Overview & Reviews

Further honing its already quite capable MDX, Acura has made a number of key improvements for 2003. First up is a 20-horsepower boost, giving the MDX a total of 260. To support the increased power, there's a revised five-speed automatic transmission, a new stability control system, a strengthened chassis, a retuned suspension and stronger brakes. Inside, the optional navigation system has gained voice recognition capability, enhanced graphics and expanded database coverage. There's also a tailgate-mounted rearview camera this year that transmits its view to the display screen when the vehicle is put in reverse. Lastly, Acura will be offering an optional DVD-based entertainment system as a factory option.

• Room for seven passengers or serious amounts of cargo, gutsy V6 engine, well-balanced suspension, top-rated crash test scores, low price.

• Limited off-road capability, below-average tow rating, ho-hum interior design and materials, might have to pay over sticker to get one.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 293.00

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  Thinking of an 03 Acura MDX? Run Away!!!!!! - 2003 Acura MDX
  By mvegastar - February 21 - 2:17 pm

  My husband and I have owned a lot of different makes and models in our time, but we have had the WORST experience with our 03 Acura MDX. We are the 2nd owner of the car, clean carfax report, bought it with 48K miles. Owing it less than 4 yrs, not including regular maint such as oil changes, brakes and tires, we have spent over $15k on repairs! Two transmissions, a motor, a paint job and breaking down on vacations twice to name some if it! This car has been a nightmare and Acura could care less since we bought it used. When reading other reviews, the transmission is clearly a problem, but has there been a recall? Nope. I hope sharing our experience will help others avoid the same pain

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  Documented transmission problems - 2003 Acura MDX
  By tom - September 17 - 10:41 pm

  With problem after problem for my 03 MDX I thought I heard it all when local acura dealer informed me that one out of four 01-03 mdxs will need the transmission replaced! This from a so called luxury car? Check the web and youll see its true. Dont buy this year range, cause youll have a 25% chance of failure.

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  Consistent failures - 2003 Acura MDX
  By techvet - October 2 - 1:59 pm

  I purchased this MDX certified pre owned last year with 30K miles on it and have had nothing but problems with it. I have been to the dealer 6 times in the last 12 months with various engine lights/codes and what I call the Christmas tree - all error lights go off on the dashboard. Sometimes is fixed with loosening the gas cap but most the time has to go to the shop. The dealer will not honor the pre owned warranty so now I am paying for repairs every few months. I bought for brand and this was not a good idea.

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  Piece of junk falling apart - 2003 Acura MDX
  By gwen - June 4 - 10:46 am

  I bought a 2003 MDX a few months ago, a mistake. It had only a little over 60000 miles and is very poorly built. The transmission has problems. The headliner was cut too short and is falling out in the back. The rear window washer is about to fall off. And the right door has a part loose inside that makes a lot of noise when you close it. I would not buy another Acura. This company used to turn out good cars. What happened?

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  ask lots of mdx owner before buying this - 2003 Acura MDX
  By unhappy guy - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Brake problem, click/clunk brake everytime you start this vehicle. Tranmission clunk when shift from drive to reverse, or from drive to park. Gas tank sloshing. It really annoy you with brake noise. Pay more than 40k and you expect these things to exist?. Scary thing is the dealer admit all these problems but cant do a thing to fix it?. THey said these are as "design" ????

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  So disapponited in my MDX and Quality - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Chris D - May 11 - 11:35 am

  I bought my 2003 Acura MDX Brand new and currently it has 40k miles and in that time I have the Rotors and Brakes replaced under warr at least 4 times and all miles are highway and pampered. I have also had the truck at Acura on 4 ocassions for the Steering Wheel control because everytime I raise the volume the station changes and everytime the dealer says it was a bad ground and still cant fix it. I have opened up a complaint with Acura Corporate and bringing my truck again tonight to be fixed. All I can tell you is that I have 8 months left of my lease and I WILL NOT buy another Acura again it has been a big disappointment to spend $40000 on an SUV and deal with these constant problems

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  Dont Bother! - 2003 Acura MDX
  By JoeBl - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This SUV isnt worth the price! I have only owned this car for 3 months and already I am having problems with rattling. The engine is sometimes noisy as well. Ive contacted the dealer and they said thats just how this car is. My car is too new to be rattling like this. Also, the entertainment system doesnt seem too sturdy. This SUV is not worth the high price! Buyer beware!

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  PLEASE SHOP BEFORE YOU BUY... - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Peter S - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I do not feel confortable with writing this since I am an MDX driver but my ownership experience has been EVERYTHING but pleasure.... - Fuel economy is brutal - handling is marginal - interior is very plastic feel - Exteriour design not practical (front end collision) - road noise is japanese style (very loud)..... I suggest you look at the BMW or Lexus before you buy the MDX. Also, Volvo has recently introduced the XC90.... lots of good reviews on it.