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Acura MDX (pre-2007)
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(source: www.hondanews.com)
Torrance, Calif. 09/18/2002 -- The 2003 Acura MDX luxury sport utility vehicle receives a number of performance improvements and additional features designed to enhance its position as the benchmark in the luxury SUV category. Engine modifications including a new free-flowing exhaust system, boost horsepower from 240 to 260. An all-new, more compact 5-speed automatic transmission is quieter, and provides even smoother shifts. Suspension and chassis refinements, the addition of Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and a drive-by-wire throttle system derived from the system on the NSX supercar combine for a smooth ride and ultra responsive handling. Inside, the available Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System receives several important new features, including voice recognition and a rear view camera. A DVD Entertainment System is now available as a factory-installed option.
The 2003 MDX's 3.5 liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum, VTEC V-6 engine benefits from a retooled exhaust system that includes two close-coupled primary catalytic converters, a secondary underfloor catalytic converter, and larger diameter exhaust pipes. These refinements increase exhaust flow by 40 percent and, when combined with new integrated cylinder heads and a shorter intake manifold port, boost horsepower from 240 to 260 and torque from 242 lb-ft to 250 lb-ft. Combined with new, orifice-type fuel injectors, the new exhaust system makes the MDX the first SUV to meet stringent ULEV-2 emissions standards. With estimated city/highway ratings of 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway, it delivers better combined fuel economy than any of its luxury competitors.
To handle the increased engine power, the 2003 MDX receives an all-new, compact 5-speed automatic transmission. This new 4-shaft gearbox is 60 millimeters shorter than the previous transmission and features increased torque capacity. A unique shaft center design not only reduces size, but also reduces gear noise, clutch drag and hydraulic friction.
The 2003 MDX also features a new drive-by-wire throttle system, evolved from the drive-by-wire system in the NSX supercar that has been custom tailored to meet the unique demands of a SUV. This innovative system eliminates the need for a mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the engine, and controls the throttle during transmission shifts for improved smoothness. It also allows for throttle control to be incorporated into the MDX's VSA logic and controls the vehicle's cruise control function.
The 2003 MDX's standard VTM-4 four-wheel drive system has been recalibrated to improve performance, especially on low friction surfaces. Torque distribution to the rear wheels has been increased by up to 30 percent, providing a significant improvement in the MDX's prowess in snow or other slippery road conditions.
In addition to ample power, the 2003 MDX delivers sport sedan-like handling and a smooth, compliant ride. The suspension has been retuned to deliver an even smoother ride while maintaining the vehicle's precise handling. To accomplish this, rear spring rates were increased while damping rates in both the front and the rear where reduced. New rear damper valves were adopted to enable more precise control of damping throughout the suspension movement. At the same time, dynamic torsional rigidity of the body was increased 35 percent by reinforcing the rear wheel house, tailgate and rear subframe.
Handling is further enhanced through the application of a new Vehicle Stability Assist system (VSA) that works in concert with the VTM-4 and drive-by-wire throttle systems to provide enhanced control during acceleration, braking and cornering. This 4-channel system orchestrates the throttle and each of the vehicle's four disc brakes to seamlessly integrate traction control, Anti-lock braking, and stability enhancement for increased driver control during acceleration, braking and cornering.
(NOTE: I took out all the MDX praise that they put also in because it wasn't relevant to 2003 info. Also make it fit in this edit box better)
For 2003, the MDX is available in three new colors: Midnight Blue Pearl, Sage Brush Pearl and Sandstone Metallic. In addition, it receives redesigned alloy wheels, standard rear mudguards, auto-on/off headlights and rain sensing windshield wipers (w/touring package).
For 2003 a variety of enhancements have been made to ensure that all materials and accessories reflect the highest level of craftsmanship and refinement. Three uniquely transformable rows of seats allow the MDX to comfortably seat up to seven passengers. Second and third row seats split and fold flat into the floor providing 82 cubic feet of cargo room. Even with all three rows in use, the MDX still offers 14.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row seats.
The comprehensively equipped MDX comes standard with a host of luxury features, including a seven-speaker AM/FM/Cassette stereo with in-dash CD player, a multi-function digital trip computer and a synchronized climate control system. Standard safety features include dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger front airbags. The driver's side airbag adjusts deployment force to one of two rates according to input from sensors, which monitor the severity of the impact, seatbelt usage and, new for 2003, the position of the driver's seat. Front passenger's airbag deployment takes into account the severity of the crash and the passenger's weight. The MDX also offers driver's and front passenger's side airbags with exclusive occupant position sensors in the passenger's seat; and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system on the second row of outboard seats to simplify child seat attachment.
