Learn me: Mazda CX-7 and quality concers

I came across a Yahoo story listing the least reliable used cars. I opened the story because I expect the worst to be Saturn Vue CVT transmissions. Please understand, I do not put a lot of faith in these Yahoo stories designed to get page clicks but the story left me with two surprises. One, the Vue was not listed (clearly an oversight) and the #1 worst car was the Mazda CX-7 of 2007-2012.

What is so bad with the CX-7?
I thought it was just sort of a Ford Escape of a different skin.

What I am really curious about is there a engine/trans combo that should really be avoided (like the CVT Vues) and is there a engine/trans combo that is good (like the 4cyl/manual Vues) but can be bought cheap do to the bad overall reputation.

I think blown turbo seals and something with the timing chains (stretch or bad tensioners) is common. Not sure if there's more though. I've always thought that buying one with a bad turbo would be a great project--upgrade to 'speed3 turbo, add some other goodies, and have a fast, practical, AWD family/camping buggy.

Reading some owner reviews on Edmunds, I see mention repeatedly, timing chain failure at 60k miles on an interference design resulting in the need for a $6k engine, not covered by warranty. Seems class action suit in the makings. Bad turbos also cited.

Fueleconomy.gov shows '07-'09 only offered a 2.3L turbo (ala MazdaSpeed3,6) as the only offered engine. Engine also required Premium to keep the turbo happy but only returned 17/19/22 on expensive gas. Complex engine as the only choice. I see that being a downfall.

My thought of being a different Ford Escape seems to come from the fact that in 2010-12, the entry level CX-7 was offered with a 2.5L n/a engine and 5 speed automatic. I suspect this is the same as the 2010 Escape. I know the '10 Escapes had issues with that 5 speed automatic failing early. This may have been sorted by '11 but now I get it, a car to be avoided in all flavors.
Too bad, they seem like nice cars.

Are there any fixes for the engine issues? Said another way, can I buy these cheap and make them reliable through some preventive maint or upgraded part instal?

I have a 2010 NA CX-7. It's been flawless in terms of reliability and has generally been a great car. Can't speak for the turbo models.

My 2007 Speed3 required a turbo replacement when I owned it at 55k. The seals were trashed and it was smoking pretty bad. Mazda replaced it after requesting to remove the valve cover. I believe it was to inspect the care for frequent enough oil changes as I understand that sludging can occur and prematurely wear the turbo seals.

I sold it to a friend and he had to replace the timing chain and tensioners out of warranty. He also had to replace the AC compressor as it had failed. I have no idea if this is typical of the motor or model.

Like what people said already, turbo seals and chain slap. When I worked at a Mazda dealer over the summer, the techs all told me that those were common issues. I never saw one need a new engine, even ones with horrible chain noise, but one did come in for a new turdbro.

CX7s are one of the only cars where i thought adding a lower-powered NA engine was an upgrade.