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Acura MDX (pre-2007)

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Comments

  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    I felt that back support lacks a little but the cushion was comfortable. But I wouldn't say exceptional.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Lots of coffee...two, nine hour days.
  • frankyyfrankyy Member Posts: 2
    bought my 03 MDX touring last Wed at MSRP from Northwast Acura (Albany, NY). I had very good experiences with the sales person Chip Gamello. he is nice and professional. i am also very very impressed by the service department. i went to the dealer very late (due to the traffic) on wed (right before Thanksgiving), Brian and Jim spent about one hour to give me deatiled pre-pick-up instructions (this is my first SUV).

    i have recorded over 300 miles in past 3 days (it's snowy here!). Good experience. Good performance and powerful engine. smooth handling. love its third row seat. excellent work from acura! (i have compared it to other SUVs such as BMX X5, RX 300, ML 320 etc). also like silver/quartz color.

    one simple safety feature i think acura should add is the automatical door locks after the speed reaches 10 or 15 MPH.
  • hengheng Member Posts: 411
    do you mean Northeast Acura on Rt 9 in Latham?
  • liangshiliangshi Member Posts: 1
    Bought a 03MDX with touring/DVD. It drives nice in low speed. The engine gets quite noisy on highway cruising at 60 to 65 mph. At the time, the rpm stays slightly lower than 2000. The engine is also quite noisy when accelerating. This is a little unexpeced to me.
  • frankyyfrankyy Member Posts: 2
    Heng,

    Yes, Northeast Acura is on Rt 9 in Latham.
  • slammerflyslammerfly Member Posts: 1
    Hello All:
    Am buying a new 2003 MDX-Tour+Nav - Sage/Quartz...on order....to arrive in 1-2 months...
    my 2 cents on my path to buying the MDX

    1) BMW = a bit pricey after all the options to equate to the MDX
    2) MB 320ML = too boxy + not much room + a bit rough while on city streets
    3) Volvo XC90 = a bit pricey as well...+ 2nd row middle seat = not very comfy & seats high up + 3rd row = quite tight = I think the MDX is a bit roomier 3rd row

    The Sage = excellent color
    Quartz interior color = similar to our current Honda Accord interior = greyish/silver color leather interior.

    Thanks for all your inputs & info = excellent message board
  • rihoopsrihoops Member Posts: 91
    My wife and I drove almost 2000 miles on a trip this past summer. The seats were great!
  • buckeyedonbuckeyedon Member Posts: 46
    Does new MDX have enhanced sound proofing to reduce noise inside cabin...compared to previous models? Do MDX and Pilot contain same "sound proofing" in general?

    Also, does MDX have thicker glass windows than the comparable Pilot?

    Thanks for any input specifically or in general on cabin quietness.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Yes, the 2003 MDX apparently has more sound insulation. Curiously, it wasn't detailed in the Acura specs on the 2003 MDX release but the dealer kits say that a layer of sound insulation was added under the floor. This after the 2002 added some additional soundproofing (e.g. thicker windshield).

    I don't know how it compares to the Pilot, however. And I'm not sure what the net effect is on the MDX. Hondas/Acuras tend to let in somewhat more road noise than, say, Toyota/Lexuses). But it's definitely improved over the first year.
  • aggie76aggie76 Member Posts: 266
    Anybody else have problems with moving the inside rearview mirror on a '01 MDX? Spouse told me today that some kind of clip broke when she tried to adjust it this a.m. She called Acura and they said, oh yeah we know exactly what happened and it will just take a minute to fix. Spouse said it was some ring-type nut behind the mirror that they fixed in about 45 minutes time. Concerns me that this seemed "normal & frequent" from what the service dept's reaction was.
  • troyy2ktroyy2k Member Posts: 91
    I live in California, but and am planning on leasing an MDX for 4 years. If I lease the car from a dealership in Oregon, could avoid paying taxes for the length of the lease?
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    The only noise issues I have is at highway speeds (more so when windy). There is a little noise from the roof rack. I simply close the sunroof shade on long highway trips and do not hear any excessive noise.
  • mdx_kidmdx_kid Member Posts: 33
    Does any body know what kind of engine oil does acura use on 2002 MDX. Is it 5W20 or 5W30? I have heard mixed comments about 5W20 & 5W30. Some dealers recommend 5W20 even though my understanding is that is only the case with 03MDX and not 02MDX.

