Normally, test driving makes me happy....but it wasn't a happy day for me.
My TL-S was on the verge of failing again, and the 5 years old car is worth literally nothing outside of Acura dealership. I was forced into buying an Acura at the wrong time. (I wanted to see the 07 models)
So I test drove the only car I haven't tried, the RDX.

The good....
1. When turbo kicks in, it's pretty sleek. It feels almost like driving the TL (2006)
2. It handles rather well for a car this heavy, it doesn't really roll. It lean just a bit more than the TL.
3. The interior looks awesome. It's almost like piloting a starship (imaginary of course)
4. gadgets are very nice....(if you are reading this forum, you know what it's got)
5. Center console storage....wow you can actually put a brief case in there
6. Driver seat is very comfy and the power seat has good ranges for us (1 foot difference in height between me and my wife)
7. Transmission was very snappy....good stuff

The bad
1. Ok, who's the idiot that decided the passenger seat will have no power??
2. Where are my memory seats? (see number 6 above....I need memory seats)
3. very, yes I said VERY sluggish until turbo kicks in, and no, I'm not exaggerating
4. No, there is no hiding that turbo lag. Turbo lag was about 3 seconds (perhaps shorter if I step on it a bit harder), that makes driving in the traffic a bit hard
5. No vent for the backseats
6. Price tag, tell me why I should pay more for RDX than MDX?

Yes, I was offered discount on the RDX. The dealer has more RDX in the lot than everything else combined. It just ain't moving.
No, it's a not close enough to the 3k discount I wanted.

I look forward to RDX refresh that would hopefully have memory seats and for 3k less. It's not a bad car for the price. It will be a good typical Acura for 34k.(with tech package of course)

In the mean time, I'm picking among heavily discounted cars in TL, MDX and RL.
Since I'm forced into this buying situation, I might take the cheapest and then trade it back in next year for something I really want.

The bottom line is that I urge you to test drive it, if you haven't done it already. It might not meet my current needs, but it could be perfect fit for you. (especially if you are single)

 

I didn't notice the turbo lag - rather during the test drives we took, it seemed like the turbo wanted to just take off. The RDX was raring to go - no hesitation whatsoever. I hear you though about the memory seats - same with us - hubby's 6' and I'm just over 5' and small framed. When he drives my vehicles he tends to muck things up a bit.

I'm surprised that you would pay less on an MDX than an RDX. Here there is still quite a difference. As well, it all depends on what you like. I don't care for SUVs much at all, so anything I get has to be way-yyy smaller than those huge MDX's, etc. Plus, really, the MDX just looks like a vehicle for a family or an older person - not racey or sporty looking - and I'm already old enough

Here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the RDX's are moving so fast that the dealer's can't keep them in their lots. One guy I talked to bought his without even test driving it!! Another bought his sight unseen!! Wierd.

Thanks for sharing all your good info.!

 

Seems to be in everyone's nature to be a bit more picky when rolling into high dollar car/suv/cuv/abc123... I'm sure if the RDX has a $32K price point which included the Tech package, the 3 second lag, passenger power seat, etc. - these will all clearly be a distant memory...

I myself will not buy with the current MSRP, unless they can satisfy my requirements.

 

Just to clarify the MDX and RDX pricing in my area.......
They were actually the same price after RDX was discounted.
And I'm talking about MDX with touring and nav, and RDX with tech package.

Also, this is only my observation, do take it for what it's worth. If anything I mentioned is important to you, confirm it either way yourself. I'm not responsibile for your decision to or against buying a RDX

 

I do not think that it's fair to compare a brand new model (RDX) with something that is going to be completely dated within then next month or so (MDX). Trust me, the new MDX will be quite a few thousands more than the RDX :-)

BTW, I really like the higher price point of the new Acuras. I think that the price of RDX is quite justified, considering what you get with the vehicle (OK, the lack of passenger memory seat and autodim mirror is a bit disappointing, but the other bells and whistles are all present!). I also think that it will take some time before people will get used to this - my guess is that Acura will no longer just be the "value luxury" brand. Instead, it will be the "performance luxury" brand. In the end, it is going to raise the brand prestige. Isn't that what we want?

 

you got it ALL wrong brah, it's what YOU want. If I wanted performance luxury, I'd get myself a european car - nuff said.

