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Acura MDX (pre-2007)

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Comments

  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    Jamie,

    I wish I knew what's instore for 2003? I heard lots of stuff and honda has not released the offical list. Probably, lots of other protential owners are asking this question.

    Maybe you can give us some hints also if we are on the right track.

    All I know is that the car is still in demand in the SF Bay Area.

    thx.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    Just out of curiosity, I checked out the Sequoia on Toyota.ca. Surprisingly the SR5 with the B package was only approx. $51,000 CDN. That's not too far off of the MDX price especially if you consider that the MDX would likely sell for MSRP or close to it. With the Sequoia, you get a full-size rig with legitimate 8-passenger seating, V8 power, head curtain airbags, 6200 lb tow capacity. I'm not saying it's a better vehicle than the MDX. It's just that I didn't expect their prices to be so close.
  • brwndoggybrwndoggy Member Posts: 41
    In austin. You have one luxary dealer per brand. No competition and only a few don't act like it with prices and service.
    Acura, Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Infinity, Saab, volvo.

    I was interested in the ML, but not with a service department like the one based off of board complaints.

    BMW - I'd by the X5 in a second if it could fit my 100lb dog and a box at the same time.

    Acura - waiting on the 2003 to see if it will have the larger engine and more real high end features (xenon!!!).

    Lexus - Can't wait for the GX470 - that will be a nice vehicle. The Toyota 4runner may be a better choice than the mdx or pilot when all is said and done.

    Others are starting to add more choices (Infinity, Acura, Volvo), which is good for all of us. Competition!!!

    Mercedes - No loaner.
    Acura - No Loaner.

    BMW - Loaner.(not a bmw)
    Lexus - not sure
    Saab - Loaner (a saab)
    Infinity - not sure

    Just 2 cents for ya'll.

    From a Californian transplant in Texas....
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Acura does offer loaner cars. And unlike Saab (And volvo) it is manufacturer sponsered, not dealer sponsored. So If you buy an Acura, you should get a loaner from any Acura dealership. Saab and Volvo are only from the dealer you purchased it from...and if they participate in the loaner program offered by the manufacturer.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    is based on a truck frame, and IMO, not a comparable for the MDX, RX300 and such. I drove a rental 4Runner SR5 V6 a couple of years ago and swore I'd never buy one. Around town the thing drove like a dog. Good off-road rig though, if you need that sort of a vehicle.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I wonder what the horsepower/torque increases over the 3.5L will be? Also, I wonder if the larger engine will allow for increased towing?

    Bob
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    My guess: 265
  • md2002md2002 Member Posts: 142
    The new 4RUNNER will be based on the new Land Cruiser Prado and the new GX470 will be as well. So while the old 4RUNNER was a dog and had bad power (however a decent ride) the new one will definitely be a conteder against the MDX or if you like the new GX470 will.

    I realize the agument can and is made that a frame on body is never like a unibody SUV. However with more and more technology like hydro formed frames and better suspension and steering the unibody will have more to contend with.

    One last thought. A unibody has no (real) under frame and when toying real weight like a goat or trailer you will have real issues with flex and ability to handle it.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Jeep Cherokees, Libertys, and Grand Cherokees are all unit-body, and they all tow very well. It just depends on the engineering that goes into it.

    Bob
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I think the FWD vs. RWD makes a big difference. The Jeeps are RWD based. This allows for the weight to be primarily towed by the rear 1/2 of the car, where the MDX is FWD, which causes the entire body to tow the weight.
  • msh8448msh8448 Member Posts: 23
    Shortly after I took delivery of my '02 Redrock Pearl MDX I noticed a seat defect/issue that has been termed the "fuzzy seats" issue. At the time, I was told that the issue would resolve itself with some time and wear. I've had my MDX for over a month now, and the rear seats still have these fuzzy, hair-like fibers sticking out of the perforations in the leather. I realize that this is just a cosmetic issue, but it does look pretty weird/ugly. The local dealer is sticking with the "it will resolve itself" response. I'm really surpirsed that this type of obvious cosmetic defect/issue would be tolerated by Acura for their "premium" SUV. Has anyone else received any type of response (or compensation) from Acura HQ for this obvious cosmetic defect?
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    This is a fairly minor, but still unsightly problem. It will stop after a period of use.

    Apparently the backing on the inside of the seat covering is prone to this. I've found that takinga wad of 'low tack" painters masking tape and wrapping the sticky side out allows me to whisk these fibers away.

    I consider it sort of a non-issue...
  • msh8448msh8448 Member Posts: 23
    rerenov8r > Thanks for the information. I'll try the masking tape trick. One of my unique problems is that my fuzzy seat only gets used by my 11 year old son (who only weighs about 60 lbs.) Since he's so light, I'm afraid that the normal process of working these fibers out of the seat will be significantly prolonged. Hopefully the masking tape trick will accelerate the process. Thanks again for the tip.
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    Did anyone checkout the article released by Honda yesterday?

    They will increase production for Honda Odyssey and Pilot and Acura MDX to to 195,000 units by early 2003 from 170,000 units.