    Any comments on Synthetic Oil vs Conventional(Honda). I am planning to change it every 6000km as per the owner's manual.
  • fndlyfmrflyrfndlyfmrflyr Member Posts: 668
    There is an error in the owner's manual and the service manual for 2002 MDXs about oil viscosity. The manuals say 5W-20 and the oil filler cap says 5W-30.

    Acura had a service information bulletin nearly a year ago that showed a corrected picture for the owner's manual. It stated that 5W-30 is the correct viscosity for 2002 MDX engines.

    I called Acura they sent a FAX with the information.

    It is interesting to note that the nearly identical engine in the Honda Pilot calls for 5W-20

    I checked with three different Acura dealers and received three different answers to the question you asked, then I called Acura and got the fax (no pun intended).
  • fndlyfmrflyrfndlyfmrflyr Member Posts: 668
    See Acura "ServiceNews" for March 2002 for the correct picture of what should be in the service manual.

    The quote below is from the March 2002 S/N:

    "Owner's Manual Fix:'02 MDX Oil Specs

    Owner's manual: The oil specification on pages 261, 262, and the rear cover page are wrong. The correct oil for the '02 MDX is 5W-30 not 5W-20. The chart on page 262 should look like this:"

    I can't reproduce the chart here, but it shows 5W-30 preferred for all ambient temperatures, with 10W-30 okay for temperatures above 20 degrees F.

    "For a complete and accurate oil recommendation chart, see the January '02 issue of S/N."
  • inky4inky4 Member Posts: 238
    We all know the 5w20 game of Honda and ford. CAFE is raised with zero engineering and by slightly increasing engine wear (decreasing longevity).
    5w20 is thin stuff. Do not think for a moment the pilot has a different engine that thrives on 5w20. For best world of economy and wear protection I like Mobil 0w30. I use 5w20 in my 03 Accord since it says so. My 02 MDX has been using 5w20 Amsoil soon to be replaced by Mobil 0w30 synthetic.
    INKY
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    How?


    Viscosity is NOT, NOT, NOT a measure of "wear protection".


    Viscosity is ONLY, ONLY, ONLY a measure of "resistance to flow"!


    Given that MOST MECHANICAL WEAR occurs on INITIAL START UP, as the oil is pumped back onto surfaces that is has drained off, REDUCED WEAR CAN RESULT FROM THE INCREASED PUMPABILTY OF LOWER VISCOSITY OILS! In fact, the "ideal lubricant" would have extremely LOW viscosity, so that it would have near zero resistance to flow.


    The INGREDIENTS in MODERN motor oils (both mineral based & synthetic) are what protect against both mechanical wear and 'chemical wear'/corrosion...


    Here's a link that covers some of this:

    http://www.fammllc.com/htmlpub/PDF%20Files/LUBE_Bulletin12.pdf


    You can find TONS of info from Amsoil dealers on the web that also back this up...

  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I got my MDX out in some decent snow a few times in the last 2 days. It has very good ability getting through deep stuff. No sensation that I would get stuck, even up to 10 inches. However, I also noticed that it is very easy to fishtail, even accelerating in a straight line. Not what I would have expected from a front wheel drive biased system. Just some getting used to...where and when to give more/less gas. Overall a very steady snow car.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Hopefully the 2003's VSA and suspension improvements will help with the fishtailing.

