Not going to bore you guys with my 'deep thoughts' on the RDX. It's a very nice car inside and out. Interior is world class. Handling is very tight and nice. It has great backseat room I think. Front seats very good. I liked the car very much. It drove great. Wished there was a power passenger seat and seat memory settings but those will come later.

This car should be a winner for Acura. The 19" wheels are beautiful. 18" wheels didn't do it for me, but everyone has their own opinion. Anyway, here are some camera phone shots... not great but better than nothing.

Enjoy:





















This is a nice car. I think the RDX is the nicest Acura I've ever driven except for the NSX, which is so unique.

Anyway, enjoy the pictures!

 

Thanks for the pictures. I know we've all seen lots of RDX photos before, most are of better quality. But, I like it much better when seeing the real pictures of a production model tested by another poster.

What is that black box in the midde for?

 

You have your seat heaters, a place to put your cell phone and a power outlet. I bet that opening is just wide enough for a Razr to fit!

 

Does the opening have a slope downwards? Otherwise, things would just fall off when you hit the brake.

 

Yes and the inside is scaloped.

 

So that's what the new key looks like...

 

thanks!

 

Any impressions on how the new ELS Audio system sounds like?

 

Actually, did they have any non-Tech package versions? I'm curious how the dash is different without the Nav system. Is there still a display like in the non-navi MDX?

 

Thanks CL6!! Is the key "stiletto" style as rumoured where the key retracts into the key fob?

 

My guess is it does retract. Have a look at that button at top of the fob near the key. Other stiletto stlye keys have that "eject" button as well.

 

A lot of us 3G TL-ers have been bitching since 2003 about not having an integrated key fob. It looks like Acura listened....to a point. Acura, please put this on the TL? Pleasey please?

 

i always felt this way too....

my gf just got a new accord- and after using that key- i kinda like having just a regular key better- its just not as cool- but functionally its better

 

Yeah the key retracts. It seems a little bulky to me (couldn't Japanese engineers shrink it down more?) but it's nice.

No non-tech packages there. I'd imagine it looks like the MDX 'Trip Computer' screen.

 

Does anyone know conclusively if the production RDX will have an auto-dimming rear view mirror? I remember seeing it on the interior accesories list a while ago, but recent updates no longer mention it. Considering even a TSX comes standard with an auto-dimming mirror, I sure hope the RDX has one. . .

 

Well, judging from this picture, the RDX seems to have a regular rear mirror. The TSX's rear mirror has auto-dim with a button to turn off this feature if desired.

 

i hope so too i've only driven one car without one and I HATE IT!

 

i wonder if the tsx will see this type of key anytime soon. im getting the "TSX key mod" done as we speak, i hate how the key and the key fob arent integral.

 

Thank you so much, CL6! This information is much appreciated!

BTW, apart from black and white paint colors, did they have anything else there? Which color looked the best to you?

 

Now my memory is becoming hazy. The White and Ebony was very sharp. I've always liked that combo. The mirror is not 'auto dimming' but I've heard one will be available for additional money.

 

CL6, I asked this in another posting but I'm really curious. Is the seating height much lower than the current CRV? I only saw the RDX at the Chicago Auto Show and it was up on a platform so it was hard to tell. Thanks in advance.

 

That's disappointing. . . I guess we need to add it to the list of things that should be standard on the '08.

 

Yeah~ I am very impressed with the RDX. The other day I was hanging with some buds at Fashion Island in NewPort Beach California and they had an acura display there. So anyways to my surprise there was an RDX. I walked over and it was unlocked. And here's my testimony- Excellent!! I have an 03 TL type S and the only gripe I have with it is the, in my opinion, the use of cheap materials. RDX is top notch. Any of you who have been waiting years to buy it- the wait was worth it! And look, I know I havnt driven yet but the way Acuras feel nowa days I'm sure its great.

 

add LED tail lights- i would not buy this for that reason alone-

 

the RDX doesnt ahhave LED taillights? I'm so psyched for this to come out but the high price and lack of standard features compared to my TL is disappointing...any other suggestions for a small luxury suv with awd at a TL price?

 

That's a tough question. As with most SUV's, you're paying for a lot of stuff (AWD, more complex architecture, etc) that doesn't exist in cars at that price point. I think this is why the RDX seems a bit decontented compared to the very similarly priced TL. It's the same with just about any SUV you can think of, though. With that said, it might be worth considering a lightly used, nicely optioned FX35. It has a bunch more standard features than the RDX and even a handful of technogadgets unavailable on the Acura. Or, well, just learn to live with the fact that the RDX can't possibly have everything you want in a SUV all for $37,000.

 

At this point, there are only 3 small luxury SUV's on the market at any price: the RDX, the X3, and the Freelander (it does compete in this segment, even if it doesn't compete very well). There are more coming... Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes, Audi, Land Rover & Volvo all have new vehicles coming in the next few years to compete in this segment.

 

Not buying a car because it does not have LED taillights seems pretty absurd. I don't generally see my taillights when they're on. I haven't sat in a CR-V for a while but I'd imagine it's similar.

If Acura added all the stuff people wanted it would be even more expensive or they'd have to cut back in other areas. I do wish there was at least an auto dimming mirror as standard.

 

I'm not at all saying I wouldnt get it because it doesnt have led tail lights but it is disappointing that they are charging more money than a TL and it doesnt even have the feature set of a tsx...I will pribably still get it

 

Our moderator at the Ride and Drive brought up the lack of an auto dimming rear view mirror. The rear glass is so heavily tinted that it negates the need for the auto dimming feature.

 

Well, while I find this hard to believe, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and reserve judgement until I see the car.

If I may stray off topic quickly, does anyone know what kind of expense goes into auto-dimming mirrors? If I'm not mistaken, all Lexus models come standard with auto-dimming side view mirrors. However, most other automakers trail in this area, Acura included. It's a wonderful convenience (one I would put above auto headlights - you can turn the lights on manually, but you can't dim your side mirrors).

 

You can get a nice autodimming mirror with outside temp guage, compass, and homelink for ~$260 on ebay. Ask me how I know. (as an aside, I have heavy tint on my TL, limo around back medium up front, and rarely need autodimming. The bright 'on' light pisses me off more than the occassional truck light glare)

 

The RDX is more than the TL. It also has more features as well. SH-AWD, a Turbo, 18" wheels, back-up camera, etc. My understanding of LED taillights is that they illuminate faster and are brighter. One can always install LED bulbs in the standard sockets and get those benefits.

Acura will probably add the MID and power passenger seat for the 08 model. Maybe the dimming mirror. It is somewhat unfortunate that Acura does things like this (cooled seats for the US RL come to mind) but I understand their reasons. Honda is also fairly conservative by nature so this also explains their reasons.

I did find the windows to be quite dark. My only problem with this is, at night, it makes it tough to see if there are any cops coming up behind you!

 

maybe to some-but i am the consumer, and it is a very important feature to me.

even every new toyota has them now, and the refreshed accords-

and having to plug a led bulb is not at all close to a factory led setup.



as for the auto dimming rearview- i have 35% tint in my tl- and it still makes a noticeable difference at night if i switch it off...

 

^ I agree about the LEDs. Furthermore, many of the lower priced cars offer at least LEDs for the 3rd brake light...in the RDX, that is not even offered. And it really would've added to the RSX's cool factor.

 

To guild the lilly, I suppose you are right. Perhaps they, too, will be added later on.

 

My FX35 was around $42K new with Tech Package. It's a great car with tech goodies you can't get on the RDX (memory seats linked to the key, magic laser cruise control).Very competitive with RDX, but larger and more costly. Slightly used is a good idea.

 

So I'm parking at LAX on my way to catch a flight and lo and behold I see an RDX in the parking lot. Had to do a double take and convince myself this really was the RDX. Peeked in and saw a thick Acura Sales Training manual. Dealer plates. It's a lot smaller than I thought it would be. It had the tech package and the interior looked nice. Red outside / beige inside. The rear is the biggest downside in my opinion. Didn't love it at first glance, but there's time to get convinced. I've been looking for a used Lexus RX 330 for a while, but have been holding off until I've driven the RDX. I'm an Acura guy....Integra, CL and maybe RDX.

 

Welcome aboard mymorningsong!! I think that you summed it all up with your statement, "I'm an Acura guy". We certainly share that sentiment. Somehow, I always just feel at home in a Honda. I'll go one step farther and say that, "I'm just not a Lexus guy". I drive an Acura RL because it is the nicest car in the world that doesn't scream, "look at me, I have money". My wife shares this opinion which is why I'm going to be buying an RDX or possibly an MDX in the new year. She absolutely loves the look of the RDX and didn't like the big grill of the new MDX concept, but we're going to wait until both arrive at our local dealer so we can make a final judgement after driving both a few times.

 

If anyone is curious, apparently RDX stands for "revolutionary dynamic crossover."

Source: http://info.detnews.com/autosconsume...x.cfm?id=22800