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I have searched and can't find the 2015 in the color combo that I want, so now thinking of getting the 2016.
When I test drove the 2015 it was great with instant pick up and wanting to go. However, I have read about the 2016 feeling like not having the same pickup from a stop even in the sports mode.
Is this common for 2016, and do you feel like there is a drag when you accelerate? I will be test driving soon, but wanted to know from those who have owned it for a couple of weeks now.
I test drove both the 2015 and 2016 AWD/Tech and elected to go with the 2016. I've had it for a month now and find it super smooth and enjoyable to drive in comfort mode.
In sport mode, it literally leaps forward with very light pressure on the accelerator. In Atlanta traffic, often stop-and-go, I have to be careful in sport mode and am starting to prefer comfort mode.
Sure, maybe the tranny software will get tweaked along the line somewhere, but until it does, I am 100% satisfied with the way my 2016 drives.
I have searched and can't find the 2015 in the color combo that I want, so now thinking of getting the 2016.
When I test drove the 2015 it was great with instant pick up and wanting to go. However, I have read about the 2016 feeling like not having the same pickup from a stop even in the sports mode.
Is this common for 2016, and do you feel like there is a drag when you accelerate? I will be test driving soon, but wanted to know from those who have owned it for a couple of weeks now.
2016 is faster than the 2015 because of the 9 speed transmission. The 9 speed transmission is made in Germany by ZF. The 6 speed transmission shifted much slower and was Acura made.
2016 is faster than the 2015 because of the 9 speed transmission. The 9 speed transmission is made in Germany by ZF. The 6 speed transmission shifted much slower and was Acura made.
Huh?! Do you have data to support your assumptions? Where did you get this info from?
It is simply a bad design IMO...a design that was done for marketing and highway fuel economy. It is NOT a design that favors performance. Downshifting from certain gears will be awkward and slow.
Better gearing, yes...but also limiter in 1st gear(s) which blunts the low gear (high numerically) effect. Whether this was done for fuel economy reason or to smooth it out (given 9-speed ZF major complaint on other vehicles for jerky shifts).
People confuse IDS-SPORT as being "faster". It is not. Throttle is just more sensitive to pressure (aka non-linear). Transmission S-mode does not necessarily shift any faster...it just holds gear longer and allows you to shift at redline. Now, the only unknown is that IDS-SPORT shifts more power to the rear axle...how much this affects acceleration is unknown, but probably minor (unless slippery surface). Either way, all 3rd gen MDX have IDS-SPORT and tranny S-mode and all do the same things in these modes.
But, given the DESIGN of 9-speed ZF, the 6-speed auto will downshift much faster and more smoothly (little interruption of torque supply) while moving.
Again, the 9-speed ZF transmission focus is NOT about performance, but about numbers of gears (marketing) and fuel economy at high speed cruising. And given the numerous negative press from this transmission since intro, this is why i question E92Vancouver post. I cannot remember the last time a new transmission has received this many negative press!
It is simply a bad design IMO...a design that was done for marketing and highway fuel economy. It is NOT a design that favors performance. Downshifting from certain gears will be awkward and slow.
That's a great technical article. Looks like they have given an automatic transmission more manual type functions. Recall that manual transmission cars are faster than traditional automatics (not talking about DCT or DSG), though you have to cut power between shifts.
Once I break my MDX in, I will report back on the downshifts under full throttle.
That's a great technical article. Looks like they have given an automatic transmission more manual type functions. Recall that manual transmission cars are faster than traditional automatics (not talking about DCT or DSG), though you have to cut power between shifts.
Once I break my MDX in, I will report back on the downshifts under full throttle.
Wow...talk about different interpretation from the same article!
And by the way, i think that you misunderstood the article. BTW, part of the reason manual tranny-equipped cars TRADITIONALLY go faster (with a professional driver!) is due to lack of torque converter. Does your 9-HP ZF have a torque converter? Yes, it does. And by the way, most modern automatics can shift faster than 99% of drivers, esp. civilian drivers.
