Acura MDX (pre-2007)

wmquan

Yes, having less structure behind a third row makes it a less protected spot. The key is having both good structure between the third row and the point of impact, and having a good seat design.

For what it's worth, I believe that Acura has made the statement that the MDX is designed to withstand a 35-mph rear-end collision without third row intrusion (though it doesn't say if they tested for injury). There's no test to validate it, but so far published IIHS and NHTSA crash-testing have validated Acura's claims on the MDX.

That said, the MDX's headrests are skimpy, especially for the third row. Definitely wouldn't want to be an adult in the back, though obviously that's a tight squeeze to begin with.

ty39

Bought touring w/Nav. The Nav is worth it, even though we know the way! Lots of info...
Our MDX has NO wind noise, very fast & quiet, very tight (no cold feet). Note the change in mirror shape of '02 which must have lowered wind noise which I noticed in the '01.
Also, you do not need running boards, my wife's car and is EZ to get into and out of.
So far great car! More room and $8M less than X5.

doreened

I finally gave in and bought a base model; April/May delivery. I still had to pay MSRP, but the dealer threw in a few hundred dollars of optional equipment. A small consolation I know, but I had to talk to 5 dealers before I found one that was willing to do something.

mjtian

My MDX is set to arrive next week!! As with the price, I am a little stunned to hear about the MSRP Markup. It is crazy. I paid MSRP, though am still not happy about it. But after comparing the 02' MDX with the X5, Highlander, RX300 and ML320, Acura is still cheaper. I guess we all had to just put up with the dealers, either way they'll find a way to make us pay. I guess as long as you're satisified with your vehicle, you've won.

mjtian

I personally had a pretty plesant time at my Acura dealer, other than the MSRP portion. He did try to push the more expensive Touring model, but was understanding when I told him my needs.

My trip to St. Louis Plaza Motors to look at the BMW and Lexus was a complete different experience. I waited in the lot for 20 minutes on a bright sunny day and NOT a single sales person approached me!!!! I felt so insulted that I went to a different dealership. I mean do I have to own a BMW or Lexus to shop for one?!?! And I am not the only person to have had this problem there. I guess I need to wear my Armani suit next time....what a joke!!

mhenderson1

pvnguyen,

I have tested the Rendezvous and I did not like what I saw. All I can say is load the vehicle up and turn the A/C on. 90' Corollas will be passing you on the highway. If you are okay with the engine and options given that's fine with me. Just move out of the left lane, so that I can pass. I personally think that there are better options elswhere.

If am not mistaken, I believe Dateline (NBC) did a crach test on the Rendezvous and the results were not as good as the MDX.

sbcooke

I ordered late Decmeber. Actually I was slated for a March delivery...except when "allocated" as my dealer calls it, I was "allocated" a white one. I told them I wanted slver not white, unless they would back off on the price, I might consider it. They told me that I was put on the top of the list, and would get an April production unit. I paid MSRP. I shopped around to different dealers to get one. I ended up choosing one further away from my house because they claimed to be a higher volume dealer and could get units in faster than everyone else. They also didn't pull any crap about the price. They guy said upfront that they charge MSRP, and that is it. Other dealers were making me haggle for MSRP.

sbcooke

Supposedly the MDX is rated for up to 30 or 35 MPH rear end collision without compromising the passenger compartment? Very interesting article. Especially the minivan part. I would think your are at least twice (if not 50 times) as likely to use the 3rd row in a minivan. With the data presented in the article, it would make you think SUV's are "safer" than the old minivan? Well it is interesting article at least.

fedlawman

Why don't you stop bringing up the Rendezvous and forget about it?

If you test drove the Rendezvous and didn't like it, then I'm glad that you found a car that better suits your needs in the MDX.

As for there being "better options elsewhere", the MDX is not better than the Rendezvous. It's just better for you.

Now, why don't we just stick to MDX talk here, OK?

mhenderson1

I thnk you are confused about what i was saying. I was only giving my thoughts to "pvnguyen". I feel that there are better options elsewhere, THAT"S IT, nothing else. I'm only answering to his/her comments. Isn't that what the chatroom is for?

wmquan

There are some MDX owners who put three kids in the second row. The MDX has the width and seating to support many combinations of child seats, though access to the middle child is of course somewhat difficult.

