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Acura MDX (pre-2007)
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Like you, if I was buying today, I would definitely consider the GX as well. It was something like 15k more than the X that we bought. Also if I recall, the 4.7l V8 in the Toyota products has been rated as #3? most harmful to the environment. Too bad, because the interior of the GX is beautiful and it's pretty sharp on the outside as well.
I realize this is better than most SUV's, but given that gasoline is still above $2.00/gallon I would like more, especially around town.
I plan on testing the Lexus 400H. In the past I've found the Lexus to be a girl's SUV. Besides, as someone else has said, it looks like a cockroach!
I will be going to the International Auto Show in NY in April and will thoroughly check out all the new vehicles. I've heard that the MDX for 2006 may have the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist), which will improve gas mileage considerably. But if they don't improve the VTM-4 I'm going to be disappointed.
Thanks
I have heard there will be a revised version of the system for the 06 MDX redesign, but still, I've not heard of any quams with it...
Hopefully, the new VVti 4.7l V8 will be more environmentally friendly than the old 4.7. It is rated at 270 hp / 330 ft-lbs; a 35hp and 10 ft-lb increase over the 2004 GX. However, there is no way the GX470 will match the MDX in fuel efficiency. Friends that have a 2004 are getting about 14 mpg city and 18-20 highway, for an overall average of 16-17. While 3-4 mpg doesn't sound huge, it's a 20% difference.
Also very loud sloshing which from reading the posts would seem to be the gas tank.
Also FRONT right tire lost pressure I thought there might have been a slow leek but the repair shop said no, then one week later the the low tire pressur indicator was on again this time the other 3 tire needed more air ! since they have all been topped off with air no other problems.
The gas tank sloshing has been a complaint on the X since introduction. More a nuesance than a problem. Still, not something that should so be noticable on a 40k Luxury SUV. A very poor decision by Acura to let this happen. Supposedly, the 05 has eliminated this problem by installing a bladder in the fuel tank to act as a buffer for the sloshing.
My biggest beef with the X, and to this date, the only problem I've had in 30k miles is the satellite controls for the radio on the steering wheel. Press the "volume down" button and volume gets louder, press the "volume up" and it switches to CD - Tape, etc... There is a recall for this, but it only happens occasionally that I'm not too concerned. Other than that, the X is a fine SUV, I'd rank it a solid B+.
I know that MDX models newer than the 2001 use brakes to help with traction. As I've said here before, the problem with that is that it wastes torque and brake pads. The QuadraDrive II method is far superior. It will be interesting to see what the Jeep 2005 safety ratings will be.
Thanks for the info, I will bring this up with the nearest Dealer I was woried it might be the transmission.
One more question If I may,.. A little chek engin light has come on is this somthing the guys who changed the oil forgot to turn off? or could I turn it off? it came on shortly after I had an oil change.
Thanks
I am not sure how the system will handle being engaged all day long, that would be the main drawback from the MDX AWD system offroad (i.e. overheating, not able to handle the maintained stress level, etc.). Low range is a good thing for hardcore offroading. I do medium offroading in my trooper and low range is only a fun to have, not needed. Yes there are times when the truck has to work harder in 4 high, but it still goes.
Habitat hit the nail on the head. The limitations of the MDX are suspension and tires. If you think you need a jeep for "real" offroading, I suggest getting one. If you want to go through deep snow, an occassional beach or camping site, you can pick from any number of car based SUVs out there.
My preference for "real" offroading would be an old school solid axle, mechanical locking 4wd system. Even the quadra drive which is really cool can break, and then you are left with hopefully at least 1 wheel drive. Trucks break offroading, so super systems are great on paper, but when something breaks and then a 1970's K5 blazer comes chugging by to pull you out, you will know what I mean.
I don't think many MDX owners go offroading...if they do like me, not in their MDX. I have been in 10+" of snow with good performance with the MDX.
That's reassuring to know that your X handled itself well in deep snow. I have yet to "play" with ours in the (sometimes harsh) NE winter and I'm looking forward to it.
There is also a yellow "maintainance required" light in the lower left corner that will come on over the course of 7500 miles as a reminder for dealer service. This CAN be reset by holding down the "rest" button on the dash, turning the ignition on and holding for 10 seconds. Should go away. Hope this helps.
Thank you for the solution for turning it off I will try it out.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testing/UTQG/pages/TireRatings.cfm
With this I can see if there are any tires with AA rating that would work with the MDX (or the new Jeep, for that matter).
So these grades do not come from actual NHTSA testing, but just from the manufacturers grading their tires based on NHTSA's scoring system?
I guess that would make sense since it'd be terribly expensive for NHTSA to test 2,200 tires!
If so, I'd take the ratings with a grain of salt. Some folks are already suspicious of the Consumer Reports ratings. If these ratings actually come from the manufacturer, these would be even more suspicious.
Also, please keep in mind that the traction rating is based purely on "wet braking," and not on hydroplaning, snow braking, ice braking, or even dry braking. So while they're somewhat useful, one should keep in mind what the traction rating is saying (and who's saying it).
What's Hot: Sport-sedan-like ride and handling
What's Not: All-wheel-drive system not full-time
And another thing: where's a V-8? Even the lowly Toyota 4Runner is now offering a V-8 engine. The new Hemi V-8 in the Jeep has cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy. Acura/Honda is trying to do that with a V-6, but that's inherently imbalanced!
Interesting statement...the AWD is designed to be full time...it just puts most power to the fronts at higher speeds to save on gas mileage.
