ptrapper65

OK - Here is my list of love / hates for my 2008 RDX...

First, I have the tech package and right now I have 91,000 miles..

Hate - Can’t go to auto part store to buy maintenance part. I'm not saying they can't get them, but they are never in stock. Examples: Air filter, spark plugs. I want to replace my shocks since I have 91k miles, but there are no after market companies who make them. I hate having to go to the dealer to buy spark plugs, shocks or anyother parts since the dealers overcharge. I also don’t like the “only use special Honda fluid”. I use Castrol ATF fluid for my tranny fluid changes and they say it works. I can’t believe a multi million dollar company would say it meets Honda requirements if it doesn’t. If you believe Honda that you can only use their fluids, I have some snake oil to sell you. My number one hate is that there is no low washer fluid indicator. This high tech car can’t tell you when you’re running out of fluid??? My old Chevy did that.

Love - Almost everything else. Easy to maintain (except the tranny fill plug). You really don’t have to jack up the car to do any normal maintenance. The ride. The Nav system. The seats. The back-up camera.

amfsumo

Hate: Squeaks and Rattles that never seem to go away. Paint job less than spectacular (acceptable but always envious of the german vehicles' paint - even VW's). A bit too plasticky once the "luster" of brand new wears off.

Like: engine reliability. easy to maintain. Turbo!

BTW, there is washer fluid minder/indicator for 2010 models onward so i guess they heard you

XLR8R

Order your parts from on-line Acura dealers for a better price.

The auto parts stores stock the Mobil M1-110 oil filter and can usually get things like NGK spark plugs the next day.

For power steering fluid in particular, get Honda fluid or at least the aftermarket spec'd for Honda.

mrgold35

08 RDX w/ tech

Hate:
The passenger seat does not go back far enough. My knees are about 1 inch from the glove box (6'3" tall). Like to have a 6-way power passenger seat or manual seat with height adjustment for more leg room. Driver seat is fine.

Really like to have the option of the knob and touch screen for the navi. My 06 TSX is a lot easier to program with the touch screen compared to the knob.

Road noise and drivetrain/sh-awd noise; I have to turn up the stereo to drown out the noise. New tires should help a little (still have OEM tires)

Limited selection of DVD-A available for the ELS system.

Loves:
Power (added hondata), looks, utility, tight suspension (improved with eibach springs), size (perfect for around town and short trips), tech and value.

djbonsu

iTrader: (3)

07 RDX Tech

HATES:
-the fan comes on too much
-passenger seat doesnt have power
-cant roll the window down with key fob
-no memory seat
-wind/road noise experience on the bluetooth at highway speeds (person on the other end can hear this noise pretty good...this is mostly me...lol)
-cannot get the hondata mod locally (have to ship it to cali)
-gas mileage BUT this is a f/i engine


LOVES:
-stock power ....TURBO baby!!!
-seats (very comfortable)
-suspension/handling (very sporty n not harsh)
-exterior design
-77k on the odometer and no squeaks or rattles!!
-sound system
-bang for the buck with tech pkg (value)
-reliability
-simple maintenance (alot of DIY)
-NAV/rear view camera (i wanna add a dvd player to watch movies thru the screen)

other than that, i think its size is perfect for my family and my wife LOVES it

gsvette

Hates:
Squeaks/rattles (getting less as I find the little gremlins)
Seats (uncomfortable for my back, too hard for lower disk back pain sufferers)
Turbo lag
Brakes
Road noise on highway (although better with the Conti DWS tires I have)
Paint/fit/finish/panel gaps (damn, I thought some of my old American cars were bad,guess not)

Loves:
Handling
Small size (yet can load qutie a bit of stuff in back)
Reasonably nice and well laid out interior (except for hard seats)
Adequate engine power for what the car is
Reliability (so far 32,000 miles)
Great handling and sure footedness in snow and rain SHAWD

Kaze66218

-limited aftermarket support

InfamousJamous

I love all the standard features. It has just about everything I wanted:

