Well after 8 months of owing my 07 white with tech., I am going to trade it . I made this decision on several factors.

1) Ride way too rough-my corolla has a smoother ride over bumps

2) Navagation system fustrating to use- rather have touch-screen

3) Bluetooth fustrating as well-

3) voice recognition system rarely does correct commands-have to say same thing over 3x or more

4) Gas mileage worse than some 4x4 pickup trucks-

5) cargo space too small- not even a light bright enough to see back there

6) no rear a/c vent-gee even a low-end car has it

I still feel this suv handles far better than any out there and seats are best in class as well as stereo system. But thats three pluses for me as opposed to 6 negatives and counting.

Since gas mileage , safety and comfort are important to me a suv is not in picture any more. I probably will get what I had my eyes on originally- a Camry Hybrid.
My friend got one and I was sold.I couldnt believe how comfortable the ride was and QUIET. It is a safe car-5 star rating. Gas mileage is 35 plus mpg and cost about same as my trade for the RDX.It has touch screen Nav., keyless entry(which the rdx doesnt have).

Goodbye Acura- you made a suv that looks good on paper- but in real life doesnt fit the bill.

 

Best of luck to you and your Camry Hybrid. I think you should have taken more time to consider your purchase of the RDX in the first place. It doesn't seem like it's what you wanted in a vehicle to begin with.....many of your "observations" could/should have been made after a short test drive.

FWIW, the Camry will ride smoother, but handle worse. It won't have any better technology/feature content and it will have less cargo space. You'll definitely pass up more gas stations though.

 

Hey - in all seriousness, please come back and post your experiences with the Camry hybrid. The price isn't too bad, but the technology worries me. I've heard the nav system loses lock quite frequently...

Mike

 

+1

 

I also scratch my head on how you were comparing the RDX versus the Camry Hybrid in the first place. They appeal to completely different markets. I could see maybe Cam Hybrid versus the Escape Hybrid or Saturn Vue Green Line, but the RDX, with its high pressure turbo and SH-AWD, appeal to buyers who want a compact sport sedan in SUV form (not hybrid seekers).

I do agree though on the frustrating voice command and I'm disappointed that Acura decided it needed an annoying iDrive copy and took away touch-screen navigation...that's the main reason we'll keep our '06 MDX for a longer period of time than usual.

Although I find Toyotas as desirable as brussel sprouts, I wish you good luck with your trade-in of the RDX for the Camry.

 

I think a lot of people buy SUVs because they think it will be fun to haul their luggage or camping equipment out to the mountains every weekend. Some people do really do that. Others quickly realize that they'd rather stay home and watch the game on TV. The latter group doesn't need 4000 pound vehicles with fold down rear seats and lots of cargo space. They'd be better off with sedans that weigh less and get better gas mileage.

 

Whoa, is some of this stuff true? I have been lurking this forum recently and will be buying an RDX within the week. Complaints about the ride is not a biggie since that's subjective. But what about navi/bluetooth being frustrating to use? Also the voice recognition sucks? Anyone else experience these issues that are brought up here? Those are precisely the features which make the RDX more appealing and worth paying more for than similar vehicles such as the crv and rav4. If those don't work well, then what's the point?

 

I have no complaints about navi, bluetooth or voice recognition. All three of these systems work better than they do in my brother's RX350 Lexus.

 

Love my RDX. Been driving it since the 1st of October. It is FUN.

 

This is just one person's opinion, you've got to try it for yourself. Personally, I think the NAV is excellent and very easy to use. Toyota/Lexus locks out almost everything when the car is in motion (necessary as it would be unsafe to look down and start to use a touchscreen compared with the RDX's monitor which is in the driver´s field of vision).

I also have no problem with Bluetooth/ voice recognition.

 

2, 3 and 3 are my issues too, but I still like the ride. I would also add the MusicLink is almost worthless, but is crap.

 

Bluetooth has been flawless for me. I suppose that will depend on what phone you have. Make sure it is on Acura's supported list.

I love the navigation system. cnet.com says the RDX has the best navigation system on the market.

Yes, the ride is on the sporty side. Some people really like that. Others should look elsewhere, e.g., the Lexus RX. Lexus also reportedly has a new smaller SUV coming out son.

 

- My experience with the Nav has been outstanding, even using voice commands to set destinations.

- Overall voice command recognition has been surprisingly good. It rarely screws up, and when it does I can always pinpoint it to something I did wrong - like having a window open or the cabin fan speed too high, or saying the command wrong.

