I had not heard that Lexus was coming out with a small SUV, but I know that Infiniti is working on one for 2008. I can't imagine that the Lexus will be priced lower seeing as how nearly every other car they make is priced more than the comparable Acura. Infiniti's may be less expensive, but their designs tends to attract a very specific crowd (you love em or hate em).
I agree - the X5 looks great and the X3 has always looked a little strange to me. I think it resembles the X5 too much - so it does look like an X5 that just couldn't quite make it.
i've seen the carbon bronze. looks nice, especially with taupe interior. agree with last post -- like a dark silver with a beige tone. let us know if you take the plunge and what kind of deal you got (if any)
I can't imagine that the Lexus will be priced lower seeing as how nearly every other car they make is priced more than the comparable Acura.
One possibility is applying the Lexus formula of offering a non-existent base model for a low advertised price. It works with RX and GS very well. Starting at $39K, RX350 comes with cloth seats, and in fact with 2WD version as well. The only thing Acura might decide to do would be to offer RDX in 2WD mode sometime in the future (and that might reduce the starting price at under $30K).
"I agree - the X5 looks great and the X3 has always looked a little strange to me. I think it resembles the X5 too much - so it does look like an X5 that just couldn't quite make it."
I believe that same look-a-like quality is one of the biggest assets for the X3. People who cannot afford an X5 buy the X3 and bask in big brother's glory. They're so close in size, they don't lose much by going with the less expensive vehicle.
Dash/instrument panel wasn't as "busy" as early photos seem to indicate but I would still replace the radio with one with a less "busy" face.
Impressive appearance inside and outside although the speaker cover style/design was a bit off-putting.
Bellevue dealer had it spiffed up with every dealer installed high profit margin worthless option possible.
Sunny day dry pavement drive was impressive.
Rear seat room was satisfactory. Short on cargo capacity but a worthy compromise to get a highly desireable smaller lighter sportier SUV.
As expected for an asian source vehicle...:
The fog lights could not be operated alone, the low beams had to on "with".
Defrost/defog/demist mode provided a slightly higher blower speed but COLD (RANDOM possiblity of dehumidification) airflow to the interior surface of the windshield. Turning the A/C off and then activating defrost/defog/demist mode resulted in the A/C turning on automatically.
But a slight PLUS...Unlike the Lexus the A/C indicator came on with that automatic A/C turn-on and you could therefore know to turn it off.
Salesman told me that the technical/repair manuals can be purchased and if so both of the above issues can be relatively easily resolved.
What's with this deal of locating the front map/reading/dome lights in the front at the top of the windshield, non-recessed and therefore interfering with the driver's night vision?
Is having a place for the dealer to put that optional dealer installed high mark-up LCD screen all that important?
And finally...
The owners manual indicated that snow chains should be used on the FRONT WHEELS ONLY.
What's with this...??!!
Unlike the AWD versions of Lexus RX, Toyota Sienna and Highlander there was lots of clearance in the rear wheelwell for the use of snow chains. The SH-AWD design description clearly implies that snow chains in the rear would be appropriate and one hell of a lot safer, less hazardous, than only on the front.
Certainly puts the X3 back in the running for those of us needing/required to use snowchains on occasion.
Maybe an oversight due to Honda/Acura's historical FWD only background...one might hope.
Turning the A/C off and then activating defrost/defog/demist mode resulted in the A/C turning on automatically.
Good review. But why did you see A/C turning on automatically as a negative (if you did). I would expect it to, as I would the flexibility to turn it off.
when i mean i think it's overpriced i'm trying to think in real world pricing terms, not just msrp. the mazda (which granted is not in the same class as far as fit/finish goes) and the bmw are both trading well below msrp, especially the mazda. that narrows the rdx/x3 gap and widens the rdx/cx7 gap...in other words, imo the rdx is overpriced and needs to come down $3-4k to be in the right price point--cheaper than the bmw and more than the cx7, but not enough to get people over to the mazda...
oh, and i wish these things were more fuel efficient...i agree that there doesn't seem to be much of a point in putting a turbo 4 in there to get very little efficiency benefit. i'm sure it's a fun vehicle however.
