Acura MDX (pre-2007)

tonychrys

"...has the best bumpers..."

Last time I used that line I got slapped ;->

spfotey

i am soon going to swap out of my ML320 into another suv. it could be 02 x5, revised ml, or mdx. my concerns about the MDX are its reliability (it is the first truck-type vehicle for honda/acura), its safety (i've seen tests on ml and x5 but not on mdx) and its luxury quotient (best known by a real owner, not a quick test-drive). So -- COMMENTS??

thx.

rkuehn

Ah, you remember my sunroof issues. I'm touched. Here's the rundown:

MDX: head brushes roof, unavailable without sunroof

RX300: head brushes roof with sunroof, fits fine without sunroof... Silversport unavailable without sunroof, don't like non-SS

X5: headroom fine without sunroof, however with seat adjusted for max legroom my left shoulder presses into b-pillar; small cargo area, X3 reportedly will have more space (!)

Rendezvous: *plenty* of headroom (hey Acura...?), but underpowered (hey GM...?). Should at least have GM's 3.8L, if not the supercharged version

VW SUV: poor-man's X5 is turning out to be an oft-delayed, rich-guy's boulder climber. No thanks.

http://www.autonewseurope.com/stories0730/piech730.htm

So my new dream machine is the 2003 Audi A3 Allroad, concept known as Steppenwolf. Fusion of sports coupe and SUV, perfect. Judging by a friends TT and the (concept-radical) photos, it should fit... without a sunroof... Of course this assumes export to NA.

http://www.audiworld.com/news/00/steppenwolf/content.shtml

johnnnyc

Well - the title is somewhat obsolete - since they *did* do a low speed crash test on the MDX - but I didn't see any Acura's listed in the offset crash testing, or anywhere else for that matter.

Is it because of the close relationship to the Honda, or is it more because Acuras are harder to find?

wmquan

Hey John,

There's no close relationship between IIHS and Honda as far as I know. IIHS usually tests vehicles that have either high sales volume ("largest portions of new car sales" within various categories) or are "significant," such as vehicles that promise special safety features (M-class, Volvos, etc.), and some premium vehicles in their class (E-class, C-class).

Acura sales numbers have not been high (Vigor, RL, SLX) in the last several years, at least not until recently with the TL introduction. I'm a bit surprised that IIHS never tested the Integra, but the rest of the Acura line has never sold in high numbers and, frankly, may not have been considered significant. Plus maybe IIHS thought that the Integra was somewhat reflected in their Civic tests, and the TL in its Accord tests.

I suspect the IIHS will test the MDX. Perhaps IIHS acquired a few MDX's recently, and subjected one to the low-speed bumper tests, and hopefully is running the offset frontal test on the other(s). Maybe it'll release as part of a set of tests that include the other vehicles tested in the bumper evaluation -- and that'll finally settle how much of GM's minivan safety issues have filtered into the SUV's based on them.

Since the MDX isn't on sale in Europe, you're not going to see the (more stringent as documented by Drew) EuroNCAP tests against it.

Here's some info on IIHS and how they get their vehicles in case anyone's interested:

http://www.iihs.org/faq.htm

wmquan

Bob, of course we remember your headroom issues! Sorry to hear that the SilverSport doesn't come without a sunroof, pity.

I'd imagine that the 2002 M-class bumper-area facelift isn't enough to do it for you. Same here (though I really, really like the overall improvements).

Regarding the A3 Steppenwolf -- oh, cool! Haven't seen anything relatively funky (even if the concept is a bit radicalized) since maybe the Isuzu Vehicross.

wmquan

It'll come down to your priorities in a vehicle, if you care to name them. I think that while all of the vehicles you mentioned are pretty safe, the 2002 M-class has the kitchen-sink edge (including over the X5 -- even though it edged out the M-class in the IIHS test, it has advantages in many other areas). Given that you're accustomed to the feel of your ML320 you might prefer the "German feel" of the M-class or the X5.

We won't know the MDX's crash performance until someone tests it and releases results.

The most common MDX quality issues (outside of a lot of dealerships gouging like crazy and being quite ugly about it while you wait forever for one) seem to be the "thud" (suspension noise) and the infamous leaky mirror (water pools up inside the mirror and drips for days after you wash it or rains). There are a number of other ones (e.g. gas sloshing in the tank ala the Odyssey) cited but the thud and mirrors seem to be the two biggest. Couldn't tell you what's the actual percentage (I don't have either, and I got one of the early models back in early October 2000).

