I just got done reading the recent SUV comparison in C&D. The MDX ended up in a respectable third place...considering I'm probably going to get one within the year, I was hoping it would rank higher. So, I'm hoping Acura takes a long, hard look at the MDX for 2004. Any thoughts/ideas as to what Acura could do to raise the bar for SUVs again?

 

I thought rumor had it that its getting a bigger engine in for the 2004 models...

 

yea the mdx type S right?

 

so what was 1st & 2nd ??

 

I was flipping through that review last night.
I know the new VW Touareg got first place, but I forget who was second.

Shawn S

 

AcuraFan,
The current MDX has some HUGE changes that made it much better buy. Don't buy into the hype, MDX still is the choice if you are looking for an SUV out there. There isn't anything that will give you that kind of MPG, safety, power, comfort and entertainment. Your choice shouldn't change......

 

The MDX is a fantastic SUV. I agree with Zapata. It's gotten some nice changes for '03.

 

guys the mdx does 0-60 now in 7.8 sec (versus 0-60 in 8.1---240hp edition) and has awesome upper range power i.e. above 50mph+

The 2nd place winner was the new Lexus Gx470...according to C&D, the mdx lost b/c it wasn't as luxurious as the top two, however, the mdx was the second cheapest, if i rmbr correctly

 

It seems like C&D always picks whatever is the newest vehicle(s) in the test group.
Unless of course it’s cars and there’s a Bimmer in the group then it's a GIMMIE who will win.

Shawn S

 

My father bought an MDX about a year ago. Everytime I go home to visit I ask to drive it. The drivability and handling of the car is unlike an SUV. You don't feel like you are tossing around a big truck in corners nor braking/accelerating.

I read the article as well in C&D. Personally, I like the interior of the VW much more so than the MDX. Since I've never driven the VW I can't do an accurate comparison.

I think you will be very happy with your MDX. Dollar for dollar you can't get anything better. If you want more info from actual owners: http://www.acuramdx.org/

 

also, the mdx does not seem 2 be plagued w/ as many tranny problems as us

 

Well, I do think the MDX is an amazing vehicle. I drive by the Acura dealership to get to work and I usually see more RX300s (trade ins) than I see MDXs. That alone tells me something.

But I'm a little disappointed by the MDX's towing ability. I live in Minnesota, where it's practically a state law that everyone has a big friggin' boat. So at some point, I'm going to do some decent hauling with it.

I liked the review on the Touareg, but it's VW-ugly IMO.

 

Lex RX300?

 

eeeeh, it's ok. MDX styling is better.

 

Maybe the RX330 will be better, but the RX300 just feels a little small and underpowered compared to the MDX.

 

The MDX was the highest finishing 7 passenger 'ute in the group. It already got its' 20 HP bump from 240 to 260 this year.
I was hoping that the Volvo would fare better. I was thinking about getting one for the spouse unit, but the engine wasn't that hot and it's already like a 6 mos wait list. I like the styling & interior better than the MDX's, though

 

The 2nd place lexus GX has a third row! Sure it seats one more (8), but that's better than 7, so who cares if the mdx was the "top" 7 passenger ute!

 

my brother has the top of the line MDX and it aint all that. I've sat in a RX300 and liked it much better. Not saying the rx300 is better but mdx isnt THAT much better, if any.

The MDX is a good suv, no doubt, but its good (or better) not cos its own character... but becos other suv plain SUCK!

Putting a crippled horse with a pack of donkeys will make the horse more desirable... but its still a crippled horse!

 

I stand corrected. :o
Wouldn't consider the lexus, though.
Ugly, and gross cabin.

 

The Lexus in the comparison is the GX430 (their new SUV based off the 4Runner) not the RX300

 

It's funny, i just got done with December Motor Trend and they picked the Volvo as SUV of the year and the review was awesome. The MDX is even better with the 260 H.P. and VSA this year.

 

The MDX is nice, but there is one "big" issue with it that would prevent me from considering it.

When you are behind it, you can see way too much of the underbody mechanicals....it looks ridiculous. They should have designed a lower rear bumper shroud or something that would cover the area.


I just drove the Lincoln Aviator the other day, don't care what C&D said about it....that truck is gorgeous, add a nice set of wheels and that is one hot rig. It drove very nice, I would consider it if I were in the market for an SUV.

 

Yea I notice that too when behind one!

 

Well, it's a good thing you don't see that while you're driving. I honestly don't care much for what you can see from behind so much...it's still a stylish design in general.

I would consider the Aviator, the HP and Torque are nice...but I think I like the handling of the MDX better.

 

That is true, but you still have to look at it......that kind of stuff drives me nuts. While the MDX is very nice and they are a complete sales success, it is a bit of a soccer mom rig. Most of the people I see driving them are women (men also, but mostly women)

 

That's true...they do seem a little like Acura's minivan. But I don't want a truck based Ute. Those XC90s are still looking pretty sweet.