Long-Term Road Tests

no I was saying the Aura and lambdas have the same transmission. I know the CX-9 has a different trannny.

Yet, I actually drive other cars.
 
And no it's not, get your facts together. It's an AISIN transmission that is much better than the 6F, and the 6F has hard shifting issues, hunting, and just awful issues with seals failing.
If you want links from the Lambda and MKX/Edge forums I would be glad to link you.
"The CX-9 features a Japanese-built transmission that works with a smoothness utterly unlike that of the Ford Edge, changing gears crisply yet without any shift shock. It also kicks down quickly when you put your foot down. With plenty of gears, smooth shift action and fine throttle control, this transmission makes the V6 seem more powerful than it really is."
 
"Although the 3.5-liter V6 gets shared with other Ford products, the CX-9's throttle control is specific to Mazda, with emphasis on better throttle tip-in (meaning the throttle is more responsive). The Aisin transmission is particularly impressive, delivering smooth, quick shifts perfectly matched to engine speed. When a driver's throttle input requires a lower gear, the gear change remains quick and smooth—and the driver has the option of shifting manually."
 
Do I need anymore proof that the CX-9 does not use that 6F tranny?

it is the same tranny. There have been complaints about the shift logic in the lambdas. This isnt the same as saying the tranny is having reliability problems. I'm not surprised CX-7 lover wouldnt recommend an Enclave. Is anyone else surprised? He wouldn't drive anything that isnt a Mazda.

Uh, what issues? I assume it's a version of (or even the same) transmission that's in the Aura XR / Malibu V6s?

No it uses an Aisin transmission.

Doesn't CX-9 use that same tranny CX7Lover?

I would never recommend an Enclave based on the horrible issues they're having with the 6F transmission and other little issues. (read the forums for a a little sample of the issues all lambas and Ford products using the same tranny)
 
CX-9, thx.

The mileage difference between large crossovers and BOF SUVs has been greatly exaggerated. You are gaining 10% in mileage by going with a crossover like the Enclave. The true advantage is better use of interior space and lighter weight. I believe the Tahoe is rated at 14/19 with AWD while the 2009 Pilot is 16/22 even though the tahoe weighs about 5700lbs. With the 6 speed auto for 2009 the Tahoe will likely pick up another 1-2mpg on the highway.

"A friend of mine is finally giving up on his thirsty Jeep Grand Cherokee in favor of something a little more fuel efficient"
 
While he will get a bunch more space, I doubt he will save much in gas.
 
We've had a 95 JGC for 7 years now and it averages about 18 mpg in the city and about 23 on the hwy. From what I've read, the Lambda's don't do much better.
 
A new truck will be more reliable then an really old one but I wonder if the Lambda's will beat the Jeep in the long run. Aside from minor stuff, ours has been remarkably trouble free.

Oh ok- gotcha. But all things considered, the Enclave's mileage isn't much better than the Tahoe's. When you look at it stastically, the Tahoe's V8 moves it's weight more efficiently than the Enclave's V6.

Chavis, I meant the fact that he "really wanted a Tahoe" is silly. I'm just saying the Enclave is a way better choice than a Tahoe, especially if ego is the only reason why he wants the SUV.

"Wow, gas in CA is over $4 and people still want to buy huge guzzlers for ego reasons!
  
Good thing you are talking some sense into him! The Enclave is definitely an impressive vehicle."
 
The Lambda CUVs don't burn any more gas than an equally porky minivan. Check your stats. If you do the majority of your driving in the city, the Enclave, which it's more efficient version of the 3.6L, gets about the same mileage as the 3.6L V6 equipped Aura or Malibu. I've seen an Aura get 16 mpg on a tank if driven in 100% stop and go traffic (which is easy to do in Philadelphia). My Mazda3 only averages 17 in the city.
 
Any case Ed, tell him to wait for an '09 model as they'll produce at least 290hp and deliver better fuel economy.

Very much agreed. I was initially hot on the Acadia, then highly recommended the Outlook due to looks & equipment arrangement to my mother when she was interested. Drove it and liked it...but the spark wasn't there. Luckily, a dealer had an Enclave...and that was all she wrote. TOTALLY different look, feel, and experience, and just doesn't even seem related.
 
What's best about that is the dynamics of the Acadia/Outlook are already outstanding, but the Enclave just raises the bar so much in so many regards. As many have seen, once you try it, it feels like an even bigger downgrade to go to the GMC or Saturn. Big, big difference, and one that has made people shopping them all end up with the Buick more frequently.

Ugh, the Acadia is definitely the ugliest one. But fear not, the Traverse is coming to take it's place! I really want to try out one of these Lambda's, I've heard such good things about them I'm curious to see how they actually drive.

daytona500,
 
i agree.

Wow, gas in CA is over $4 and people still want to buy huge guzzlers for ego reasons!
 
Good thing you are talking some sense into him! The Enclave is definitely an impressive vehicle.

Didn't like the styling of the Acadia? The Acadia is the best looking one...

I faced the same Outlook vs. Enclave issue. My wife and I preferred the Enclave overall for the reasons you stated and we did not like the look of the Acadia. However, we were able to get a comparably equipped Outlook for $6K less than an Enclave. The decision was easy.