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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  Not So Great MDX - 2003 Acura MDX
  By JoeMDX - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has been nothing more than a major disappointment. Since purchasing the vehicle in Septemebr, the MDX has been back to the dealer four times for electrical problems, a battery problem and finally a brake problem. The dealer has been supportive and understanding but this MDX is a waste of money. We may have the one bad apple but this should never happen.

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  Best For Four - 2008 Acura MDX
  By OC MDX - June 1 - 6:53 pm

  If you are moving 4 adults, this is the best vehicle in the segment. Lots of others have uncomfortable second row seats. It is as fun to drive as something this size can be. Great power to weight ratio once you are rolling. Great highway cruiser, effortless and it does not wear you out in transit. We have not gotten to really use the 4WD yet. We have had it for 7 months.

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  A fun SUV with a few bugs - 2008 Acura MDX
  By G - June 1 - 9:48 am

  Bought this car after comparing with the Q7 and X3. Very happy with the engine and chassis, not so with transmission. Fav part is the electronic damping control - when it works. The system went down a few times with scary warning sign on gauge - and car rides like a boat when EDC is down. Dealership tried but was not able to fix it properly. Will try again.

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  Great Car in ALMOST every way - 2004 Acura MDX
  By Richard S7 - May 29 - 5:23 am

  This was my second Acura MDX that has gone over 100,000 miles. I absolutely love this vehicle. It has been virtually trouble free. No matter where I go and rent cars or SUVs, it always feels great getting back to my MDX. The only complaint is that it gets only 17 MPG overall. That used to be okay -- but now with gas over $4.00 a gallon, it gets expensive. BUT, since its so darn reliable, I am not putting any money into it for repair so it works out.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Acura MDX
  By richard mcmullen - May 27 - 8:58 pm

  I have owned 3 Hondas and 2 Acuras before. I had an 05 MDX and a 02 TL-S. I am very disappointed in the rigid ride of this vehicle. I have the base model. My 05 was softer and a more comfortable ride. I feel every bump in the road. I am suprised that Acura would not leave the base model as a more comfortable ride and give the stiffer ride to the sport package. There is a soft thump thump when I first start the car and reach 20 mph. I dont know if it is transmission, engine or suspension knock. There is a rattle on the pass door somewhere. The shifter is on the left of the center console and gets in the way of my right knee/leg. Info center is too small and in wrong place. No compass.

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  Id buy it again - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Alexandra Azevedo - May 27 - 2:00 am

  It rides very good and smooth. Could have more room in the front, I had a Town and Country before so I fell a little tight sometimes. 3rd row is confortable,my 10 year old rides there all the time.There are lots of room for cargo in the back. If you consider an entertainment system, get it factory installed, Im having a hard time to get one, it is difficult to install because of the sunroof, and the headrest would only fit a 4" monitor, too small...Plus, there is not much room for a dvd player under the seats. My kids are disappointed! I enjoy driving my MDX and most of all I enjoy my Bose sound system!

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  Super Handling AWD - 2008 Acura MDX
  By JP - May 26 - 3:33 pm

  One of the best handling vehicles Ive ever owned. Feels much more like a sedan than an SUV (once it gets rolling). Averaging about 20 MPG, feels like less since the tank is relatively small. Stereo is very good. Oil changes are expensive since it requires synthetic oil.

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  i want another - 2002 Acura MDX
  By mdxking - May 26 - 3:50 am

  I cant belive i waited 5 months for the vehicle, but it was worth the wait. The standered features are unbelivable. I never thought i would use the navigation system, but it is a lifesaver i dont have to get out and ask for directions.(male thing) After my brother saw my vehicle he went and ordered one to. he only has to wait 3 months.(no fair) Life goes on.

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  Great CUV overall - 2008 Acura MDX
  By josephd05 - May 21 - 9:30 am

  I am 64" and find the seating comfort to be superb. The Sport suspension is fantastic. In comfort mode, it soaks up all the bumps. In Sport mode, I feel like Im driving a sports sedan. This is a fantastic vehicle, but not without faults. 1. AM radio sounds terrible, very muffled. 2. Telescopic steering wheel should extend out a couple of more inches. 3. Bluetooth is okay, but does not automatically activate if I make the call from my blackberry. You have to make the call from the car itself, very annoying. Thats about it. Overall I am very pleased.

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  MDX - 2005 Acura MDX
  By G. Davies - May 18 - 10:46 am

  I test drove a number of vehicles and did a lot of homework prior to deciding on the MDX. I do mostly in city driving and have been amazed at the smooth, quiet, drive and supurb handling. On the highway, it handles equally as well. Its comfortable and provides everything I need. I only wish I got the Navi system!!!! Although Edmunds states the MDX is bland and ho hum, I think its a classy and understated look of quality.