First, the designers have absolutely no idea just how serious the windshield misting/fogging situation might be at any given time. You may have just picked up two sweaty snow skiiers with fully soaked togs and on your drive up to the ski area your windshield got thoroughly COLD-SOAKED.
The proper thing, as exhibited by almost all cars of european origin, and most older cars of US manufacture prior to NipponDenso coming ashore and establishing a US beach head via Denso US, is to quickly convert the control vanes/etc. to HIGH HEAT and HIGH blower when defrost/defog/demist mode is initially activated and then allow the driver to moderate these functions as desired.
Activating the A/C for help in defogging the windshield or as an aid in preventing fogging of the windshield is certainly not a bad idea when used along with lots of HEAT and TONS of airflow.
The problem is that the probability of the A/C contributing to the removal or prevention of windshield fogging is a bit of a "wildcard", russian roulette, effort. During teh winter months it will only work under certain fairly rare climatic conditions. As the outside air temperature declines to and below ~45F mother nature starts lowering the moisture content of our atmosphere on her own.
So the probability of the A/C being functional for dehumidification when the OAT is in those ranges declines rather precipitously until at about 35F it is all but non-existent. That later number is reflected/confirmed in the fact that all NipponDenso designed climate control systems disable the A/C compressor completely when the OAT is below 35F.
But even with the A/C fully disabled by themselves those idiot Denso engineers don't have enough sense to bring the HEAT online to compensate.
UNBELIEVABLE...!!
But there is yet another BAD, even DANGEROUS, aspect of the use of an A/C to help in windshield defogging or prevention thereof via dehumidification. When the A/C is eventually cycled off there will remain a significant level of moisture on the approximately 10,000 square inches of evaporator vane surface area. Enough remaining moisture to "blanket" the entire interior surface of the windshield to the point of your having absolutely no forward vision FOUR TIMES.
Ever be driving along on a hot day and reach over and turn off the A/C? Got rather humid in there didn't it. Now think about what happens when the A/C cycles off automatically when you exit the defrost/defog/demist mode.
Or what about you're tooling along on a nice sunny winter day toward a mountain pass? As you climb the pass and the OAT declines to 35F and your A/C, unbeknownst to you, gets disabled. Feeling humid in there, windshield fogging up?
How about the next coolish morning after the previous bright sunny day of A/C use...
LCD...I was referring to the typical dealer installed rear/mid DVD viewing screen for rear seat passengers. If the dome/map/reading light were "properly" placed the dealer would have no LCD option position.
I added 1.5" wheel spacers and upgraded to 17X8 wheels all around on my 2001 AWD RX300 to add enough clearance at the rear to allow for rear snowchains ONLY first, and then fronts also if the need arose.
So I would most likely just take my chances with using snowchains ONLY on the rear of the RDX rather that risking my life and that of others via Acura's recommendations.
RDX vs X3..??
My purchase choices absent the need for snow chains would be in the following order...
I'll check this evening, but reprogramming the A/C should be described in the owners manual. It is for other Honda/Acura vehicles. No need to purchase anything.
For the CR-V the steps are...
1.) Turn the vehicle off. 2.) Turn the fan knob off. 3.) Turn the temp knob all the way to the left (blue area). 4.) Turn vent knob to panel-only setting (next to max A/C). 5.) Hold down both the air recirculation button and A/C button while starting car. 6.) Continue holding for 7 seconds until the air recirculation button stops flashing. 7.) Put your left foot in. 8.) Take your left out...
I wouldn't get too worked up about the dehumidifier -- your thinking too hard! Almost every recent car I have owned works this way and I have never noticed a major problem. And they all require the end-user to control the heat level, with or without AC. Generally for an auto climate control system, you will have already set the temp level to an appropriate comfort level (mine is on 75F all summer and 66F all winter). A setting of 66F should be plenty hot to dehumidify colder drier winter air. In summer, 75F should be fine to handle more humid air. The systems are not perfect, but they work well enough in my experience. Detail freaks need to get a car with good old manual climate control (which I actually prefer, but it's rare in cars above $25K nowadays).