Supposedly a TSB for the thud is on its way. I'd suspect that the MDX will get the Consumer Reports "average" rating for its first model year, and probably improve in the second with the 2002's and continue to improve through 2003 and maybe 2004. At worse, it's probably even with many of its direct competitors (except, notably, the RX300). But it'll be many months before we know for sure.

Luxury quotient? Highly subjective. I think the RX interior is posher, the X5 is a bit ... hard to get the term ... classier? The M-class has better quality materials but is Teutonically austere. I don't like the MDX's hard, fake-textured plastic dash, but the fake wood doesn't bug me much. The vehicle has been measured to be noiser than its competitors, something which hopefully Acura will address in the 2002 or 2003 with more sound insulation (supposedly there will be an adjustment to the A-pillar for wind noise).

Still on the luxury track, I love the truly in-dash CD changer that doesn't use magazines, and the steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. I like the handling/ride characteristics, which to my tushie is an ideal blend of good handling and ride comfort (smoothness). The German vehicles have sharper handling but at the expense of ride comfort, though since you have one already you're probably quite satisfied with it.

Again, all these are highly subjective and if you put ten folks in these vehicles, you'll get ten different opinions.

Overall, it's a great vehicle for us. Good passenger room, great cargo room, and great acceleration, comfort and convenience.

wmquan

Any indication if EuroNCAP will test the Impreza? I'd have to see results before I seriously consider a lighter, lower-riding sedan/wagon. No doubt the Forester results are encouraging, but you know how it is, nice to eliminate any questions. Again, hopefully IIHS will test it.

I'm thinking what you're thinking, that side curtains are essential in a lower-riding vehicle. Not many cheaper sedans out there like that yet, particularly ones that fit the proven safety plus average (preferrably above) reliability. One reason I really like the Passat.

I was wrong about the side airbags on the Legacy but only 20% wrong, ugh. Subaru's web site is pretty confusing on it, but there's a weird trick to their side airbags -- only on certain trims. E.g. only the Limited Sedan trim of the Legacy has front side airbags, nada for any Legacy wagon. For the Outback model (which, frankly, I wouldn't need), only the Limited, LL Bean, and VDC editions have side airbags. And as far as the Impreza goes, only the WRX trim level has them.

I think that stolen vehicle rates are primarily correlated to volume, commonality of parts, general demographics, and, believe it or not, long-term reliability/quality and desirability. If you look closely at the stats, there are a lot of stolen 5-10 year old Accords, Camrys, Civics, etc. I don't think it's as much that they're easy to steal, but more that a 7-year old Civic suffers from being originally sold in huge quantities, is more likely to be in good shape, has plenty of market for parts, and the fact that a lot of young folks like them (heck, on an extreme end, the vehicle of choice among drug dealers in New Jersey when I was still living in New York was a black Honda Accord).

Yes, I would consider a used car, though I'm not sure if I'd go to $25k for one. The problem with shopping for used car and highly prioritizing safety is that the newer vehicles tend to be safer, with greater design advances, so there's less choice. The Civic starts at 2001, the Passat with curtains starts in 2001, etc. Probably not cheap enough for a 11/99-made 2000 3-series (front head protection but not curtain airbags). And I don't think I'd be able to buy a 2001 C-Class for $22k by early 2003 ;-)

Plus the Beemer and MB might not do well at the park & ride lot!

fedlawman

is my 1989 Ford Escort Pony. It's got plenty of headroom, it seats five comfortably, and it gets great gas mileage!

It has 45,000 miles and has never had a breakdown or repair, just routine maintenance.

It has no airbags, ABS, traction control, VSC, or any other fancy stuff but it does have seatbelts. Last time I checked, the bus doesn't.

