Acura MDX (pre-2007)

ukkonen7 · April 2002

Several posts ago one of you were asking about sites to get matts etc. I found some custom fit matts and other accessories to check out.

The catalog is called AutoSport. Their web site is: www.autosportcatalog.com and their phone is: 800 728-6090. They mention several items that fit the MDX.

Finally, with time and 24000 miles our MDX has become even more appreciated than when new. I have experienced no problems other than the weeping mirrors. The best mileage has been 25.1 mpg. I really get good mileage when on two way 55 or up to 64 mph. highways. The MDX has handled the stormy winter roads with ease.

Thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences with the MDX.

ocbuyer · May 2002

What happened here? MDX sales volume was down from 5,000 units in March to 3,500 units in April. Is the demand coming down? or is Acura trying to limit the supply to keep the prices up?

jamiestockman · May 2002

OCBUYER

April was off due to a part supply issue. Over 900 vehicles that were to be April deliveries are now scheduled to be sold in May. Rather than letting production slow due to a missing part, apparently they completed each of the vehicles assembly's on time and then retro-fitted each vehicle once the specific item was in supply. This delayed shipping of around 900 MDX's for just under a week. It appears Acura is truly doing everything it can to build as many as possible, in the most efficient manner possible, even with inevitable production issues.

Of course, you could look at the other side of things... May should be a great volume Month.

JAMIE S.

sbcooke · May 2002

I think sales volume may be off too. I have no information regarding a missing part effecting production, but I do know that while I was waiting for my March delivery, which came in April...I was calling around. Dealers actually had inventory and units on the lot. Due to colors and packages, etc. I decided to wait for mine, but the supply seemed to be better than any other month so far. The Pilot coming out and the economy is effecting sales.

crikey · May 2002

It does seem like the price may be starting to come down.

raybear · May 2002

On where you are located.

crikey · May 2002

I should have said, "In ZIP Code 32822 Carsdirect.com price $500 less than MSRP..."

davisdog · May 2002

and in the SF Bay Area (95070) it's $2000 over MSRP

raybear · May 2002

That's right on the money with my site too. The MDX is feverishly popular in California.

sbcooke · May 2002

Just searching the web, I found several sites suggesting that the MDX would be getting a 3.8L V6 next year? Interestingly enough, they also said that possibly the Odyssey would also get the same 3.8L in 2003? What does this mean for the Pilot? Would it be behind both? Or maybe that signals that neither will get an upgrade until 2004 so the Pilot can get upgraded at the same time?

kullenberg · May 2002

Now that winter is about over, can anyone comment on the MDX capability in the snow and ice; particularly going up steep hills with unplowed snow? Since the drive train for the Pilot is basically the same, I'm assuming any comments will apply to the Pilot as well.

Cheers
Pat

ocbuyer · May 2002

Does MDX have a tire pressure sensor? The latest issue of Consumer Report said that this will be required on new vehicles in the future.

wmquan · May 2002

No, it does not have one. Are you sure this is going to be a requirement in the near future? Not a lot of vehicles have this.

will4271 · May 2002

I doubt that the odys and pilot will have an engineer than the 3.2L in there now. They are just upgraded recently.

I'm betting on the MDX will get the engineer for to justify the $5000 difference from the Pilot.

stever · May 2002

Tire pressure sensors should be mandatory in the US by November 2003 per legislation, but....

link

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

wmquan · May 2002

Wow that's an aggressive timeline. Apparently NHTSA has completed its examination of systems:

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/vrtc/ca/tpms.htm

tony2putt · May 2002

My wife loves her MDX. But yesterday she turned the inside rearview mirror and snap. Now it hangs by the wire. The dealer has the part in stock very unusual for Hawaii! This must not be the first mirror to break. I'm a little miffed, never had a problem with our 2 Toyota 4runners. 1991 and 1997. Both had lots of tough miles. The MDX only has 6K on it. This is the second small problem. I will keep you posted. Tony

inky4 · May 2002

My wife has amazing things happen to her also.
It is like some kind of parallel universe where the laws of physics do not apply. One of my favorites is the light pole was not there when I parked fiasco. But I digress.
I really like our 02 MDX. It has functions of van, car and SUV all in one. I find it fairly efficient if driven lightly. I once managed 26 mpg on a steady flat 65 mph.
INKY

sbcooke · May 2002

I got the little Acura cliff notes that come in the mail. I was reading about the VTM, I guess I just haven't noticed this before, but it says that if you go back below 18 mph, it re-engages. That is nice. Especially when off-roading. You don't want to have to stop to re-engange if you encounter a rough section. I wonder though if you go past 1-2 and then shift back down? Is it still engaged?

sbcooke · May 2002

I just cannot get over how well the MDX handles. I would go as far are to compare it to a Nissan Maxima. Maybe not in a back and forth slalom, but in regular conering it holds the road well. I am used to a more traditional SUV handling, so I always get ready to brake into and through a corner, in the MDX you can accelerate out of turns. So far it is fantastic. I am looking forward to a few hundred mile road trip this weekend.