Obviously you have been lucky enough, or live in the southern part of the US, that you have never encountered interior surface windshield fogging at a level that threatened your forward view and tried to quickly defog it using as automatic climate control system of Denso design.
From the few clues I see I suspect the procedure is the one to keep the A/C from automatically defaulting into "recirculate" mode when the car is initially started and the interior is HOT from setting out in the sun.
Sorry, I didn't have a chance to check the RDX owner's manual last night for the exact steps.
What will it do differently? From the factory, many Hondas (if not all) have the A/C programmed to automatically come on with the defroster. And you cannot disengage the A/C.
If you "reprogram it", the A/C will still come on, but you can override that default and still have the defroster running.
The title just about sums it up. I'm thinking about a full report for the Test Drives thread, but I need to figure out a way to remove the incriminating parts and still get the point across.
It corners flat. It corners fast. (The cop agreed.) Lifting off the throttle while playing the Michelin quartet doesn't upset the chassis. Tapping the brakes will. Oops.
The engine feels as strong as the J35 in my MDX and it pushes the RDX a good deal faster. However, it adds more noise to the cabin and power delivery is not as smooth (not even close).
The ride is busy, but not harsh.
The dash is busy, but that crazy i-drive-esque controller is actually pretty simple once you figure out the menu names.
Most of the interior materials are very nice. The wheel and leather covering the center armrest in particular. Primary switch gear is good. Some of the secondary switch gear seems like it came from the parts bin of a lesser vehicle.
The ELS stereo does Herbie Hancock justice even with a regular CD. :shades:
Oh, ok. However, if I recall (and I'm not 100% sure since it's been a few years since we traded it in), our previous 1997 CR-V had the manual override capability, but what I found a bit annoying was the fact that if you turned off the defrost, the A/C did not turn off automatically along with it.
Took a test drive in the Acura RDX last night. Liked the vehicle. Dealer won't move on inch under MSRP of $33,690 plus fees. About 60 days from order to delivery. Any one know of an Acura dealer that will sell one under MSRP?
I was joking around, but maybe only halfway... I'm a CX-7 owner, but admit that the RDX is probably higher-quality and definitely more luxurious when it comes to certain aspects. That being said, I would not be surprised if the same thing happens to Acura that is happening to Mazda: word will get out that the RDX is not all THAT fast, requires premium fuel, and has mpg numbers that are underwhelming. I've already read road tests that alluded to these facts, and they would surely depress dealer markup a little. Time will tell, but I'd bet that even at the $35K level, CUV shoppers are going to have a hard time swallowing some of these issues, no matter how sweetly the thing drives.
Took an RDX out today w/ salesman, wow that thing has some get up and go! He encouraged me to "get on it". I think it may be faster than my 05' TL. Not sure if I like the styling all that much, pretty bland. It had the techno package w/ all the bells and whistles, very nice. Stereo is superb. Gas mileage if you don't "get on it" seems very reasonable. Interior room (front and back seat) about the same as my TL. Salesman says his buddys who have seen the new MDX say it "blows the RDX away". Can't wait to take that one out.
Acura dealers might have mandate to hold MSRP for three months but the buying public will make that call. When the RDX's are sitting lined up in the lots with no buyers, that will change very quick. $1500 to $2000 off the sticker price would be a fair price, and would put this car where is should have been priced to begin with. As soon as the money no object, and got to have buyers are gone in the first month or two will see the deals start to come in.
It will be interesting to see how supply and demand play out on this. I know some people will dive right in and pay MSRP now (my local dealer has already sold a few) but I do hope the prices loosen up soon. We have to remember that Acura has just barely started advertising the RDX, so the real "demand" hasn't even started (I have seen magazine ads and heard sponsor spots on NPR, but seen nothing on TV yet).