For 2003, the optional Acura Navigation System gets a variety of new features and greatly enhanced capabilities including a newly developed voice recognition system, upgraded graphics and an expanded database with more than seven million points of interest. A rearview camera has been incorporated into the tailgate, which transmits a rearview picture to the navigation screen when the MDX is in reverse gear.
A new Acura DVD Entertainment System can now be ordered as a factory installed option. The DVD player mounts below the standard audio system and plays over the MDX's sound system or through a pair of cordless infrared headphones. The 7-inch LCD screen is mounted to the headliner, just behind the front seats for use by rear seat passengers. The system can be controlled either by using the MDX's audio controls or from the rear seats through the use of a remote control or the screen's control panel.
There are several pages of '03 pictures here. Just type in MDX in the search window.
http://www.wieck.com/public/index.html
Bob
http://www.hondanews.com/forms/corp/
Acura has said they will release pricing info on 30 September, sound like a good date to refresh their website too.
Q2) For SUV such as MDX with higher center of gravity, is VSA a 'must have' important safety feature?
I would appreciate if someone could explain how it works or share his opinion.
The MDX's that Consumer Reports and Motor Trend both exhibited some slight fishtailing when the vehicle was pushed on its limits on a dry surface. This is the type of thing that VSA may address. Whether Acura's implementation of VSA in the MDX will be fully effective, we won't know for absolute sure until the vehicle is tested, which may not happen for a while.
In my own opinion, if you're making a choice between a 2002 MDX without VSA and a 2003 MDX with VSA, and the price difference is acceptable, I'd go with the 2003. While the MDX has the highest NHTSA rating for rollover resistance for SUV's, that test is merely a static measure of the vehicle's center of gravity relative to other physical measurements, and does not factor in differences in suspensions, and having VSA. In fact, NHTSA points out that stability control is an important feature in avoiding accidents that lead to rollovers.
1)Bose speakers --- but he said, I won't be able to tell the difference between Bose and Alpine
(in favor of choosing Basic).
2)Roof Rack --- have it on my minivan for 7 yrs but have never used it even once (in favor of choosing Basic).
3)Passerger side power seat --- I do not mind the occasional passerger to have some exercise (in favor of choosing Basic).
4)Driver side memory seat --- not that important to me (in favor of choosing Basic)
5)Different alloy wheels and Michellen tires --- don't know what to make of this.
6)Mirror will automatically tilt downward during reverse ---- don't know what to make of this.
7)Higher resale --- estimate resale could be $1K higher after 5 yrs (in favor of choosing Touring)
Any word on improving the feel and stopping distance or am I just wishing Honda or Toyota could get the Euro feel down? Not that the ML has the best brakes...
In driving the MDX, the ML, the RX and the X5 the first three felt like trucks when turning and braking, the X5 felt like a heavy car but very sure footed. With 10-16 feet shorter stopping distances, numbers speak for themselves...
I wish the X5 was just a little bit longer so I wouldn't have to wait for the MDX or ML350 to see if they got any of the X5 feel...
Anyone else torn between an X5 and the MDX or possibly the pending ML350?
The Michelin Cross Terrain SUV tires in the Touring are excellent compared to the Goodyear Integrities in the base. However, you could always get that added yourself, e.g. at Costco, for perhaps $600 or so. Some dealers let you "trade in" the tires.
Did your salesperson also mention that the Touring includes the in-dash, 6-disc, magazineless CD changer? It's a nice feature, something you're seeing on vehicles more and more now. Of course, it doesn't financially justify the Touring, though you can't really add it on later. With the Premium, you can add a 6-disc CD changer under the seat, however, and you'd be fine.
You didn't mention any interest in the navigation system. In the 2003's, you can't get the navigation system without the Touring, unfortunately.
The other change in the 2003's are rain-sensing wipers.
As far as the tilt-down reverse mirror goes, it's actually quite useful if you do parallel parking. When you back up, it lets you see where the side of your vehicle is relative to the curb.
