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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  Not your typical Honda product at all - 2005 Acura MDX
  By berto - January 12 - 4:13 am

  Exterior is much sportier than the older body style with the new head/tail lights and dual outlet exhaust but still looks somewhat minivan-ish. Interior build quality is outstanding, not extravagant and everything is logically placed. Very minimal body roll and understeer for what it is. Stereo sounds great especially for a base model. Sound deadening is better than any Honda/Acura Ive ever owned. Seats are comfortable--I had to drive 12 hours stopping only for gas and felt fine. Motor is exceptionally torquey for a Honda, but you pay for it at the pump. Acts like an Audi sometimes though--pulsing from rear when turning from a stop, and transmission shifting is somewhat sluggish.

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  2003 MDX Touring - 2003 Acura MDX
  By frankyy - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have researched at least 10 SUV models including RX300, ML 320, ML 320, BMW X5 and Volvo XC 90). Acura MDX is the best one out there. Great value and Acuras high quality. Smoother than I expected.

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  Love it! - 2006 Acura MDX
  By mdxfinally - January 9 - 8:42 pm

  Have owned an Acura Integra for 14yrs. but with two kids, needed a bigger car. This was perfect! Love the drive, visibility, and safety features. Could do without the cheap plastic wood accents on the interior, but otherwise love everything about it!

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  I Love My MDX - 2005 Acura MDX
  By Suzanne - January 8 - 11:42 am

  I have driven a minivan for years and this is my first SUV. We went with the MDX after test driving BMW,Lexus,Volvo. I was not impressed until I drove my Acura! Main reason I chose it..Cargo room, and 3rd row seat is big enough for me or my 17 y/o son! Best of all were the safety rateings. My MDX gets alomost 19mi/per gallon! Dont think thats bad for a 6cyl. Heck I only got 14-16 with my minivan! Wonderful ride in town or longer trips. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for room, safety and looks!

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Acura MDX
  By Nice Vehicle - January 6 - 1:00 am

  Very satisfied owner after 18 months. Great combination of utility, quality, performance, and reliability. Recently completed a long holiday trip in inclement weather, which highlighted this vehicles value proposition---car handled great, giving the driver (me) reassuring confidence, while four other family members stretched out comfortably to snooze, leaving room to spare for holiday luggage/gifts. No regrets thus far on this purchase.

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  Best SUV Ive owned - 2004 Acura MDX
  By GMZ - January 3 - 11:34 am

  We purchased our 2004 MDX w/touring new for 41 grand(about $900 under MSRP). It has been a wonderful vehicle, with a powerful engine, a spacious, functional, and quality built interior. It is very family friendly, with a complaint ride and many cupholders and storage areas. The driving dynamics are also impressive, with balanced steering (though not X5 level) and sporty handling. I have just 1 problem with the MDX. Its interior may be high quality, but lacks some of the classy-look of the BMW X5. The AWD will make for a sure friend, and the MDX handles much better on snow than Lexus RX330. Throw in a bargain price, and its easily a better buy than the X5, RX, or Pilot which I test drove.

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  Best SUV Ive owned - 2005 Acura MDX
  By wm stiehm - January 1 - 10:09 pm

  The MDX is superior in all respects for an SUV. Although the total weight didnt push the specs, I towed a 1100 lb boat and 400 lb trailer 1800 miles with ease and with a feeling of control at all times. This included driving the mountains of NC and NY. Its third seat is handy and I love its muscular look (compare to sister vehicle, the Honda Pilot).

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  great car! - 2005 Acura MDX
  By mell - December 28 - 11:00 pm

  very fun to drive, the dvd player is very nice. very roomy 2nd and 3rd row seating, fits 7 passengers comfortabley or TONS of cargo. navigation system is VERY helpful. very comfortable ride.. but it is a gas hog. goes good in snow and ice.

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  2 Years of Flawless Ownership - 2004 Acura MDX
  By PC MDX - December 28 - 5:33 pm

  I have to admit. This is my first SUV, and it is the best on the market by far. I have had no issues, no complaints, and dealer service as been good as well. Buyers of SUVs should evaluate before purchasing, since it took me 3 months to decide between the Lexus RX, the MDX, and the Pilot. The MDX has the best overall performance, features, turning radius and off road ability as comparable to the Pilot. If a person would like to have simple styling, then go with the Pilot. Better exterior styling then go with the MDX, which was the deciding factor for me.

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  Love it. - 2007 Acura MDX
  By LC - December 24 - 4:33 pm

  The MDX is a very smooth ride, easy to handle and extremely comfortable.