Why do you have to wait for break-in? Just drive at 70-75 mph and try to pass. Or do the same (70-75mph)...shift in S-mode on transmission and double pull the LEFT shift paddle to downshift 2 gears (or more if you like).
Basing this on physics and common sense. Road tests should be out soon.
Physics? Explain that to me. Common sense? Are you seriously kidding me?! And this is coming from a guy that thought 2nd gen MDX's DUAL EXHAUST outlet gave it more power!!
Dude, owning a BMW does not make you a knowledgeable person regarding ZF! I read on another forum (or this) about Youtube professional review stating how crappy 2016 MDX drove in the city...like dead weight or something.
Physics? Explain that to me. Common sense? Are you seriously kidding me?! And this is coming from a guy that thought 2nd gen MDX's DUAL EXHAUST outlet gave it more power!!
Dude, owning a BMW does not make you a knowledgeable person regarding ZF! I read on another forum (or this) about Youtube professional review stating how crappy 2016 MDX drove in the city...like dead weight or something.
Way to put words in my mouth. I never once said the dual exhaust gave it more power, You obviously live in a reality distortion bubble. Being in the NRA would do that to you.
You read tests about the 2016 and can believe what you want.
I drive the car everyday and think the transmission is fantastic
I have had the car downshift under aggressive driving (not WOT) and it shifts smooth and fast.
Last edited by E92Vancouver; Apr 6, 2015 at 06:50 PM.
Reality distortion bubble? No, but at least i do not contradict myself in successive postings.
Maybe, you should join reality where all of us are...and maybe grow some balls and join NRA.
You have a hate on for the new 9 speed. If I just paid top dollar for a 2015 with a 6 speed, I would be plenty pissed too. I get that and feel sorry for your suffering. I would feel the exact same way.
You are quoting half truths and outright lies. Many of your so called facts are made up by you and you know that. Hey, if that makes you feel better, I am all for it. It makes this forum a happier place.
Acura does not make transmission decisions lightly. They have made their own and for them to outsource this component, it has to meet their exacting standards. They are a very conservative company.
Physics? Explain that to me. Common sense? Are you seriously kidding me?! And this is coming from a guy that thought 2nd gen MDX's DUAL EXHAUST outlet gave it more power!!
Dude, owning a BMW does not make you a knowledgeable person regarding ZF! I read on another forum (or this) about Youtube professional review stating how crappy 2016 MDX drove in the city...like dead weight or something.
OMG!!! You are such a joke! I question why I even converse with you. You are really grasping at straws.
I disagree with several things that your automotive guru, Steve Hammes says:
1. "3rd row is small and exclusively for little ones": Not true. The 2nd row slides to give the 3rd row more room. I have had adults comfortably sit in the 3rd row on extended trips. No complaints.
2. "The MDX feels laborious around the town." WTF dude?? This is what you base your hate of the German ZF 9 speed on? Does he blame the transmission? What planet are you from? Maybe he is driving in comfort. I drive in "normal" and the car is very peppy. I have driven in "sport" mode and find the car too reactive. Almost like a carnival ride.
My advice to any forum readers is to test drive the car and not listen to Tigmd99. You are acting like a clown.
3. Your man Steve comments on the fuel consumption increasing on the 2016. Does he actually do a test? No. He quotes the EPA rating.
I don't know what the fuel consumption is like on a 2015 but my 2016 uses 30% less fuel than my 2011 on my urban route. Quite amazing.
4. Steve Hammes who you worship can't figure out the infotainment system.
Hands down, this infotainment system is better than my 2011. It is fantastic. Logically thought out and easy to use. It is like going from a blackberry to an iphone. If you are a blackberry dinosaur, not open to change or new things, you are going to have issues. No doubt.
I saw your Steve Hammes review prior to you posting the links. I think he is off base for the above reasons. It is his opinion and your opinion may be his opinion. You are entitled to it. But you don't own a 2016 and likely never will, so let it go. If I paid top dollar for a 2015 6 speed I would be angry too. You will get over it.
I can see that it will be a full time job to call you out on your half truths and misinformation. A job I am not interested in.
Last edited by E92Vancouver; Apr 7, 2015 at 12:58 AM.