 

so they can get rid of all the 06 mdx's now for the 07 rdx... which will be way more then the 06 mdx... dealers are offering me 5k off the mdx if i take it... they were pissed that i said i wanted to ORDER and WAIT for a rdx..

 

Makes sense they'd be annoyed. Everyone over here wants the RDX, but the dealer's stuck with a bunch of MDX's sitting on the lot - in the show room, there'll be like 9 couples hanging around the RDX while the MDX gets ignored. According to the sales manager, Acura dropped a bunch of MDX's on the dealerships since it's getting late in the year, and issued the instructions to get rid of them. Must be getting ready for the 2007 MDX I guess.

 

Great ride!!

I find this car to be more fun than my '05 RL (although a bit less silky).
• Very peppy and sporty
• NO turbo lag at all -- zooms up to 30 mph
• Great seats
• Great tech (got the tech pkg)
• Great view and seat height
• Looks great in black

Only negatives: No seat memory D'oh! No keyless entry. A bit overpriced.

All in all: I love it!

 

Actually, no. I don't want any of my money going towards prestige. I have a TSX right now, and if Honda sold this exact car as an Accord for a couple thousand less, I'd be in heaven. But that's just me... everyone wants something different, I recognize that.

 

 

I think he meant no keyless start - which has been a common complaint on the boards.

 

Actually, the RL has keyless entry and keyless start. As long as the key is in your pocket or briefcase, the car recognizes you as a driver and the door unlocks as soon as you touch the handle. The car then starts with a turn of the ignition switch (w/o a key). The RDX should have that as well, along with seat memory. I wonder why they left out those features. 'Couldn't cost that much to include them, could it?

In any case, the car looks great, feels great and rides great. I've had a turbo in the past, which was slow as can be until the turbo kicked in. With the RDX, the turbo comes in early, smoothly and efficiently.

One other nice touch in the techno package: the rear video screen when backing up -- although now I can see how badly my driveway needs repaving. D'oh!

 

I don't think it was a matter of cost. It's a typical business strategy to leave out a few basics so they'll have things to "improve" on in next year's model. That's what irks me the most. I don't consider myself too picky but the lack of an $80 auto-dim mirror and power passenger seat just cheapens the feel of an otherwise great luxury vehicle.

 

I have been waiting to test drive the Acura RDX for about six months now. we always research our car purchases to death and then driven them into the ground for 8-10 years and ~250K miles (Southern CA, what can I say?). But we've never regretted a purchase or gotten a lemon.

I had money in hand ready to buy an X3 based on paper and appearances (before I heard about the RDX). But when I went to test-drive the car, it has a running board that slams against my calf everytime I went to get into the car. OK, the X3 is out of the picture. I'm not paying that price to experience PAIN everytime I go to drive!

Rav 4. Not bad, but didn't care for the interior and the side opening back door.

CX-7. Not bad, but that bright red lit dashboard turned me off. Had good experiences with a Mazda before.

CR-V. Emergency brake on the dashboard?? And that whole side opening back door again.

Lexus 350, Infiniti FX, Nissan Murano... really wanted to try and get something smaller for the "parking in malls" part of my life.

So now we get to the RDX. Love all the gadgety goodies. Love the look. Wish it came in better, "dirt-friendly" (southern CA smog) colors like medium blue, sage green, or gold. Acceleration sweet. Ride nice. And then I went to make the obligatory U-turn I want to see on every test drive: I'M IN A FREAKING BOAT!!! The larger Murano and Lexus turned tighter than this car!!!

I have been reading this forum for almost six months now... how come NO ONE has discussed the issue of turning diameter??? Doesn't anyone else need to make turns in tight spaces like I have to do everyday? Isn't that the whole point of driving a SMALL SUV instead of one of the monsters??

So, I'm back to the drawing board. They put smaller wheels on the new CR-V coming out, and on paper than brings down the diameter by almost two feet. So I'm going to wait for that. Really like the idea of an audio system that takes SD cards from my computer, BTW. VERY cool. And it comes in a weird shade of green that make me able to avoid the "sheep factor" that every Soccer Mom in America is going to be driving it. as a DINK, I fit the demographics of the RDX better ;-)

And tonight I'm going to take the Subaru Forester for a spin. The turning diameter on paper is FOUR feet less. A little behind the times on technology (although Aux input is new for 2007) and more trucky-looking than I like, but my personal priorities make it a contender now.