I would guess there would be an increase of the MDX around the same or higher magnitude. That's around $560 for the Touring & Nav.
Did any of you confirm that with your dealers?
The roof does not leak in a pressure car wash...
or in any case. Is there a cure or is this typical of a SUV and that I should get used to it!
Otherwise, it is a great vehicle and my wife wouldn't let it our of her sight, wind-noise or no wind-noise, but I'd like it better with NO Wind Noise!
Your counsel is appreciated.
But if you're getting noise from the sun root, you might be able to reduce it using an air deflector/visor.. check out accessory at
http://www.hondacuraworld.com/
Also a note - check with your dealer on pricing and availability of remaining 02's. The dealer happened to have exactly what I was looking for on the lot and I was able to get it for $500 below MSRP.
Two drivers makes the seat memory very nice, a must have for us.
Full power passenger seat is nice on trips - another must for us.
Don't care about the Bose radio or CD loader. Think the roof attach rods are ugly. Don't care that the wheels are different, but did want the tires.
Overall, touring was a must have for us, but way over priced for what it gives us.
02 vs. 03:
I doubt the 03 engine's 20 hp or 5 lb ft of torque will make much difference, but the gear ratios in the new transmission might. My 02 gearing is terrible for passing above 55 or hills on freeways. Car now reaches top speed in third gear, so more mid gear (2, 3, and 4) gearing will really help acceleration without hurting mpg.
Vehicle stability would be nice, but one also needs to understand that it can't defeat the laws of physics. It will be a great help in the narrow speed range from where a skid begins to a little faster. Beyond that, it may help return control to the driver, but will not be able to prevent some skidding and loss of control. Have had two cars with stability control and found that the system inputs can become very aggressive while assisting in slowing the car rapidly to a more controlable speed. Go too fast and physics still wins however. Vehicle stability systems do work and one on an MDX will be a definite safety plus, but not as big a one as some might think.
Thanks for your time in answering my questions.
Your answers helped me in understanding these issues.
wmquan wrote,
"The Michelin Cross Terrain SUV tires in the Touring are excellent compared to the Goodyear Integrities in the base."
fndlyfmrflyr wrote,
"Don't care that the wheels are different, but did want the tires."
Do you gentlmen mean that the tires grip the road better, corner better, off-road better, etc.?
Without them, the performance of MDX is degraded.
If one spends $40K but save $600 to degrade its performance, it is hard to rationalize.
If the M tires are so much better that one doesn't mind paying $600 to replace them(clearly,
the replaced tires will be wasted) does it make better econmonic sense to get the Touring pkg for $2600?
PS: flyr, what are roof attach rods?
"In fact, NHTSA points out that stability control is an important feature in avoiding accidents that lead to rollovers." fndlyfmrflyr did not seems to disagree.
It makes good sense to wait for 03.
But does VSA implies 03 will also has traction control? Logically,the answer should be yes
since VSA has to be able to control all wheels
independently. Hope experts could shed light on this.
Read this...
"The Variable Torque Management (VTM-4) all-wheel-drive system is the key to sure-footed handling and straightforward controllability whether the pavement is dry or wet and slippery. Combined with MDX's new Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), 4-wheel independent suspension, torque sensing power rack-and-pinion steering, and four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, VTM-4 delivers best-in-class traction to enhance the driver's ability to guide an MDX safely out of harm's way."
You can get all the details facts on the 03. Very useful!
http://www.hondanews.com/forms/acura/MDX/index_text2.html?KW=MDXtech+currentacura
Enjoy!
And I can live with my Honda Accord 2000 EX V6's road and wind noise any more.
I am considering an SUV with a quiet cabin.
Any suggestion?
Will 03 MDX be any better?
Thanks,
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
ML320, perhaps. I think it did very well for quietness for an SUV in C&D's comparo a few years back.
Most SUV's tend to be noiser. They're just bigger, push more wind, and unlike a sedan with a trunk, let more road noise come in from the back. Honda/Acura never seem to put a premium on noise reduction, leaving that up to Toyota/Lexus.
Stability control systems usually build on top of ABS and the traction control system, adding a sophisticated CPU and sensors to monitor inputs from the steering, throttle, an added yaw sensor, and ABS sensors to detect wheelspin.
Since VTM-4 provides some of the equivalent effects of traction control (though not all), it's quite possible to build a stability control system on top of it. The vehicle already has the ABS capability to brake each wheel individually, and VSA will use that to control skids.
