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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  Rides like a go-cart - 2005 Acura MDX
  By edavis - July 25 - 11:23 pm

  When I first purchased by Acura, I loved it. But after the first year and several miles later the suspension is terrible. It bounces like a go-cart and the brakes are pretty scary too. I believe that it is the front wheel drive that causes the problem with this SUV. The dealer tells me that I have to come in and spend $600 to reset the suspension to the original factory specs, this must be a recurring problem with this vehicle. The air conditioner also makes a loud rattling sound.

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  a - 2005 Acura MDX
  By rachelc - July 19 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle, very reliable and comfortable...great navigation and dvd system

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  Best of all cars Ive owned, including S500 - 2017 Acura MDX
  By Anthony - July 18 - 11:02 pm

  Overall, an excellent piece of engineering and design. Its not 100% perfect on design, but its pretty darn close. Let me summarize simply with Pros and Cons. PROS are: Awesome handling with SH-AWD, I mean really awesome. Just about as good as my E92 M3, I totally mean that, for all intents and purposes on the street. The semi-autonomous driving features are great. The Lane Keeping system, the Adaptive Cruise Control with Follow, Blind spot warning, all make it ALOT safer to drive in these days of distracted driving. You must study the functionality of each system to know when you can and should not rely on them. But overall I find them productive and adding to safety for me and those around me. Comfort is 8.5 of 10. Seats are not super duper, but definitely more than acceptable. You can customize the crap out of all the systems, and if you read the 500 page manual like I did, you will be amazed at what this car can do. Walk away auto locking system is quite nice. WIth the right setup in the menu, you never, ever have to take the key out of your pocket/purse. Just walk in, walk out, the car does exactly what you want, when you want it, and you just never touch a button on the remote, EVER. Worried about the car being locked? You can send it a message via your remote, querying the lock status, and Ive tested that at 100 yards remote distance, no problem! Engine is satisfactory - it aint a Porsche, BMW, but it gets the job done. The 9 spd tranny does fine! All these complaints about transmission hunting around for a gear, but I have not noticed it. Auto engine stop awesome, auto brake hold system awesome. Headlights are freaking amazing, SO BRIGHT. Sound system is 8.5/10. I have heard better, but this is totally fine. Mileage is pretty darn good, on a freeway going about 65 you can easily get 25mpg if not closer to 28-29mpg. CONS: the navigation system sort of sucks, compared to Google Maps. You cant beat Google with its machine learning and real-time mobile updates on traffic etc. Plus the processor powering the Nav and the Phone menus is slow and outdated. But usable if you have to. One huge con is for USB flash drives, the search functionality is AWFUL, as you can only scroll the huge list of songs or folders, you cannot search by Artist, Title, etc.... If you want to bring your own music, you better have a large iPOD, in which case the Search/Selection functionality is reasonable. OVERALL: definitely a car you will enjoy taking road trips with.

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  A great car to drive and looks good too! - 2003 Acura MDX
  By cmh - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever purchased. It drives like a car and handles the road great. For the first time I was not afraid to drive in the snow. I could feel the 4 wheel drive kick in just when needed. The kids love the flexibility of sitting in the middle seat or all the way in the back for some private time. Our only regret was not getting the DVD system.

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  A+ - 2003 Acura MDX
  By matthewjoshua - July 5 - 10:00 am

  The MDX is excellent and fun to drive -- - very roomy and lots of cargo space. It is quiet and surely drives like a car. Has lots of power and real easy to drive. It is also fuel economy. I love its 2003 overall look. I am so glad that I bought the MDX. Its worth the money. Thank you.

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  love it! - 2005 Acura MDX
  By rsl82472 - July 4 - 5:06 am

  I love this car and I think everyone who has one does! I love how custumizable they are, you rarely see two the same, unless they are base models with-out accessories. When people personalize their MDX generally youll they often com up with their own combinations to creat a unique look. But surprisingly Acura doesnt offer any rim choices.

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  Better than my RX 300 - 2002 Acura MDX
  By Jmac - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Had an RX300 before the MDX.MDX much better in my opinion. Better turning circle, bigger front seats, quieter moonroof.

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  2002 Acura Mdx - 2002 Acura MDX
  By Wade Kappen - June 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Mdx from acura of orange park. the service was wonder ful, and i got a good deal. i can say that this car is absolutely loaded with features, for a good price. it is a good performer, highway cruiser, and city trasportation. It is very luxurious and comfy, and it completely outweighs its competition. This car is the best that i have ever owned, and i would very strongly reccommend it. It is an awesome car.

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  2003 Base Model in Sagebrush - 2003 Acura MDX
  By popejohn - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car for almost two months now. Very satisfied with the looks, ride, and quality. Car actually has more power and driving comfort than I expected. I have to remind myself I am driving an SUV and not go too fast into curves - it really feels like driving a much smaller vehicle. Really like the Sagebrush color - looks very dark at night, but looks almost grey in sunlight. Gets decent gas mileage - 17.5 mpg in mostly city driving.

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  Wind noise warrior - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Paul SR - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I have driven the MDX for over 1400 miles. I traded in a 2000 Lexus RX 300. The comparison is shark: Lexus quiet----Acura very noisy Lexus comfort---Acura hard and rough Lexus fit and finish outstanding----Acura not close Lexus engine okay----Acura great Lexus adequate room---Acura huge Overall---Lexus a better vehicle, sorry I bought the Acura