Why is everyone so in love with huge wheels??? Doesn't anyone else have to PARK from time to time??
--Lorraine

 

Umm, the RX350 and Murano both have a turning circle of 37 and change, while the RDX's is a tick over 39. I've spent a bit more time the wheel of an RX350 than I'd care to admit and found nothing remarkable about its turning abilities. . .

So yeah, the RDX's turning circle might not be the tightest in its class, but you make it sound like the car can't be driven. . . give me a break.

As a point of curiosity, I noticed the 2007 Tahoe has a turning circle of more or less equal to the RDX's. . . nonetheless, these people don't seem to have any trouble getting around.

 

Before the RDX, I was actually looking at the Volvo s60 (among other cars...I had different priorities back then) and decided against it because it turns like a huge truck. I thought it was unacceptable for a sedan.

Never gave it much thought with these CUVs. I can park fine with the family MDX and X3 (althought some spots are tight with the MDX)...but now I'm curious. Can anyone post the turning circle for some of these cars? s60, MDX, X3, RDX..etc?

 

Scratch that request. I just looked it up on Edmunds. Turning Circles...

Rav4 - 34.8 ft
CR-V - 34.1 ft
Tribeca - 35.4 ft
RDX - 37.4 ft
Murano - 37.4 ft
MDX - 38 ft
X3 - 38.4 ft
FX35 - 38.7 ft

And just cuz I mentioned it....

Volvo s60 - 38.7 ft


So it looks like the s60 really does turn like a truck. I don't have any problems in the MDX or X3 so I don't think the RDX will be a big issue. Then again, I haven't tried the Rav4 or CR-V or any sedan for that matter....do those 2 feet really make a difference?

 

According to the Acura web site, the turning diameter on the RDX is actually 39.2

These are the numbers i came up with:
RDX 39.2
CX-7 37.4
Rav4 34.8
2007 Cr-V 37.8
2006 Cr-V 34.7
MDX 37.8
Murano 37.4
FX 38.7
RX350 37.4
Forester 34.8
X3 38.4
B9 37.4
--Lorraine

 

I think it depends on your source - here is some data from consumer reports:

Consumer reports has the Mazda CX7 at 42, Rav 4 at 39 for the Limited, 37 for the base, 38 for the CRV (presumably the 06), 40 for the MDX, 40 for the Murano, 42 for the FX, 40 for the RX (41 for the hybrid), 38 for the Forrester, 39 for the X3 and the B9 at 41. The RDX was listed NA as of right now.

Bottom line is if you're looking for a tight turning circle, you probably shouldn't be looking at an SUV. I've driven the RX and the FX and don't think their circles are tighter than the RDX, especially the FX.

The RDX handling beat both by far.

 

I guess I'm used to it, 'cause my boat of a TSX has a turning diameter of 40 ft... it only sucks in parking lots and parallel parking, in normal driving, it turns great.

 

I'm not an expert here but I believe a car's turning diameter has more to do with its wheel base and how much angle the front wheels can achieve than the size of the wheels.

 

Crossing of an RDX for a Subaru over a 2 foot turning radious is questionable. I have an extended cab 1/2 ton pickup and I can parallel park that(albeit not as easily as the TL, which also has a large turning radius), and I'm a "new" driver. So... learn to drive and get the RDX

Mike

 

For the tech price, they should have added:

1. Power passenger seat
2. Auto-dim mirror (off all things to leave out on a luxury automobile )
3. Memory seats
4. Rear vents

Granted you are paying for the pricey navi with Zagat, traffic updates and back-up camera, the turbo, and SH-AWD. But it's too expensive to leave out the traditional Acura goodies mentioned above.

Now, the hopes are to wait for the updated model that includes all the good stuff, whereas, the current model is barely out of the factory. Kinda sad

I hope that the update includes the goodies but not affect the price by rising it into the mid 40's.
Still a great vehicle. Just wish the tech package was 3k cheaper. Then Acura could offer the goodies as a comfort package for 3k so the RDX could meet its current tech price with satisfied customers that got a great vehicle for a great price. After all, isn't that the focus of the company (value) to offer as standard what the competition offers as options for the same price?

