Acura MDX (pre-2007)

buddyzippy · June 2001

I am looking at purchasing an MDX. Any recommendations on getting the base model or the touring package? I am somewhat concerned about the Goodyear Integrity tires on the base model, as they appear to be car tires, not SUV tires. Thanks.

fedlawman · June 2001

The MDX is a car.

buddyzippy · July 2001

Fedlawman, if the MDX is a car, and that is the reason why there are Goodyear Integrity car tires on the base model, why are there Michelin Cross Terrain SUV tires on the touring package?

kenyee · July 2001

I think he meant that the MDX is meant to have pure onroad tires on it. The Michelin CT is even described as an onroad tire by Michelin. They have onroad/offroad performance charts for all their tires. The offroad performance for the CT is almost nil.
On the plus side, it handles curves and snow well and has a quiet ride w/o squealing like the Integrities.

buddyzippy · July 2001

Kenyee, should the difference in tires be a consideration in deciding which model to purchase?

fedlawman · July 2001

I think a good all-weather tire is what the MDX needs. I'm sure the touring tire is a better grade of tire, but not a truck tire, which would be noisy on the road.

Certainly, the tires should not be a decider.

kenyee · July 2001

I can't say w/o knowing more about what you drive in and what your driving style is. I tend to push what I have through curves. The Integrities are on the RX300 and I squealed it on curves; I was not able to do this w/ the CTs on my MDX drive, but it was a different route.
I hear the CTs are good in snow.
So....I would not get an MDX w/o CTs because of my driving style and I have to worry about snow handling in the northeast.

You'll have to go through a similiar rationalization yourself. You can also cost up the CTs as an addon if you really like them. Most tire dealers will have a tradeup program if you have under 100mi on the odo.

johnnyreb · July 2001

I wouldn't take a Michelin tire for free. I've had nothing but trouble with Michelin tires on several vehicles (bubbles, flat spots, sidewall punctures, etc.). My daughter and several other people I know have had similar problems and have had to have many original equipment Michelin replaced for one reason or another. Never had a problem with a Good year tire. I have Good year tires on my new DX and they DO NOT MAKE ANY NOISE WHATSOEVER when cornering. Maybe people who have heard "squealing" when cornering are driving too fast or have under inflated tires, in which case any tire will squeal. As for myself I'll take a Good year tire over a Michelin any day in the week. From what I've read, the Good year tires on the DX were engineered especially for the vehicle by Acura engineers. I think equipping the DX touring model with Michelin CT tires is just a gimmick to help get the added $2,600 for the package. If this appeals to you by all means get these grossly overrated tires.

kenyee · July 2001

BTW, I squealed Yokohamas on my old Integra too. Nothing w/ Michelin MXVs. Like I said, it depends on driving style. You're the first I've heard w/ lots of Michelin problems.
Check out www.epinions.com for tire reviews.

filippone · July 2001

I agree with johnnyreb, I had michelins on my '97 blazer and
they wore very quickly and on one set a pebble from a gravel
driveway actually puctured the tire???? I mean come on these tires are not that great. I have the goodyears on my base model and they don't squeal at all and I do not drive slowly. 99% of the time tire squeal at reasonable speeds is caused by under inflation . Alot of drivers would be amazed at the difference 2-3 psi makes ! So anyone with squealing goodyears go buy a decent tire gage and add 1 or 2 psi over
the recommended level to COLD tires and tell me they squeal.

bobput · July 2001

there will always be someone who has had anecdotal bad experiences with any tire brand ! the Mich CTs are a new design, and may have little in common with the "problem" series/types (PLEASE name them, with speed ratings and %wear, if you want to be helpful !) I have generally been happy with Michelins, even at track driving schools at speeds up to 145 mph, with limit cornering and braking. Some of my Goodyears have been impressive, but on a GrCaravan 4 of 5 Invicta's developed tread separations!! TireRack's surveys strike me as one of the best comparative databases available, and Michelins are usually rated toward the top. As for the CrossTerrain, how many actual miles have you driven THIS SERIES tire.
My 3500m isn't much CT experience, but they ARE extremely impressive in the handling/ride trade-off. Virtually all complaints from MDXers have been from the Goodyear-equipped models, underinflation or not --maybe dealers expect NON-touring testers to be so passive that they purposely underinflate the Goodyears for a "soft ride"- LOL
If one person tests an MDX and it handles sloppily and squeals its tires, and his twin tests a "Touring" that corners and handles well with good ride--then I would find it hard to believe that it would NOT make a difference in the vehicle choice!! Most people can't be expected to be diligent enough in test driving to analyze the causation--do you pull out your tire gauge, and ask the salesman if the car has been driven in the past hour to give "warm" vs "cold" pressure readings ?????

