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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  2 yr 3 month ownership (happy) - 2003 Acura MDX
  By logun - May 17 - 3:21 pm

  Bought this SUV for my wife in late 2009 early 2010, with 74,500 miles on it. Weve put 23,000 miles on it (+ or -). Weve had it dealer maintained as it was from the previous owner (we r 2nd owner). Weve made sure to maintain the transmission (both frnt & rear diffs as well) as AWD or 4 x 4 vehicles require this otherwise it breaks. We have replaced shocks, struts, motor mounts, window regulator & a tensioner set. The pwr steering does quit when we hit a large puddle till the belt dries (within a few sec.) Otherwise its been a great vehicle. She even runs low to mid grade octane gas without issue.

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  Lemon from the factory - 2002 Acura MDX
  By bfoley80 - April 29 - 9:19 pm

  Bought the vehicle brand new off the lot and from day 01 the vehicle had issues, i.e. bubbles in the paint, EGR valve recalls (numerous), etc. The latest is the transmission. This is the second one in 160K miles. The first one was under warranty & the second was while still under warranty as well, however the Sunnyvale Acura dealership did not identify it and has now changed ownership & theyre not taking responsibility. The repair will be between $5K~$7K. This is the 1st and last Acura which I will ever buy. They use the term "Luxury Vehicle" - dont be fooled. My prior Lexus was a true Luxury Vehicle, over 250K miles on the trannie w/ no issues.

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  Dont be a Dummy from 3 Transmissions - 2002 Acura MDX
  By davesocal - April 18 - 2:58 pm

  Bought this MDX new with all options. At 55,000 had the transmission replaced using my extended warranty (1 month shy of expiration and any work done under the warranty or extension it is only good thru the end of the extension date, meaning I only had one month of warranty on the new transmission). This transmission died at 88,000 mi. 6k replacement from the dealer, which was whittled down to 2 thousand. This car has been babied thru the dealer servicing since purchase. Service managers admit the design is faulty. And mentioned I was lucky to get this much use before the transmissons died ! DO NOT PURCHASE THIS CAR USED !!! YOU WILL HAVE A PROBLEM !!!

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  Disappointed- Inconvenient Car - 2012 Acura MDX
  By tcars1 - April 8 - 6:03 pm

  Had 3 months, car is not convenient, there are feature which make you wonder who thought of this? Obviously someone not driving but designing the car. If you get the car you will see what I mean. You can open the power lift gate with the key or with a button in the driver door but the power lift gate DOES NOT work with the truck button. Sure it releases the trunk and then you have to yank it up but its not powered…but is on the down slope. If you walk up to the car and it is open, you can’t simply hold all of your bags and “touch” the hatch door handle…no you have to open the trunk. You cannot open the power lift gate without first unlocking the entire car. Say you are at the stor

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  MDX - 2011 Acura MDX
  By babydo - April 4 - 11:27 pm

  I totally love my MDX, awswome suv. I feel very classy when i drive it...MY family and I are very happy with it.

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  MDX torque converter failures - 2010 Acura MDX
  By curious52 - March 29 - 3:40 pm

  There are many, many MDX owners out there who have experienced torque converter failures over the years from 2002 up to 2010. For newer models there has JUST been a recall, within the last month. New software needs to be installed by the dealer. Be sure to ask if this recall applies to your car. My TC was replaced two months ago in my 2010 vehicle. I find it interesting that only now has Acura accepted the fact that a general problem has existed across many years of the MDX production. This damages my long-time positive feelings about Acura automobiles.

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  Aggressive styling, great value & a blast to drive - 2011 Acura MDX
  By gdh12 - March 3 - 9:51 am

  Unlike any other vehicle we have owned, after 16 months and 30k miles, I still get excited at every opportunity to drive our MDX. I love the unique, aggressive styling and, after driving large SUVs for many years, the sports car feel and performance of the MDX makes it a blast to drive. The interior is roomy, high quality and very comfortable. Second row seats are comparable to front seats - very comfortable for adults or children. The technology and entertainment packages are outstanding - best nav and DVD systems I have seen. Voice activation features work great. We average about 16 mpg in mostly city driving, but get 20-21 on freeway trips, better at lower highway speeds.

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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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  2012 Acura MDX w/ tech package at 2,000 miles - 2012 Acura MDX
  By bill2219 - January 31 - 5:24 pm

  I never thought I would own a "gas guzzling SUV” until taking a long test drive in an MDX. I had planned to buy a smaller 4x4 such as the Acura RDX or Honda CRV, but the MDX has the road manners of a smaller, sporty vehicle along with every convenience and safety feature I wanted. Gas mileage was a concern until it returned over 21 mpg on 1,000 mile round trip while fully loaded that mostly exceeded legal Interstate speeds. I expect better when it is broken in. The ability to control so many vehicle functions by voice is amazing and the Acura navigation system (reputedly the best on the planet) even knows its way around the back woods of South Carolina!

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  Traded down to Trade up! - 2012 Acura MDX
  By wayne91 - January 29 - 10:17 pm

  I traded my 2011 QX56 for the 2012 MDX. Why? Well, I am looking to downsize my life while not giving up everything. Then MDX offers all I need and what I want. Versatility, sportiness, comfort, performance, and better MPG. Thought about LEXUS, MERCEDES, and found the pricing too high. The Range Rover does not provide the reliability and resale of ACURA.