There's no firm vocabulary and manufacturers play loose with the definitions.
Have there been any significant changes to the vehicle in the last three years? Her only real complaint about the 2002 is she doesn't think the brakes are as good as other cars.
I suppose our situation is not that unique. We have and love the Ody. Lease is up in February. We can get an MDX for the same or even slightly lower monthly. In-laws come over a lot (and are actually helpful) so we have a need to stuff one of them in the 3rd row -- which is not an option if both kids are in the outboard second row seats. We figured we could buy a cheapie (narrower) car seat and put two together for the second row 60% seat on the relatively rare weekends both in-laws are over. Any thoughts or suggestions? Wife really loves MDX, I'm ambivalent. If we can't get access to that third row seat at least fairly occasionally, then it will be the MDX deal killer. Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions. I can be reached directly, gbg.esq@verizon.net
thank you very much!
At a stop at a Jeep dealer on Sunday I looked at different colored 2005 Jeeps. The white, black, and green ones just don't look right with the Limited's chrome. The red looks nice, but I'm not sure that red is the appropriate color for the woods. The two khaki shades weren't available for inspection. So that leaves silver--nice, but too common. Overall, the new Jeep looks more athletic than the prevous model, but whether it looks better is questionable. One other negative caught my attention: the EPA ratings of 14/19, instead of 14/21. What's up with that? Don't they have the cylinder deactivation properly programmed?
I've searched the Web for news of the 2006 Acura MDX. I've come up almost completely dry. Acura is sure tight-lipped about it, but maybe they'll show something at the New York Auto Show.
As for the LR3 and JGC, those are completely different types of vehicles than the MDX. Both the LR3 and JGC are set up for serious off-roading, while the MDX is made for pavement, and light ill-weather use. The gas milage for a real off-roader will always be lower than a car based design like the MDX.
1-When braking to a stop, there is a sloshing clunk from the fuel tank. Acura says they all do this (04) because the tank was changed when they went to dual exhausts in 2004.
2-When the front windows are put all the way down after a rain or carwash, the INSIDE of the windows get wet! It is impossible to keep the windows clean. Acura says they know of the problem but like the gas tank there is nothing to be done about it.
Has anyone had these problems and if so did you get any satisfaction from Acura?
For a vehicle in this proice class, I find these issues very annoying.
The inside of the windows - between the window and the outer door skin? I don't think I've had a car that didn't do this after a car wash. The lip seal at the top of the door skin just isn't strong enough to hold back the water from seeping inside. Now, if your talking about water being on the inside of the window (interior of the vehicle) you may want to have your dealer replace the seal around the top of the door.
All in all, the X is a fine vehicle and still at the top of the its game, albeit with a alot more competition. THese are minor things, you still bought a great vehicle.
Happy X'ing!
I have only noticed the window thing at the car wash and it is very short lived...if you don't put the windows down right away, it seems to dry quickly (at least mine does).
I saw an old posting from 2002 about the same issue. I hope the redesign in 2006 addresses this annoyance.
The MDX (and Pilot) are wide. You can fit two childseats of most types in the 60% portion and still sit someone reasonably well in the 40% portion. However, access to the child in the outboard position will of course be somewhat limited.
Especially since one of the seats will likely be rear-facing.
You could put the two child seats in the outboard positions but access to the center of the second row for an adult will be cumbersome. Depending on the size of the seats, and the occupant.
Generally we haven't had to sit in the back with our first-born and with our second. I think I can only remember one time.
Congratulations on the impending addition to your family!
I like to have my wife back there watching the rear facing child... I get paranoid since I can't see my little fella on a long drive. Once he goes forward facing the grown-ups can both move up front!!
I'm looking at the MDX as a possible replacement for my wife's RX300. I love the roominess of the MDX and the fact that it has a large, comfy center armrest and not those demon little folding arm rest thingies common in other SUV's. It is also a good value for all the goodies you get.
Congrats on the addition.. and GOOD LUCK!!
Also, thanks for the congrats on the new addition!
I have an '04 X5 and a single stroller - the large ones that at first you attach the baby carrier to - will barely fit by itself. I just bought a '05 MDX but I haven't tried putting it back there as our child is now almost 3 and feels that she has outgrown it. The MDX does appear much bigger though.
Mark
I'm hoping you can help me. My dad is going to purchase an '04 base model but wants the wood grain steering wheel, side molding, and sidestep. If he get's these added on, it will up the price more than he wants so he's looking into aftermarket parts. Has anyone ever done this, and if so, do you have any companies to recommend? I tried to get him to get the Touring model but he HATES the top rack!!!!
Thanks for your help!!
It's extremely likely that the MDX will be designed within the next couple of years. Either as a 2006 or a 2007 model, based partly on the new Odyssey platform.
Alternatives would include the Volvo XC90, which adds some nice additional safety features.
The MDX's cargo area is big. It's sometimes difficult to compare different brands because manufacturers sometimes quote cargo areas differently. But we can fit a Mountain Buggy Urban Double stroller easily into the MDX with plenty of room to spare. The stroller is about 42" long when folded, and about 29" wide.
1. Print out the prices from the website, take them to the dealer, and ask them to match the price. If they do, he can then a) Install them himself(you can download the instructions), or b) have them installed at ANY Acura dealer (just pay the labor rate, the service manager will tell you how much).
2. If the dealer is unwilling to match the price, order the accessories online and repeat either step a or b from above.
Hope this helps.
They are comparatively expensive, but solve the problem of having winter and summer tires all in one without having to change out dedicated ones twice a year.