. Less apparent is its handling and performance prowessthat is, until you hop in for a ride. A trip through L.A.'s curvy canyons chauffeuring five adults in the back made me worry they'd all get queasy, but the CX-9 has a taut but forgiving suspension. That's rare for a vehicle this size, but not unusual for Mazda.

And the CX-9 is fashionable. A friend who drives a Lexus... // Newsweek