• SH-AWD
• Paddle shifters
• Turbo
• HIDs
• Sporty suspension
• Quick acceleration (low 6's in 0-60 is not bad for a CUV that's almost 5k lbs!)
• Roominess/utility in a CUV
• Nice looking, symmetrical guages
• Nice sound system (for base pkg)

I don't hate the RDX at all. But I think the following could be improved:

• MPG!
• Brakes (larger discs would be nice)
• Quicker shifts with the paddle shifters. More gears would be nice for better acceleration and fuel economy.
• Acceleration device on rear end (as on the RL), for better cornering.
• Front end could look more aggressive.
• Front mounted inter-cooler would be nice. Makes it easy to access the top end and change plugs, etc.
• Automated remote opening/closing of liftgate
• SH-AWD meter not avail. in base pkg.
• Active headlights
• More aftermarket support (as Kaze66218 said). Hopefully as more people own RDXs there will be more demand for parts. It's understandable since this is not a cheap CUV but as it ages the older models should be more affordable.

All the other issues like no memory seats, power passenger seats, auto rear windows were addressed by Acura in the newer models.

RDX guy

I have had my RDX tech for about 6 months now, previously had a Pilot.

Loves:
Power - Love telling people it's a little 4 cylinder.
Interior - I really like the dash, lots of buttons but everything is useable.
Navi - Previously had a TomTom, and have to admit I love the Acura Navi system.
Finish - I think the fit and finish of the vehicle is tight (mine at least), no really large gaps, and the interior has really not gaps.

Dislikes:
Brakes - Had to upgrade to EBC's, huge difference vs. OEM.
Limited engine oil options - HTO-06 is a bit of a pain in the butt.
Replacement parts - There were only 1 or 2 aftermarket manufactures who offered brakes for the RDX, as the vehicle has not been out long enough for there to have too many aftermarket parts.
Not really vehicle related but will they continue the RDX 2012 - 2020? - The availability of parts, and a replacement for this vehicle, ideally with another one may be difficult to come by.
Limited tires available - Improving all the time, but the wife's TSX has a ton of more options.

Overall love the vehicle, and certainly would consider another.... maybe V6, or possibly added HP with turbo upgrade.

DateTSX

Loves:
- Quick acceleration and the handling
- Rear camera
- Xenon headlights
- Voice operated features
- Huge center console storage
- Paddle shifters
- SHAWD
- Small dimension for easy parking and maneuvering
Hates:
- Lack of sunglass holder
- Bluetooth; calls make from the phone aren’t auto transfer to the car audio
- Somewhat disappointed City gas mileage.
- No auto ON headlight.
- No remote window down feature or key in operation
- Center console storage opening
- Paddle shifter are mounted on the steering wheel and not column

pickler

ill start with likes:
- Competitive price
- Excellent low/mid range torque
- refinement
- Handling/Roadholding of SH-AWD
- smooth gear changes
- ability to have full control of all gears
- Interior space and cargo with the exception of front passenger leg and foot room
- 07-09 model appearance
- paint qaulty
- oem 18" rims look decent
- tech package navigation and sound system
- turbo gauge!

Not sure about:
- Fuel Economy (21mpg)
- Premium Gas (c'mon honda even turbo genesis takes regular)
- Turbo performance, needs to be more active but it works well when spooling.
- somewhat bouncy ride
- navigation screen quality and visibility

Hates:
- Front passenger legroom and footspace
- tire noise
- dash, center-console material quality
- Front Wheel Drive bias AWD system
- Rusted underbody

ptrapper65

I'm liking this... We all seem to be on the same page (love the car, but there can be some improvements). Let's keep this post going!!!

