Overview & Reviews

The Acura MDX is a midsize luxury SUV with a carlike unibody platform and three rows of seats. The original MDX bowed in 2001, at a time when most competitors still featured body-on-frame construction and the term "crossover" was but a glimmer in some marketer's eye. Since then, Acura has maintained the MDX's family-friendly packaging, including standard seven-passenger seating, while spicing up the recipe with various styling, performance and handling enhancements. In typical Acura fashion, every MDX comes well equipped, with options generally limited to a few choice features bundled into packages.

New or used, the Acura MDX stands out for its comfort, versatility and refinement. It's one of our top recommendations for a family-oriented luxury crossover SUV. In reviews, we've found the MDX to be a polished performer, as it remains one of the more engaging luxury crossovers to drive and also provides a commendably supple ride. Weak points include cramped third-row accommodations for adults and less sumptuous interior appointments than in some rivals, though the MDX's strong resale value offers ample compensation.

User Reviews:

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  Acura MDX 2001 - 2001 Acura MDX
  By leslie ingle - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used from a dealer with app 40k miles on it. Was great for a couple of years and then at 95k, I had to have the transmission replaced. Acura did replace because of recall and I only paid a $400 labor charge. Very disappointed that now at 145k miles I am hearing the same noise and know it is again the transmission. I will never by another Honda or Acura. I have owned Toyotas previously and never had any major problems. Going back to Toyota but in the meantime I feel stuck with this car. Cant sell it with a faulty transmission and do not want to pay for new one.

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  Acura doesnt stand by product - 2008 Acura MDX
  By Im Dissappointed - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Nice driver, poor quality. When I hit around 30,000 miles I noticed my lower paint chipping badly and starting to get rust on bottom of my mdx. Went to my acura dealer to see if they would remedy the problem. They will not stand by their design or workmanship. On new mdxs they added a plastic strip and plastic flare guard on door. So they know the design was bad but will not fix the problem. My 2nd mdx, also have an rdx, will never buy another Honda product. There are many other nice suvs out there.

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  Good Value and Lots of Gadgets - 2010 Acura MDX
  By JJ10 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car for a month and overall quite happy with it. It is the best value for the money in this size/category. The tech pkg has tons of features, though some are more gimmicky than useful. Not crazy about the exterior, but interior is roomy and comfortable. Cargo area is smaller than Id like. Performance is ok. The engine lacks torque and has to rev hard for power (while making a lot of noise). Coming from a European SUV, I feel the suspension is too soft and steering is way too loose. The torque vectoring is a bit unpredictable when cornering. Road noise is surprisingly high. The car had a couple of small issues upon delivery, which is disappointing for a Honda product.

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  Not so happy - 2010 Acura MDX
  By steve - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Have had 4-MDXs. The 10 model is the worse. Second row seats dont fold flat unless the second row headrests are removed. When removed there is no place to store them. More squecks and rattles than other 3 MDXs. Milage is not good for having a 6-speed trans. Recommended is 91 octane fuel. If use less the engine gives a fluttering noise. Dealer says tht is normal. This did not happened in any of my other 3 MDXs. Overall not happy with vehicle. Will look elsewhere when purchasing replacement vehicle.

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  Rear end thump/squeak noise - 2008 Acura MDX
  By mac - September 5 - 1:37 pm

  I love the handling of this SUV. I had my rear end noise fixed as per TSB 09-002. Problem came back after few months went to the dealer to fixed it again. I hope the parts replaced the second time will last.

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  Good Value for the money - 2010 Acura MDX
  By Tien - September 3 - 7:35 pm

  Owned 2003 MDX and was very pleased with the reliability. Did not want another MDX but ended up getting this one instead of the RX350 due to Value for the money. RX350 is actually more expensive than the MDX and does not offer 3rd row seat. Vehicle drives great so far. A couple of things. a) It required premium fuel. Wife did not know and put in plus instead. This caused the vehicle to jerk when transitioned from first to second gear. One premium fuel is used, problem went away. b) Leather seat is fairly easy to get dirty. Interior is compatible with RX350. Lexus used to has much better interior in the past but 2010 RX350 has similar leather grade as MDX 2010.

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  Very Happy - 2010 Acura MDX
  By Happy Owner - August 30 - 1:32 pm

  Just bought my MDX last week. So far I am VERY impressed. Bought it for my wife, she had owned an 03 and loved it. I finally talked her into buying the new one so I would enjoy driving it around with the kids and her on the weekend. I have an 05 TL and this car is just as fun, if not MORE fun, as my TL. Handles great, lots of tricks and toys and looks fantastic. My only gripe is the gas mileage.

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  I feel betrayed - 2002 Acura MDX
  By no more acuras - August 28 - 10:44 am

  Let me start off by saying I loved my Acuras. Had an RL that was the best i owned. It failed on me and traded for the MDX. Loved the MDX, best in class, dream car. Then the probs w the tranny started. Thank God I bought it certified. 100 mi before expiration they replaced it free, but right at 12 mos later its crapping again. I feel like my spouse cheated on me. For something I love to cause me this much pain, Ill never buy another Acura. To fix it will cost more than I owe it. They may have gotten better, but they lost me for good this time. The RL was bad enough when I replaced the window motor on 3 windows and at 105k the engine died. Can you tell Im bitter? Sorry, i dont want to be.

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  Perfect 7 seats SUV except some issues - 2010 Acura MDX
  By jrdonta - August 11 - 5:38 pm

  The SUV is perfect so far except the following issues 1. Car pulled the the right (dealer fixed and said it is steering not wheel alignment) 2. After dealer claimed fixing pulling to the right issue, the car still pulls to to right or left depends on different roads. 3. When I reset trip A mileage average, the trip B mileage average is reset also. 4. Accidentally, I turn of VSA then the car does not pull right or left any more ( VSA system issue? ) 5. The plastic bolt holding cooling pad under the hood are losing after 1 week.

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  Too noisy, never an Acura again - 2006 Acura MDX
  By Rr - August 4 - 10:31 pm

  Typical Honda noise. Cannot have conversation at highway speeds. Engine whistling noise during highway speeds while accelerating. Brake drum rolling noise while backing up and during braking at low speeds. Terrible Bluetooth integration. Only good for incoming calls. Backup camera never good when needed most, too dim and is not useful when backing out from garage.