    That's good news for people trying to buy this vehicle. A late move but a good move for management and dealers. Finally...
  • inky4inky4 Member Posts: 238
    Must be worse with ebony interior. I hardly notice anything on the Saddle interior.
    INKY
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I think you're right. I think it (towing capability) has more to do with the FWD v. RWD bias, rather than the unit body. A "properly-engineered" unit body will tow just fine—but even better if the AWD is RWD-biased.

    Bob
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    Lexus and Infiniti also give loaners. Infiniti gives Infinitis too. It is one of the reasons I opted for the QX4 over the Pathfinder. The MDX was just too expensive for me and I didn't like this pre-order stuff and not know what color your going to get.
  • low_ball_88low_ball_88 Member Posts: 171
    I too was undecided on whether to purchase a MDX or a Sequoia until I test drove them. The Sequoia, even though it is much heavier, has more power (I guess coming from the higher torque, not horsepower) than the MDX. The price for a loaded MDX (touring + NAV + DIO) was equalled to the Sequoia Limited. With that in mind, the deciding factor was third row seat. My wife who is 5'2", 110lbs could not sit in the third row of the MDX comfortably. However, she was extremely pleased with comfort and room the third row seats in the Sequoia. So we will be buying the Sequoia because of power (V8), roomy interior, and of course we will not have to pay MSRP, never have and never will.

    JMHO
  • rihoopsrihoops Member Posts: 91
    Is your wife going to sit back there often? We have an MDX and have gone on two hour trips with 7 people with no problems.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    I've sat in the back of a Pilot and it is very tight. The lack of toe room was especially uncomfortable. So I would imagine the MDX to be similar in that respect. I didn't realize the price anomaly between MDX and Sequoia is even more pronounced in the US. Up here, an MDX is about the same as an SR5. But if in the US you can get a Limited for the same price, then it'd be even tougher justifying an MDX. Aside from more room, the Sequoia also looks more luxurious and just more substantial. I guess the only fly in the ointment is the size issue. The Sequoia is only an inch wider so that may not be a big deal. But it is about 15 inches longer which may present some parking problems.
  • daveghhdaveghh Member Posts: 495
    I would opt for the MDX over the Sequoia because of mpg and the smog index. The Sequoia is one of those "excessive" SUV's in which most people don't need, in my opinion. Most Sequoia owners, NOT ALL because there are a few exceptions, would be better off in a minivan! Bigger interior and better mileage and produces far less smog.

    The MDX is basically a fancy looking minivan with ground clearence and 4wd that can do simple offroading. How many Sequoia owners really need the truck aspect of the vehicle???
  • low_ball_88low_ball_88 Member Posts: 171
    I am very surprise that adults could fit in the third row for 2 hours. It must have been very uncomfortable. The leg room for the Sequoia that I noticed had openings under the second row seats so that a person sitting in the third row could insert their feet into a slot. This avoids having to have your knees up against your chest.

    As for the MPG or smog. Sequoia is around 15-17MPG on REGULAR gas while the MDX is 17-22 on PREMIUM gas. I guess that is a wash. Smog is not taken into consideration for me when purchasing a vehicle.

    JMHO
  • doudoudiddoudoudid Member Posts: 76
    i'm surprised that no one has set up a topics like that... MDX vs Sequoia, well, at least honda vs toyota will be fun :)
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    We may have just done that! :)
  • jamiestockmanjamiestockman Member Posts: 35
    To all those who've asked...

    There really hasn't been any official word on changes in style, equipment, or colors for the 2003 model year. All I know at this point is that there are no more 2002's left for order. Acura will build the last of the 2002's in September. The orders for the last 2002's were placed by dealers last week.

    One can reasonably assume that 2003 production will start in October (last year it began the last week of October).

    Once 2003 information is offical, I'll itemize everything for you.

    Jamie S.
  • gregfockergregfocker Member Posts: 39
    daveghh - Our Sequoia averages about 17 MPG on regular fuel. Add up the costs to run an MDX with premium fuel and the MDX fuel cost savings diminish rapidly. Your comment about Sequoia owners are better off in a minivan. Same argument goes with the MDX... You comment about the Sequoia being a fancy looking minivan is quite interesting as well. What do you think the MDX is then?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    There are a couple of old MDX vs Highlander discussions in the archives, but there never has been any MDX vs. Sequioia flavors around (afaik). Knock yourselves out :-)

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    I just figure with the 3rd-row seating, MDX v. Sequoia is a more logical comparison than MDX v. HL. I know people will point out the size difference, but if you look at width as well as length, one can put up a good argument that the MDX is closer in size to the Sequoia than to the HL. And besides, I'm of the opinion that width will affect a vehicle's manouverability more so than length.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    "I'm of the opinion that width will affect a vehicle's manouverability more so than length."

    I'm afraid not. Wheelbase length will do it too, as well as general handling characteristics.

    But the MDX has a turning circle of 38 feet, vs. 42.3 feet for a Sequoia. That's quite a sizable difference when maneuverability is an issue. Overall, the MDX is considerably more nimble, not surprising since its underpinnings are a car platform and not a truck platform.