- Bluetooth hasn't screwed up once in almost a year of ownership. I'm using it with a Razr V3c. Make sure your phone is supported and it should be fine.

Mike

 

We are in the same age bracket, I have a lot of the same feelings as you - (plus the car is a little bit of a wanna be if you ask me) but I think the biggest issue overall is that the RDX is designed for a younger crowd.

It's really a bad idea to express your displeasure with the RDX on this forum.

FYI: I tried selling/trading mine and the hit was huge so I'm going to keep it and give it to Mrs Rizzo.

 

Wannabe? In what way? I'm 47 and was going to buy an RDX, but when I went on the test drive, I took my G/F with me, and she decided she wanted one.

I bought an RL instead, but I drive the RDX once in awhile, and it's alot more fun to drive than my RL handling wise.

Also, the original poster's comments on the NAV are puzzling to me...the NAV system is the best I've ever used, and I've used alot...and the Bluetooth(same in both the RDX and RL is fantastic....I'm thinking a trip to the dealer and a microphone adjustment would clear up the Voice Recog issues.....too late now.

 

Early 40's here.

Addressing just your issues and not adding my own great experiences:

1-Ride is wonderful. So much smoother than my old Lexus. Tight and responsive.
2-No nav issues. Sometimes I wish it was a touch screen though.
3-No bluetooth issues. Very cool!~
4-I do sometimes have issues with the voice recognition, but I rarely use it. There are key-words in the manual, I just have to read it again.
5-Mileage is subjective. I get anywhere from 16-18 in the city and about 20-23 on the highway. That works for me.
6-Cargo space is one of the reasons I bought it. PERFECT amount - for ME. Not too small. Not too much. Just right... Perfect for hauling about 4 baseball bags and helmets and water, or the kids skateboards and helmets and pads, or all my camera equipment, etc. Just perfect.
7-My kids don't need rear air... Just something for them to fight over like they do in the MDX...

 

Obviously, venting about your frustrations with owning the RDX...

But as one poster indicated, there is simply no comparison between the RDX and the Camry (and HYBRID!).

Granted, the RDX is not for everyone... but think about this, is any car really suited for everyone???

you complain about the rough ride and the poor gas milage as compared to a HYBRID!!! For the latter point, it was a meaningless comparison... Dear Sir, do you know what a Hybrid is all about??? superior fuel economy over non-hybrid engines... that is a fact... and you want to compare it with a performance oriented turbocharged engine??????

For the issue of the rough ride, were you really test-driving the RDX or another car you thought was a RDX... or did you actually test-drive the RDX before you bought it? Again, your complaints about the rough ride in the RDX which you bought, is baseless...
It is like going to an electronics store, looks at a plasma TV, without even asking the salesperson to show off all the features to see if it fits your bill...buys it... goes home, set it up, and then make a huge fuss that the TV does not have this feature, or that feature, or does not compare well with another brand...

You can vent about a car not meeting the quality demands you had in your mind... but how could you complain about features in a car which you should have known about before you bought the vehicle???
It is almost like a small kid going to a toy store, looks at a toy briefly, wants it, buys it, brings it home and hated it because it did not meet his/her criteria, and then cries about it...

 

Amen MAV

 

Bye

 

The voice recognition in any Acura is second to no one. If you are having problems with it it is typically user error.

The trick with voice comands is KEEP IT SIMPLE!!!!
Don't say "set temperature to 78 degrees"
Say "temperature 78"

Most people make it more difficult than it is, the more things you say to the car, the more chance there is for confusion.

You want voice recognition that sucks, visit the Lincoln dealership then tell me how many times the car says "that command is not recognized".

 

My opinons are not just mine. I have had over 20 people in my car so far. most of them like the seats/stereo-but thats about it. They complian about the harsh ride too,navagation not being touch screen and are amazed that it only gets about 20mpg.

I was eyeing the Camry and a loaded CRV at the time. Honda had none in stock when I had to buy(my car broke down). So I went to Acura thinking that the RDX must be better than a loaded CRV, since they both on same platform.

Get a loaded CRV- you will save thousands, get better mileage and have touch screen. The seats and sound system will not compare to an RDX, but thats about it.

And for the guy who said this isnt the forum to post negative remarks about my vehicle, whats the point if only positive things are allowed here?

I am comparing the RDX to another model of car to express the point that if we are spending close to 40g's for a vehicle, it should have the amenities that vehicles in that class have. The RDX even lacks things that are standard in a camry or corolla.