The above configuration works well for _some_ families because it gives them a lot of cargo room behind the second row (third row folded down) and, presumably, additional safety by avoiding the third row (though FWIW, Acura has _claimed_ that the third row withstands a 35mph impact without intrusion).

A lot of minivans don't support three kids in the second row, forcing third row usage. On a vehicle like the Honda Odyssey, with a one-piece third row, that can compromise cargo room. Of course, minivans still have the clear edge in cargo room otherwise, as well as access through sliding doors.

On the other hand, folks with two kids who just use the second row may well be safer in a good (safe) minivan. At least in theory, since minivans usually have more structure behind the second row than most SUV's, including the MDX (obviously, the minivan would have to have a GOOD rear structure).

This is where it is really hard to predict because there is no standardized testing with rear-end crash tests. Some folks hope that NHTSA would do it but the negative is money, which goes back to costing taxpayers.

One thing about that article -- please note that it was a FORD person who said FORD's research indicated that a third row passenger wasn't safe in a rear-end collision. Thus, think about what that may mean coming from one manufacturer.

Meanwhile, Volvo seems confident the XC90's third row seat is safe, and I'm sure they've done extensive internal crash-testing to prove it. BMW saying that it's not safe to put one in the X5 is highly questionable since the X5 is so space-compromised that it's probably not even possible to put in a forward-facing third row.

MB also does extensive internal crash-testing and has a huge commitment to safety, so I'm sure their third row is relatively safer.

Here's the review that mentions that the MDX is designed to withstand a 35-mph rear impact with no intrusion into the third row. Please note that it doesn't say anything about injuries, though, as you don't necessary need intrusion for injuries to occur. I also have reservations about the third-row's headrests which are quite skimpy. However, for small kids that may not be a problem. Each parent has to evaluate this individually.

http://carpoint.msn.com/Vip/Jedlicka/Acura/MDX/2001.asp

will4271

Has anyone ordered the Nav and found it useful. Is that worth the price?

There's hasn't been that much feedback on it?

wmquan

From posts I've seen on other systems, folks with the nav love it. I often see regret on the part of folks who were on the fence, and didn't get it. You can't add the Acura integrated system later.

There are good third-party systems but none of them integrate as well.

I didn't get nav, and I don't regret it, though. Every once in a while there is a situation where it'd be useful, but not for the price.

kbeacham

hey guys as a 5 year acura salesman I just ordered my wife an mdx. (yes we have to wait also!). let me tell you guys how it works with acura. manufacturers track inventory by days supply on hand. 60 is average. acura wants 30-40. flooding the market and discounts kill resale/trade in value. (see lexus rx 300). those accessories really do cost the dealer that much. acura uses a generic labor rate to calculate their website prices. Also, as a matter of principle, our dealership do not charge over msrp, and acura does not like it. I hope all you people like your purchases. i personally am not very fond of suvs, but my wife likes/needs it so she can have it.

will4271

Thanks for your input.

IMO but this idea doesn't work so well.

For people that needs a vehicle in a very short time, they can't buy the MDX so they have to buy another competitor's SUV (Lexus Rx300, ML320, BMW X5 and others). It's not an option to wait for the MDX if need a vehicle. My co-worker has this problem so he had to settle for something available.

My salesperson said production was improving but how much.

The more they sell the more commission the salesperson, dealer, and Honda makes.

If they buy elsewhere, they would service the vehicle at the competitor's dealer and buy parts, accessories at the competitor's dealer. In fact if they turn out that they like the service at that dealer they may just buy another car at that dealer. There goes your next sales to an ex-loyal customer.

As for 30 days supply, I am not sure why Honda making us wake 3-9 months depending the dealer. They said that they are not even built.

Probably the main difference is that Honda (small co. in Japan) can't crank out the capacity as Toyota (big co in Japan) without the big $$$.

I'm waiting also

mikeintn

As I menctioned earlier on this thread, I decided on the Acura MDX last week. A dealer 200 miles away had exactly what I was looking for, 2002 Black/Ebony Touring Package without Navi. Options were mud guards and wind deflector for the sunroof. Got it for MSRP, plus got about $2,000 more for my trade than any other dealer (Chevy, Jeep, Toyota) had offered me. To say the least I was very pleased with the deal I got.

Picked up the MDX on Saturday afternoon with my wife. She had not seen it yet or riden in it and expressed some concern about that, even though it would be my vehicle. It only took about 10 minutes for her to fall in love with it. (I think that is exactly the amount of time it took for the heated seats to warm her up after being out in the 40 degree drizzle!