johnnyreb · July 2001

Sorry if I offended thee. I believe I stated that I was expressing my own opinion and not speaking for the entire world when I stated "I would not take a Michelin tire for free". If this is "dangerous" then I guess free speech is dangerous. I can only relate my experiences and pass them on. Others can use or disregard the information as they see fit. I don't give a damn if anyone wants to purchase Michelin CT tires and I don't work for the Goodyear corporation. Myself and people I know have had many problems with Michelin tires. You are free to believe me or disbelieve me as you see fit. I am not going to document every tire failure I have had for your approval.

I remain ever-dangerous and free to express my opinion.

Johnnyreb

bobput · July 2001

useful information is never "dangerous", but my point was to get you to share your vast experience with Michelins by telling us which specific models/series and speed ratings you have had problems with and how long ago! THAT would add to the discussion, and be most UN-dangerous.
BTW, you didn't indicate whether you HAD actually driven CrossTerrains or not, as a basis for your criticism.
Also, there's a lot more to the Touring model than just what ALMOST everyone considers an upgrade to better performing tires, and for me it was worth the cost (far more so than the NAV would have been!)--that's a personal decision.

johnnyreb · July 2001

Hey Billybob, I doubt if anyone could satisfy your definition of "helpful" without being "dangerous". You have obviously made up your mind that Michelin tires are the greatest thing since sliced bread because you own them. Fine, I would not want you to have the problems that I have had. I have been driving for over 30-years and driven over 1,000,000 miles. The ONLY tires, I repeat the ONLY tires on any vehicle I have ever owned which gave me ANY PROBLEMS outside of normal wear were MICHELIN. These were top of the line tires on three different vehicles. On one vehicle the sidewall gave way after hitting a tin can. The replacement gave way after hitting a pothole (not a very large one). One tire developed a bubble on the sidewall (for no particular reason). Another time I got flat spots on one of four tires (under 10,000 miles). The tires were all balanced and wheel alignment was good. All tires were original equipment which is the only reason that I continued to have Michelin tires on any vehicle I owned. My daughter had 4 (that's four) tires on a new Celica develop bubbles in the sidewalls after less than 5,000 miles. I thought at first we were unlucky, but then I decided that if you don't learn from history you are doomed to repeat it. For your enlightenment I drove the touring model with Michelin CT tires and thought they were excellent. Not much better than the Goodyear Integrity (a little more quiet on rough pavement). Neither tire "squealed" in a tight turn. I had heard about the "squealing" in the Integrity so I tried to make them squeal. The GOODYEAR tires on my base MDX DO NOT SQUEAL (they are inflated to 34 pounds). I've tried hard to make them do so. If other MDX owner's tires squeal I can't account for it from MY OWN experience. Because of my previous REALLY BAD PROBLEMS with Michelin tires I would not shell out the extra money for the CT's. As a matter of fact if I had bought the touring package I would have MADE THEM take off the Michelin's and substitute any other tire in the world. Don't get me wrong, the Michelin CT's might be the greatest tires every built but I (that's I as in I) will never again purchase any Michelin tire because I have no confidence in them. I also don't believe that the difference in price is warranted by the difference in performance -- in MY point of view. The Goodyear tires work fine for me. Of course this is all subjective and we could go on and on forever. Good luck to you with your MDX and the Michelins.

Johnnyreb

wmquan · July 2001

For what it's worth, on the RX300 forum the last few years there have been quite a few owner complaints about the RX's Integrity tires. They've also been criticized by a few writers as well. A number of RX owners have switched to Michelin LTX's and claim significant improvements.