BTW, thanks for the word about the poor bumpers on my Rendezvous. I guess I'll to drive more defensively to avoid all those walls and poles surging towards me!

wmquan

Is at:

http://www.msnbc.com/news/607184.asp

The MDX beat every other mid-sized SUV handily. However, the Dateline report seems more focused on SUV's not doing as well as sedans.

spfotey

thx for the response. as to priorities, i would say that if the mdx had the bmw feel and the mb service (tho not reliability) it would fit perfect. from a value standpoint the mdx wins, from a fun-to-drive standpoint i would probably say the bmw -- the ml seems like a good compromise. However, i wouldn't consider the ml if they hadn't added rear A/C and improved the reliability. my basic needs, in no particular order:

1. solid ride with good safety record
2. comfortable to drive
3. Quiet (98 is pretty loud)
4. Reliable
5. Utility (3 kids) and occasional camping/fishing trips
6. good stereo/cd
7. some fun quotient in driving it

thtran

some private seller has his 2001 mdx touring w/ $8k available for $38k. even if it's in mint condition, i think it's worth no more than 33k. any thoughts?

thtran

i meant 2001 mdx w/ 8k miles for $38k...

wmquan

Sounds like it's too much to me. Probably someone trying to capitalize on the demand.

whatwasthat

Perhaps consider an ML with the sport package or designo package -- a bit more distinctive than the standard ML's?

wmquan

I'm not trying to plug another system, but these pictures probably mean a lot to MDX owners. The MDX was rear-ended by a Ford F9000 dump truck. Fortunately the driver and two children are fine.

http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=2619

cardingtr

There is a demo MDX here up for sale. It has about a thousand miles on it and they are selling MSRP. Without the wait I want to buy it. Anything to watch out?

waeltzy

I was told by my dealer that delivery of my MDX would be about 3 weeks after the order was put through. Does that sound right as I am going on vacation in 2 weeks and my order was put in on July 23. I would love to take my MDX.

steveareno

I recently found out my MDX will be here the last week of Aug. I've been waiting since March. This is my 1st non-american vehicle. I currently am driving a 1983 Olds with 190000 miles and never had any problems other than regular maintenance. This will be my first new car since getting the Olds. To say the least I'm very nervous,even thow I've done my homework. Some of the comments I've read here haven't helped while others have confirmed that the MDX is the car for me. Couple of questions: can anyone recommend a break in schedule. I'm a firm believer in breaking a car(SUV) in. I believe thats one of the reasons I've had such good luck with my Olds. I've heard its different with new cars. Second question: since I'm so close to the 2002 coming out should I be waiting for new model. My salesman has been great so far. I haven't pressed him for any freebie's -----yet. Hopefully with all the info I've learned on this sight I'll be able to twist his arm a bit. Any info people can provide would be greatly appreciated.

metmdx

I think this would have to be a world record (or close to it) at this point to get an MDX in 3 weeks. My guess (others, please feel free to correct) is that the dealer said 3 weeks after his allocation. But he probably didn't say which months' allocation. You didn't mention which model you ordered and whether you are paying MSRP or above. That makes a difference! If all is on the level (which I doubt) I'd get one from this dealer (by the way where is the dealer?).

pamo

As an MDX owner and a chronic sufferer of purchase anxiety (I HATE spending money) I have never regretted my MDX purchase - enjoy your new vehicle and don't look back! I do believe it is a great value for the $ - which is why there is such a long waiting period.

wmquan

I also researched the MDX (before release) extensively and agonized long and hard. Only the second new vehicle we've ever purchased and twice as expensive as the last. Actually owning it takes care of the anxiety.

Unfortunately there aren't many dealers giving freebies -- yet.

Waiting for a 2002 is an oft-discussed issue. Acura will make some modest improvements in the 2002, but actual info on what is being done is not available yet. Most rumors center on colors and some tweaks to reduce wind noise (NVH - noise vibration harshness). But again it is pure speculation. Some say that since the 2002 will only have a modest price increase and because there is no price break on a late-model-year 2001, why not wait for it and save some of the depreciation hit from one model year to the other. Others say that an MDX in the hand is worth two on waiting lists. Up to you and your comfort level.