The first test will be to visit the dealers during the last few days of this month. My local dealer practically gave us a TSX during an end of month panic a few years ago -- we actually got a far better deal than I even expected). If they're even remotely interested in haggling onthe RDX, it may mean early demand is soft and they are willing to let a brand-new vehicle out the door below MSRP to meet monthly goals. If they have no interest in haggling, we'll know it's a seller's market for the time being.
I agree with earlier posts -- this vehicle would be a better value at a few $K below where it is now.
Agree that this will be interesting to watch. Similar to the Audi Q7 - that was a bust at launch and within a few weeks, dealers were slashing prices off MSRP. The Q7 seems like a great car, lots of hype, good reviews.... At the end of the day, it just may have had to much competition and not enough people looking for a big SUV.
However, I don't think the end of the month will be a true test -- still too few are trickling in and I think all of the August inventory is gone. I'm thinking it should loosen up by November, especially when the MDX comes out.
I'm not in the market for RDX, so I don't have a clue about ongoing price. You may want to check the other thread on it. Somebody claims to have paid $1K or so under MSRP for RDX/Tech-package. I just calculated those numbers based on specifications (gearing and wheel size).
Well, I had the good luck of going by the Acura dealership here in Nashville today with the RDX factory car (Tech model) sitting outside, available to be driven! A salesman showed me around the car, we went inside it, talked about various things, blah blah blah.
But then he asked if I'd ever driven one, and if I hadn't, would I be interested in driving one today! Of course I said yes!
Did a stint on the interstate as well as some mildly curvy back roads. LOVED the feel of the car, the steering, the driving position, even the seats themselves. The power of the car was great - very responsive, overall. The fuel economy, as has been noted, ain't great, but it could be dealt with. A few less Starbucks, perhaps!?!?!
However, I was disappointed in the intrusion of the engine sound, specifically the turbo wind-up, into the cabin. And not just that you could hear it, but the overall tone of the turbo, if that makes sense.
I've owned a couple of turbo-powered vehicles before, the most recent being a 2001 1.8T Audi A4. Loved it, and while the sound of the turbo in it was very noticeable, it was more like the traditional whistle I've associated with turbos. While noticeable, it was not really bothersome. The sound of the RDX's turbo was more mechanical, lower in range, and simply more unpleasant. Not what I expected for a luxury car. (And something you might not hear as readily, if the dang salesman insists on keeping the radio or sound system cranked up. While it's great to hear, make sure you spend some time with it turned down or off.)
For a car that listed for close to $40,000, this was not a great experience. While I don't know if it would prove to be a deal breaker, it would definitely be a factor.
Maybe I just watch too much TV but I have seen a half a dozen RDX commercials (mainly on the "YES" channel)in the past two weeks. With regards to pricing, I think it is right in line with the competition. Try getting an FX35 w/ the same equipment for that price.
Yeah, I don't quite know what to make of that comment. It seems to me that the Acura salesmen are a notch above your regular car salesman so maybe he was just being honest. Or maybe he wanted to sell me an MDX for 13K+ than an RDX.
Right now in NW New Jersey (near Morristown), it's all MSRP. Two dealers I talked to want more than MSRP, $500 and up and one dealer would just do MSRP. Took for a test drive. Nice drive, lots of pep. Need to replace my Montero but don't want to pay MSRP. May wait for a couple of months. Hope it's true what you all said about the MDX. Then that will be hot.
I'm an FX35 owner who is considering the RDX. Hopefully, I'll get over to the dealer and get a test drive in.
Likely not a good play financially given I have a 2005, but.... I can't stand how terrible the GPS system is in the FX. We also have an MDX (2003) and the GPS system is so much better.
If you otherwise like your FX35, save yourself a fortune and just buy a Garmin for $500. (Why take what would be a multi-thousand $$$ depreciation hit?)
Don't misunderstand. I'm a fan of the Nav in my '04 TSX. Really easy to use, and great screen size.
Still, if I had the purchase choice to make all over again -- since we bought a Garmin to use in our other two cars -- I'd pass on the $2,000 TSX Nav.