    I've seen posts elsewhere claiming excellent snow driving in that awful snowstorm that hit the Carolinas / Virginias / etc.
  • spfoteyspfotey Member Posts: 131
    I am seriously loooking at the MDX - currently have an ML. am wondering how other "converts" have fared in terms of driving it day-to-day. The drive on the ML is pretty tight and easy to move around. I have a concern with MDX that i will have a hard time getting used to the large vehicle and less-tight steering. i have visions of me hitting other cars everytime i try to park...

    comments from others?

    thx.
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    I hit a hard stop today because the light changed green to yellow to red very fast today. I didn't notice any fishtail. It stopped very straight and short.

    But again, I only had my MDX since Oct. 31.
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    If you get the MDX Touring w/ Navigation, you will also have a backup camera in the rear (displaying on the navi screen) so you can see the back of the MDX w/o bumping the other car.

    I have no problem with the front as of yet but the rear is hard to gauge. But like any vehicle, I will learn the size as I drive it more.

    The vehicle drives like an expensive sedan but only higher but of course, you can not make abrupt turns.
  • solsmansolsman Member Posts: 2
    Hello,

    Does anyone know if the Acura DVD Entertainment system can read a DVD-R ?

    I would like to know if I should start converting all our VHS tapes onto DVD-R so that we can watch them on the road.

    To be technically correct, I am asking if the Acura system can play a "DVD Video" that was written on a "DVD-R" disk.

    Nearly all consumer home DVD players, $79 and up, support this. But considering the Acura audio system doesn't read MP3, I'll ask...

    Thanks!
  • mdx_kidmdx_kid Member Posts: 33
    Does anybody know as to how soon I can switch to Synthetic oil? I called my Acura dealership yesterday for the same question and was told that Acura does not recommend switching to Synthetic oil till 24000km. Anybody know the reason for this or this is something they invented on their own. My understanding is that the sooner the better as it will give better protection. I have 02MDX with 14000 trouble free km.
  • inky4inky4 Member Posts: 238
    I went to amsoil 5w20 syn at about 3k miles. Honda always wanting some break in to occur before switching. Break in, in the old days was 500 miles! Now honda wants all to seat properly. But Vets and many German cars use factory fill of Mobil One. My opinion. Switch at first oil change especially in cold climates-that is the big syn benefit. As mentioned earlier will go to 0w30 Mobil at next change
    INKY
  • fndlyfmrflyrfndlyfmrflyr Member Posts: 668
    Changed to Mobil-1 at first oil change.

    For the 2002 MDX keep in mind there is an error in the owner's manual with respect to oil viscosity. See Acura ServiceNews for March 2002 for corrected owner's manual picture. Preferred viscosity is 5W-30, not 5W-20.
  • hopeitsfridayhopeitsfriday Member Posts: 396
    The 03 MDX recommands using 5W20, wondering if anyone seen any service news affecting the 03 MDX?
  • mdx_kidmdx_kid Member Posts: 33
    For 03 model year Honda has moved most of its vehicle to 5W20 and are charging almost double the price for it compared to 5W30 oil if you want to buy it from them.