It drives like a dream and I got 23 miles to the gallon on the drive home. The Bose system is awesome, loaded up 6 cds and had a great concert on the way home.

I appreicate all the help this thread gave me about the MDX, it really helped me determine that it was the right vehicle for me and my purposes.

MIKEinTN

qdisc

MDX is on my list of SUVs to check out (along w/ Highlander, CRV (I know, different class, but $10k cheaper too) and maybe Freelander. Anyone have good/bad experiences with Denver/Boulder area dealers?

thx

Q

leokadia1

Did you pay dealer cost or below ? It would be nice to see someone get A MDX for way under list.
One out of 100,000 sales isn't bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kbeacham

will 4271- capacity has a lot to do with it. but hondas new plant in alabama will only increase odysseys by 10 -20% the chairman of honda said so. mdx's will only increase by 10% also. expect a wait for a long time.

sure, we lose some to people who cant wait, and there's not much we can do about that.Conversely, if we had them on the lot stacked like cordwood, resale would suffer and everybody who bought one in the last 18 months would not be happy.(see pt cruiser and the highway robbery there)

There is a fine line trying to balance the inventories ebb and flow.

the wait is dictated by the amount of inventories that the dealers move. the more they sell, the more they get.

Overall, the mdx is one of the strongest vehicles in its class and its popularity reflects it. most of the confusion has to do with how people are used to buying cars. you walk in, buy it and leave. domestics have so much capacity and the uaw on their backs that they can and HAVE to build a lot of cars. All of those plant workers cant sit there and do nothing.

to leokadia1 - we do get an employee deal through the dealership-not honda- and its not as big of a discount as you would think.

will4271

Do you know if they are planning some major changes for the 2003 MDX?

Any rumors circulation around?

I have an Accord (very happy with it) but when I brought it, I had to search for my color and model because Honda did not built enough.

gotothelight

I asked this question a while back but saw no answers so I'm asking again. Will the MDX suffer damage if the VTM-4 button is pushed at freeway speeds? Kbeacham do you Know?

ek5

Will4271 - I was going to post the same question...all I've heard about so far is a bigger engine - 3.8L with more horsepower. I don't know when the new year models are typically released with Acura. They are advertising now the release of the "new" 2003 CL (new 6-speed manual) and TL (no changes - just up $100).

Anybody know the changes for 2003???

kbeacham

I don't know of any changes for 2003, but as you guys know, Acura is super quiet when it comes to model changes and improvements. They don't even tell us anything!

VTM4 will not engage at freeway speeds. the only way to engage it is to be at a complete stop. You then put the gearshift in 1st or 2nd gear or reverse, the push the button. It will disengage when you shift out of 2nd gear or you you stay above 18 miles per hour for a few seconds. Also, NEVER!! engage on dry pavement, you will make the axles bind.

The new models introduced by Acura are usually staggered. the 2003 tls are already out, as I have delivered 3. The cls are not out yet, after Easter they will be on the ground. The mdxs will probably change after Thanksgiving like last year.
Any other ?s that anyone has just fire away.

stever

Check out the Consumer Ratings for your vehicle (both New and Used). Feel free to write your own. (The Rating will be found in the upper right when you drill down to your make and model).

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

msh8448

Has anyone seen the new-for-2002 Redrock Pearl color? I've only seen the small color swatch and am having a very tough time deciding between Nighthawk Black (with tan interior) and Redrock Pearl (with tan interior). Any thoughts??

wmquan

Here's a link to some nice pictures of Redrock Pearl. Please keep in mind that color rendering on PC's (plus the initial digital camera) may render the color somewhat differently than how it looks in person!

http://www.acurapricing.com/Pictures/redmdx.htm

These courtesy of Roger Womack, an excellent and honest Acura sales consultant. Unfortunately for Acura enthusiasts, Roger is moving to his company's Mitsubishi dealership. We all wish him well.

sbcooke

Has that reached the streets yet? I was interested but opted for silver because I had not had a chance to see it yet.

mikeintn

I just bought a Black/Ebony MDX. The Ebony, in my opinion, looks much better with the black exterior than the saddle.

The black is really pretty and will look much better once I get a couple of coats of Zaino wax on it.

