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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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Acura MDX
  By Bill - November 27 - 4:43 pm

  I got a SUV for reasonas associated with a bad back. It has proved to be much more. The MDX is a very comfortable smooth ride with great handling.

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  Questionable reliability - 2009 Acura MDX
  By Sri - November 25 - 1:21 pm

  2009 MDX with less than 4000 miles developed an issue with timing belt and timing belt pulleys. Got it towed to dealer. Dealer told us the front part of engine also got damaged. So they are trying to repair. Filed a complaint with Acura.So far as there was no action from their side as well. I did not pay 46K to get such trouble prone vehicle. People buy acura vehicles because their reliability. It looks like Reliability is getting questionable now.

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  I love my MDX - 2004 Acura MDX
  By shannon williams - November 22 - 2:00 am

  The MDX is an excellent SUV. The rear view camera is great for me when parking and the Navigation system is so easy to understand and use. The MDX gives you a comfortable ride, with seating capacity of seven adults, thanks to third row seat. The sound system is very enjoyable. My only regret now is that I did not get the DVD Entertainment System.

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  Good SUV design Possibly a bad year - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Max - November 20 - 2:37 pm

  At around 75000, my transmission went out and Ive pampered this car since purchase. Luckily still under warranty at the time. Acura says this is highly unusual, though judging from other comments here not exactly so. Have had to replace air vent controls as they keep popping off. I asked Acura as often as this was happening, was this a manufacturer/materials defect or just a poor design (2-piece clip-on). I suspect both. I would expect more from Acura particularly in parts design. All in all a great SUV in general. MPG is about average for SUVs.

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  Loved it... - 2008 Acura MDX
  By Satisfied - November 18 - 2:15 pm

  3 yr lease just expired...Id buy again. I absolutely loved this car. I prefer Honda or Toyota, Acura is my favorite. By the time I had equipped comparable vehicles (BMW, Lexus, actually), there was no comparison in price. Dont get me wrong, BMW and Lexus were fantastic, but about $8K more when comparably equipped. Leasing fit me...I drive 12,000/yr. Gas mileage was just as advertised...sometimes a mile or two better. The ONLY thing I didnt like was the giant shield design on the front...which is now apparently on all Acura vehicles.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Acura MDX
  By Carl R - November 15 - 4:24 pm

  I just came out of an Audi A-8 yet needed a SUV. I normally would not even consider a MDX however my wife bought an Acura RL in April and loved the car the quality and ride was excellent so I elected to look at the MDX. The ride is excellent and the finish is terrific. I felt the interior was nicer than the Q7. The sound system in the vehicle (with the Tech package) is exceptional and better then in my previous Audi, Jaguar and Lexus. I love driving it!

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  20K Miles - Little Flaws - 2008 Acura MDX
  By Norcal221 - November 15 - 9:04 am

  After 20K miles and 24 mos of owning the base model, still a blast to drive on dry, wet or snowy roads. SH-AWD outperforms my 4wd 08 Tahoe. Had electrical glitches that the dealer had to fix: CD player failed, exterior temp. thermometer failed, sunroof failed. 2nd stage clearcoat not premium-needs to be detailed every 6 mos or so to restore the like-new luster. Forget the 3rd row seating unless you have little kids no legroom. 2nd row fits 3 adults comfortably. No other problems! Currently averaging 18 mpg & tires starting to fade due to aggressive driving. Worth every penny!

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  Love my MDX! - 2008 Acura MDX
  By Buck - November 12 - 9:48 am

  Best car I have ever driven. I came from a mini van and wanted something more sporty. Handling is great. Easy to parallel park. Turns on a dime. I love how it looks. Few things they should improve on: paint chips easily, bluetooth poor quality, navigation system needs much more updates, coin tray cover broke, running board separated, needs a right arm rest or higher console, a lot of wind noise unless you remove the roof rack, need a place to put my purse. When getting in the car I wish the seat would not advance right away this makes it hard to get in. Had roaring noise in drivers front. We already had to replace the bearings!! Even with all this I still love the car.

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  JUNKWAGON! - 2009 Acura MDX
  By Kim - November 12 - 2:26 am

  Well, two transmissions in the first year of ownership should tell you something. Gas mileage is terrible. Never got more than 15mpg. Rattles like it has 100k miles on it. Dealer stinks and is not very knowledgeable. First and last Honda product.

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  MDX - One of the Best - 2002 Acura MDX
  By R Smith - November 11 - 12:53 pm

  There are many SUVs to choose from but if youre looking for a luxury SUV with the best list of amenities you cant do any better than the MDX. The MDX is one of the few SUVs that offer leather heated seats, a power moon roof, rear seat a/c and heating vents/contols and a third row of seats all standard (touring edition). It is also one of the few that ride like a car. These cars are well worth the wait!