I admit I made a bad judgement in my vehicle choice, but am afraid that some of you cant admit something is true when it is .

 

Other people who rode with you were amazed at the mpg?! Dude, it's an SUV with a TURBO for God's sake!!

Go drive an Expedition and complain when it gets 14 mpg....lol.

 

I hope you enjoy your camry hybrid-I drove in one and not my choice. I am not a fan of suv's either. I test drove the rdx and also the mdx- ok but I want manual transmission.

 

F.Rizzo got it right when he said the RDX was designed for a younger crowd (or young at heart). Acura targeted those who still wanted the sporty performance of the cars they drove when they were in high school but the utility of a small SUV now that they're chained to a day job and live for weekend trips.

I think a few misconceptions are:
- People associate the RDX with the MDX, which has a softer ride and quieter engine.
- People hear the term "luxury vehicle" and expect the refinement of a Lexus RX.
- Some still can't wrap their heads around the idea of a "performance-tuned SUV". Those that can, and want one, are willing to trade off fuel-efficiency for fun. Those that can't wonder what the point is and tell RDX owners to get a sedan (not an attack against HenryFL, I'm paraphrasing my friends...and TL/TSX owners...j/k)

I can't comment on anything else really since my RDX hasn't come in yet. But I didn't come across any problems with the voice recognition in my test drive almost a year ago.

 

Oh...and HenryFL...I can understand where you're coming from. I actually considered the Camry hybrid for a short time. Main draws were the amazing fuel efficiency, reliability, lower cost, and that good-green-feeling that you're driving a hybrid. In the end though, I wanted something with AWD, increased cargo space, and...thinking long and hard....didn't want to sacrifice the fun factor.

 

Uh, and it won't have NEARLY as much power, paddle shifters, fun, better cornering, technology, etc...can't really compare the two.

 

So why can't we also haven Acura'ized CRV. IE Luxury sized crossover that is economy oriented with lots of creature comforts. It seems to be a missing market across the board.

The attitude seems to be that if you gots lots of money you want lots of horsepower.

Yes some do but not everybody. My wife would like a lexus'sized prius. With things like power seats , improved visibility, leather, ....

Nope.

 

The RDX works perfect for me, and I think was meant for people like me:
I had to get rid of my RSX Type-S, and my wife wanted an suv for the room, cargo space, etc., so we got the RDX and we're both happy!

 

There is probably not enough of a price difference between the RDX and CRV to fit a profitable vehicle in between. Besides, all those "creature comforts" add hundreds of pounds of weight so you need a bigger engine to get the same performance as a more basic vehicle.

 

Wait a minute... Now you are complaining about the RDX not having things that it should have, that other vehicles like Camry or COROLLA has!!!???

You were initially talking about the suspension and fuel economy issues... and we have proven to you that your complaints were baseless because the RDX never claimed to be stellar in the fuel economy dept., and everyone who were interested in the RDX (except you of course), bought it knowing it has a reasonably stiff ride... IT IS DEFINITELY NOT A PILLOW-SOFT CAMRY...
And now you are switching to complaining about the RDX not having all the amenities as compared to a COROLLA???

What is it there to admit is true??? That the RDX is not perfect? I think everyone here who owns a RDX, knows that it is not a perfect vehicle and will very quickly admit to that (I will...). But it fit our criteria for what we looked for... and we test-drove it properly to ensure that it is the right vehicle for our intended purposes (not you again...)...

You are venting at Acura, because you didn't properly evaluate the vehicle before you paid for it...

I think this experience for you is simply to look properly into a car before you buy it... I can tell you know... even a Porsche or Bugatti or Maserati will not please your needs...

Some people like stiff suspension... some people literally hates it...

Some people are looking specifically for 50-70 mpg car and the hybrid is it... some people don't really care to move in that direction... yet anyway...

Some people are totally upset with a car not providing all the luxury amenities he/she was looking for... some don't really mind, but would not mind having it either...

If you want that "perfect car"... perfect suspension that handles like a sports car and pillow soft at the same time, fantastic fuel economy and runs like a porsche...

Go build it yourself... that would be the only solution...

 

Diesel in 09. I just hope its not about 0-60 though.

Like when Lexus added hybrid to its line and gave all the oomph to speed and nothing to mileage.

 

Yes agree you made a very bad judgement on the vehicle considering what you seem to feel is ideal in a vehicle for your needs.

Don't have to admit anything because what maybe is true for you is not true for me.

Let's hope your new purchase will be what you are really looking for in a car.

