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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  hate the ac - 2002 Acura MDX
  By driverx - October 25 - 2:00 am

  n/a

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  Acura hits a home run - again! - 2007 Acura MDX
  By Dave - October 24 - 5:30 pm

  This is my second MDX - the first being an 02 Touring model with Nav. Drove it 77,000 miles with no problems. The 07 picks up where the 02 left off - more power, more comfort, and improved body styling. The Tech package provides a whole new level of controls that are voice-activated and user friendly. No more touch-screen input. Im absolutely delighted with this vehicle.

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  Buyers Remorse - 2009 Acura MDX
  By davidb - October 22 - 11:11 pm

  Ive bought at least 10 cars over my life and always been 100% satisfied. For the first time I feel I made a huge mistake. Ive got 1500 miles on a new MDX and Ive decided to get rid of the damned thing. Engine noise reminds me of a 4 cylinder Camry, the transmission is jerky, particularly when downshifting - take your foot off the gas at 60 and the engine immediately starts dragging you down, almost like no overdrive. The front seats are exhausting if you sit in them over an hour. And the steering is way too stiff and the indentations on the wheel are spaced too far apart. I took at least 4 or 5 test drives and for the life of me I dont know how I missed these details.

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  Update after 10 months - 2008 Acura MDX
  By oscarkat3 - October 21 - 11:57 pm

  I still love driving this vehicle but the quality is a bit of a let down. There are a few rattles including a loud one from the passenger seat. The radio settings malfunction sporadically. The A/C makes whistling noises that sound like brakes squealing. The dealer finally acknowledged some of the problems but they never adequately addressed all the problems either. These are minor problems but a disappointment because I had a higher expectation of reliability. I still love all the positives about the MDX. I plan on keeping it for a while but I dont know if I will buy an Acura again?

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  Bad Humming Noise - 2004 Acura MDX
  By tedelco - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a 2004 Acura MDX SUV for about two months. This car has caused me many problems. When I drive at an engine speed of 2000 RPMS I can hear an annoying, constant humming noise. The Acura dealer has checked it a number of times and tell me it is normal and cannot do anything about it. I have also contacted the Acura Manufacturer and they have given me the same reply. I do not know what else I can do. To all future 2004 Acura MDX SUV costumers: when you take a test drive for this car, make sure to listen for this noise when the engine speed reaches about 2000 RPMS. Thank you.

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  best suv on the road - 2008 Acura MDX
  By nic - October 15 - 8:57 pm

  Great ride for the buck, we love car like ride. Great performance inside and out, Acura did a great job building this luxury suv, anyone who likes to drive an suv this one is definitely the pick

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  Great, but not perfect... - 2007 Acura MDX
  By alain - October 6 - 2:45 pm

  Bought this a year ago new and its 13k later. Dont let the 300hp engine fool you. This SUV has much less pick up than my 01 V8 Grand Cherokee which it replaced (I leave on hills and the car cant stay 60mph on 5th and takes a long time to shift to 4th which is way too high rpm) - but slightly better gas mileage for a larger car (the onboard mile computer is off by the way). Rear camera takes 10 sec when backing up (making it much less useful). Also mismatching color bumper is tacky IMO for $45k car (I picked silver body which blends the best). Instrument cockpit is WAY too busy with DVD/nav system (and Im a techy).

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  Better mpg than advertised - 2008 Acura MDX
  By Cindy - October 5 - 12:06 am

  Shortly after buying our MDX, we went a 2,000 mile trip, mostly freeway miles with lots of mountains, averaged 22.9 mpg. That was a relief as I was fearful it might be even worse. The more we drove it, the more we liked it. Great combination of fun, comfort, and utility. Better visibility than originally thought. Never met a hill we couldnt keep accelerating up. I am almost 62", my husband is 63", we both have plenty of room up front and in the rear outboard seats, but the center second row seat is not for full- sized adults. This is basically a 4 person vehicle. My previous car was a 2006 TL, which sat too low for me, the MDX has a good step out height and is easy to get into and out of.

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  Brake Rotor Problems - 2008 Acura MDX
  By Brake Problems - October 3 - 10:05 am

  My MDX is mostly a pleasant SUV to drive and own. However, I was surprised when I had problems with the brake rotors at a low mileage and Acura told me that I "brake too hard" and I would "burn" the rotors because of my driving style. Well, I am a rather slow driver and 70 % of my driving is highway driving. I have had 4 Toyota SUVs prior to this one and never had a brake issue. Could there be a quality issue with the rotors on the 2008 MDX? Compared with my previous Toyotas I feel the MDX seats too hard and uncomfortable on longer rides.

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  Fabulous Luxury SUV - 2007 Acura MDX
  By Incredible by MBA - October 2 - 7:33 pm

  I drove the X5 BMW and the Mercedes ML class and neither car can hold a candle to my 07 MDX.This vehicle is as solid as a rock yet moves like a light jet. The technology is superb. Weve put almost 1000 miles on it this month and I cant wait to drive it again