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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  Kick ass sports sedan with SUV cargo space. - 2010 Acura MDX
  By Pedro Rivera - September 12 - 1:32 pm

  I was looking for an SH-AWD TL, but after a long story with a dealer ended up with this MDX; and LOVE IT!!! It is a fast SUV, with sports sedan like feel. Loving the dealers screw up!!!

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  This is a great vehicle - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Bruce - September 12 - 10:20 am

  I have owned my MDX for almost 2 years and have not had any problems. I drove it from Ohio to California and averaged 23 MPG. The seats are comfortable, the navigation system superb and the storage area large. It goes great in the Ohio winters too.

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  07 Red MDX - 2007 Acura MDX
  By Jose A Ramos - September 9 - 8:20 am

  Comfortable ride although Ive experienced a little bit of wind and road noise.

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  Nice ride, poor quality components - 2003 Acura MDX
  By CalJuls - September 4 - 3:44 pm

  Purchased our MDX with 41K on it and performance was good for about a year. The room inside is great except the third row - tight fit - the ride is nice. Serious quality issues with interior components and auto seats. Driver regulator bolt snapped in half - cost to repl 1,500 - the finger controls for air vents snapped off - 275.00 ea to repl the vent modules - cant just repl the finger control pieces that snap off. I went to Acura based on their reputation and being a past loyal Honda driver - I am disappointed - hv 97K miles now and getting 18 mpg - all sched main service has been followed. Being told to consider trade in by my dealer cause my next regular sched main will be costly - 2K.

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  Mr - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Edward Bianchina - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle. Fun to drive and comfortable. Interior very functional.

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  Bling Bling - 2003 Acura MDX
  By GMoneyGrill - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my fully-loaded 2003 MDX since March and I absolutely love it! Ive researched it since 2001 and found it to be the best all-around SUV for the money. Love the 260 HP and after owning it for almost 6 months (11,000 miles already), I found things I like and dislike. I like the power/torque, 5- speed tranny! style, features (ala- backup camera, navi system- breadcrumbs!, DVD-wireless headphones, moonroof, memory/heated FRONT SEATS, BOSE stereo, auto wiper/headlights, and 2nd/3rd row fold-flat seats. Things I dislike are the lack of storage in the front area, premium gas, towing capacity, no dead pedal, navi system seems outdated, interior plastics.

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  Dont buy - 2004 Acura MDX
  By Steve Jones - September 3 - 8:37 pm

  This vehicle has been the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. In the last 5 months, I have spent over a $1000 on the transmission (torque converter and another switch) and another $700 on the power steering (a loud whine). Both of these problems have numerous complaints against them, but Acura wont do anything since its not under warranty. There are service bulletins out for these issues, but Acura wont do anything until forced to by a recall.

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  Outstanding Family Vehicle - 2005 Acura MDX
  By IZJ - September 3 - 5:30 pm

  The MDX is overall a truly outstanding family vehicle. Ours has 74,000 miles of intense use and wear. The balance of comfort, utility, passenger space, cargo room, handling and performance is remarkable. Honda is a packaging genius for figuring out how to create so much space in a reasonably compact vehicle. Acceleration is good for a heavy vehicle. Interior room is excellent and the leather seats are comfortable and durable. Many long road trips have been completed with enjoyment and ease. My wife and I have 3 children, aged 4-11. Gas mileage is solid, 16 city, 24-25 pure highway. An early electrical problem was fixed and we have had no other issues. We will keep our MDX for years.

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  Dont believe the MPG estimates! - 2006 Acura MDX
  By Leet - August 29 - 3:18 pm

  If it were not for the mileage, this would be my favorite SUV (owned Suburban, Tahoe and Jimmy). The vehicle cant meet the minimum mpg rating. We drive this vehicle 50/50 hwy/city and are not getting crazy with the accelerator. Its sad that I sold my perfectly running 03 Suburban for something I was told would get 17- 23 mpg and it only gets 1 mpg better than my 03 Suburban. VERY disappointing...dont believe the salesman!

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  Awesome SUV with good gas mileage - 2009 Acura MDX
  By zisimom - August 29 - 9:41 am

  This is my 3rd Acura and 6th Honda product and I love it. I live in Washington, DC and with almost 100% city driving I am getting 19.5 mpg overall. That is awesome city mileage for a full-size, comfortable 3 row SUV. It is comfortable, easy for the kids and very intuitive. The entertainment system can be "driven" 100% by the back seat passenger (in my case a 10 year old) which leaves me free to listen to satellite radio. Holds everything I need it to. One big feature for me, even with the 3rd row up theres enough room in the rear for kids school backpacks, some sports gear or groceries. The SH-AWD satisfies even my BMW loving husband who drives a 2009 535xi. He was pleasantly surprised.