MMike1981

improvements that must be made:
1. rear hvac
2. hood prop rods
3. rear hatch light (no, that tiny bulb doesnt cut it)
4. auto tailgate
5. less noise
6. finished underbody

things that are obvious: new tranny, new/improved engine, fit/finish/materials/quality.

if they built the RDX like a smaller MDX. id 100% buy one again. MDX should be the benchmark, or even the ZDX. if i were facing an RDX that cost 40-42 and has value to back it up vs my Q5, now we are talking.

Boostin'

New owner, so no "dislikes" yet *L*, but definitlely some specific likes, in addition to all the reasons we bought the car in the first place...that came as a pleasant surprise.

1. Rear-view camera; never had one in a vehicle before, but very very nice aid in parallel parking, or backing into tight spaces.

2. Key fobs linked to individual seat settings; could never easily get into a car before that my wife had just used, as the seat would be all the way forward. Now as soon as I hit unlock on "my" remote, the seat automatically has the seat adjusted to my settings by the time I open the door.


P.S. ok one minor dislike already I guess *L* - hood prop rod.

storminvader

likes:
1) relatively good value for $
2) reliable engine
3) SH-AWD
4) rear view camera
5) neat / cool graphics and nice driver control gauges
6) fun driving with engine grunts and turbo spooling

dislike:
1) paint quality on plastic iffy
2) no power tailgate
3) seems like the whole car was built with elmers glue and plastic
4) brakes could be better
5) sheet metal feels like any other honda vehicle

ptrapper65

I said this in my hate, but no one has repeated it... No washer fluid low level notification. The car tells you everything els
e, but that ????

MMike1981

canadian models have an indicator.

InfamousJamous

Someone mentioned that the newer models also have a low washer fluid indicator.

The RDX is a fairly new model and it will take time for it to be refined so that it's up to par. I can imagine that the following will be improved for Acura to stay in the competition with other V6 luxury CUVs:

• Tranny (6+ gears, quicker sport shifts)
• Improved MPG
• More power (280-300+ hp/tq)
• Auto remote liftgate
• Engine start/stop button
• LED taillights, similar the the MDX
• Better brakes
• Dynamic headlights

I like how you guys pointed out the hood prop rod. Hydraulic struts are more fitting for a luxury CUV although they tend to give out over the years. The only thing I like about the prop rod is the maintenance slot to prop the hood almost straight up and long-term reliability.

Boostin'

Mine has it "WASHER FLUID LOW" in the MID, but again as mentioned by Mike, it seems to be a Canadian model only thing...go figure

XIS

I am one of those that followed this car when it was a concept, but waited till Feb 07 to buy. 35Kon her now.

Likes:
really, I like almost everything. My favorite things are:
Reliability
power (power was great before the Hondata, now it is amazing)
sound system
heated seats
handling
versatility - it is a sports car, a kid hauler, a SUV and a sports team car (4 kids and me, plus 6 baseball bags and 4 fully stuffed school backpacks all fit easily)
stance/looks
mine is rattle free and no paint issues. Actually, paint looks like new still and I haven't zaino'd it in 3 years.


I had one single dislike... OEM tires. Replaces those with some Yoks - YK520 and it was a great improvement

Wishes:
more LEDs, in and out
higher MPG, but 17 in a sports car around town with my foot in it really isn't that bad
driver-adjustable suspension - this is my car, but when my wife rides in it, she complains about it being too 'bumpy'
6, 7 or 8 speed
wish they had memory seats in 07

djbonsu

iTrader: (3)

it seema all canadian models get this feature.....is there a law in canada that mandates this?

Boostin'

Not that I know of LOL...it seems silly though that such a feature would be standard equip in one market, and not available at all - even optionally, in one right next door.

storminvader

it's prolly bec our roads are dirtier here :P

ptrapper65

Maybe dirtier with road salt, sand and dirt, but not with filthy trash and garbage and pot holes as it is down here in the big apple.

JOE COOL

it should of come with auto headlights,
and center rear console,heat and a.c. vents for rear passengers.
my dome bulb above rear seats keeps burning out.
anyone else?