Either way you cannot go wrong with the MDX, they are outstanding.

MIKEinTN

gotothelight

Thanks for VTM-4 information. Very useful.

msh8448

Thanks for the advice and the link.

paisan

March 17 Pine Barrens Monthly Trail Ride

Info on a gently off-road experience in the Pine Barrens of Central/Southern NJ. Come on out for a day of adventure, fun, and comradre with fellow SUV/Off-road/Rally/Car Nuts! Info at http://isuzu-suvs.com/events

-mike

texas83

I decided not to buy the MDX. Didn't want to pay MSRP and bought something else. But, one of the dealers e-mailed me today. He's got 12 sitting on his lot. They probably won't gather too much dust but supply and demand may be coming together somewhat. When the Pilot comes out, along with some other SUV's, look for the MDX to drop in price. Especially as they increase production.
The dealer is Vandergriff located in Arlington,TX.

cummings33

Listen, it's a dealer by dealer case--don't try to patronize bmw and lexus owners or dealers with your petty whining and comments about Armani suits and such. I had the same experience you had at bmw/lexus with my acura dealer here in southern california when my girlfriend and i went to look at MDXs. everything out of this guy's mouth was "this is the best car you'll ever find and you'd be an idiot not to buy it--and pay a premium for that matter". Conversely, last april i bought a BMW X5 and had a great experience--not to mention i walked into the dealership wearing flip flops, a tshirt and surf shorts, and not having shaved in a week. maybe at the dealership you weren't approached because they were extremely busy or they didn't want to bother you; not everyone wants to be approached--personally if i'm window shopping i don't want someone to come talk to me. Your comments are individual experiences and you should not make blanket statements like that.

sbcooke

I saw a few MDX's on the lot of a local dealer. So I called them up. The had 2 2001 certified used and 2 new. The 2 new were base models...well they weren't my color, and I want touring, but I thought I would probe them. It turns out they added many aftermarket options, including DVD to the 2 trucks. I asked why they would do that to a base model? Well, the salesman told me that people are bidding up to $6000 over the MSRP on ebay, and that this is how they can charge the same price for their models. I said, "so you add these items so you can basically gouge the customer?" response, "yes". I don't know it is worth calling back and talking to the sales manager. This is why I purchased mine at a different local dealer for MSRP. Not only arrogant, but assuming that I think everyone is paying way above MSRP for the cars, and that I don't know about the price, etc. What a jerk. It only confirms what I thought about that dealer anyway. BTW, the place I bought (April delivery) my MDX was very good, helpful, nice and only asking MSRP.

metmdx

Care to enlighten us as to who this "peach" is ?
thanks,
metmdx

gotothelight

Hey Cummings33, It's interesting that you flame Mjtian for sounding off about no service at a BMW dealership when you yourself do exactly the same thing by Blasting an Acura dealer you visited. I guess the BMW dealer you bought your X5 from figured that even though you looked like you were there to buy a skateboard he might as well try and sell something to you. I will agree with you that individual experience at dealerships shouldn't be viewed as a condemnation of all dealerships. But of course, you already know that.

sbcooke

I don't care to flame the "Bad" dealer (while I whole-heartedly think it is OK to do so in the edmunds forum). It isn't even necessary, if you call them, or any of the arrogant dealers out there, you will know right away. They have no time for anyone who is shopping or that they can't take advantage of. If you are reading this discussion, you are an educated enough consumer not to be suckered in by these types. Within 15 minutes of finding the dealer I bought one from, the salesman came right out and said that he won't beat around the bush, these trucks are selling like hotcakes, and that they are going for MSRP. No crap about ebay prices, how hard it is to get, just MSRP and 3-4 months, no crap, nothing hidden.

mikeintn

You make a great point. Once I realized the MDX was on the short list of vehicles I was interested in, the point was to a: find one to test drive, and b: find a dealer that was reasonable.

Luckily for me they were one in the same. Found two on the lot at Pye Acura in Chattanooga. Drove one, liked it, got a fair deal (MSRP, but almost $4,000 more for my trade than the Chevy and Jeep dealers offered me) so I got the MDX for about what a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited or Chevy Tahoe would have cost me.

After spending a week in the MDX I shutter to think that I could be driving a Grand Cherokee or Tahoe. While they are perfectly nice SUVs, the MDX is so awesome.