waeltzy

I placed the order on April 24th and a week and a half to two weeks ago my salesman said the allocation went thru. I assumed he meant my MDX was now on the assembly line and would be delivered in 3 weeks. I bought the base model and at MSRP. John

metmdx

Ah, that clarifies it! Good luck and I hope you're MDXing soon. What dealer did you order thru?
Thanks,
METMDX

inky

I hope you do not have to wait 4 months for Honda parts. I had accident in 99 Odyessey two years ago and the parts (a door) just never came until we yelled at Honda itself for not making parts--they paid for rental believe that one. Anyhow,
1st year production may signal limited parts and you will need a boat load of them. Are you sure you want to fix all that--esspecially since other party at fault. I am sure you could work a new SUV 2002 in the time this thing will be out of service.
INKY

rihoops

Just bought a 2002MDX and I am very happy. Delivery is expected in December however. It beat out the Highlander limited quite easily.

inky

When is that other factory coming on line in Alabama.?
INKY

wmquan

Hey Inky, you placed a deposit? Congratulations!

inky

Sorry to be so confusing. I was referring to the previous poster...I am tempted but just cannot make myself pay MSRP plus. I am considering a 2002 Odyssey with 240 hp on regular unleaded plus DVD and factory leather.
INKY

waeltzy

I'm dealing with Metro Acura at the Phila. airport. I hooked up with the salesman Chris via the net. So far as of today (Tuesday) he told me my MDX has been created and is waiting to hear from the manufacturer as to the del. date. He said he will also have room to negotiate on options. WAELTZY

tonkadave

When did you place your order? I dont live too far from there and may place an order there for a 2002. Just wondering what the time frame would be.

greggl

I have read some comments about the MDX and its leaking mirrors. Have any MDX owners been able to find a resolution to the pesky dripping. I washed the MDX and left town, when I returned 4 days later and drove the car the water sprayed all over the door. Other times it has dripped and left nasty hard water spots. All this water can't being doing anything good. I think this is an issue that Acura needs to address.

waeltzy

I placed my order on April 24. So it's basically a month wait.

mlkjmk

I am interested in knowing what the touring model includes. The Acura website is not very helpful on this issue. From previous postings here I have gleaned the following:
1. Bose Stereo w/ 6 CD changer
2. roof rack
3. tilt side mirrors
4. memory seats

Is this correct? My gut tells me there should be much more for $2,600. Also, are the non-touring wheels alloy or are they some kind of cheap steel wheels? Thanks for any help/advice on this.

wmquan

The Touring Package includes a somewhat different wheel design (they're both alloy). It also includes Michelin Cross Terrain SUV tires instead of Goodyear Integrity tires.

The passenger seat is also powered in the Touring Package as opposed to manual adjustments.

Whether or not it's worth it to you depends on how much you want any of the components. Many folks don't get the Touring because they don't feel it's worth it as an overall package and/or feel they can add some of the items they want individually.

Many folks get the Touring because they don't want to be without some of the features that you can't easily add on later (e.g. the in-dash CD changer vs. the accessory cargo-area mounted changer for the base).

There's been some debate over their individual merits, but some people feel that the Cross Terrain SUV tires are excellent (though they can be bought later for the base, of course) while the Integrity's are only fair (witness lots of long-standing complaints about them in the RX300 forum).

crvols

As information, the CD changer that is added to the base model is mounted under the front seat, not in the "accessory cargo-area".

wmquan

Yep, my bad. The Premium (non-Touring) CD Changer goes under the driver's seat, and is 6-disc magazine based. It doesn't get in the way of cargo like some of the MDX's competitors.

The in-dash CD changer of the Touring is in the center console and doesn't use a magazine.

Unfortunately, Acura does not make it easy to put in your own head unit, so it's tougher to put in a high-quality aftermarket system or a more versatile system (e.g. MP3's). It can be done if one is willing to pay the $'s.

jno1940

I have talked to MDX owners who claim they are only averaging 15 MPG fuel usage. Any truth to this? Also, I am concerned about door/side protection on sides of the MDX. There seems to be none and damage from opening doors could easily occur. Any owner feedback on damage or aftermarket trim protection that would be attractive?

sillg

Can anyone tell me if there is a problem with opening the tailgate on the MDX or the RX 300 inside a closed garage without it hitting the overhead garage door opener? Thanks

alo

I've had the MDX for about 9 months and I've got one door dings in about 9000 miles. It's not a ride and park car so it's not too bad even though there is no protection. There are aftermarket color keyed moulding available that I'm sure about the look yet.