Like I said Tigmd99, I would be pissed if I paid top dollar for a 2015 MDX with a 6 speed transmission, failing to realize that the 9 speed was about to be released. Didn't you read the specs on the TLX?
I feel your pain brotha! I feel your pain.
Would it make you feel better if I told you the 6 speed was a better transmission? What is the emoticon for sending a hug to a Clown?
Last edited by E92Vancouver; Apr 7, 2015 at 01:24 AM.
You have a hate on for the new 9 speed. If I just paid top dollar for a 2015 with a 6 speed, I would be plenty pissed too. I get that and feel sorry for your suffering. I would feel the exact same way.
You are quoting half truths and outright lies. Many of your so called facts are made up by you and you know that. Hey, if that makes you feel better, I am all for it. It makes this forum a happier place.
Acura does not make transmission decisions lightly. They have made their own and for them to outsource this component, it has to meet their exacting standards. They are a very conservative company.
No, i have no hate for it...until you made ridiculous statements about it...see above. Do i think that it is a great transmission? No. Why would i think that when facts and history of that transmission are questionable? I have never mentioned anything negative about it until you wrote some utter stupidity about it...and crap on prior transmission without much knowledge...literally!
Originally Posted by E92Vancouver
OMG!!! You are such a joke! I question why I even converse with you. You are really grasping at straws.
I disagree with several things that your automotive guru, Steve Hammes says:
1. "3rd row is small and exclusively for little ones": Not true. The 2nd row slides to give the 3rd row more room. I have had adults comfortably sit in the 3rd row on extended trips. No complaints.
2. "The MDX feels laborious around the town." WTF dude?? This is what you base your hate of the German ZF 9 speed on? Does he blame the transmission? What planet are you from? Maybe he is driving in comfort. I drive in "normal" and the car is very peppy. I have driven in "sport" mode and find the car too reactive. Almost like a carnival ride.
My advice to any forum readers is to test drive the car and not listen to Tigmd99. You are acting like a clown.
3. Your man Steve comments on the fuel consumption increasing on the 2016. Does he actually do a test? No. He quotes the EPA rating.
I don't know what the fuel consumption is like on a 2015 but my 2016 uses 30% less fuel than my 2011 on my urban route. Quite amazing.
4. Steve Hammes who you worship can't figure out the infotainment system.
Hands down, this infotainment system is better than my 2011. It is fantastic. Logically thought out and easy to use. It is like going from a blackberry to an iphone. If you are a blackberry dinosaur, not open to change or new things, you are going to have issues. No doubt.
I can see that it will be a full time job to call you out on your half truths and misinformation. A job I am not interested in.
Steve Hammes...he is the first to do a review on 2016. Thus, someone else posted it on this forum. Don't hate me for it!
You see...your comments above CLEARLY show your ignorance and that you're blinded.
#1: agree with him. 3rd row is small. Your knees up. Not good for adults on long drives. He is 100% correct...but i knew about this when i bought the MDX.
#2: hey, COMFORT mode does NOT change throttle sensitivity. Ouch! Maybe, you need to read the OWNER'S MANUAL! Trees were killed to get the manual into your hands...don't let the trees die in vain!!
#3: your 2nd gen was a gas hog...i am getting pretty good mpgs too.
#4: Infotainment system can be better. I know how to use it...and yes, better than 2nd gen IMO...but is it great? Not really. Hate the navigation, but then again, i use my phone for navigation.
Originally Posted by E92Vancouver
Like I said Tigmd99, I would be pissed if I paid top dollar for a 2015 MDX with a 6 speed transmission, failing to realize that the 9 speed was about to be released. Didn't you read the specs on the TLX?
Paid top dollar? Nah, only an idiot would pay top dollar for a MDX. I got a huge discount thank you!
Regardless of what articles say, most people will stick by what they bought.
We opted for the 2015 knowing the details on the 2016, 6spd or 9 spd it's not a racecar its a 3 row suv
2016 is faster than the 2015 because of the 9 speed transmission. The 9 speed transmission is made in Germany by ZF. The 6 speed transmission shifted much slower and was Acura made.
