 I am the daughter of an ASE certified mechanic and wife to a tow truck driver. I like to think I know a little more than the average female car shopper. I did a TON of research before deciding to purchase my 2011 Mazda CX-9. I had specific criteria - so much so that one salesman told me I was "looking for a unicorn". Whatever, I got what I wanted. However, after driving this vehicle for about a month now, I have discovered a few things I do not like about it....1. I do not like feeling the shifting between gears. This car has the option to manually shift (Stupid), so the transmission is not a straight 6 (gears in a line).2. Research put gas mileage at 20-22 mpg. I am averaging (according to the car's computer) 17.7 mpg, with an average speed of 27 mph. I do not drive like a maniac or gun it at a green light. I'm an average driver. Maybe my previous SUV ('03 GMC Envoy) had a bigger tank.....I don't know, but I feel like this car is SUCKING the gas. 3. This is smaller than my Envoy, so I'm still adjusting to the smaller cargo space. When using the 3rd row, I cannot load large items or a bunch of shopping bags. I often carry 6 passengers when the girls go shopping - but there's no room for bags except on the floor where they are sitting. 4. This is the first car I've ever had with leather; and it's black leather. Though the interior looks sleek and nice, I live in the south, and leather seats are HOT!! I almost scalded myself!! Plus, they retain the heat too, so as soon as I sit down, my backside is sweating profusely. 5. Maybe it's just MY car, or maybe it's because it's 10,000 degrees outside with 500% humidity, but the A/C takes its time getting cool. I haven't had it looked at yet. POSITIVES:It can get up and go if you need it to. It has a 3rd row seat that I really wanted. I got a great deal. It has a sleek sporty look inside & out. And, I like the updates that I didn't have in my '03 Envoy, like an AUX port and in-console 12v port (no longer referred to as a "cigarette lighter", I guess). The seats fold & move easily one-handed. With the 3rd row folded, the cargo space is adequate for this size car. It was this or a KIA Sorrento..... I'm considering trading it in, but I'll give it a few more months.