Acura RDX

varmint

I've only got one human critter, but my two hounds take up all the space in the back of my MDX. My solution was something like one of these units.

I think most of the time, you'll be fine with the RDX. For those few times a year when you need more cargo capacity, a hitch carrier can almost double your options.

Everyone's circumstances are different, though.

ateixeira

I'm gone for 3 weeks and all I read are posts about towing? :shades:

-juice

robertsmx

It didn't feel like you were gone for three weeks. :P

ateixeira

It felt like it took 3 weeks just for me to read all those towing specs.

-juide

robertsmx

Thank us. We just helped you slow down the aging process.

nok

I pretty much narrowed down my choices to the FX35 and the RDX. I test drove the FX today and I have to say I came away disappointed. I was really expecting to love it, and I just didn't. I can't say it was any one thing I didn't like, I just found it kind of boring. The ride is a little stiff and the engine is louder than I expected. The main problem my wife had was visibility. That back window is pretty small and tough for her to see out of. I'm testing the RDX tomorrow. If I don't like that one either I have no idea what I'll end up doing.

c_hunter

What was your previous/current vehicle? The RDX also has a small rear window from the looks of it, but this has not been an issue for me from the driver's seat looking out. In fact, I was expecting visibility and backing up to be a challenge, but it's been OK so far.

I have not driven an FX, but it does look even worse than the RDX for visibility, at least from the outside. So maybe you will like the RDX better.

teledatageek

I traded in my 2005 FX35 for my RDX.

Regrets? No way. The RDX is much more fine to drive. I did like the engine growl in the FX though.

What do I miss? Keyless entry by far and the lack of memory seats is a PITA.

The gain? Better handling, acceleration, FUN, Bluetooth, much better NAVI, killer stereo.

bodble2

"If I don't like that one either I have no idea what I'll end up doing."

The '07 X3?

kyfdx

An RDX doesn't have keyless entry? Do you mean something besides pressing the button on the remote?

nok

Well we drove the RDX today. Definitely very fun to drive. I couldn't help but drive it a little fast. My wife kept saying it felt like we were gonna take off (as in an airplane). Regrettably though, its too small. The trunk just isn't big enough. Our stroller fits but leaves very little room for other things. On a side note, we were both very nauseous after the test drive. Kinda like after going on a roller coaster. We went over to Mercedes afterwards and tested the ML350. Its a very different drive than the RDX, but its not a bad one and its very nice. Obviously the price is a big concern though.

bodble2

I would assume he meant keyless (push-button) ignition.

mftmrt

Ordered RSDX with tech on Sat; delivered to my home today because they didn't have the color (Silver with taupe int) on the lot. Much more relaxing taking delivery at home. Overall, good experience at Acura 101 West in Calabasas, CA.

Car is for wifey whose RX330 lease was up. After a few years, I really hated driving the RX and wanted a sportier suspension. I couldn't convince her even to test drive the BMW X3 because she doesn't like the snootiness of the BMW experience - both buying and driving. (Not really sure of that logic, but loaded X3 would have been much more expensive.)

My first impression of the car when it first came out was that the front facia was silly looking, with a big point and an air intake that haul in a couple of geese. I liked the size, which is perfect for us but probably won't be a big hit with most, but then, I was a proud Vigor owner for 9 years, so I really don't care if no one else buys this car. I thought the RDX was a bit over-designed compared to the simple and classy X-3. But I loved the interior and the features in the tech package, and I kind of liked the way the back seats folded down. Wife liked the CRV, but when I drove the CRV, it had no power and that was the end of that debate.

RDX is fantastic to drive, especially compared to the RX330; more pick-up, and way better handling. The speed bumps in my area shook the RX330 like a 9.5 earthquake, but the RDX just powers over them (of course, doing that may not have been the best for the Lexus suspension, so I may even slow down with the new car). The car zooms up the major hill I live near, and in sport mode second gear, it goes even faster up that hill, and goes down it without using the brake.

Nav is a huge improvement over the '04 Lexus Nav which was touch screen. Love all the voice commands, though made some initial mistakes. I thought the Bluetooth phone function would simply utilize my cell phone's book, but it seems I have to enter everything separately. The audio is incredible, better than the Lexus Levinson system. The sample DVD audio tracks sound amazing -- now I got to go buy some more of those. Any sources for where to buy? Also, I'm just starting to check out the XM channels.