    The Sequoia is a fine vehicle, and I think some potential buyers of the MDX will find it a more useful vehicle (more third row room, more towing capability, side curtains, VSC, better 4WD system, etc.). But a lot of folks don't want something as "big" as a Sequoia. The MDX might be wide, but the Seq is a big truck -- more than 800 lbs heavier, a significantly larger turning diameter, and more than 15" longer. That'll push the limit of some potential buyers, just like some Highlander buyers find the Pilot and MDX too big for them.
  • daveghhdaveghh Member Posts: 495
    You have a funny user name...

    Anyways, I said the MDX is a fancy minivan not the Sequioa. The MDX is a van with some off roading capabilities. So I agree with you on that one.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Careful what you say, Daveghh, or Tidester will start lecturing us about the Focker-Planck Equation :-)

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I am impressed! Perhaps we should take this over to the discussion on halogen lamps! :-)

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Only if you can explain it without actually using any equations ;-)

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    Which one of you two deleted my post? That was in honour of Ben Stiller!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Check your mail :-)

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    I've used a few to escape the clutches of shiftright!
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    Don't post my email address. I'll go and check all of them :P
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Piece of cake! BTW, it is Fokker-Planck. And it will tell Willard more than he could ever hope to know about how the soot gets onto the inside of his halogen lamps.

    Think of it as the physicists way of doing double-entry accounting to keep track of atoms interacting with each other.

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Darn it - google lied to me! And I thought everything I read on the net was true.

    Bodydouble, you're on a roll today - enjoyed your license plate "installation" post over on Lexus RX300 :-)

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    See if you like the one over on the CR-V thread.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Remind me not to encourage you further ;-)

    Anyone want to talk about the MDX?

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • dmz616dmz616 Member Posts: 17
    Took delivery of our 02 touring MDX end of May; just returned from a 9,000-mile trip across country. Had the gas tank "pumping" overflow problem 4 times; at different pumps, states, and outside temps. Gas began to flow out of the gas tank filler neck after the gas pump nozzle hit auto cutoff, and after the nozzle was removed. This seems to be a common problem, and is NOT an overfill, top off problem. I've read about the same problem on the MDX Owners web site, but could not find a recommended solution. Does Acura know of the problem? Any solution? Will talk to our local dealers. Thanks1
  • aggie76aggie76 Member Posts: 266
    Anyone having problems with engine shudder on their MDX? Seems to happen when we lift off the gas pedal around 40 mph. Has happened several times over the last month or so. We've got 11k miles on our '01 and it just doesn't seem right.

    I'm headed over to MDX.org to check there too.
  • aggie76aggie76 Member Posts: 266
    We also have had the overflow problem a time or two but learned quickly to not add any additional fuel once the nozzle kicks off during fueling. Seems to be very touchy unlike every other car/SUV I have owned.
  • inky4inky4 Member Posts: 238
    Now, I use 87-93 mix 50/50 in my mdx with great results. In Tulsa that is 6 cents more per gallon.
    Now I average 24 mpg on trips in my MDX (last one 3000 miles)and about 20-21 on my expressway commute. I would not like to add it up but the gas use in the Toyota S. would be much more overall. The MDX got 27 mpg from Ohio-Indiana-Illinios. Now that is flat, and straight on I-70. What is the best the Toyota will do. By the way I drive conservatively. I could average much less by rapid driving style. Both vehicles get horrid city mileage which I do not have to drive in but mid teens seem likely for the MDX.
    Enjoy
    INKY
  • dmz616dmz616 Member Posts: 17
    Thanks for your response, Aggie76; but this is not an overfill, top off problem. When the pump hit auto cutoff, I did not top off. May be a safety problem Acura needs to address.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I haven't had that problem...yet...only 2500 miles so far. I do notice topping off causes this, but not on the auto cutoff? Depending on the state there are different laws about fuel pump nozzle's, plastic housing, allowing them to pump automatically, etc. I have a hard time finding a pump that will even seal tightly enough to allow the auto pump feature to kick on. Usually I have to hold the nozzle up and tight to get it to keep pumping?
  • low_ball_88low_ball_88 Member Posts: 171
    I think that you will not have to pay MSRP for the MDX once the VW Tourag SUV is available. Autoweek magazine had a very good article. So if you look to buy an MDX, you should wait or even look at the VW before buying. I am sure that the VW's handling, performance and power will be much better than the MDX because it is more like the BMW X5.

    JMHO
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    For most people, the name brand is just as important as the capabilities and value.

    For folks considering an Acura MDX, a near-lux vehicle with Honda reliability, a Volkswagon just won't hit the radar...especially without the cargo room or 3 row seating of the Acura.

    As a result, I doubt the VW will have any effect on MDX pricing. The Honda Pilot is the only car I can think of that will steal MDX sales and affect pricing.
  • doudoudiddoudoudid Member Posts: 76


    - agreed

    BUT....

    what make you think the name of acura is superior than volkswagon? people don't even care it is an acura or honda, (except people who own it) in fact some people would go for an European car rather a Japanese.
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