"If the M tires are so much better that one doesn't mind paying $600 to replace them(clearly,
the replaced tires will be wasted) does it make better econmonic sense to get the Touring pkg for $2600?"
I don't know if it makes better economic sense. After all, if the rest of the Touring Package is worthless for you, you're out $2,600 for the package vs. $600 and an extra set of tires. The extra set, if you can find room to store them, can be stuck back on the vehicle when it comes time to return it from lease, trade it in, or sell it.
Some will disagree, but most feel that the Cross Terrains provide better traction in rain and snow, and generally better performance. I can point you to the RX300 forum here where there are plenty of happy owners who have switched from the stock Goodyear Integrity's and went to Michelin Cross Terrains.
That is not to say that the Integrity's are unsafe or bad, though. They're okay, even decent, just not as good.
Another source for info is Tire Rack (www.tirerack.com). You can see consumer survey reviews of the tires, and the Cross Terrains fare quite well compared to the Integrity's.
BTW, the stock Cross Terrains that come with the MDX have a slightly worse wear rating than the Cross Terrains you buy on the retail market, so they won't last for quite as many miles.
That all said, I have the Touring Package myself. I don't think it makes pure economic sense, but for my own buying priorities a vehicle without the in-dash CD changer, memory seats, power for the passenger's seat, etc. wasn't a "luxury" vehicle in my book. JMHO, your mileage may vary.
Here's a link to Tire Rack's customer survey of the Cross Terrains:
http://makeashorterlink.com/?V4EE25F91
And here's their survey of the Integrity's:
http://makeashorterlink.com/?I50F23F91
to be a way to attach the racks to the factory rack. I would appreciate any info or experiences with this. Also, I have read about the possibility of putting down Yakima tracks on the roof allowing for installation of Yakima or Thule racks. Any success stories would be greatly appreciated.
My bike carriers are a different story, which I still haven't decided how to solve. One option is to buy Thule cross bars that attach to the mdx stock rack and then put the bike carrier on those. The other, which I am probably going end up doing, is to add a hitch (hiddenhitch.com) and buy a hitch mounted bike rack (outdoorsports.com). It is another $300 dollars though.
Horsepower
2002: 240 hp @ 5,300 rpm
2003: 260 hp @ 5,750 rpm
Torque
2002: 245 lbs.-ft. @ 3,000-5,000 rpm
2003: 250 lbs-ft @ 3,500-5,000 rpm
The following is from Vic Pai on another MDX forum, who interpreted this by comparing the new 2003 brochure's hp/torque curve with the 2002 brochure.
1500RPM
02 MDX - 75bhp / 207lb.ft.
03 MDX - 110bhp / 223lb.ft.
2500RPM
02 MDX - 118bhp / 233lb.ft.
03 MDX - 150bhp / 240lb.ft.
3000RPM
02MDX - 145bhp / 240lb.ft.
03MDX - 170bhp / 247lb.ft.
4000RPM
02MDX - 195bhp / 245lb.ft.
03MDX - 215bhp / 250lb.ft.
5000RPM
02MDX - 237bhp / 245lb.ft.
03MDX - 245bhp / 250lb.ft.
Net-net, Acura has improved the power of the engine at all the measured rpm's, at apparently no cost in fuel economy, and the engine is now ULEV-2 compliant.
In terms of pricing information I heard that 2003 MDX prices will be available by the end of the month. I read it on the internet so IT HAS TO BE TRUE.....
Sorry about that. The "rods" are what Acura calls a roof rack. The MDX does not have a traditional roof rack, one with protection on the roof for objects placed directly on the roof, but has a rack that is essentially just something to attach another carrier to the vehicle. Useless for my purposes.
Note: Acura called a couple of days ago with a suggestion for my fifth gear resonating noise concern. Didn't help and I wonder if the cause is in the transmission. According to the rep that called, the 5 speed transmissions in the MDX are not having the same problems as the four speed units in some other Honda and Acura vehicles. Hope he is correct.
Anyone else hear a low resonating hum (cycle is about two seconds or so) between 2100 and 2300 rpm in 5th gear?
The noise at certain RPMs could be a loose heat sheild on an exhaust pipe, and only certain RPM's are causing it. Very common problem (not for Acura) but for a lot of cars in general.