Of course, the MDX's Integrity tires are larger than the RX's and the vehicle has different dynamics. Your mileage may vary. The Integrity's are probably good enough for most MDX owners.

houtexan · July 2001

I just drove my MDX base on a long trip and average 20.6 mpg. Not the best but I did have a full load 5 passengers and luggage. And I was driving 75+.

I did notice one thing on the MDX. If you floor the pedal, it WILL move! I had to do it once to pass on a 2 lane highway and it was great. It was very strong considering the load. My wife didn't like the fact that I redline the engine but that's OK

And for the owner of the Toyota Sequoia who feels that the MDX is "sluggish", that's the Honda VTEC engine fooling you. If you don't get the engine pass 3000rpm, it will feel sluggish. That is my impression also. But the power is there once you step on it. The 0-60 test times prove this. The Seqouia is a lot slower to 60 than the MDX.

I own a 1998 Toyota Camry V6 and it has more low end torque than my sister's 2000 Accord V6. My Camry "feels" stronger and faster but the Accord gets to 60 faster on the tests. The Sequoia have a V8 and the torque numbers are massive. That how it "feels" faster between 0-30.

My 1.5 cents

pamo · July 2001

I have owned my MDX with optional tow package included since November, and have just purchased a 21' boat/trailer with a combined weight of about 4200 lbs. I have been extremely pleased with the towing performance - mostly short trips less than 30 minutes. Am I pushing the limit - beyond what would be safe, either for occupants or vehicle? Boat dealer of course claimed I would have no problem, and I am within the 4,500 lb. limit set by Acura. Seems to trailer well - just having second thoughts. Any others out there towing big loads? Problems?

drew_ · July 2001

You're probably doing okay since you're only towing short trips and are still under the limit. I hope you have trailer brakes though. 4200lbs is a lot of extra weight to be hauling around and your stock brakes will fade in no time. I guess there isn't much you can do except to maintain a reasonable speed so that you don't put more heat and stress on the transmission and other components. Last night on Dateline NBC, AAA recommended 55 mph for a good balance of speed and fuel economy. The faster you go, the more fuel you eat because of the increasing amount of drag.

Drew
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pamo · July 2001

Thanks for the comment. I do have disc brakes on the trailer - surge brakiing system. And I do drive slowly. I have a 5 hour trip to northern Wisconsin coming up, and that will be my biggest challenge.

pamo · July 2001

I was wrong. My biggest challenge came this evening, when someone in another boat steared directly toward my boat - just never looked ahead to see where he was going! - and, while I was screaming for him to turn, came within 2 feet of running my 17 year old nephew down with his boat. My nephew was behind my boat water skiing. After putting my boat back on the trailer and getting ready to head home, my signal and brake lights on my MDX shorted out. Will have that checked soon.

drew_ · July 2001

Wow, very thankful to hear that no one was injured. Please let us know what happened to your MDX's brake and signal lamps when you find out.

Good luck,

Drew
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metmdx · July 2001

Anybody have any recent (last 2-3 weeks) experience, either good or bad, in terms of availability of MDX in the metro NY area? Seems I'm seeing more product on the Acura lots as opposed to early to mid spring, but it also seems to be moving rather quickly. Any up to date info on 2002 colors etc.? I've been on vacation and didn't have chance to keep track of what's going on. Did see a MDX commercial out west -- the same one run around here late last year "introducing" the MDX. I guess they figure people in the Sierra Nevada mountains haven't heard of it yet !

pamo · July 2001

Signal lights and brakes lights were screwed up due to converter box malfunction. Fixed now, but source or cause of problem not determined. Could have just been a bad part, or something on the trailer. Anyone had electrical problems with towing - overload of the electrical system - or otherwise?

djr222 · July 2001

Long Island availability seems non-existent. One dealer wouldn't take a name again until August, for Jan/Feb delivery; another would take a name for December delivery, with $500 over list, and a mandatory $895 for running boards.

I was west of Philadelphia last week - decided to call a dealer to see how it was there. Selling at list, for December delivery.