    I have talked to a few technicians and they are recommending that I should wait before switching the oil to Syn as the vehicle needs at least 20000km to properly breakin. Now as I knew, it was only first 1000km for breakin and then it's good.
  • hopeitsfridayhopeitsfriday Member Posts: 396
    Most people I have talk to do recommend syn oil at a later time too. The reason is that an engine and its components has to wear itself to its final shape before one use the syn oil. Otherwise the syn oil is so slippery that it does not allow an engine to wear properly. I usually start using syn oil in my car around 15K miles. The syn oil is great in the summer, it breaks down at a much higher temp. than the regular oil. It also flow a bit better in the Winter, and of course there is that anti friction coat it leaves on engine components during engine start ups.
  • fluiddocfluiddoc Member Posts: 1
    Do you need chains and/or special tires to deal with snowy conditions ie: skiing??
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I don't think so. I had it in 10+ inches of heavy snow without a problem. The 4wd system seems to handle snow well. What/where skiing? I think it will handle snowy parking lots well, but a mountain road with a foot of snow you might want something with chains...and a front wheel drive biased 4wd system probably doesn't do chains well.
  • grogsuzgrogsuz Member Posts: 14
    Picking up RRP w/nav tomorrow night.For those that already have 03 nav,how long did it take to learn the nuances of the new nav?
  • popejohnpopejohn Member Posts: 11
    Picked up my new sage MDX yesterday. Really like the color. The quartz interior is two tone, gray in parts and dark gray in others - looks sharp. Have only driven it for 10 miles or so, so I will hold off on comments until it is broken in a little. Bought the car at Pohanka Acura in northern Virginia. Paid MSRP, but got around 25-30% off the dealer installed options. Things were a little shaky at the dealership - they made a math error (?) of about $800 in their favor (surprise!) which I caught; had me come to pick up the car, but it wasn't ready (they delivered it the next day). I am very happy with the appearance of the car - I hope I like the driving characteristics as well. This is my first SUV.
  • bk1bk1 Member Posts: 6
    I have a SBP X coming soon. Please let us know what your impressions are as a new owner. Also, how about posting some pictures on the net so that we can check out the exterior color?
  • kaitsukaitsu Member Posts: 41
    Took my Legend for service to the local dealer and noticed that for the first time there were new MDX's on the lot + a used 2002 that was there 2 weeks ago when I was in for a MDX test drive. Also, my salesperson was "pushing" for a sale for the first time. Anybody else noticing this change in MDX availability?
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    My local acura dealer has 5-6 MDX's in stock all the time now. It probably helps that they are across the highway from lexus, BMW and Volvo. I don't think MSRP will be the norm for long. It's like once the G35 came out the TL went from MSRP to invoice. Once the rx330 and XC90 get here in major numbers deals will be had on the X. Just my .02
  • popejohnpopejohn Member Posts: 11
    I don't think a web picture would do it justice. In the daylight, it looks greenish gray and at night it looks dark green. Really changes depending on lighting - has a lot of sparkle in the finish. I have already gotten a lot of compliments on it. The people at the dealership were raving about it. I took the car on an extended drive to pick out a Christmas tree. Drove great. Has plenty of power and pickup. Drove on some muddy roads - ate it up.
  • mhenderson1mhenderson1 Member Posts: 164
    Does anyone know of a recommended wax, leather, and plastic cleaner to use on the MDX. I have a 2003 black with saddle brown interior.

    Also, is it me or am I just seeing things. Is there more legroom in the 2002 than the 2003 (between a 02 base and an 03 base, or a Touring and a base)? When I drove a 2002 earlier in the year, it seems I had more driver side legroom than I have in my 2003.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    the '02 is far superior to the '03 in more than just legroom. :)

    I use "swiffer sweeps" on the dashboard and plastic areas to clean them up. For the leather I bought a container of ArmorAll Leather wipes. My preferred wax for my cars is Meguiars Wax/Cleaner.
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    ...don't really think there are ANY changes that would be measurable for leg/knee/headroom.
  • xerrtoxerrto Member Posts: 11
    the last dvd update was sept 2001, any word on when the next update will be available or if there is an alternate source for the dvd.

    Thanks
  • zhiminwenzhiminwen Member Posts: 17
    Finally put down a deposit for a midnight blue MDX Touring with Nav. for earlier Feb. delivery. I have been following these two SUVs for months, especially Murano, almost believing it will be my next vehicle with the thinking that it is more fun to drive and offers more bang for the bucks.

    After three test drives of each, the above is almost true. The Murano is definitely more fun to drive, smoother and quieter (the wind noise of MDX at > 60MPH is still quite a bit). Both engines are powerful (the 260hp vs. 245hp/~500 pound weight difference) although Murano is more responsive and smooth (CVT cut in here) at moving speed and MDX is stronger at low RPM. Due to the adjustable pedals and a much better headrest, I feel much more comfortable in Murano's driver seat. The Murano's second row seat is also better, IMO, especially the middle one (the one in MDX is so hard to sit on).

