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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  Affordable luxury SUV - 2004 Acura MDX
  By Joe C. - April 23 - 3:19 pm

  Driven over 112k in less than 6 years. No mechanical problems. Drives very smooth and still handles/feels like a new vehicle after so long. Some cosmetic problems here and there. Sales person pressured to buy extended warranty, but it is waste of money. Overall a reliable and affordable luxury SUV.

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  So much better than the 06 MDX - 2010 Acura MDX
  By hamish - March 27 - 9:27 pm

  Have had my 10 base MDX for all of two days now. Biggest difference vs. the 06 MDX is that you actually look forward to driving this one! Reminds me of my 03 TLS, fun to drive, responds well, too fast for the kids to drive on their own!! Handling is very good, sticks to the road like an audi quattro, sporty handling, very little body roll for an SUV. Also very good for tall folk, my 6 ft 4 son, finds it very comfortable as both a passenger and driver.

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  Been a Good SUV - 2005 Acura MDX
  By GatorJeff - March 26 - 9:54 pm

  Overall this has been a solid vehicle. The only problem has been the torque converter at 57,000 miles. Acura paid a large portion of the repair cost though. I really love the MDX and cant seem to find anything worth selling it for. I usually keep cars for three years but after 5 I want to hang on to it for a while longer. I really like the design and interior technology.

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  Second Trans Bites the Dust - 2001 Acura MDX
  By Disgusted with Honda - March 8 - 4:00 pm

  I just sold my MDX to a dealer for $4,000.00 after buying it for $24,000.00 just 5 years ago. After two transmissions, one computer, and a couple of sensors, I must admit I am through with Honda! I bought it for reliability thinking I would get the regular 200,000+ miles experience and barely got 100,000. This would have been my second transmission in 2 years if not for selling it off. This is disgraceful for an auto manufacturer that boasts quality and charges exorbitantly for it but doesnt deliver. I basically enjoyed the car. It was reliable. Ill miss it. But not the sorry crappy transmission problems. I hope Acura/Honda corrected this problem.

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  Transmission issue - 2006 Acura MDX
  By blondie - February 24 - 5:41 pm

  I bought my vehicle in the end of 2007. I have loved my vehicle to date. Recently I started experiencing a shaking, shuddering when I let off the gas and then go to accelerate again. It appears to happen at about 40 mph. I have found out that it means I am going to have to have the torque and transmission replaced. Apparently this is common on the 2006 and earlier MDX. I am not at all happy and am now looking for a new vehicle, since this is a $7000 repair and I have no warranty. Apparently there is a recall on vehicles 2005 and earlier for the converter torque. Very disappointed since I bought this vehicle to keep long term.

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Post Captain - February 15 - 9:45 pm

  Bought this car brand new and have always maintained it properly, including the replacement of the timing belt at 105K. Since that time it has been a money guzzling machine. Left rear mirror fell out with motor assembly to the tune of $329. Drivers side seat moulding broken along with loose drivers seat. Now Ive been told that the power steering is shot, a motor mount is broke, the seal around the left headlight needs to be replaced, among other things. Total anticipated cost $3-5,000. For all Acura says about quality, I dont know that I will buy another one.

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  Three transmissions! - 2002 Acura MDX
  By Ken - February 15 - 5:28 pm

  My wife really liked the Acuras size and features. When we first got it, it certainly was smooth and quiet much more refined than the 1996 Grand Cherokee we had before. It was a good size and she loved the touchscreen navigation. It was a little disappointing that the MDX didnt have some luxury features that the six-year old Jeep did, like automatic headlights and day/night outside mirrors. Overall she and I liked the car. The trouble started at 37000 miles when the first transmission went out. It was replaced. It broke again and was replaced at 87000 miles and we discovered this is a well-known and chronic problem with Acuras transmissions. I cannot recommend early decade MDXs.

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  Overall, a great vehicle - 2009 Acura MDX
  By Yoshodeep - February 14 - 9:58 am

  Having driven the car around town as well as some long trips, I am satisfied with the vehicle. 3rd row seating works fine, albeit not for tall people by any means. Nice pick up. More spacious than I thought from the outside. SH-AWD works great in slick snowy condition. I bought the base pkg, and the sound quality is plenty good. Leather seats are not at par with BMW standards. Bluetooth is somewhat cumbersome (voice recognition only). Cant say enough about the leg and shoulder rooms enough. It is fun to drive, from the SUV perspective. At this price, expected scheduled free maintenance though. Overall one of the best buys in the segment.

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  Ultimately regretful - 2001 Acura MDX
  By AJ - February 12 - 10:03 pm

  I did a lot of research on various models before deciding to buy my MDX. I was fortunate enough to find a one owner trade in with very low miles, with regular service. I thought despite a couple of annoying short comings of the first model year, that Id have it for years to come, but no longer. AC hose replacement at 60K miles/ $1K. Power steering 83K mi/ $600. Transmission 84K mi/ $6000. Nav system & CD multi disc changer both broken. People still think it looks like a new car. I got several good years out of it, but for a Honda, this last years reliability has been horrible. It should have lasted longer before the cost to repair was higher than the value. I may never go back.

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  Excellant Mid size lexuary SUV - 2010 Acura MDX
  By Harilal - February 11 - 11:06 pm

  I purchased Acura 2010 MDX a week ago. So far it is a great SUV, fun to drive, sporty but very comfortable handling,good stability on the road, luxurious and spacious. Got it for 2.9% promotional APR, so a great deal. Absolutely love this car and very happy with professional dealeship. Wish it had a better MPG.