I have a lease up next May. I shouldn't have to weigh these options so far in advance. I sat in one at the NY Auto show, but none of these dealers had any in the show room or to drive. Makes me want to consider something else.(Mountaineer or Tahoe/Yukon).

inky · July 2001

When is Honda going to have the new factory in Alabama on line? Such a nice SUV. Nicer would be having 12 in stock at each dealer.
INKY

dr_suv · July 2001

I saw 5 MDX's on Route 9 in NJ on the Carrier from the Elizabeth Port. I assume they were going the the dealer on Route 18 which is the closest to Route 9. So if anyone is waiting for a MDX from the Route 18 dealer (Brunswick), go get yours

metmdx · July 2001

For what it's worth:
Talked with Acura Customer Care today to try and get latest scoop. Said that 2001's are not being produced anymore but that "there are plenty out there". Didn't have info on specific changes for '02. Said engineers are still testing and info should be available end of August. '02 models should be in dealers late October/early November according to ACC.

hookey · July 2001

That's interesting. I have an order in for an MDX to be built in August, but I have a healthy skepticism about whether this really happens. I'm not quite sure how to read your post though. If they stopped producing 2001's and won't be delivering 2002's until October or November, what are the factories doing now? It’s extremely expensive to close them done and reopen them.

metmdx · July 2001

From what they told me, they are changing over (re-tooling) and running some "production models" to make sure they work the kinks out before going full bore on normal production.

nosuvyet · July 2001

have they softened from MSRP in Canada for anybody? what's the best deal out there?

Thanks in advance.

eman5 · July 2001

is standard on the 2002 RL. Anyone know whether Acura's adding it to the 2002 MDX?

joshuah1 · July 2001

Now that we are in the heat of the summer (most places), how is your AC working, especially for the 3rd row. Acura says that the unit will cool a room the size of a small apartment. THat's great, but does it actually do the job for the rear passengers in the very back. Unlike the Expedition or a minivan, thee are no vents in the ceiling that drop AC right on to the passangers. So I'm curious what your passengers are saying.

APerumbeti · July 2001

Does anyone know what the changes are, if any, that are being made to the 2002 models?

Also, what are the opinions on the fender flares?

Thanks.

tomc14 · July 2001

I just put my $500 down to get in line to wait for an MDX. They are still flying off the lots in Orange Co. Ca

What is the experience with MPG, both city and highway?

Also, is premium fuel (92 octane) really necessary as stated in the Acura specs?

tgif888 · July 2001

Have you try Peyton Cramer Acura? It is locate in Torrace. It claims it had 3 in stock.

raybear · July 2001

to pay MSRP.

eman5 · July 2001

Anyone know about this, or any of the hoped-for 2002 upgrades alluded to in recent posts?

I read a 2001 MDX review which said its headlamps were "spotty" and didn't illuminate very well. Would any 2001 owner/drivers out there refute those complaints?

Late October's the earliest 2002 delivery? Anyone know when the 2002 specs will be released?

eman5 · July 2001

Just scrolled up and saw that in metmdx's post-- his info from Acura Customer Care. Thanks!

I'll get my eyes checked. See why I want those xenons?

drew_ · July 2001

I believe Consumer Reports also felt the same way about the headlamps, since poor headlamp illumination (or something similar) was written in the "cons" area of their MDX review.

Contrary to what everyone thinks, those aftermarket bulbs (ex. Eurolite, Solaris, etc.) may in fact decrease the amount of light output compared to the stock bulbs. Unfortunately, Honda and Acura vehicles still seem to be using the inferior old 900x style of light bulbs. The Hx ones are much improved and have been used in Europe for over 20 years now.

Drew
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wmquan · July 2001

Perhaps the MDX headlamp coverage isn't as strong as some other SUV's, but this has been discussed on www.acuramdx.org and members who have the stock lamps think that their coverage is fine.

We've driven our MDX in a number of very dark situations (e.g. a mountain pass at night with no moonlight) and haven't noticed anything amiss.

Despite Consumer Reports' complaint about the headlamps (and the below-average emergency handling, which they still considered acceptable), they found so many positives about the vehicle that, overall, they made it the highest-rated SUV they've tested (tied with the RX300).

mtalio · July 2001

My wife is currently driving a JGC that is on its last legs. I'm taking her to see the MDX today as I have seen it already. She has been impressed with the articles I've provided her to read. She actually can't wait to see it!