    On the value side, with a price tag difference of ~$7000 (MDX Touring Nav. based on what we paid, Murano AWD fully loaded Nav based on what is offered by Nissan dealer, $400 over invoice), the MDX still lacks: xenon headlight, head airbags, adjustable pedals, tire monitoring system, emergency braking assist, UV tinted windshield and front window, active driver headrest, and small things like one touch sunroof, auto up/down front passenger window, retained accessory power, window down from keyfob, etc. Including MDX's intangibles of luxury name, slightly beter warranty, proven reliability vs. Murano's first year model, I still think Murano is a better value.

    Sound like I should have purchased Murano. Well, if not for that stupid small reargate window and wide D-pillar that creates huge blind spot. Even the internet sales manager of one Nissan dealer thinks Nissan had over-done it. I think I can get used to that. But my wife just can't accept that.

    I fell great about the MDX purchase (this thing finally settled). It is a great overall package. I actually used the MDX, as a feature benchmark to dismiss honda Pilot, as a performance benchmark to dismiss RX300, as a value benchmark to dismiss overvalued offerings from Volvo and BMW. Only the Murano have come close nearly beating it. I think Acura should improve the interiors and add some of the things that a luxury vehicle should have, even that means increasing the price. I will definitely own it for at least 4 years. Maybe my next vehicle will be Murano-like, great value, yet a bit more fun to drive.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    I also think that you'll find more utility in the MDX since it can seat 7 and if not seating 7, the cargo space is enormous. The Murano lacks both of those. If the Murano had those, I would likely get the Murano.
  • mike_platinimike_platini Member Posts: 2
    No offense but you sound like working for Nissan don't you ? After reading all your message, my only impression was that you are promoting Murano !

    Don't forget that Nissan never wanted to use Murano to compete with MDX because they are not in the same class ! The infiniti FX45 will do this job later in 2003.

    I can not believe you said that:

    - The Murano is smoother and quieter
    - The Murano second row offers more leg room
    - The MDX wind noise is quite a bit ! Frankly, I drive 03 MDX everyday at 75 MPH on the highway and I can tell you that the wind noise is negligeable.

    You said you decided to buy the MDX because "Sound like I should have purchased Murano. Well, if not for that stupid small reargate window and wide D-pillar that creates huge blind spot. Even the internet sales manager of one Nissan dealer thinks Nissan had over-done it. I think I can get used to that. But my wife just can't accept that.". Frankly, when you buy a car in this range ($35K-$42K), well I don't think that "small things" can influence much your decision.

    Regards
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    I thought Mike was talking to me :)
  • mike_platinimike_platini Member Posts: 2
    I talked to zhiminwen :-)
  • hopeitsfridayhopeitsfriday Member Posts: 396
    I agree with mike_platini, I think Nissan have over done it this time. The Murano is a very radical design. Some people will like it and some will hate it. Its not a design for the general population sort of speak. The interior is awful in my option, the designer must be the same guy who design the Toyota 4-Runner's interior. The Murano was design to compete with the likes of Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander, not the MDX. From what I understand, sale is dismal and they are already selling near invoice price.
  • spainspain Member Posts: 14
    IMO, this is a hideous looking vehicle. I think it is going to have the same problem as the Pontiac Aztec. They have several at the dealership that is right beside my office. So, I went over for a look and was NOT impressed. How anyone could even begin to attempt to compare this heinous heap to an MDX is unfathomable. I know that beauty is a subjective thing, but sheesh! Not in the MDX class in terms of refinement or luxury. Again the only thing that comes to mind in talking about this suv is the Azteck. I bet there will be MAJOR design changes to it next year...
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    IMO it looks much better in person than in photos.
    The MDX is not unattractive, but neither is it a looker in the vein of an X5. It is BIG and looks BIG, especially WIDE.

    And mike_platini, I respectfully disagree that small things don't matter. What's small for one man may be huge for another (alright, no jokes, OK? :)) It's all a matter of priorities and personal nuances. For example, one of the things I look for in a vehicle is whether it has a hand-brake or a foot-operated one because for me personally, I find foot-operated parking brakes a pain to use. But most other people will find that complaint silly.
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