The Garmin has equivalent functionality AND can be moved among the cars we own AND can be taken on the road when I rent cars.
Manufacturer Nav's that have real-time traffic that REALLY works may ultimately persuade me in the future to pay a premium price.
But at least in my area (DC/MD/VA) along the routes I drive at rush hour, I don't think the data is there yet.
I had one NJ dealer offer $500 below MSRP but not enough for me. He wouldn't do more but said if I wait awhile the prices should go down. I'm sure this is well known but he said the MDXs are due in November with a price tag of around $50 K.
You make a good point about getting a Garmin or something else and just keeping the FX. I know that a few fellow FX owners have installed Alpine GPS systems (same manufacturer as Acura/Honda GPS systems I believe) because they can't stand the GPS either. Ticks me off thinking how much extra I spent for the Tech pkg on the FX though....
I was trying to avoid having something sitting up on my dash....
Have to see how much I like the RDX. Sure not getting many flattering reviews though....
I drove over to Deal's Gap a few times when I lived in Chattanooga (back in those days the legal limit was 55, not 30 mph). My brother usually gets over there on his bike once a summer, but there are plenty of fun roads in North Georgia that don't get the weekend mobs that the "Dragon" gets (I never heard it called that back in the 70's either).
I think northern Idaho's Highway 12 (Northwest Passage Scenic Byway) may be even better. :shades:
Comments
I agree - the X5 looks great and the X3 has always looked a little strange to me. I think it resembles the X5 too much - so it does look like an X5 that just couldn't quite make it.
One possibility is applying the Lexus formula of offering a non-existent base model for a low advertised price. It works with RX and GS very well. Starting at $39K, RX350 comes with cloth seats, and in fact with 2WD version as well. The only thing Acura might decide to do would be to offer RDX in 2WD mode sometime in the future (and that might reduce the starting price at under $30K).
I believe that same look-a-like quality is one of the biggest assets for the X3. People who cannot afford an X5 buy the X3 and bask in big brother's glory. They're so close in size, they don't lose much by going with the less expensive vehicle.
"Tech" model.
Dash/instrument panel wasn't as "busy" as early photos seem to indicate but I would still replace the radio with one with a less "busy" face.
Impressive appearance inside and outside although the speaker cover style/design was a bit off-putting.
Bellevue dealer had it spiffed up with every dealer installed high profit margin worthless option possible.
Sunny day dry pavement drive was impressive.
Rear seat room was satisfactory. Short on cargo capacity but a worthy compromise to get a highly desireable smaller lighter sportier SUV.
As expected for an asian source vehicle...:
The fog lights could not be operated alone, the low beams had to on "with".
Defrost/defog/demist mode provided a slightly higher blower speed but COLD (RANDOM possiblity of dehumidification) airflow to the interior surface of the windshield. Turning the A/C off and then activating defrost/defog/demist mode resulted in the A/C turning on automatically.
But a slight PLUS...Unlike the Lexus the A/C indicator came on with that automatic A/C turn-on and you could therefore know to turn it off.
Salesman told me that the technical/repair manuals can be purchased and if so both of the above issues can be relatively easily resolved.
What's with this deal of locating the front map/reading/dome lights in the front at the top of the windshield, non-recessed and therefore interfering with the driver's night vision?
Is having a place for the dealer to put that optional dealer installed high mark-up LCD screen all that important?
And finally...
The owners manual indicated that snow chains should be used on the FRONT WHEELS ONLY.
What's with this...??!!
Unlike the AWD versions of Lexus RX, Toyota Sienna and Highlander there was lots of clearance in the rear wheelwell for the use of snow chains. The SH-AWD design description clearly implies that snow chains in the rear would be appropriate and one hell of a lot safer, less hazardous, than only on the front.
Certainly puts the X3 back in the running for those of us needing/required to use snowchains on occasion.
Maybe an oversight due to Honda/Acura's historical FWD only background...one might hope.
What did the dealer installed LCD screen do for you? Isn't all the pertinents supposed to be displayed on the in dash LCD?
