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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  Perfect - 2005 Acura MDX
  By keehn - January 30 - 12:03 pm

  After a 2-month search and test drives of the FX-45, RS-330, Touareg, SRX, & XC-90, I short-listed the Lexus RS-330 and the MDX. I found the MDX to be the all around winner.

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  The 07 is the best - 2007 Acura MDX
  By John - January 26 - 4:00 pm

  This is my 7th SUV and my 3rd MDX. The 07 MDX is in a class by itself. I shopped other brands. Handling and quick steering response are greatly improved. Interior and exterior are beautiful. The manual shift mode is fun. The drivers comfort and positioning with instruments and gear shift were well conceived. I would have liked to have had items in the entertainment package such as electric tail gait and heated second row seats. 3rd row seats are still cramped. Missing are the automatic wipers, and auto dimming mirror (which didnt work with the privacy glass in the rear). This is a thrilling car to drive and own. I wouldnt trade it for the more expensive BMW X3 or Mercedes.

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  REALTOR praises his MDX - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Marcel - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Tremendous quality! Former Jeep Grand Cherokee owner. I will never go back. Great traction, superb handling, no noises, best gps out there. Value packed with style.

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  Happy owner - 2004 Acura MDX
  By Bourdeau - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Have owned various Acuras since the 1986 Legend and they all have been good for 150,000 miles plus. Reliability is a big factor. The current MDX replaces a Ford Explorer, 1999 and the change is monumental. There are a few areas where the interior could be a little more user friendly, but overall, it is a joy to drive.

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  More Than Satisfied! - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Rhinoact - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding automobile! Extensively researched and test drove Acura, Lexas, BMW and Mercedes SUVs. Much to my surprise, the clear winner MDX. Have made numerous eight hour family trips in the MDX from our home in S. Calif. to our Lake Tahoe cabin. During these trips, the MDX has experienced temperatures of +115 F through the Mohave desert to -5 F in Lake Tahoe. Nothing seems to phase the MDX. We average 21 - 22 mpg on these trips and the ride is comfortable and quiet. The engine is powerful and has plenty of passing power when needed. My wife and I both agree that this is by far the best vehicle that we have ever owned.

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  Pleased, but engineering lags BMW - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Castanha - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Generally very pleased with my MDX after six months. It has met expectations. Excellent performance and handling for this class of vehicle. It does fall short on a number of fronts to my BMW540i. Significantly more engineering, refinement and execution in Bimmer sun roof, doors, heated seats, and auto wipers, for example. A lot less wind noise from open Bimmer sun roof, better controls, and cleaner less "industrial" look from interior when open, for example BMW auto wipers that perform much more consistently than on Acura. Also, get some excessively wind noise (off roof rack, I think) at around 70 mph.

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  Retirement present to myself - 2001 Acura MDX
  By Michael F. Miller - January 8 - 2:00 am

  I did a lot of research before buying this vehicle. I have not been disappointed! It is fun to drive, nice to look at, and the resale value aint bad either. I am starting to look at another vehicle, a 04 MDX. I just have to have that back up camera! Do not doubt this one, buy it!

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  Solid Car - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Jamesbuffalony - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the Last remaining 2003 model left on the lot for about $700 less than TMV. Car has been wonderful, great in the snow, great ride, wonderful interior quality, engine smooth, transmission pretty good, suspension excellent for an SUV. interior room great, rear seats ok, last row good for kids. mileage typical for an suv (poor). Accidentally closed the garage door on the roof. Acura service was top notch. Very honest professional and courteous. This car is A STEAL for the $$$. And you dont have to deal with the pretensiousness from the german dealers.

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  Brother to purchaser - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Jerry Randolph - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Having driven with my sister in her newly purchased 2002 MDX, the solidness, the control of the steering mechanism, the voluntary movement of the inner controls of the car taking turns, curves, up and dowwnhill movements were excellent.

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  ccool - 2003 Acura MDX
  By okidoki4 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Very well built, solid vehicle, lots of cargo room