So, my advice is to find a dealer that you are comfortable with and who will deal staight with you so you can get your MDX.

You'll be glad you did.

MIKEinTN

rihoops

MSRP
3 month wait
no dealer options required
great service.
We love our MDX

metmdx

"You make a great point. Once I realized the MDX was on the short list of vehicles I was interested in, the point was to a: find one to test drive, and b: find a dealer that was reasonable."

My point in asking the question was to prevent people from wasting their time and getting in a lather about a dealer with an attitude. Think of publishing the "offending" dealer name as a public service announcement !

Thanks,
metmdx

foxcroft1

I just took delivery of an MDX and while parking it in my garage I could here a whirring sound coming from the transmission when I shift into Park. It comes and goes as I shift into and out of Park. I do not have any experience with four wheel drives or, of course, the MDX. Does any one Know if this is normal for this transmission? The sound is not very loud and being in the garage amplified it.

xerrto

Time to order, told they are dropping Granite Green and replacing with Blue, anyone know why?Also, any advantage to the tires or wheels you get with the touring package, considering just the Nav options.

Thanks for the input.

wmquan

Touring Package has a somewhat different wheel design but I don't think it's a major item. However, the Touring Package has the Michelin Cross Terrain SUV tires which most folks (though not all) think are significantly better than the Goodyear Integrity's that come with the base model. Better = grip, handling, less noise.

That said, if you don't want the rest of the items in the Touring Package (e.g. in-dash CD changer, passenger-side tilt down mirror, memory seats, power adjustment for the passenger's seat, and maybe one or two other things), you could always upgrade the tires after you purchase the vehicle.

will4271

What dealer are you talking about?

I always like to hear about good dealers.

rihoops

Acura of Newport in Rhode Island. An excellent dealer!

lees118

Hi,

I read on the forum that people are buying MDXs from Canada and brought it back to the U.S. They say that it is a savings of $5000 because of the exchange rate ($1 US for $1.50 CA).

I'm in Boston, MA and I want to get an MDX in Montreal, Canada. But, I have no idea on how to do it. What are the steps to take, what about taxes in Canada and U.S. and import duties, and registering the car?

Thank you.

stever

In addition to the responses you'll get here, browse the Nissan Pathfinder discussion. That SUV gets purchased in Canada quite a bit by folks stateside (but Nissan USA will honor the warranty; Acura may not). Also, think about Toronto or NB/NS because Québec apparently doesn't rebate the provincial tax bill.

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

wmquan

Supposedly Acura dealerships in Canada aren't supposed to sell to a U.S. resident. You can get around it if you have a viable Canadian address to give them.

U.S. Acura dealerships are not supposed to honor the Canadian Acura warranty.

sterls

I'll tel you from now, while the potential savings can be great, the risk is high. unless you go through a third party, you will also need a letter from Acura stating the car meets US standards, without it, you cannot import the car. As someone else mentioned the dealer is not suppose to seel to US residents, or can be fined by Acura 10K CAN. Then the biggest issue is warranty, and a car like the MDX, there are so many things that can go wrong, you definitely want a warranty. That you will have to clear with Acura, and youbetter make sure you can get it in my opinion. the last thing is the vehicle registration in the US, and you will need a manufacturers certificate of origin, to prove you were the first owner of the car. That you need from the dealer, they probably won't release it, because thsi is not required in Canada, and the request will raise a red flag.

There is talk about new legislation being passed similar to the one in Europe, where manufacturers were charging different prices for the same car in different countries, and thelaw now prohibits that. It is rumored thenext place for the law to be implemented is in NA. You may want to wait for this to happen. If not, be careful with the chances you take.

sailing216

Went in with money to spend. Dayton Ohio Acura did not have a MDX to test drive (Cleveland did). Arrogant and rude salesman thinks this car drives on water. Only test drives go to people lucky enough to show up and drive Mdxs before the buyer picks up his car. Someone else test-driving my new car when it shows up---strike 2. Non-refundable $500 deposit---strike 3. Went across the street to Lexus and was treated like a king. Didn't like the Lexus, so I'll wait for the Pilot. I'll probably run into similar situations, but if I don't like it, Cleveland's dealer will get my business on a 03' (Cincinatti dealer seems not to have a test vehicle either). That day I bought a loaded out VW for the wife to have fun instead of a RSX. Acura lost out on that commission based on their attitude with the future purchase of an SUV.