Everyday I like this truck more and more.

msh8448 · May 2002

O.K. I need to vent a bit. While I love the MDX, the Acura engineers and designers who so brilliantly designed the vehicle really messed up with the Tow Hitch. In a day and age when many (if not most) modern trailers over 3,000 lbs are equippped with trailer brakes (which require a 5-pin electrical connection), the Acura Tow Hitch only comes with a 4-pin connection! While inconvenient, this would normally just mean that we need to take our MDX's to our local hitch store and have them convert the 4-pin connector to a 5-pin connector. But wait...not only has Acura made this process inconvenient for us (something we've all become accustomed to), I've recently been told by my local Acura dealer that doing this will void the MDX's powertrain warranty since Acura doesn't make a 5-pin connector! So I've been left with two choices: 1) don't ever tow my boat behind my MDX, or 2) convert the 4-pin connector to a 5-pin connector and run the risk of Acura not providing warranty coverage. Neither of these choices are acceptable and I'm very disappointed with Acura for forcing us MDX owners into this position. Come on, Acura...it's bad enough that we need to settle for your relatively ugly tow hitch and the extra cost of adding the PS & transmission coolers, but now you say that switching your 4-pin connector to a 5-pin connector will void the powertrain warranty? Give us a break Acura!

softgenious · May 2002

I guess you should have bought American. MDX's are for taking kids to school not for towing...That's why Acura does not ship them with a hitch.

sbcooke · May 2002

Have you tried contacting Acura directly? I think the only thing that would be voided would be any electrical problems directly related to the modification? I have made many modifications to my Isuzu without voiding the warranty.

If I add a hitch (I am thinking about adding one for a bike rack), I would like to get an aftermarket hitch, and do it myself? Is there some reason why it has to be Acura? Is it the warranty again?

sbcooke · May 2002

Hiddenhitch.com has a Class III product for the MDX. It does 500 lbs tongue and 5000 lbs trailer weight. Installation time 20 minutes, probably all you need to buy is a torque wrench and some sockets along with the hitch.

maab · May 2002

I'm not sure what the tow rating for MDX, so here it goes.

Maybe MDX is only capable of Class 1 (2000lb) hence no trailer brake (pin out). Maybe MDX is capable of Class 2 (3500lb), and there is a "special" adapter to go between the connector and the trailer.

It would give me a chuckle and anybody you talk to, when you say your brand new $40K SUV can't tow.

msh8448 · May 2002

Yes, I was told that the reason why the Acura warranty would be voided is that the warranty specifically exempts Acura from responsibility for damages caused by non-authorized accessories. My dealer's service department said that, since Acura doesn't make (or authorize) any 5-pin connectors, making the change could potentially void the warranty. For example, if the modified wiring were to short-out when launching the boat, and if this short damaged the MDX's computer, then Acura would likely not cover the repair costs. The service department mgr. recognized the "pickle" that this situation puts many MDX owners in. I'm hoping that Acura will remedy this situation in the near future.

sbcooke · May 2002

OK, but if the transmission dropped because you were pulling your boat out with a 5 pin connector, I would think your transmission would be covered.

An electrical problem related to the modification you make, is not covered. Though, I don't think it voids your powertrain warranty. If you do your homework and upgrade it properly, you not only should have a better setup than before, but also something that won't short out. If your plan is to jerry-rig the wiring, then I wouldn't do it either.