Negatives (mostly in comparison to Lexus RX): Uses premium gas; No memory seats; no power passenger seats; no automatic rear hatch (which wife liked a lot in the Lexus); no automatic lights sensing on, off, night and day; no auto dimming rearview mirror (not springing extra for that); no rain sensing wipers; no shuffling of all cd's, just shuffles within one cd; could have better lighting when approaching and opening door; glove compartment seems very small and very low, almost hitting passenger's knees; Music Link (to connect ipod to the audio controls) apparently costs $800 to install the $185 part, and the salesguy talked me out of it saying it doesn't really work -- he suggested going to Al&Ed's -- so in the meantime, I've ordered an ipod connector (data port to 1/8) to plug into the aux input (why is ipod connectivity so difficult for so many companies?). Altogether, fairly small negatives, but I agree with several of the above posts that it just seems odd that a car with such first class technology in some areas would not have these other features.

The look has grown on me, and it is the perfect size and very fun to drive. Thanks for all your helpful comments.

bodble2

"The sample DVD audio tracks sound amazing..."

Unfortunately, the sound quality of the sample DVD seems better than most, if not all, of the DVDs you buy, at least from my limited experience.

I think most of the negatives you listed can be grouped into one fairly common complaint about the RDX -- that it is a little short on luxury/amenities. At least that's my main gripe. I would have liked it to be at least as luxurious as the TL. But it is not. In fact, one can argue that it is not even as luxurious as the TSX.

I also tend to agree with you that the RDX is somewhat over-styled. Compared side by side, it casts a better light on the simple lines and shape of the X3.

mftmrt

Good: I like the tire pressure monitor, which did not come with the fully loaded Lexus way back in '04. I hope it is reliable.

Bad: Switchblade key. First time I've had this sort of key. Even folded down, this is one very large key. Sticking out, it's huge. I'll work on my dexterity, but so far, it takes two hands to fold in the key. I can certainly live without the keyless systems that are becoming more prevalent, but a more compact key would have been nice.

bodble2

I think the only way they can make the fob smaller is if they go without the blade altogether, so you just push the fob into the dash ala BMW 3 series.

jblaze13

When I drove the RDX I found the key fob to be of poor relative quality. I've had switchblade keys on my last two vehicles and the one on the RDX was clearly inferior. I assumed it was just the one they had for the demo because a good friend bought the new MDX and his seemed to be OK. I don't recall if the fob was the same for the RDX as the MDX.

jblaze13

What do you RDX owners or testers think of the brakes? I know that most people posting here love the vehicle. I like it too but when I drove it the brakes stood as a major stumbling block. The stopping power did not inspire confidence.

dcwong1

I test drove one several weeks ago. Brakes were average, steering feel was average but ride was firm, which I liked. As mentioned from earlier posts, the RDX falls short on having luxury features. I haven't looked but I hoped that it is included in the MDX. One major gripe was that it lacked a 6-speed auto (I know even the RL doesn't have it). It seems like Acura wants to sell by price (and quality/reliability) alone but not exceed their competitors in features or technology.

teledatageek

Really?! I feel the opposite. The brakes on my '03 MDX don't seem nearly as responsive (and I just had the brakes replaced on it). I have also recently rented a number of vehicles and they don't compare.

teledatageek

Well, I feel they hit the mark pretty well and of course kept the price below $40K. I could care less about a 6 speed auto.

I came from an Infinity FX35, a more expensive vehicle. The things I miss: keyless entry, drivers seat that automatically moves back and forth on entry, and memory seats. However, the gains on the RDX far overcome these items.

c_hunter

I like the brakes a lot. They are firmer than what I was accustomed to in Subarus, but not as hard/sensitive as the brakes in my wife's TSX (which are way too touchy to me -- difficult to brake smoothly until you get used to it after a few stops). The RDX brakes feel just right to me.

belias

I think some of the things we expect in Acura won't be available for the RDX until the 2008 model. It could be one of those situations where they want some room to "improve" the vehicle for future model years. I can see a move to memory seats and a power passenger seat for 2008 to justify a price increase. The following year may bring something additional such as keyless entry and 8-way power for passenger and maybe entertainment system for rear passengers. I'm just speculating, but I am gathering that Acura probably eliminates some options to get to a certain price point. After they meet this obligation, they can add these features back in as "improvements" to the previous model year and justify some additional price increases. Just a thought...

varmint

I didn't really get a chance to test the brakes thoroughly. In mild driving on suburban streets, I'd say pedal feel is just fine.

The problem is that stopping distances tend to be long for most of the mass-production Hondas and Acuras. The most common remedy is to upgrade the brake pads. For whatever reason (longevity?), Acura will install decent braking systems, but cheap-out with the pads.

I don't know for certain that the pads are the weak link in the case of the RDX, but that's the tendency for other Acuras. At least it's a relatively inexpensive upgrade.

varmint

I wouldn't expect all that for 2008. When the MMC rolls around for the 2010 year, we'll see most of the content changes. We might see a pwr passenger's seat, but probably not that AND key-linked memory. Or, we might see auto headlights, but not the pwr seat.