2008 white pearl rdx

MMike1981

even the TSX has rear hvac now. lol. another thing that could have been done without changing much on the 2010 refresh. TSX now has ELS gen 2, and actually upgraded leather (contrast stitching) yes it can be done, apparently not to the RDX. I understand if they are scrapping the current version and totally redesigning, but the car has been neglected since the beginning grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Boostin'

Sounds like another item Acura added as the life cycle matured - it's on the 2011's.

MMike1981

which is another thing that sucks about the brand in general, but i think those days are coming to a close as they are getting more aggressive and more expensive, too. lol
- leaving stuff out on purpose, just so it looks like they are adding feature...no, its just LACKING features.

brizey

Love:
Handling (great relative to vehicle shape and size)
Flat rear floor (back seat is comfortable in general)
Steering wheel (perfect for my hand size)
Center console storage
Sunglasses holders in the doors instead of the overhead console (awesome since they are not burning hot in the Dallas summers)

Hate:
Few too many rattles, but it's not like I didn't know I was buying a Honda
Hood prop is a little low end
Paint is mediocre
Brakes are mediocre

Ambivalent:
Power--to me it is merely adequate--I am used to faster vehicles than this, but when I bought it it was essentially best in class so it is hard to knock it.
Lack of rear HVAC--seems to work fine without it. Would not effect my purchase decision either way.
Lack of power tailgate--don't need it and don't see the point--my wife is 5'2" and can reach it just fine. Would not effect my purchase decision either way.
Interior styling--It's a car not a purse or piece of furniture. Again, it is adequate and I just don't care that much about it.

Mr Marco

We were wanting '07 CRV, but cross shopped RDX and never looked back. What's not to love? Nobody is perfect.

storminvader

i think they are (totally redesigning). hopefully it comes out with a 6 cyl. option as well. {wishful thinking, i know, esp with Q5 with 4 turbo now selling more, and X3 also having the same thing}

mrgold35

My wife wanted a CR-V at first because it looked "cute" and we test drove one a few years back. I could barely fit in the passenger seat; my knees were pressed against the dash. It only took one minute in the RDX and she forgot about the CR-V. Another thing that got her into a RDX was she started noticing a lot of gray haired couples were driving a CR-V in our area and she didn't want to be associated with that image.

Mr Marco

^Ha lol, Yep. That would explain the popularity of the gold CR-V.

brizey

My parents (late 60's) drive a CR-V. Theirs is a stylin' silver, though, lol. My dad wants a Nissan Leaf now (retired executive from AEP--he gets cheap electricity).

YYC_BoxsterGuy

The '11 RDX Tech has auto headlights.

Auto wipers would be nice. My Mazda 3 has 'em! But my Boxster and RDX don't.

redrdx

I'm on my second RDX I had an 08 and moved on to a 11. There seems to be many improvements over the years so some of the things like no auto highlights, power passenger seat and alike no longer make the list of negatives. On top of that I have noticed the overall performance greatly improved. So at this point I like everything "except", the voice recognition. It seems to speak English but I don't think it understands English. For example "Find Italian Restaurant" answer "Temperature set to Hi", or "turn defrost on" answer "zooming out to one mile" WTF. Oh yeah when I start with that language it really gets confused. At this point I consider it the most useless feature in the car. But you really don't have to reach too far to operate most things so I still love my RDX.

Carbon2008RDX

Simple Review:
Likes) Overall a great well appointed well performing, highly reliable CUV and SH-AWD is awesome.
Dislikes) OEM tires. Period.

Habu

That on my tech equipped RDX I can press the talk button and state "current location" and that it gives me the full address, lat and longitude, and elevation of wherever I am.

Habu

....and Auto lift/ close tail gate would be nice.

cdferarfi

Likes :
Fun to drive
Fast
Drives like a car not a suv
Roomy
Dislikes:
Mpg
Power lift gate
No keyless entry and push button start
No gas shocks on hood

Im happy with my rdx but next version install a v6 turbo and blow away the competition, 380 hp?