So if I add a "hidden hitch", My Acura warranty is voided? Limiting me to only Acura accessories. I doubt it, and hope not.

msh8448 · May 2002

Technically (and legally), Acura might be able to refuse a warranty claim if your unapproved accessory (e.g. Hidden Hitch) played a role in the vehicle's failure. Realistically, they probably wouldn't use this tactic since it would be difficult (if not impossible) for them to prove that your accessory caused the failure. On the other hand, if they could prove it, and the repair cost was high, my guess is that they would reject the claim.

a2esq · May 2002

Just to clarify, the MDX is listed a capable of towing 3500 lbs and up to a 4500 lb boat (although it does require coolers). I have heard several reports of owners hitting that limit with no problems at all. I am not sure about the 4-pin vs. 5-pin issue as I have not heard this problem raised previously.

raybear · May 2002

How can it tow a 4500 lb boat but only 3500 lb something else?

mark189 · May 2002

"How can it tow a 4500 lb boat but only 3500 lb something else?"

Aerodynamics

mkaye · May 2002

mark189, aerodynamics my friend, aerodynamics.

Boat's are generally less of a brick to the wind as compared to a trailer or camper.

Either that or creative mathematics. :-)

mkaye · May 2002

Sorry mark189, my answer should have been to Raybear. I see you answered him as well (or before me), so we must be right!

sbcooke · May 2002

I saw a Havasu MDX today. Eh, not my cup of tea. I don't think it is horrible, but the brochure doesn't really represent it. It sort of looks aqua-marine, more than blue. I think you could get used to it, but I am glad I ordered Silver.

sbcooke · May 2002

There was about 6 or 7 total on the lot. This was a dealer who didn't have any for a while. Availability is up. I don't think we will see much below MSRP, but at least the 3-4 month wait may be close to an end.

will4271 · May 2002

Any dealer name?

I still have my $1000 deposit for the '03. I wish I can find out what's the added goodies?

After looking at the specs of the Pilot, my wife and I think the MDX is better quality built SUV.

sirharper · May 2002

I wouldn't put too much weight on the tongue in any case. I don't think that poorly designed under-the-suspension exhaust needs to be any lower to the ground. SUV? Hardly, more like a AWD luxury Minivan on stilts.

sbcooke · May 2002

Great road trip vehicle. No wind noise at 55-65, at 85 there is some from the roof rack. Not bad though, and shutting the moon roof visor all but eliminates it.

Got 22.7 MPG on the highway. As soon as we got off it dropped, but makes SUV road trips much better limiting number of re-fueling stops.

Found one thing. Checking alignment, foot off the gas, it rides straight until the curvature of the road takes over. Apply gas, and it pulls left. Some torque steer in effect. Not bad, but something I noticed. Very smooth 75-85, and passing acceleration is great.

Dealer in previous post was really obnoxious, charging well over MSRP and many add-ons when I was shopping. I do not wish to recommend their name to anyone. I strongly recommend picking up the phone and calling around if you are seriously consindering buying. If you are willing to accept any color, there should be no wait.

bennewman · May 2002

If anyone from Acura monitors this board, can you please "leak out" some info about the changes in store for 2003? We won't tell, we promise!

tonyd73 · May 2002

Can anyone help me with the cost of an extended warranty? My MDX will be arriving in about a month and I plan on keeping it six or seven years.

The dealer has quoted me $1,795 for the extended warranty. That seems high. What have others paid from the dealers? What about those who bought the warranty directly from Acura, after taking delivery? What did you pay?

Thanks

spudgal · May 2002

Looked at an MDX over the weekend. Lovely thing

I was wondering what the gas tank range is like around town and on road trips. I know it has 19 gls in the tank, which sounds a lot like my TL. I can get 350 miles on one tank around town, but I'm guessing the MDX won't be that good. sbcooke? Can you help?

dchyorny · May 2002

Hey go to Montero Sport page #1593(or last entry). The guy has has questions whether to buy a Montero or Trooper.

sbcooke · May 2002

Paisan is the best person to answer him. I think the same guy put the question out in the Isuzu Trooper forum. I will check it out. I don't wish to stray off-topic here...thanks for the show.

sbcooke · May 2002

My MDX is too new to really give an accurate mileage perception, just 850 miles so far. Around town I am getting 15-16 MPG currently. That is up from 14 when it was spanking new. As I posted on my road trip report, I got almost 23 on the highway. The tank is 19.6 gallons. So road trips, you can probably go 350 miles until you have to start searching for a gas station. Around town, the computer says about 250 miles to empty on a full tank of gas.

I haven't checked, but is there a low fuel light? If the computer says 5 miles to empty, is there 3 gallons some that place in reserve? I don't think so, but I need to check the manual.

alo · May 2002

My 01 MDX has about 21K miles. The running average mpg reported by the trip computer is about 17.8 since reset about 2k miles ago. In long highway trips, the average is about 20-25 mpg. You can pretty much forget about getting a consistent mpg reading if your driving is mainly stop and go.