Our Jeep has a V8 engine. We like that b/c in a pinch, pedal to the metal and we're off. I've read that MDX is best in its class for acceleration and quickness. Can anyone comment on the MDX's ability to get to (or out of the way of something) in a hurry?

Also, annually, we go skiing in the Sierras. Our Jeep has had no problem with its AWD system even climbing snow-covered, 45-60 degree hills without chains. ( I had to help my brother put on chains in a storm. Ugh!) Has anyone experienced the MDX's ability to climb this type of terrain?

Lastly, does anyone know the changes we can expect for the 2002 model? The consensus seems to be that if you can wait for the 2002, do it (in light of all the pricing shenanigans going on). What will be the improvements to the MDX? Thanks.

This is my first post (though I've been reading these forums a ton). Be kind.

drew_ · July 2001

Didn't the X5 score higher than the RX and MDX in C.R?

drew_ · July 2001

What year is your JGC? The reason that I ask is I'm trying to determine its 4WD system.

Drew
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markm10 · July 2001

I've been a big fan of the after market equipment for trucks or cars. I just refuse to pay the premium prices charged by car dealers. Did anyone try to find an after market manufacturer that produces any accessories for DX. I am mostly interested in the running boards for the DX.
Thanks.

wmquan · July 2001

You can buy discounted Acura accessories, including the runningboards, from www.hondacuraworld.com, they have excellent prices and service.

I believe Manik now has sidesteps and front bars for the MDX now. They don't make running boards as far as I know.

wmquan · July 2001

Oops, sorry, I typed that too fast, I wanted to say that the MDX and RX300 were the highest-rated SUV's that Consumer Reports have tested AND recommended (CR performs their scoring, but keeps their general recommendation separate). Or one can also say that the MDX and RX300 were the highest rated SUV's in their general price range, since the X5 that scored higher was a 4.4i that is, of course, in another price class (heck, if it was, we might have bought one!).

Wonder how the X5 3.0 would score in their evaluation; perhaps they'll test it eventually.

wmquan · July 2001

Are just that, rumors. I don't think solid word will come out until well into August. Don't believe what your dealer says because the dealers are all over the map with 2002 speculation.

The rumors I believe the most are some more color options, including a white and something called "havasu blue" (probably a light, metallic, silvery blue). Maybe a red color. Some adjustments in the A-pillar will probably be made to help reduce wind noise.

I highly doubt if they'll add anything major, such as more power and, regrettably (IMHO), VSA.

You can expect ISOFIX seating attachments for at least the second row, since U.S. law will mandate that in passenger vehicles for the 2002 model year. Hopefully Acura won't chintz and they'll put them in all three second row seating positions (wonder about the third row?).

spombra · July 2001

I recently went to pick up my MDX. While the sales person was showing me the car we noticed the handle to fold the second row seat was broken.
We were told that the process to install a new handle is quite extensive. We asked the dealer to fix this before delivering the car. He refused and we could not buy the car. This was quite upsetting. The dealer is now trying to markup the car. What can we do. We waited a long time for this car and sold our previous car.

wmquan · July 2001

Unless you can locate another MDX quickly, which may be hard to do, you may need to look toward another vehicle (e.g. MB ML320, RX300, etc.). What metropolitan region are you shopping in? Perhaps one of the posters here know of a better dealer near you.

Unfortunately, the high-demand, constrained-supply of the MDX has brought out the worse in some salespeople. There are some excellent, honest ones out there, but there are also some notably slimy ones. I recommend you reveal the name of this dealership so others can avoid them.

tonychrys · July 2001

Sorry to hear about your dealer experience, I know what it is like to come down to "crunch time" and be without a vehicle. If you need the third row seats, the RX300 would not be a good choice. There is a discussion here that tries to compare several SUVs that have third row seats. You might want to read here: cwjacobsen "Mercedes-Benz M-class vs Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer vs Buick Rendezvous vs Acura MDX" Jul 12, 2001 9:36pm

Also, if you were to state your price range and one or two priorities (like luxury or towing power or mpg, etc.) then I'm sure the good folks here could offer some specific suggestions. Good luck.

Acura MDX (pre-2007)

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