 

People keep saying that Acura doesn't have the prestige of the other luxury brands but has always been known for its value. Yet when Acura delivers a vehicle that costs 10k less than comparably equiped vehicles but cuts some costs (as did the TSX) and is at full MSRP (as did all their other vehicles for the first several months) they get ripped on for being over priced. Personally I don't get it.

If it's that important for you to save a couple grand and get every single feature you want then wait until the '09 model comes out.

Personally, I'm going to enjoy my RDX for the next three years while you wait for your's.

As for the turning radius....I drove a CL for 7 years. It made a u-turn like a tank. The RDX is a dream compared to that.

 

I totally agree. It kinda proves a point that customer can never be happy no matter what. Auto-makers always leave small little features out for the coming years of the cycle.

I checked out the RDX last week and it was such a great vehicle. When you visit Acura dealership nowadays, you can see how much attention this new vehicle is getting from the customer. Usually several people surround the RDX while the old MDX is sitting quitely and lonely by itself. That really proves that Acura had done an excellent job with this vehicle.

 

I agree!

 

From Acuranews:

2007 Acura MDX Pricing

MDX $39,995
MDX with Technology Package $43,495
MDX with Technology and Entertainment Packages $45,695
MDX with Sport Package
(includes Technology Package features) $45,595
MDX with Sport and Entertainment Packages $47,795
Destination and handling charge $670

Acura today announced pricing of the all-new 2007 MDX seven-passenger luxury performance SUV. Making its debut next month at Acura dealerships on October 17th, the 2007 MDX will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $39,995.

While the MDX is generously equipped right from the start, it is also available with three option packages. Priced at $43,495, the MDX with Technology Package engages the tech-savvy buyer with a 10-speaker, 410-watt, Acura/ELS Surround(R) Premium Sound System engineered by legendary recording producer Elliot Scheiner to create an unmatched listening experience. In addition, the Technology Package also includes several visual and audio communications features such as the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM) and rearview camera and the AcuraLink(TM) Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic.

The MDX with Sport Package, priced at $45,595, includes all features found in the Technology Package. It also adds the breakthrough Active Damper System sport suspension, which gives the MDX outstanding levels of handling responsiveness while maintaining refined levels of ride comfort. Also included in the Sport Package is upgraded leather interior trim, a unique alloy wheel design, auto-leveling Xenon headlights and exclusive interior trim.

The available Entertainment Package includes a factory installed DVD Rear Entertainment System along with a 110V outlet, heated second row seats and a remote-linked power operated tailgate, all of which can be added to the Technology Package or Sport Package for an additional $2,200.

Based on a sales weighted average, pricing for the generously equipped 2007 MDX increases 6.17% or $2,546.50 when compared to the previous generation MDX. The all-new MDX offers a whole new level of luxury and provides additional standard equipment including Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (TM) (SH-AWD(TM)), a larger displacement engine, HandsFreeLink(TM), Tri-Zone climate control, in-dash 6 disc CD player, HID Xenon headlights and a host of others. In addition, the 2007 MDX is available with a substantially higher level of optional features.

 

[QUOTE=ArthurKnight]People keep saying that Acura doesn't have the prestige of the other luxury brands but has always been known for its value. Yet when Acura delivers a vehicle that costs 10k less than comparably equiped vehicles but cuts some costs (as did the TSX) and is at full MSRP (as did all their other vehicles for the first several months) they get ripped on for being over priced. Personally I don't get it.

If it's that important for you to save a couple grand and get every single feature you want then wait until the '09 model comes out.

Personally, I'm going to enjoy my RDX for the next three years while you wait for your's. =QUOTE]


I'm NOT ripping on the RDX ! This was just a slight opinion. GEEZ It's one of the best vehicles on the market for the price. I have a deposit down on one, which should be here in a week and when the refresh happens, I'll upgrade to have the power passenger seat, driver seat memory, and whatever else Acura decides to include. All whining aside about what could have been is out the door because Acura is improving on its luxury image by raising the class of its vehicles, therefore making them more prestigious rather than a very expensive Honda or a very cheap luxury brand.

Granted, this is a first year vehicle, so I know all too well that some things have to be left out in order to keep the refresh of the vehicle during mid-cycle production. All I'm saying is that Acura could have added some of those goodies on the RDX and made it another package in addition to the tech package. And if that bumped the price over 40k, then so be it. That's the price of luxury!
Acura engineers are smart and I'm pretty sure they will come up with something during the mid production refresh (like LED tailights, second row vents, rear entertainment system).

