Overview & Reviews
Further honing its already quite capable MDX, Acura has made a number of key improvements for 2003. First up is a 20-horsepower boost, giving the MDX a total of 260. To support the increased power, there's a revised five-speed automatic transmission, a new stability control system, a strengthened chassis, a retuned suspension and stronger brakes. Inside, the optional navigation system has gained voice recognition capability, enhanced graphics and expanded database coverage. There's also a tailgate-mounted rearview camera this year that transmits its view to the display screen when the vehicle is put in reverse. Lastly, Acura will be offering an optional DVD-based entertainment system as a factory option.
- Room for seven passengers or serious amounts of cargo, gutsy V6 engine, well-balanced suspension, top-rated crash test scores, low price.
- Limited off-road capability, below-average tow rating, ho-hum interior design and materials, might have to pay over sticker to get one.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 293.00-
TRANSMISSION - 2003 Acura MDX
By JB - December 24 - 11:29 pmI bought this car with 43,000 miles on it in Nov 2006. Car was fantastic. When I bought the car I went for the 12 month extended warranty for an extra $1200. About 11 months into owning the car I got a check engine light and flashing D5 light. Took it to the Acura dealer. Trans DEAD!!! They replaced it for free since it was under warranty and gave me a loaner while they did it. So then about 2 years ago I notice the trans slamming into gear. Changed fluid....same crap. So October 2014 D4 blinking light and check engine light AGAIN!!! Car would not switch out 4th gear. I took it to a trans place and had the trans totally rebuilt new Valve body, PC, gears and synchros. The builder took pics of the trans it was HORRIBLE all burned up and stuff. So what Honda does is place the trans cooler into the Rad so I have no idea how but the cooling fluid got into the trans fluid probably because trans cooler in the rad and ruined the trans. So the builder added an EXTERNAL trans cooler. So now just a few days ago.....D5 blinking light. But no check engine light and car drives fine. I took the car back to the builder and he said there were no trans codes in the history or anything. Im so done with this car. I am VERY VERY disappointed in Honda. All the Honda 5sp Autos are pure garbage and they should be ashamed of themselves. Other than the 2 trans I had to replace the car is awesome. But that trans ruins it! I cant believe Honda acting like they have no idea why this is happening. STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR!!!! STAY AWAY!!! But an MDX with the new 6spd auto.
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I love my MDX - 2003 Acura MDX
By andy3631 - March 23 - 2:09 amI have had my Acura for about 7 years now and I absolutely love it. I bought it with 70,000 miles on it and I currently have 209,000 miles. I have never had any major problems with it. I actually drove about 2000 miles from Chicago to California and it drove great. I hope to have it for another 200,000 miles.
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2 yr 3 month ownership (happy) - 2003 Acura MDX
By logun - May 17 - 3:21 pmBought this SUV for my wife in late 2009 early 2010, with 74,500 miles on it. Weve put 23,000 miles on it (+ or -). Weve had it dealer maintained as it was from the previous owner (we r 2nd owner). Weve made sure to maintain the transmission (both frnt & rear diffs as well) as AWD or 4 x 4 vehicles require this otherwise it breaks. We have replaced shocks, struts, motor mounts, window regulator & a tensioner set. The pwr steering does quit when we hit a large puddle till the belt dries (within a few sec.) Otherwise its been a great vehicle. She even runs low to mid grade octane gas without issue.
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Thinking of an 03 Acura MDX? Run Away!!!!!! - 2003 Acura MDX
By mvegastar - February 21 - 2:17 pmMy husband and I have owned a lot of different makes and models in our time, but we have had the WORST experience with our 03 Acura MDX. We are the 2nd owner of the car, clean carfax report, bought it with 48K miles. Owing it less than 4 yrs, not including regular maint such as oil changes, brakes and tires, we have spent over $15k on repairs! Two transmissions, a motor, a paint job and breaking down on vacations twice to name some if it! This car has been a nightmare and Acura could care less since we bought it used. When reading other reviews, the transmission is clearly a problem, but has there been a recall? Nope. I hope sharing our experience will help others avoid the same pain
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Keeps on going - 2003 Acura MDX
By rquigley1 - January 14 - 1:31 pmI was the 2nd owner. Bought in 4 years ago with 100k on the odometer. Super reliable. Changed timing belt at 140k and follow the service recommendations. I do all my own work from fluids to plugs etc. Read some posts about a tranny shift problem and noticed a little hesitation around 170k. I did a triple flush of the AT fluid and care is running just fine. I expect to get it to 200k and then buy the current body style acura. Only real problem is a hum in the stereo and loud whine in the rear dvd system after about an hour of operation. For the money- a super car.
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Great Ride Except for Transmission - 2003 Acura MDX
By justman - September 14 - 6:46 pmI love my MDX, but now have to to trade it in and dont want to or have $5,000 for a new one. These SUVs are known to have transmission problems, wish I would have known that before I spent so much on it. But, I will say, I bought mines brand new and have had it for 8 years with now major issues. Just normally wear and tear. Would love to get another one, but Acura still has issues with the tranny. So, I think Im going to go green and get a KIA Sorento. Better gas mileage and it doesnt cost so much.
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Would buy it again if not for transmission issues - 2003 Acura MDX
By texan100 - June 15 - 4:05 pmI got CPO MDX after lot of research and consumerReports guide which rated MDX as the BEST suv. I did drive for 5 years and was very happy with my car. I never had major issues and never paid any money from my pocket as it was all under warranty. They did find problem with engine mounts, battery and some tubes that needed cleaning which was all taken care by Acura warranty. I did regular maintenance. Dealer did charge me 600 or so for 60k mile service. Last year I did find that car was not going smooth. It was driving rough sometimes and smooth other times. I also read about transmission issues when it hits 100k. Since mine hit 92k I sold it.
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Great car! - 2003 Acura MDX
By gardner3 - May 22 - 12:00 pmThis car overall is great! Its roomy, comfortable, smooth to drive, has power and looks good. The sound system is nice, heated seats work well, seats fold, and I generally had no problems in long drives.
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Wish it would last forever! - 2003 Acura MDX
By Mom Driver - May 29 - 8:47 amLove my MDX and have had no major problems. My brake pads have been replaced several times, common for heavy SUVs. Vent knob spontaneously broke when I touched it a few months ago--sounds like this happens often with MDXs. Plastic trim on drivers seat has come off--also common. So far drive train and transmission work fine, but at 65K, I wonder how long that will last. Dont like style of new MDX as much! Too flashy! Want to keep this one as long as possible.
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Transmission Problems - 2003 Acura MDX
By RL - April 28 - 7:01 pmBought the vehicle certified and thank god I did. Three transmissions later and numerous minor fixes. Dont buy any MDX earlier than 2006 or you will be at the dealership often.