The ZF 9-speed is made in South Carolina, not Germany.
No, i have no hate for it...until you made ridiculous statements about it...see above. Do i think that it is a great transmission? No. Why would i think that when facts and history of that transmission are questionable? I have never mentioned anything negative about it until you wrote some utter stupidity about it...and crap on prior transmission without much knowledge...literally!
Steve Hammes...he is the first to do a review on 2016. Thus, someone else posted it on this forum. Don't hate me for it!
You see...your comments above CLEARLY show your ignorance and that you're blinded.
#1: agree with him. 3rd row is small. Your knees up. Not good for adults on long drives. He is 100% correct...but i knew about this when i bought the MDX.
#2: hey, COMFORT mode does NOT change throttle sensitivity. Ouch! Maybe, you need to read the OWNER'S MANUAL! Trees were killed to get the manual into your hands...don't let the trees die in vain!!
#3: your 2nd gen was a gas hog...i am getting pretty good mpgs too.
#4: Infotainment system can be better. I know how to use it...and yes, better than 2nd gen IMO...but is it great? Not really. Hate the navigation, but then again, i use my phone for navigation.
Paid top dollar? Nah, only an idiot would pay top dollar for a MDX. I got a huge discount thank you!
READ it again...try and understand it. Read it line by line. You are clearly in over your head.
You are out of your element Donny.
The dog clutch transmission is the new normal. Very efficient and no slip. Works extremely well with a lock up torque converter. Makes an automatic even closer to a manual.
I drove my car and performed some multi gear downshifts. It was SMOOTH!!! Sorry to disappoint you. You act like the process to downshift takes minutes. Well it took milliseconds. I couldn't feel the delay you cry about.
I can understand your anger and motives to talk down the new 9 speed transmission and talk up an out dated 6 speed transmission that Acura through in the trash bin for good reason.
Dog clutch transmissions which you hate are the new normal. They are used in manual transmissions, motor cycle transmissions and the new Ducal Clutch transmissions. Progress is a bitch when you own the old shit huh?
If I were you, I would be pissed too! You bought a 2015 that is already a model year old before we even hit the first quarter of 2015.
You paid top dollar for a 2015 that is missing the latest bells and whistles that severely hurts your resale value.
The internet is littered with your opinions on transmissions. Turns out you are even an expert on the MDX 2003 transmission. You have been talkig this crap for 12 years. I like how one poster in a discussion about the 2003 MDX transmission told you to get a life and stop being an alarmist. You have a history of stirring the pot or is this just another name for troll like behavior?
Would it make you feel better if ZF sent you a letter telling you you are the smartest man in the room?
Here is a better idea Mr. Transmission genius. Go start your own transmission company and show the world how to do it. I can see any private equity company wanting to give you billions for your venture. Hell, you have 12 years of talking this crap on the internet.
The 70's called my friend. They want your transmission back.
"Cherokee, 200, and TLX owners have each reported conditions such as sudden lunges from unexpected downshifts, a lack of kickdown upon entering highways, front-axle vibration in low gears, and complete failures in which the transmission shifts into neutral while driving and lights up the dash with warning lights.
While NHTSA has not launched an investigation, Jeep dealers are replacing between 12 to 15 transmissions a week, according to AN. Aside from Honda, there have been no recalls for this transmission, only lots of frustrated owners from these first-year vehicles."
#2: hey, COMFORT mode does NOT change throttle sensitivity. Ouch! Maybe, you need to read the OWNER'S MANUAL! Trees were killed to get the manual into your hands...don't let the trees die in vain!!
OMG. You know everything about nothing. I guess IDS was not available on your model? Did you get the FWD base model?
IDS does change the throttle response.
At about this time, if I debated like you, I would be calling you ignorant, a jack ass, a clown, etc., but I won't step down to your level. I am here to educate you in a friendly manner.
You are angry and see red for paying top dollar for a 2015 just before the 2016 was released. I get that. Here are the 5 stages you will experience in this trauma:
1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining (replace this with talking crap on the internet)
4. Depression
5. Acceptance
Right now you are at stage 3.