Saving a couple grand doesn't matter if I really love the RDX. And by the way, one will be in my garage next friday!! Or being driven because I love it so much and can't stop driving it!!

 

I'm NOT ripping on the RDX ! This was just a slight opinion. GEEZ It's one of the best vehicles on the market for the price. I have a deposit down on one, which should be here in a week and when the refresh happens, I'll upgrade to have the power passenger seat, driver seat memory, and whatever else Acura decides to include. All whining aside about what could have been is out the door because Acura is improving on its luxury image by raising the class of its vehicles, therefore making them more prestigious rather than a very expensive Honda or a very cheap luxury brand.

Granted, this is a first year vehicle, so I know all too well that some things have to be left out in order to keep the refresh of the vehicle during mid-cycle production. All I'm saying is that Acura could have added some of those goodies on the RDX and made it another package in addition to the tech package. And if that bumped the price over 40k, then so be it. That's the price of luxury!
Acura engineers are smart and I'm pretty sure they will come up with something during the mid production refresh (like LED tailights, second row vents, rear entertainment system).

Saving a couple grand doesn't matter if I really love the RDX. And by the way, one will be in my garage next friday!! Or being driven because I love it so much and can't stop driving it!!

 

Put about 80 miles on a loaner I had last night that I just turned back in.

Thoughts:

Very nice! Acceleration was great, fun to drive.

Tech gadgets worked well. I paired my Blackberry and made a bunch of calls, worked great everytime. Voice recogition was slick but had some trouble on some of the commands, I would estimate 10% of the time. I found myself really liking the XM radio.

Did get a brake failure warning - something about the power brakes I think. I ignored it and they seemed to work OK for the duration of my loaner.

So the deal on the table.... Tech RDX, Day/Night Mirror, all season mats, wheel locks, splashguards, cargo tray. $12K plus my 2005 FX35 (23K miles, Touring + Tech pkg). I don't think it's such a good deal. My offer was $9.5K.

As I drove home in my FX, I thought to myself that it might be a bit foolish to upgrade so soon. After all the FX is a nice vehicle. Shortcomings for me are the NAV system + lack of integrated bluetooth. But it does have keyless entry and a power passenger seat that the RDX lacks. I do think the AWD system in the RDX will peform much nicer in the snow, but that of course is speculative at this point.

Anyone have any thoughts on the subject and/or the "deal"

Thanks!

 

is a $250 option. D'oh.

 

The 2006 FX has an expensive bluetooth option.

 

My bad. I was looking at the mirror without the compass attachment...thought I'd be able to convince the dealer to only install one and not the other.

 

Well, looks like I have made a deal. Hello RDX, good bye FX. Get it at the end of the week.

 

Really? They took the 9.5?

 

@10 but they accepted my offer. I think a good deal.

 

I'll be interested to hear your opinions about the pros & cons of both the RDX & FX-35. I was trying to get an '06 FX, but decided on the '07 RDX instead! Love the vehicle & I know you will too!

 

Just completed a 1,000 mile road trip in my RDX. Much of the trip was between 75 and 85 mph. Averaged 22MPG.

What I love about the RDX over the FX:

1. Navigation - Hands down far better than the FX

2. Bluetooth integration - Now I think the new FX's have this feature and there is a flaw with the RDX's but it's better than not having.

3. DVD-A player - Awesome. Sound system in general is great.

4. XM Radio - Again, an option on the FX, but pricey.

5. Handling - I felt more secure in the RDX

6. Turbo - Nice to be able to punch it and have the power on tap when needed.

What I miss about the FX:

1. Keyless entry - I really liked the key fob thing.

2. Memory seat - I didn't think this would bother me but it does. My wife has taken my RDX a couple of times and messed with the seat. Takes a while to tweak it back.

3. Automatic steering wheel up and seat back - To aid in entry/exit - pretty cool feature.

4. Power passenger seat - Not that it's used much... but in this class vehicle should have.

 

Don't really miss #1, 4 or neede #2. Now #3, that's one of the big ones I miss from the G35x.
Thanks for the Info. Keep us posted as time goes on!