Anyway, yeah, I agree with you on their content strategy. They do leave a few things out just so they can add them later.

sbpwjm

any RDX owners out there have turbo seal problems? i am seriously considering buying one soon but was warned by a friend who works for an Acura dealership that there were/are problems with the turbo seals?

i googled this trying to find internet hits but got nothing...

??

c_hunter

I have not heard of this at all, on any of the Acura RDX forums or in any of the Acura Tech bulletins. I am sure it would have been in the bulletins if it was a common problem.

What seals are you referring to?

sbpwjm

unfortunately i cannot be more specific about the turbo seal problem that was reported to me by a friend through a friend...

i haven't found any other evidence of this problem and am coming close to making a decision on the car...

just have to decided if the tech pkg is worth the extra $3000...

and also decide if i need to move faster on the purchase because the 3.9% financing expires 2/5/07..

c_hunter

I don't expect to see better incentives come along until the end of the model year, the dealers are willing to bargain, and selection is good. I think it's a great time to buy.

glarry1

Please expand!
What is it you like so much better in the RDX than in the FX?

lillotis

Is there a way to set headlights to be automatic (to go on when it rains, gets dark out, etc.... and turn off automatically?

Also, do you have to buy the $214 ipod plus to control ipod through radio controls- or is their a cheaper alternative?

lillotis

Is it worth it?

teledatageek

GPS much better; Handling, especially in the snow; cockpit type feeling; Sound system (especially DVD-A which is awesome); Acceleration - not sure that it's faster but feels it given the turbo.

c_hunter

Ripoff. In fact, don't buy any dealer add-ons, they are rarely a good idea.

c_hunter

Folks on another forum have been using the Neo iPod adapter for the RDX. Costs less than Acura's MusicLink and actually works better (allows use of radio/steering wheel controls and iPod controls). I have not heard very many favorable reviews of the Acura/Honda MusicLink, in fact some people have had a bad experience with it.

stathis

I just activated the 3-month free XM radio for my RDX. Sometimes the XM has some static and then goes silent for half an hour...No XM stations! the FM and AM work fine. This is while the car's out in the open in Los Angeles. Does anyone had a similar problem with XM?
What could it be??
:confuse:
07RDX base, grey-bronze on black, Los Angeles, CA

rcizme

Having XM drop out for long periods of time while having a clear view of the southern sky is not normal. Take your car to the dealer for service.

BTW, I have had my RDX w/tech for 3 months and love it.

bodble2

"...having a clear view of the southern sky..."

Now, c'mon, that's not possible...he's in LA! :P :shades:

extech2

Can you please tell us which one has more space or better seats including the back seats and the luggage area when you compare the new RDX to the Infinity FX? Not too many people has owned both and all of your comments are truly appreciated.

teledatageek

I think RDX and FX are pretty comparable in these areas, although I think the RDX has a little more back seat room. It's been over four months since I had the FX......

stathis

My 1 week-old RDX had a problem with the XM radio. It would lose signal out in the open, and make static noises.
Took it to the dealer.
They replaced the battery, said it was "weak". (Makes no sense to me, but OK). They 'reset' the PDI(?) But the XM problem continued so they will now do more trouble-shooting.
To me this sounds like an XM tuner or antena problem.
Some conclusions so far: the dealer doesn't know much! The electronics might be "cheap". Not quite what I would have expected in a 'high-tech' car, nor from Acura reliability.
But anyways, lets see what happens tomorrow....
07RDX Base, Grey-bronze on black, LA, CA

ychen

what's number for RDX?

flats

It varies based upon your source. I've seen it range between 6.3 to 7.1. Most tend to be around 6.8, including Edmunds. Personally, 60 to zero is just as important.

kyfdx

It is easy to get lost in 0-60 numbers... The car mags have so many souped up sports cars to compare it to...

7.1 seconds is very, very, very fast...

nowakj66

Quick question about using the RDX cargo area. I saw that you can flip the second row seat cushions against the backs of the first row seats to make a flat cargo area.

My question is - does this work if the front seat is all the way back? I am tall and want to be sure I can use this mode with the seat all the way back.

c_hunter

Yes, it works with the seats all the way back.

nowakj66

Thanks c_hunter. Do you still like your RDX? I forget what color you got and whether it had the tech package.

c_hunter

I got the dark blue, base model. I really like it a lot. Got back from a ski trip last week and the RDX was great in the mountains. Got good gas mileage too -- about 21.5mpg overall, which included a lot of mountain road driving (crossed about 4 ridges). It's a real comfortable vehicle, and a pleasure to drive.

timmboj

I've not read every post in this forum, so forgive me if the subject has been discussed before...

Is anyone aware of Acura planning to add a 6-speed manual to the RDX?

c_hunter

I have not heard anything. I don't believe Honda/Acura has a 6-spd manual transmission adapted for AWD, so it would have to be all-new if they did anything.