Sorry I don't have time to dispel your other half truths and misrepresentations.
"Cherokee, 200, and TLX owners have each reported conditions such as sudden lunges from unexpected downshifts, a lack of kickdown upon entering highways, front-axle vibration in low gears, and complete failures in which the transmission shifts into neutral while driving and lights up the dash with warning lights.
While NHTSA has not launched an investigation, Jeep dealers are replacing between 12 to 15 transmissions a week, according to AN. Aside from Honda, there have been no recalls for this transmission, only lots of frustrated owners from these first-year vehicles."
2. "The MDX feels laborious around the town." WTF dude?? This is what you base your hate of the German ZF 9 speed on? Does he blame the transmission? What planet are you from? Maybe he is driving in comfort. I drive in "normal" and the car is very peppy. I have driven in "sport" mode and find the car too reactive. Almost like a carnival ride.
Ok...you're still with me? BOLD and BIG just in case you forgot your own idiotic writing.
My response:
Originally Posted by Tigmd99
#2: hey, COMFORT mode does NOT change throttle sensitivity. Ouch! Maybe, you need to read the OWNER'S MANUAL! Trees were killed to get the manual into your hands...don't let the trees die in vain!!
Get it? IDS only changes throttle in SPORT mode. What you wrote is 100% wrong. WRONG. That guy's commentary on 2016 MDX being dead weight is NOT due to what IDS mode he was in. Geez!
LOL. Dude, learn to READ and COMPREHEND before trying to "get me."
IDS only changes throttle in SPORT mode.
READ what your wrote initially, what my response was....get it now?!
You are a real piece of work. If I debated like you, I would be calling you a troll right now but will refrain.
You are pointless. You very clearly said IDS does not change throttle response. If you go from Sport to Comfort does your throttle response change??
Like I said. Your buddy probably drives in Comfort with the dumbed down steering and throttle. I drive in Normal. Guess what. Normal & Comfort have the same throttle response. I find Normal to be peppy. I also said Sport is too punchy.
You are looking to argue on everything huh? How are you feeling about the 2015 FWD purchase?
Last edited by E92Vancouver; Apr 7, 2015 at 01:03 PM.
Like I said. Your buddy probably drives in Comfort with the dumbed down steering and throttle. I drive in Normal. Guess what. Normal & Comfort have the same throttle response. I find Normal to be peppy. I also said Sport is too punchy.
Watch out!! Backtrack anymore and you may run over your grandma!!!
Have a good day dude. Loosen your panties...you're cutting off circulation to your brain....
If I were you, I would be pissed too! You bought a 2015 that is already a model year old before we even hit the first quarter of 2015.
You paid top dollar for a 2015 that is missing the latest bells and whistles that severely hurts your resale value.
Not sure why people keep spewing this crap about the 2015 re-sale value.
Adding the 9-speed tranny to the 2016 MDX did nothing to affect the 2015 re-sale value.
Have you ever bought a used vehicle? If not, do some more research, what speed auto tranny you have makes zero impact on re-sale value. Miles driven, color, make, model, auto vs. manual, reliability, etc. all play a roll in re-sale value. 6-speeds versus 9-speeds make zero impact on re-sale value, unless one has significant reliability issues...
You are looking to argue on everything huh? How are you feeling about the 2015 FWD purchase?
I love my FWD 2015 MDX!!! Shhhh...dealer inadvertently gave me SH-AWD as an accessory for FREE...because i paid for my MDX even less than FWD model!! What a freaking bargain! But then again, i am sure that early 2016 buyers got the same deal! Go Acura!
Yes, but was that not due to reliability/quality issues with the newer tranny?
YES, it was due to tranny issues on newer models!! The new CVT on later model QX/JX is a POS...not clear on 2015-2016 models (jury still out). Used car buyers are directed by many forum members to look at the 1st model year!
Do you have data to support your assumptions? Where did you get this info from?
And this is coming from a guy that thought 2nd gen MDX's DUAL EXHAUST outlet gave it more power!! 
I read on another forum (or this) about Youtube professional review stating how crappy 2016 MDX drove in the city...like dead weight or something. 