What's your opinion re: value compared with the X3? If snow chains were not a concern for you?
thanx
Good review. But why did you see A/C turning on automatically as a negative (if you did). I would expect it to, as I would the flexibility to turn it off.
oh, and i wish these things were more fuel efficient...i agree that there doesn't seem to be much of a point in putting a turbo 4 in there to get very little efficiency benefit. i'm sure it's a fun vehicle however.
The proper thing, as exhibited by almost all cars of european origin, and most older cars of US manufacture prior to NipponDenso coming ashore and establishing a US beach head via Denso US, is to quickly convert the control vanes/etc. to HIGH HEAT and HIGH blower when defrost/defog/demist mode is initially activated and then allow the driver to moderate these functions as desired.
Activating the A/C for help in defogging the windshield or as an aid in preventing fogging of the windshield is certainly not a bad idea when used along with lots of HEAT and TONS of airflow.
The problem is that the probability of the A/C contributing to the removal or prevention of windshield fogging is a bit of a "wildcard", russian roulette, effort. During teh winter months it will only work under certain fairly rare climatic conditions. As the outside air temperature declines to and below ~45F mother nature starts lowering the moisture content of our atmosphere on her own.
So the probability of the A/C being functional for dehumidification when the OAT is in those ranges declines rather precipitously until at about 35F it is all but non-existent. That later number is reflected/confirmed in the fact that all NipponDenso designed climate control systems disable the A/C compressor completely when the OAT is below 35F.
But even with the A/C fully disabled by themselves those idiot Denso engineers don't have enough sense to bring the HEAT online to compensate.
UNBELIEVABLE...!!
But there is yet another BAD, even DANGEROUS, aspect of the use of an A/C to help in windshield defogging or prevention thereof via dehumidification. When the A/C is eventually cycled off there will remain a significant level of moisture on the approximately 10,000 square inches of evaporator vane surface area. Enough remaining moisture to "blanket" the entire interior surface of the windshield to the point of your having absolutely no forward vision FOUR TIMES.
Ever be driving along on a hot day and reach over and turn off the A/C? Got rather humid in there didn't it. Now think about what happens when the A/C cycles off automatically when you exit the defrost/defog/demist mode.
Or what about you're tooling along on a nice sunny winter day toward a mountain pass? As you climb the pass and the OAT declines to 35F and your A/C, unbeknownst to you, gets disabled. Feeling humid in there, windshield fogging up?
How about the next coolish morning after the previous bright sunny day of A/C use...
LCD...I was referring to the typical dealer installed rear/mid DVD viewing screen for rear seat passengers. If the dome/map/reading light were "properly" placed the dealer would have no LCD option position.
So I would most likely just take my chances with using snowchains ONLY on the rear of the RDX rather that risking my life and that of others via Acura's recommendations.
RDX vs X3..??
My purchase choices absent the need for snow chains would be in the following order...
RDX, ....RX350, .........RX400h.....................X3.
But I can't say the snowchains issue would change that one way or another.
For the CR-V the steps are...
1.) Turn the vehicle off.
2.) Turn the fan knob off.
3.) Turn the temp knob all the way to the left (blue area).
4.) Turn vent knob to panel-only setting (next to max A/C).
5.) Hold down both the air recirculation button and A/C button while starting car.
6.) Continue holding for 7 seconds until the air recirculation button stops flashing.
7.) Put your left foot in.
8.) Take your left out...
I imagine the process is similar for the RDX.
Lucky you.
What will it do differently? From the factory, many Hondas (if not all) have the A/C programmed to automatically come on with the defroster. And you cannot disengage the A/C.
If you "reprogram it", the A/C will still come on, but you can override that default and still have the defroster running.
It corners flat. It corners fast. (The cop agreed.) Lifting off the throttle while playing the Michelin quartet doesn't upset the chassis. Tapping the brakes will. Oops.
The engine feels as strong as the J35 in my MDX and it pushes the RDX a good deal faster. However, it adds more noise to the cabin and power delivery is not as smooth (not even close).
The ride is busy, but not harsh.