I can open the tailgate without hitting the the my regular size garage door. It's very close though.

alo

After 9000 miles, my average MPG is about 17. I get about 15 MPG in light traffic city driving. In downtown area, 5-10, maybe. The MDX gets about 23-25 MPG at 65 MPH on the highway, so it really depends on your driving habit and location. The gas mileage is really not too bad considering it's a very heavy and large vehicle and it uses 'only' about 25% more gas than my 4-cyl accord. You should be comparing it to other SUVs.

pagedb

I have been trying to get an MDX since they came out last fall. I am on a waiting list at my local dealership in the NY metro area for a 2002 model. I got a call from my salesman telling me they have the exact one I want (granite green w/touring package) available for Sept delivery in a 2001. He is willing to sell it at MSRP. He indicated that they are not getting 2002 models until November at the earliest and that there is going to be a price increase. Has anyone else heard this as well? Do you know of the approximation of the price increase?

acuradlr1

The 2002 Acura MDX will not be available until around the end of Nov, first of Dec. There will be a price increase, but not more than about $800, and no noticeable changes. So, if you can get what you want now, why not???

wmquan

Since the 2001's are not being offered at any discounts, you will take a depreciation hit immediately since a 2001 with a certain mileage is worth less than a 2002 with the same mileage in a few years' time.

There is no absolute definitive word on changes in 2002. They'll probably be very minor, though it's likely that Acura will fix a couple of small issues like the infamous "thud." Some rumors of some NVH improvements. Probably a few new colors if you're partial to any of them (a red, a white, and a blue are supposedly in the offing).

So it comes down to whether or not you wish to wait or get the vehicle now. Personal choice.

wmquan

It's best to measure the lowest clearance of your garage door opener's hardware, as it opens and closes. Everyone seems to have a different sized garage, opening, and opener that there are just too many variables.

For us, the tailgate opens and closes without any problems so long as we park the MDX in far enough away from the door -- that's because there's a brace at the center of the top of the door that extends downward diagonally, and if the MDX isn't in far enough, the tailgate deflector can hit the diagonal protrusion.

crvols

I have a garage that is a "tuck under" and has a low ceiling. I cannot open the tailgate without hitting the door when the door is open. (found out the hard way) Have same problem with my new MB c230 hatch back. So, unless you can pull your vehicle in far enough to open the hatch with the door closed, it may be a problem. Unfortunately, I can't do that.

stewarha

I have a 2 week old MDX that's averaging just over 15 MPG in mixed city/highway driving. I did get as much as 19.9 MPG during a road trip last week though so the mileage overall isn't that bad (for an SUV).

waves1

I finally had it with all the Los Angeles Area Acura dealers. I was willing to pay a MSRP for the MDX Touring Package with the Navigation (MSRP $39,450). Wait a month or two for the car of my choice. But that was not enough for these greedy dealers. Most dealers forced you to take on accessories that I don't need. For example, a fake wood around the instrument at the cost of $595. I was willing to shell out $$$ for some needed accessories such as wheel lock and running board ($1,000 option). What blew me away was $99 for the undercoat spray and $99 for the scotchguard treatment and $895 chrome wheels. My original estimated of $39,450 car became almost $44,000 before tax and license. It's really too bad that Acura Co. allows this disgraceful money-making practice to go on. I'm certain that there're plenty of rich guys out there that are willing to pay for any price these dealers ask for the car. Acura, you just lost one potential customer!

wmquan

Probably too late for you but the dealer ratings on www.acuramdx.org have some decent Southern Cal dealerships. I believe some folks have recently bought at MSRP from Cerritos, and perhaps at Acura 101.

Unfortunately the complaint rate seems highest for southern Cal and New York dealerships, from what I've seen.

metmdx

Not surprising that most of the complaints come from the two largest metro areas of the U.S..
Supply and demand being what it is, the attitude of having to have the latest and greatest (which obviously hits its zenith in these two areas), combined with a company that obviously only cares about market share & profits (and not repeat customers) are a recipe for consumer disaster. As wmquan points out, there are a few good dealers around each area, but the reverse spin on the adage is "a few good apples don't reverse the rot in the barrel". This whole MDX phenomena should go down in business books as textbook case of how NOT to run a business. It would only serve Acura right if they ultimately ran into financial trouble (a la Chrysler & Nissan) for their shortsightedness. So much for my rant of the day.