 

Lots of good points made here. Sorry to hear the RDX didn't work out for you; I'll agree it is a very narrowly targeted vehicle. Either you love it or you don't. RE the mpg, for the umpteenth time, you have to figure a 4k-lb SUV with this kind of power and SH-AWD isn't going to be a sipper.

That said, I love the handling and acceleration (I always drive safely, but it's good to know it's there if you need it in an emergency) so the mpg thing is not a major downfall for me. I don't have any issues with my nav or BT, so I'm shrugging my shoulders there. Ride and handling are great for me, it is a sports MACHINE trapped in a roomy but not hulky SUV's body. No complaints here! The taut suspension was evident in the first minute of my test drive. It's a welcome tradeoff for me in return for the handlng.

Good luck with your next vehicle. My best advice to you is to think on it for a few months, research it, and DEFINITELY research Camry hybrid forums so you're well aware of any issues*...as it seems you gave yourself a bum steer this time around. Good luck and enjoy!

*You will esp. want to check out real-world mpg of hybrids. I've been reading that the actual mpg of the hybrids while good as compared to a regular vehicle is far short of the claimed sticker mpg.

 

Of course there is No comparison with the Camry and the RDX, the OP was simply expressing how the RDX no longer fits the bill for him anymore and how the Camry does.

Buying a plasma Then taking it home and bitching about it not having a certain feature is TOTALLY different than RIDE PERFORMANCE, feature set over performance, I don't really see the OP complaining as much about features, but how useful, easy they are to use. I personally think that a lot of the techy stuff in the RDX is all just for show, I mean literally no one I know uses the Voice Command every day all day, no matter how advanced it is, Some of the stuff borderlines on unnecessary.

The Gas mileage is not what it should be in a 4cyl turbo, it should better in real world testing, but only by a few mpg's.

 

I think it's called a CR-V EX-L. Check it out! My gf is thinking of getting one. You can get leather, roof, AWD, 22/28 mpg (23/30 for 2wd), nav, rearview camera, 4-wheel ABS, traction and VSA, TPMS, XM, 17" alloys, heated seats, etc. for <$30k.

http://autos.yahoo.com/honda_cr_v_ex...gation_system/

 

No... read OP original post... He was complaining about the rough ride, poor gas mileage and also that the RDX did not have certain amenities that some cheaper cars have...
If you read the post properly, it is definitely not about "oh it does not fit my needs anymore..." but rather "this RDX is deficient in many ways, in comparison to other cars..."

My point was that... why did you buy it in the first place if you are going to complain about those features of the car, which you should have known in the first place before you put down the money???

There is nothing wrong with indicating some shortcomings of the vehicle (every vehicle has some), but to buy it and then complain that the car didn't fit him any more???

Before I bought the RDX, I compared it with the RAV4, X3, CRV...and each has their own attractive and turn-off points... At the end, I weighed those points against what I need in the vehicle, and what I would like to have in the vehicle, and what I do not mind lacking in certain amenities... and I chose the RDX...

The RDX is not perfect... ride a bit stiff (but I like it personally)... missing things like:
1. powered passenger seats (wish it was there)...
2. rear air vents (could do without, but nice to have)
3. auto-dimming rearview mirror (would be nice to have, but not missing it)
4. better gas mileage (drove turbo car before, knew turocharged cars can be thirsty, especially now RDX is full-time AWD)
5. powered tail lift-gate (nice to have, especially given the somewhat heavy tailgate)

So, when I test-drove and studied the RDX for over couple of weeks, and compared it against the other vehicles that kind of fit my needs... I still chose the RDX, for it's fun-factor, and overall appeal and versatility...

Acura did not force the OP to buy the RDX... OP bought it on his own cognizance... so why complain now???

No real complaints at all... except, hopefully the next few iterations of the CUVs from Acura will be way better value and still offer the same fun and performance...

 

I see more Issues with the way it Does certain things than things that it doesn't have.

 

For some reason I got, The RDX no longer fits my needs so I'm moving over to a Camry.

 

same here. it "no longer fits my needs" so i sold it and got a 07 TL Type-S and never been happier. i guess when we bought it back in october when it first came out i was excited because it was Acuras first production turbo car in the US. dont get me wrong the RDX is a great CUV (the best IMHO) but i no longer need a big car. i will definitely miss the RDXs drive. its one of a kind.

 

I think you should of gotten a Rav4 V6 or 4cyl if you were worried about gas mileage.

If you want the best navi out there get a RX350 or something.

But yes you can never go wrong with buying a Camry.