The dash is busy, but that crazy i-drive-esque controller is actually pretty simple once you figure out the menu names.
Most of the interior materials are very nice. The wheel and leather covering the center armrest in particular. Primary switch gear is good. Some of the secondary switch gear seems like it came from the parts bin of a lesser vehicle.
The ELS stereo does Herbie Hancock justice even with a regular CD. :shades:
I don't think I ever noticed whether the A/C turned off when the defroster was terminated.
Go buy my old CR-V from whoever has it now and we can test this out, ok?
ALL of them in about a month?...
I've heard dealers have a mandate from acura not to come off MSRP for at least 3 months.
That does not make any sense. I just don't see how Acura can control what dealership does. If I may ask, who told you that?
Hmm...not sure if this salesman is honest, or just stupid! :P Wonder how many RDX he'll sell with a sales pitch like that?!
The first test will be to visit the dealers during the last few days of this month. My local dealer practically gave us a TSX during an end of month panic a few years ago -- we actually got a far better deal than I even expected). If they're even remotely interested in haggling onthe RDX, it may mean early demand is soft and they are willing to let a brand-new vehicle out the door below MSRP to meet monthly goals. If they have no interest in haggling, we'll know it's a seller's market for the time being.
I agree with earlier posts -- this vehicle would be a better value at a few $K below where it is now.
Craig
LOL What vehicle wouldn't?
I don't think the RDX is going to last at MSRP for long. But folks are going to have to wait while the dealers "feel out" the market.
However, I don't think the end of the month will be a true test -- still too few are trickling in and I think all of the August inventory is gone. I'm thinking it should loosen up by November, especially when the MDX comes out.
Acura RDX: Prices Paid & Buying Experience
But then he asked if I'd ever driven one, and if I hadn't, would I be interested in driving one today! Of course I said yes!
Did a stint on the interstate as well as some mildly curvy back roads. LOVED the feel of the car, the steering, the driving position, even the seats themselves. The power of the car was great - very responsive, overall. The fuel economy, as has been noted, ain't great, but it could be dealt with. A few less Starbucks, perhaps!?!?!
However, I was disappointed in the intrusion of the engine sound, specifically the turbo wind-up, into the cabin. And not just that you could hear it, but the overall tone of the turbo, if that makes sense.
I've owned a couple of turbo-powered vehicles before, the most recent being a 2001 1.8T Audi A4. Loved it, and while the sound of the turbo in it was very noticeable, it was more like the traditional whistle I've associated with turbos. While noticeable, it was not really bothersome. The sound of the RDX's turbo was more mechanical, lower in range, and simply more unpleasant. Not what I expected for a luxury car. (And something you might not hear as readily, if the dang salesman insists on keeping the radio or sound system cranked up. While it's great to hear, make sure you spend some time with it turned down or off.)
For a car that listed for close to $40,000, this was not a great experience. While I don't know if it would prove to be a deal breaker, it would definitely be a factor.
As always, simply one driver's opinion.
Likely not a good play financially given I have a 2005, but.... I can't stand how terrible the GPS system is in the FX. We also have an MDX (2003) and the GPS system is so much better.
Don't misunderstand. I'm a fan of the Nav in my '04 TSX. Really easy to use, and great screen size.
Still, if I had the purchase choice to make all over again -- since we bought a Garmin to use in our other two cars -- I'd pass on the $2,000 TSX Nav.
The Garmin has equivalent functionality AND can be moved among the cars we own AND can be taken on the road when I rent cars.
Manufacturer Nav's that have real-time traffic that REALLY works may ultimately persuade me in the future to pay a premium price.
But at least in my area (DC/MD/VA) along the routes I drive at rush hour, I don't think the data is there yet.
I was trying to avoid having something sitting up on my dash....
Have to see how much I like the RDX. Sure not getting many flattering reviews though....
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6748885858891168758&q=acura
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6604560755351874249&q=acura
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=748670384152350833&q=acura
I think northern Idaho's Highway 12 (Northwest Passage Scenic Byway) may be even better. :shades: