Acura MDX (pre-2007)

sbcooke · March 2003

is it cost cutting or a spacing issue? I thought there was a minimum distance the anchors had to be apart, and that the center position cannot support the minimum distance?

The center position is much easier to use with a rear facing seat. I also find that with the handle in the correct position, you cannot move the front seat back very far with it installed on the side. However the latch system makes it so much easier to get a seat installed and tight, under 2 minutes. With multiple kids it is hard to get away from using the side position...the latch system makes the install seem 100 times more secure than the standard belt install. It is too bad there isn't a center latch position.

There is no transmission spacing requirement as far as I know in the MDX? or one in SUVs that would effect latch positioning? The MDX doesn't have much of a transmission in the rear being FWD based with the type of rear differential it has.

acuras_owner · March 2003

Hi Mike,

I heard you. I got 2003 MDX and found leaking at the similar location. It freaked me out since I got it not longer ago and it got leaked on the first heavy rain here in SC right onto the driver seat. I had done some exams and on/off a few times with cleaning up around the area making sure it was fully closed. Next time around, there was no leakage observed (the rain wasn't that heavy then). I suggest you cleaned around the contact area and make sure it is fully closed, especially during rainy days. Let me know what you find out from the dealer. Cheers!

acuras_owner · March 2003

Hi eHarrison2,

I have the same doubt about the gas mileage. I have a 2003 MDX and my wife drives it mainly on local. We got around 13-14 mpg and it came as a shock especially with that kind of gas price in SC. The spec. actually calls out 17-23 mpg, so we got below what's rated. I am not sure it will improve over the time beside driving on freeway. I am as curious as you are. Cheers!

wmquan · March 2003

I do not believe it's a spacing issue. After all, there are some vehicles that do have three LATCH positions and are actually narrower than the MDX. Please keep in mind that the MDX is one of the wider vehicles on the market.

From what I've read from the lengthy NHTSA specifications for the lower anchorages, there is no spacing requirement between pairs of anchors. For an anchor pair, their centers must be 280mm apart (+ or - one mm). But there's nothing on the relationship between the pairs. NHTSA actually says:

A full child restraint anchorage system (consisting of the two rigid bars for the lower anchorages and a top tether anchorage) is not required to be installed in the center rear seating position because it may be difficult to fit the lower anchorages of two child restraint anchorage systems, or two child restraint systems, adjacent to each other in the rear seat of small vehicles. Further, a lap belt at the center rear seating position, together with a tether anchorage at that position, should perform essentially as well as a full child restraint anchorage system. For these reasons, and to minimize the cost of facilitating the use of the new child restraints in the third position, the agency is requiring two, and not three, child restraint anchorage systems.

Obviously, the MDX is not a small vehicle and three pairs would fit without difficulty because the three pairs of 280mm-spaced anchors would not overlap. NHTSA just allows manufacturers to get away with two pairs in the second row.

Thus, unfortunately, it is probably "cost avoidance" on Acura's and other manufacturer's part. Acura didn't even bother installing lower anchors into the 2001 MDX because it wasn't required by federal law yet, even though it was for 2002. Neither did Mercedes-Benz on the M-class, though Volvo began installing lower anchors in advance of federal regulation.

xerrto · March 2003

I have a 2002 Nav, touring. When I bought the car the sales guy said they would be updating the software every fall but the service department doesn't seem to think it will be updated. Anyone know if updates are planned or available.

Thanks

popejohn · March 2003

I have a 2003 Premium model. I have been getting about 17.5 mpg around town. I recently took an extended trip-1,000 miles rt- and got 21.9 mpg at mostly highway speeds. I had the auto-pilot set at 74-79 mph most of the time, so I am very happy with the performance. I am 6'3" and found the car very comfortable for the trip. It was seven hours of almost non-stop driving and I didn't have any back or leg problems. I know everyone says the on-board computer isn't very accurate, but I will take it. The car has about 4,500 miles and I like it more every day. BTW, I have been trying a tank of middle priced gas every once in a while and really don't notice any difference in performance. I put a tank of mid-priced gas in on the trip and drove about 120 miles without the mpg changing on the trip computer.

clpurnell · March 2003

I have heard from a dealer if you get the factory installed DVD system you lose the in-dash 6-disc Changer. Is this true? If so where does the changer go. Can anyone comment on the factory dvd system. If you can't have the 6-disc in-dash and dvd I will probably go for the touring with aftermarket dvd avaiable at the dealer. TIA

dave210 · March 2003

If you go for the RES model, the CD changer is put under the driver seat in a magazine setup.

Not as nice as the easy disc loading of the dash changer, but at least you still get a changer when you order the DVD RES.

I have a Touring Navigation model.

clpurnell · March 2003

Dave210. I really want the in dash changer so I'll probably just go touring and have the dealer put in the aftermarket one.

fndlyfmrflyr · March 2003

I called Alpine and Acura today and both say there will be a minor update CD available for purchase next month for 2001 and 2002 Navigation systems. It adds four cities (Albany, Syracuse, Lake Placid, and Charleston West Virginia). They also said a major update for the whole country is expected to become available about October 2003. The CD updates will not be available from dealers, only by phone from Alpine or from Acura through the Acura web site.

transpower · March 2003

I've searched the Web but cannot find much information on the Volvo XC90 AWD system vs. the MDX's VTM-4. Can anyone here give me a link to a detailed description of the Volvo system? I like to stay current on such matters.

The new Volvo has many sophisticated safety features but it will probably be rather unreliable in comparison with an Acura or a Honda, if history is a guide. Also, the 268 bhp turbo version gets only 15/20 mpg, which is considerably less than the MDX's 17/23. Still, for those who insist on safety curtains, the Volvo is worth a look.

Transpower

wmquan · March 2003

Hey, long time no post. Try:

http://www.swedespeed.com/news/08_02/08_13_02_5/index.shtml

XC90 Advantages:

- Can divert "all power" to the rears as compared to the MDX's max of 50%.

- Has a true center differential.

MDX Advantages:

- Can force power to go to the rears, e.g. for extrication out of a stuck position. XC90 can't do that, it has to let the fronts detect enough slippage first.

- Proactively routes some power to the rears when accelerating.

sbcooke · March 2003

You sparked my interest, so I did a search for you...however all you need is google and to type "volvo awd xc90"...

Volvo's old systems would restrict front differential movement via computer and then a viscous coupling would transfer power to the rear...this was slow in the older XC's. While I think the function is the same (i.e. restricting front vs. simply adding/switching power) it supposedly does it faster now.

http://www.v70xc.com/xc90/articles/081702/volvo_xc90_electronical- ly_controlled_all-wheel_drive.html

transpower · March 2003

Thanks wmquan and sbcooke. So, the Volvo can send 5%-65% of power to the rear, but there is no side to side allocation of torque, just the Traction Control braking of a slipping wheel. This still strikes me as cheap compared with a true four-wheel-drive system which would have three Quaife or three Torsen differentials. Recently I also checked the specs on the Cadillac SRX--this has three open differentials (not Quaife or Torsen) together with Traction and Stability Control. The auto makers just seem not to want to use limited slip differentials. It's the expense, apparently. But shouldn't $40000 cover it?

Transpower

michelangelo · March 2003

To acuras_owner

I had my MDX in with the dealer yesterday. They cleaned out the drains and then sprayed water on it for 15 minutes. They could not duplicate what I had experienced in the rain storm. I parked it out in the rain today for a few hours and it stayed dry. Hopefully the problem is solved. Will keep you up to date on any further developments. Thanks for your suggestions.

wmquan · March 2003

Realistically, we won't see many vehicles with three Torsen differentials because of the high weight and expense. Just a Torsen in the center, like most Audis or the new 4runner/GX470.

Using braking to manage traction on an open axle seems to be the preferred way to go because of weight savings and relative simplicity. Even the 2003 MDX finally addresses the front axle by using braking from VSA to manage the front (traction control). It still uses the VTM-4 torque apportioning to manage power in the rears, however.

Apparently the Volvo can send more than 65% of the power to the rear, at least based on that first article.

That all said, it looks like the MDX's system is more versatile than the XC90's. I don't think that having 5% to the rears during highway cruising provides any significant benefit. The MDX's extrication mode (lock mode) is a very nice feature.

saurabh1 · March 2003

I am buying a 2003 MDX tomorrow. Any suggestions If I need to buy an extended warranty, pricing best deals (for the warranty) etc.

sbcooke · March 2003

I wouldn't buy it. Put the $1000 or whatever they want to tack on in a 4 year CD...so then when you warranty runs out you have the money to fix your car...if you need it, if not, you still have the money.

In general, automakers make a lot of these warranty's because often they are not used. The scare is that if you have a major problem 2K miles after the warranty expires...it is then money well spent.

I prefer to keep it myself, and use it if I need it.

lewis3 · March 2003

Well guys I live in Denver and we just got 40" of snow at my house this week. I can tell you the the MDX did GREAT! All of the main roads are clear but I had to do some serious driving to get to the main roads. The ability to lock the 4x4 was a great help. The only improvement would be if the car had more ground clearance. It plowed through the snow well and got me to the main roads. Talk about some fun driving.

overtime1 · March 2003

I'm looking to find out how many cubic feet of space the MDX has when the 2nd row of seats is up and the 3rd row is folded flat. It doesn't seem to be mentioned in any of the specs I can find on the web.

OT

wmquan · March 2003

With the 2nd row seat in the up position, and the third row folded, there is 49.6 cubic feet available.

Behind the third row (both seats up), there is 14.8 cubic feet. With both second and third rows folded, there is 81.5 cubic feet.

The near-50 cubic feet behind the second row is a good demonstration of SUV capabilities. E.g. in many minivans with five people aboard, you have to use the third row and that compromises cargo room. Whereas in a larger SUV you can sit three people abreast in the back, especially when they're kids or teenagers.

Vehicles like the Volvo XC90, ML320/350/500 and the new Lexus RX330 have very good cargo room with all the rows down, but they don't have comparable cargo room behind the second row.

leonardz · March 2003

We just took possession of a 2002 MDX. We love the car and would;d like to use the homelink button to open/close our garage door so we don't need to carry the remote with us.

I followed the instructions for both a standard and rolling code garage door opener and neither works.

When I press the remote close to the homelink transceiver to train the transceiver, it flashes slowly, sometimes stop flashing, sometimes stays solid, but never flashes quickly.

I erased codes 2x and tried to install both the regular and rolling code procedure 2x, to no avail.

The door opener is a Sears Craftsman.

Are there any other tricks to try, or is the homelink just not going to work with this opener?

jeffmust2 · March 2003

...had the same problem on my RX300 with HomeLink and a rolling-code garage door opener. Dealer gave me a hotline 800 number for HomeLink and they talked me through it. My problem had to do with the reset code button in the garage opener.

gatorhawk · March 2003

does anyone have any idea approximately when the 2004 mdx will be released? when does honda/acura usually release the next model year? early fall? summer? early 2004?
thanks in advance.

wmquan · March 2003

If it's anything like past years of the MDX, the 2004's will probably be out in October, plus or minus a half-month.

There is no confirmed information about what's going to be in the 2004's.

poonrage · March 2003

Just picked up a new 2003 MDX, silver, graphite interior, touring package, side steps..My purchase experience was not good. We dealt with Acura of Denville (NJ). Our salesman was less than helpful, and treated me like a 5 year old when we went to sign the paperwork. They should be thankful that the truck sells itself. If you live in the area, go somewhere else.

pac8 · March 2003

Poonrage,

Congrats on your new purchase!

Make sure that you voice your thoughts when you get a call from the Honda of America Company for a dealer survey. I guess Acura of Denville will not get a 5 rating from you.

crikey · March 2003

This is the reason why I did not buy an MDX. The truck does sell it self, but it shouldn't mean that one has to be at the mercy of the dealership. It's a pity that Acura couldn't build dealerships like they built the MDX.

kconway2 · March 2003

This may seem like a minor deal, but it is a major one to my wife, since she has memory seats on her Jeep.... Does anyone know if the base model MDX (and for that matter the Pilot) has memory seats? Where the driver can get in the car, hit a button and the seats go to the preference of the driver (usually two options). Believe it or not, this is one of our final questions regarding our car choice between the Pilot, MDX and Pacifica.... Thanks....

hopeitsfriday · March 2003

The pilot does not offer memory seats in any trims. The MDX has 2 position memory seats and side mirrors activated by 2 different remote entry device, but its only come standard in the touring models, not offer to the base model.

fndlyfmrflyr · March 2003

Memory seat and mirrors was a manditory must for us.

Hope has it right - only on touring MDX. My 02 Touring Navi has a memory seat that does not hold the seat memory position well (mirror settings do hold). The settings seem to drift a bit and the memory must be reset every month or so.

It doesn't move off the memory setting very much, but the half inch is enough to notice. My other cars with seat and mirror memory held the settings, so even though the system checks out okay, it may be just my MDX and not generic to the brand.

barbz · March 2003

The poor person who has to ride in the back seat.

sbcooke · March 2003

This picture has been posted too many times recently. Please do everyone a favor and give it a rest for a while.

tidester · March 2003

This is bordering on SPAM.

tidester, host

tiafid · March 2003

I have recently put a deposit down on a new MDX. A few people have told me it will not do well with pulling my 20' boat. The Acura dealer tells me otherwise. Does anyone pull a similar boat with their MDX?

hopeitsfriday · March 2003

I really wish you would give it a rest with that photo. It has been posted almost 10 times already, and posted 3 times by you. It really doesn't prove anything, you are comparing a marketing video made by Volvo to a picture of a MDX from a accident that you do not know the circumstances to. To find out how safe a vehicle is, one should really refer to independent testing agencies which are not bias toward one brand or another.
I do agree that the XC90 is safer than the MDX, but according to most test results, its a real close call. Both SUV rated very high on crash tests, while Volvo may have a slight edge in a few areas. But you are paying alot of money for that slight edge, but then, that is Volvo's claim to fame while Acura spend their money on engineering and design instead.

wmquan · March 2003

I do agree that the XC90 is safer than the MDX, but according to most test results, its a real close call. Both SUV rated very high on crash tests, while Volvo may have a slight edge in a few areas.

What test results? What crash tests has the XC90 been rated very highly with? NHTSA has not tested the XC90 for both front and side impact. IIHS has only released the bumper-bash result for the XC90 (and it did poorly, though it's not a true safety test).

IIHS hasn't yet released the results of the offset frontal crash test of the XC90. Though it will really soon. Do you have advance information on the results?

As of this writing, the only publicly available crash tests for the vehicles are the (superb) crash test results for the MDX.

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0113.htm

NHTSA is going to re-test the 2003 MDX with the front impact test, though the side-impact scores are carried over from the 2001/2002:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/NCAP/Cars/2022.html

hopeitsfriday · March 2003

No I do not have any advance information on the Volvo's test results. I was using the crash test results from the S60,70,80 as a reference, since the XC90 is basically a modify version of those cars. The test results should be similar. One area where it will standout the most is the roll over test. Some agencies have test ratings for roll over resistance but not the actual roll over itself. This is the area that the XC90 will stand out from the other SUVs. Thanks to Volvo, the reinforced roof and the RSC will probably be a industrial standard for premium SUV in the near future.

wmquan · March 2003

I do agree that the XC90 is safer than the MDX, but according to most test results, its a real close call. Both SUV rated very high on crash tests, while Volvo may have a slight edge in a few areas.

I was using the crash test results from the S60,70,80 as a reference, since the XC90 is basically a modify version of those cars. The test results should be similar.

How can you be using "70" test results when the current V70 has never been tested by IIHS or NHTSA?

I do agree that if the XC90 is anything like the S80, or even an improvement, its test scores should be outstanding.

I wouldn't draw results from the S60 and say it's a close call, however. Fortunately the XC90 should score closer to the larger S80 than the smaller S60. The S60 did get a "Good" in IIHS but not a "Best Pick." The S60 only achieved 4-stars for the driver and passenger in the NHTSA frontal crash test.

onelgs · March 2003

Picked it up this afternoon! The Sage Brush Pearl is an awesome color! My dealer experience was more then OUTSTANDING!!! I purchased the 2003 MDX with touring, NAV and DVD player and not only did my dealer give me $1,600 off MSRP but he also secured 3.89% financing on the balance.

Then, THANKS to this wonderful board and the reference of my dealer to my new friend in New York whom also purchased an MDX from my dealer, I was given a THANK YOU gift for the reference! My gift was the wood shift knob, wheel locks, cargo liner and the all-season floor mats!

I am a female that during this SUV shopping experience (and in past purchases) I have dealt with MANY male chauvinistic salesmen but this purchase was totally outstanding and I'm thrilled beyond belief not only about my great deal but the way I was *taken care of*. My dealer and salesman will definitely get more then a 5 STAR rating from me!

If any of you live in Ohio or are interested in working with the awesome dealer in my area... please do email me at L79D@aol.com I will gladly pass along the information.

Lidia

PS... To my New York friend... THANK YOU and I know you will be just as happy with your purchase and ownership as I am with mine

miamicrv1 · April 2003

Suffering over making a choice between the Nissan Murano which I really like the looks of and the MDX which I really like the reliability of....I've noticed that Murano drivers are actually getting the 17/22 or so mpgs as stated in the specs. However MDX posts talk of mpgs in the 14 range in some cases...can anyone shed some light on this.

sbcooke · April 2003

Highway I get 25+. Around town I get 16.5 to 17. My MDX has 7500 miles.

However we often make very short trips, under 5 miles. In that type of driving the mileage drops to 15+.

wnelso · April 2003

I have an '02 MDX. It just started reaching 80degrees here, and the a/c in this thing just is not cool. I try the Auto feature, and it blows so hard I can't stand it. I also try doing it manually and setting it at about 60, but it still isn't cool. Is this normal? Should I go to the dealer? Thanks for any help!

sbcooke · April 2003

I don't have a problem with the A/C in my '02. It works fine.

Is the air cold and just not going where you want? Or is it just not blowing cold air? Did it work last year?

Either way it sounds like a potential trip to the dealer, but I would investigate and try to pinpoint more details first. Dealers aren't always the best at troubleshooting. It might be as simple as a needing a recharge?

fndlyfmrflyr · April 2003

Have 02 MDX and find the front A/C on the anemic side in town. It is slow to cool, but once there does a good job even on 100 degree plus days as long as the car is moving. The rear A/C does a much better job. Once the front unit has cooled the interior it appears to be able to do a marginal job maintaining the cool if I get stuck in stop and go traffic. Can't say I've been uncomfortable, but my other car does a better job in town.

I've found it is slow to cool no matter what the temperature setting is. Full auto mode usually produces gale force winds and a lot of noise, but no faster cooling. I checked the outlet temperature of the air and it is actually on the cold end of the specification - once the car is not in stop and go city like traffic. It appears to take a little bit more than a thousand rpm (engine) for the A/C to work well.

alo · April 2003

I don't like the auto A/C mode in my MDX a bit. The fan is always on a high setting and does not hold temperature very well. The semi-auto mode works fine and cools the cars very well if you don't mind to fine tune the setting and vent opening yourself. My 96 Avalon has a much better Auto system.

I've 35K miles on the car now and the average gas mileage is about 18.5 over the last 5000 miles. I just made a trip to Toronto and the average mileage was about 23. City mileage is awful since car is heavy and is really dependent the kind of 'city' driving you do. I find the MDX gas mileage is comparable to a minivan and I have no complain.

fndlyfmrflyr · April 2003

I second all of that. Also have 96 Avalon and agree the A/C auto is much better and it cools the car much more quickly. Like you, I now use semi-auto and fine tune the A/C system on my MDX.

Mpg has been slowly improving. Approaching 15,000 miles and have seen average mpg slowly increase from 15.7 for the first 3500 miles to 18 for the last 3500 miles. Like you, I have no complaints about the mpg.

My V6 MDX gets about the same mpg as my 4 cylinder PT GT and the V8 Jag the PT replaced, but about 25% less than my Avalon.

kennynmd · April 2003

Excuse me for not being here in a while but my brother is most likely going to buy a MDX soon. Before he buys it could anyone tell me if there will be anything new for the 2004. Thanks

hopeitsfriday · April 2003

What a small world, my wife have a 97 Avalon. The Avalon get better mileage, couple of reason why might be that the avalon is over a thousand pounds lighter and does not have 4 wheel drive. The avalon's AC system, like many saden's, seems to work better becuase it has a much smaller cabin space to cool down. I am not saying that the MDX has a very good AC system, but I think it is at least average or above average when comparing to other SUV. BTW, I don't use the auto mode in my MDX. I have never been a big fan of climate control systems in cars. Its not much advantage over manual mode if you ask me.

mattrichter · April 2003

I have a 2002 touring. The auto mode does blow real hard at first. I find that the air is cold, so one could check the air exit temp by the ducts to see if you have problems. Another thing to keep in mind is that there is LOTS of glass on the car so IR light gets in all over the place. Passenger cars have less glass area, so heat doesn't come in as much. My interior is black leather, and the cabin cools fine. The reason I don't like the automatic A/C is different though. If you stof with the ducts real cold, condensation will form, leading to mildew. I like to turn the AC off a mile or so from my destination so that the ducts don't form condensation. Pretty much every car I've ever been in with auto temp control gets a funky smell after a few years.

Acura MDX (pre-2007)

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