I would not trust the mileage to empty reading since it is a rolling average and not a forcast. I found it to be accurate reading of the gallons left in the tank if you divide the current average mpg into the mileage to empty figure reported by the computer.

houtexan · May 2002

Got the 2001 Base MDX in Jan 2001. Paid $200 below MSRP. Got it at Sterling in Houston TX. At the time the price was not too bad.

Side note. I order it in Oct of 2000 and if it was in stock, would have sold CISCO stock to buy it BEFORE market crashed. At that time, it would have paid for the SUV. But in Jan 2001, that was another story.

Anyways, it's for my wife, but I drive it alot too. Surprisingly, I don't miss the memory seats. It's pretty simple to adjust power seats. Also didn't care about the stereo upgrade because it's not as important as $2600! Finally, I'm OK with the Goodyear Tires on them but will upgrade when worn down. HOWEVER, I've hear some not so good ratings on the Michelin All Terrains. And the fact that it cost $150 per tire even at Costco is making me think twice about going Michelin. Sure didn't miss the useless noisy roof racks. Finally, in Texas, you don't parallel park so the turn down mirror feature is not important.

Problems

I had a problem (lower back pain) with the driver's seat for drives over 1 hrs. However, the problem seem to have disappeared now. I don't know if it's the seats getting softer or the suspension is looser now or I know how to set the seat better but it's gone now.

Also had a problem with the noise coming from the roof near the moonroof. Brought it back to dealer (Gilman Acura) 2 times. It was fixed but the noise comes back ones in a while.

I also noticed something else. The driver's side B pillar lower section gets a lot of nicks and scratches from the seatbelt. It's was VERY BAD. Basically, when you release you seatbelt and let it back to the B-pillar, the metal slot would hit the plastic and scratch it.

I also had a passenger accidently gouge a hole in the middle armrest with his seat belt.

Fortunately, both problems were fixed, (Acura rep authorized replacement of the 2 parts for free.) They get a feather in the hat for this.

As for mileage, my wife drive it 100% in the city and she get's about 16mpg. When we go 100% freeway we get about 23mpg. Not bad.

Overall, we enjoy the MDX and would buy it again if given the choice.

It looks alot better the the Honda Pilot. The rear of the Pilot looks like a box. I would buy the Odessey before I settle for the Pilot.

As for the Buick (Tiger Woods) SUV comparison. I personally wouldn't buy a GM. While it looks better the the Aztez, it's still not a great looking SUV. Sure the GM is cheaper. And there are great incentives to buy it too $2002, 0 percent invoice pricing. So what. If the Buick or any other vehicle is really great, do you think any dealership/car maker will have to resort to the massive discounts?

Remember the Chrysler PT Crusier? When it first came out it was $6000 over MSRP and people waited in line? Chrysler had discounts on their other cars but the PT Cruiser was HOT and "good value". Well, that's the market and if nobody will buy a Buick SUV at the MSRP then the price goods down to ... invoice. Not enough, how about $2002 cash back? Still not enought.... you get the picture.

I just have I think to say to those of you who are waiting or deciding on the MDX. You get what you pay for and the MDX is worth every penny.

spudgal · May 2002

OK, now I'm REALLY starting to want one

I have noticed the leather on my TL is a little fragile. Got some nicks that I can't remember causing, so it's good to know it's still the case.

Thanks for the mileage feedback, everyone.

Houtexan - maybe your back doesn't hurt anymore because your spine's curved to fit the MDX? hehe I always get backache from those dang "ergonomic" chairs at work!

Now I only have the ethical question; "Is it wrong to make your husband sell his truck and have him drive your 2 year old TL, so you can get your hands on an MDX?" His 3/4 ton Ram costs twice as much to run as the TL, and he doesn't need it anymore.

mark189 · May 2002

I had two areas of serious wrinkle and one actualy crack. One on the center console and the other on the left arm rest. The dealer replaced both pieces free of charge. Anybody else have this problem?

sbcooke · May 2002

I am no professor...but if you have kids, you can't go wrong, from an ethical standpoint. The MDX has some of the best crash test scores and safety features built into it. You could always get rid of the TL, you might get a better trade-in on that.

l943973 · May 2002

Does anyone know if the MDX front seats are heated on both the backside and bottom? I assume the back seats are not heated.

Acura MDX (pre-2007)

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles