Acura: MDX News
08-29-2006, 12:09 PM
#241
styling on you
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Loving the new MDX! The fake wood doesn't bother me as I think wood is overrated. As long as it looks good it can be real or fake. Most people wouldn't know or even care.
08-29-2006, 12:15 PM
#242
Originally Posted by SeCsTaC
Loving the new MDX! The fake wood doesn't bother me as I think wood is overrated. As long as it looks good it can be real or fake. Most people wouldn't know or even care.
08-29-2006, 12:50 PM
#243
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by phile
...But I think the one thing that bothers me the most is the plastic aluminum steering wheel that looks like it came straigt outta the Civic.
I am also worried about the plastic aluminum trim. I was looking at the RDX and the trim on the door handles was all bumpy and rough feeling. It was not a good imitation of aluminum and was just poor quality.
08-29-2006, 01:02 PM
#244
While I think you guys have every right in the world to speak your mind, I can't help but feel some of you are splitting hairs. I personally don't see what's so bad about the steering wheel. I asked most of the people in my office and they seem to like it. For comparison sake, here are some pics of the competitors' steering wheels (none of which look that great to me, in particular the German makes look horrible IMHO):
08-29-2006, 01:40 PM
#248
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Originally Posted by jwaters943
While I think you guys have every right in the world to speak your mind, I can't help but feel some of you are splitting hairs. I personally don't see what's so bad about the steering wheel. I asked most of the people in my office and they seem to like it. For comparison sake, here are some pics of the competitors' steering wheels (none of which look that great to me, in particular the German makes look horrible IMHO):
Even though the MDX steering wheel is funky, I find it better than most of the competition. Here's another one to add to the list... though I love BMW's engineering.. their steering wheel is 
08-29-2006, 01:43 PM
#249
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Looks conserative. The styling though, from the front to rear has been done before, I'm calling it for sure now a mature RDX!!
There are only 3 SUV's that stand out on the road because their styling is so different from a usual SUV and they are:
Lexus RX, Infiniti FX, and Nissan Murano.
There are only 3 SUV's that stand out on the road because their styling is so different from a usual SUV and they are:
Lexus RX, Infiniti FX, and Nissan Murano.
08-29-2006, 02:53 PM
#250
Burning Brakes
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Originally Posted by mrdeeno
i actually think Acura is doing a good thing by raising prices, such as with the next MDX...
it's funny how people complain about Acura being too close in price and product to Honda, but when they start to differentiate in both product (styling, SH-AWD, options and equipment) and price, people complain that it costs too much more than the previous generation.
The price difference between an Acura and Honda variant were much smaller 5-6 years ago (Accord/TL/CL, MDX/Pilot). I'm sure the RDX and next gen. CR-V price difference is giong to be huge relative to what we are used to seeing from Honda/Acura. The TL Type-S price difference between a top-line Accord is also going to be huge, not to mention the next gen. Pilot and this MDX.
In about 2-3 years, no one will be complaining because people will have gotten used to paying more for an Acura over a Honda...and that's the point. They want people to get used to paying a "premium" cost for a "premium" name, and that's just one of the few steps they need to do to raise their image.
I like this MDX...just hope it gets HIDs.
it's funny how people complain about Acura being too close in price and product to Honda, but when they start to differentiate in both product (styling, SH-AWD, options and equipment) and price, people complain that it costs too much more than the previous generation.
The price difference between an Acura and Honda variant were much smaller 5-6 years ago (Accord/TL/CL, MDX/Pilot). I'm sure the RDX and next gen. CR-V price difference is giong to be huge relative to what we are used to seeing from Honda/Acura. The TL Type-S price difference between a top-line Accord is also going to be huge, not to mention the next gen. Pilot and this MDX.
In about 2-3 years, no one will be complaining because people will have gotten used to paying more for an Acura over a Honda...and that's the point. They want people to get used to paying a "premium" cost for a "premium" name, and that's just one of the few steps they need to do to raise their image.
I like this MDX...just hope it gets HIDs.
08-29-2006, 03:59 PM
#251
The sizzle in the Steak
Surprisingly the front end is growing on me...however the more I look at the side profile and rear, the more 
it looks.
it looks.
08-29-2006, 04:04 PM
#252
Pro
Overall I like the new MDX. I think it's significant improvement compared to the current Gen.
Good
- Interior, exterior in general; grille is excellent.
- SH-AWD
not so sure:
- steering wheel (they could do better)
- Lack of 6sp automatic transmission
Bad:
- plastic (looking) front and rear bumpers
Good
- Interior, exterior in general; grille is excellent.
- SH-AWD
not so sure:
- steering wheel (they could do better)
- Lack of 6sp automatic transmission
Bad:
- plastic (looking) front and rear bumpers
08-29-2006, 04:09 PM
#253
Senior Moderator
I actually really like this MDX. Im also a big fan of all the new steering wheels though.
I somewhat agree with mrdeeno but, the RL had a price increase but it didnt help sales/image much. Then again i think the MDX always sold much better than the RL regardless of price. This one will sell like hotcakes as well.
Yikes, wonder what the TL with SH-AWD will be priced at if the fwd TLS is at $39k
Also am i the only one who cant tell the difference between real wood and fake?
I somewhat agree with mrdeeno but, the RL had a price increase but it didnt help sales/image much. Then again i think the MDX always sold much better than the RL regardless of price. This one will sell like hotcakes as well.
Yikes, wonder what the TL with SH-AWD will be priced at if the fwd TLS is at $39k
Also am i the only one who cant tell the difference between real wood and fake?
08-29-2006, 04:22 PM
#254
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Also am i the only one who cant tell the difference between real wood and fake?
08-29-2006, 11:12 PM
#255
http://www.caranddriver.com/previews...acura-mdx.html
Lots of pictures, click on the photos button.
Lots of pictures, click on the photos button.
2007 Acura MDX - Previews
Acura gives us a driver.
BY STEVE SILER, August 2006
The first driving impression we gained at Acura’s press launch of its brand-new 2007 MDX in western Pennsylvania wasn’t on the road. It was on a track. And so confident was Acura in the dynamic talents of its new 7-passenger crossover ute, it brought along a trio of competitors, including the Porsche Cayenne V-6, the BMW X5 4.4i and the Volvo XC90 V-8.
How did it do? Beautifully, honestly, trouncing the Volvo, out-gunning the fat Cayenne and nearly matching the X5 in the fun-to-drive arena. Most telling was its behavior in transitory moves under full throttle. That’s when Acura’s sophisticated, full-time Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system—which varies torque distribution not only from front to rear, but from one rear wheel to the other, depending on traction conditions—showed off its talents most clearly. With the MDX’s optional active dampers calming body motions, it felt as if the hand of God was cupped on the rear bumper, scooting the car through every curve. There was never any sort of compromise of stability or traction. Just confident, high-speed, high-thrill curve carving. Brilliant.
2007 Acura MDX Smooth New Motor
Of course, it wasn’t actually the hand of God per se, but a great new 3.7-liter V6 engine providing the motivation. With 300 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, the new powerplant is up 47 hp and 25 lb-ft from last year’s 3.5-liter V-6. Acceleration is smooth and quiet up to 4500 rpm, at which point the VTEC system frees up some air space and allows a more sporty intake sound to come through. One surprise involves the automatic transmission, which has only five forward speeds, in a segment where six is becoming the norm. Thankfully, however, manual shift controls help drivers so inclined to keep the engine in the sweet spot during spirited driving or towing. Speaking of towing, the MDX’ stability control has a specific setting for trailering.
2007 Acura MDX Style and Substance
The edgy front-end styling of the new MDX represents a surprisingly bold departure for typically conservative Acura, but the simple shapes of the body effectively mask its significant increases in size compared with the 2006 model. 18-inch wheels are standard.
The interior of the MDX is styled in the same techno-classy vein as the RL, with a cascading center stack flanked by swaths of “wood” trim. There are plenty of high-zoot features available, from surround sound DVD audio to Navigation (with real-time traffic reporting) to rear cameras and more. The front buckets are comfortable and supportive, but perhaps more interesting is the rear seat, which provides outboard rear occupants with bucket-style seat shapes joined by a narrow center section for the occasional extra passenger. The third row, not surprisingly, is a place for pre-teen kids, or very short adults.
With SUV fatigue setting in, we didn’t know whether or not to look forward to a new MDX—or any new SUV, crossover or otherwise. Happily, in this case anyway, it appears that this new vehicle is something even ardent car-lovers like us could enjoy.
Acura gives us a driver.
BY STEVE SILER, August 2006
The first driving impression we gained at Acura’s press launch of its brand-new 2007 MDX in western Pennsylvania wasn’t on the road. It was on a track. And so confident was Acura in the dynamic talents of its new 7-passenger crossover ute, it brought along a trio of competitors, including the Porsche Cayenne V-6, the BMW X5 4.4i and the Volvo XC90 V-8.
How did it do? Beautifully, honestly, trouncing the Volvo, out-gunning the fat Cayenne and nearly matching the X5 in the fun-to-drive arena. Most telling was its behavior in transitory moves under full throttle. That’s when Acura’s sophisticated, full-time Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system—which varies torque distribution not only from front to rear, but from one rear wheel to the other, depending on traction conditions—showed off its talents most clearly. With the MDX’s optional active dampers calming body motions, it felt as if the hand of God was cupped on the rear bumper, scooting the car through every curve. There was never any sort of compromise of stability or traction. Just confident, high-speed, high-thrill curve carving. Brilliant.
2007 Acura MDX Smooth New Motor
Of course, it wasn’t actually the hand of God per se, but a great new 3.7-liter V6 engine providing the motivation. With 300 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, the new powerplant is up 47 hp and 25 lb-ft from last year’s 3.5-liter V-6. Acceleration is smooth and quiet up to 4500 rpm, at which point the VTEC system frees up some air space and allows a more sporty intake sound to come through. One surprise involves the automatic transmission, which has only five forward speeds, in a segment where six is becoming the norm. Thankfully, however, manual shift controls help drivers so inclined to keep the engine in the sweet spot during spirited driving or towing. Speaking of towing, the MDX’ stability control has a specific setting for trailering.
2007 Acura MDX Style and Substance
The edgy front-end styling of the new MDX represents a surprisingly bold departure for typically conservative Acura, but the simple shapes of the body effectively mask its significant increases in size compared with the 2006 model. 18-inch wheels are standard.
The interior of the MDX is styled in the same techno-classy vein as the RL, with a cascading center stack flanked by swaths of “wood” trim. There are plenty of high-zoot features available, from surround sound DVD audio to Navigation (with real-time traffic reporting) to rear cameras and more. The front buckets are comfortable and supportive, but perhaps more interesting is the rear seat, which provides outboard rear occupants with bucket-style seat shapes joined by a narrow center section for the occasional extra passenger. The third row, not surprisingly, is a place for pre-teen kids, or very short adults.
With SUV fatigue setting in, we didn’t know whether or not to look forward to a new MDX—or any new SUV, crossover or otherwise. Happily, in this case anyway, it appears that this new vehicle is something even ardent car-lovers like us could enjoy.
08-29-2006, 11:16 PM
#256
The gill slits in the hood didn't make it...
08-30-2006, 01:34 AM
#260
Senior Moderator
I think the exterior is not too bad, certainly an improvement over the old. I am going to guess it looks better in person. I definitely like the interior, and I am liking the steering wheel as well. Overall it gets a "pretty nice" rating from me.
08-30-2006, 02:04 AM
#261
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This is a SUV??
I can't believe there are so many members on this board that are getting so excited over the new MDX exterior.
Interior looks fine but for god sakes, the exterior looks like a freakin AWD Minivan!!!
The current generation MDX exterior is so much better. I'm so disappointed in Acura. What Acura did to the MDX proves to me that Acura has no design them what so ever.
I can't believe there are so many members on this board that are getting so excited over the new MDX exterior.
Interior looks fine but for god sakes, the exterior looks like a freakin AWD Minivan!!!
The current generation MDX exterior is so much better. I'm so disappointed in Acura. What Acura did to the MDX proves to me that Acura has no design them what so ever.
08-30-2006, 07:26 AM
#263
Smitty's Moral Police
Originally Posted by mark_12345
This is a SUV??
08-30-2006, 09:30 AM
#264
Originally Posted by mark_12345
This is a SUV??
I can't believe there are so many members on this board that are getting so excited over the new MDX exterior.
Interior looks fine but for god sakes, the exterior looks like a freakin AWD Minivan!!!
The current generation MDX exterior is so much better. I'm so disappointed in Acura. What Acura did to the MDX proves to me that Acura has no design them what so ever.
I can't believe there are so many members on this board that are getting so excited over the new MDX exterior.
Interior looks fine but for god sakes, the exterior looks like a freakin AWD Minivan!!!
The current generation MDX exterior is so much better. I'm so disappointed in Acura. What Acura did to the MDX proves to me that Acura has no design them what so ever.
To me, it looks like a buffed up version of the current MDX with some styling cues from the RDX (rear end), RL (interior) and the Mercedes ML (fenders flares). You want to see an AWD Minivan....look at the Mercedes R-Class.
08-30-2006, 11:28 AM
#266
Originally Posted by corey415
Dude, the current MDX is really vanilla comparared to the next gen. You on crack or something?
One of my neighbors has an MDX and now when I look at it it sickens me. OK I'm exagerrating, but you get the gist.
08-30-2006, 11:41 AM
#268
Three Wheelin'
My wife and I need something to tow our jet skis and future 19'-22' boat. Depending on the tow rating (has anyone heard anything about this yet?), the new MDX looks like it might be it. I like the exterior styling, and I think adding running boards to it will really complete the look. The interior looks pretty good as well. Can't wait to see it at my local Acura dealership. As much as I would rather buy the new TL-S, having an SUV in the family will serve our needs better than a car can.
08-30-2006, 12:21 PM
#270
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Originally Posted by 04EuroAccordTsx
Why does the MDX get LED's while the RDX doesn't?
But then again even an 06 Accord i4 Value Package has LED taillights!
08-30-2006, 12:41 PM
#271
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Originally Posted by levon1830
It appears the HFL contacts list is going to be integrated into the navi screen! 
08-30-2006, 12:45 PM
#272
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by 04EuroAccordTsx
Angie Harmon (IMO) is hot, so that's why her contact info is in the MDX database?
08-30-2006, 01:30 PM
#273
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by levon1830
Hey, sex sells right? I bet at least a handful of guys will buy the new MDX just from seeing her name!
08-30-2006, 02:21 PM
#275
Originally Posted by levon1830
My wife and I need something to tow our jet skis and future 19'-22' boat. Depending on the tow rating (has anyone heard anything about this yet?), the new MDX looks like it might be it. I like the exterior styling, and I think adding running boards to it will really complete the look. The interior looks pretty good as well. Can't wait to see it at my local Acura dealership. As much as I would rather buy the new TL-S, having an SUV in the family will serve our needs better than a car can.
As for the car vs. SUV debate, I could not agree more. I was tempted by the new G35, but don't feel I can go back to a car as my primary vehicle. I routinely have to haul large/bulky items as part of my job.
08-30-2006, 02:37 PM
#276
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by jwaters943
The tow rating is 5000 lbs., which is 500 more lbs. than the 2006. The VSA also now has a separate setting for when towing a trailer.
As for the car vs. SUV debate, I could not agree more. I was tempted by the new G35, but don't feel I can go back to a car as my primary vehicle. I routinely have to haul large/bulky items as part of my job.
As for the car vs. SUV debate, I could not agree more. I was tempted by the new G35, but don't feel I can go back to a car as my primary vehicle. I routinely have to haul large/bulky items as part of my job.
Now, the question is this: What is the limiting factor concerning the towing capacity for Honda's SUV's and the Ridgeline? Is it the transmission? The brakes? The chassis? A combination of these and other factors? While 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity is more than enough for me for now (I'm not ready for the big cuddy cabin boats yet
) I've just always wondered what prevents the Honda's from towing more. It doesn't seem like power is an issue, as the BMW X5 with the 3.0L I-6 rated at 225 hp has a towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. And the X5 weighs 4,652 lbs, so it's comparable to the MDX on the scales.Does anyone know?
08-30-2006, 02:47 PM
#278
Three Wheelin'
To continue my previous post, I found these specs on the Porsche Cayenne:
Base Number of Cylinders: 6 Base Engine Size: 3.2 liters
Base Engine Type: V6 Horsepower: 247 hp
Max Horsepower: 6000 rpm Torque: 229 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 2500 rpm Maximum Payload: 1709 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 7716 lbs. Drive Type: AWD
Base Number of Cylinders: 6 Base Engine Size: 3.2 liters
Base Engine Type: V6 Horsepower: 247 hp
Max Horsepower: 6000 rpm Torque: 229 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 2500 rpm Maximum Payload: 1709 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 7716 lbs. Drive Type: AWD
08-30-2006, 03:40 PM
#280
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by levon1830
Thanks for the towing info. Shortly after I posed the question, I actually found it in a link posted earlier in this thread. Amazing what happens when I actually read through the whole thread.
Now, the question is this: What is the limiting factor concerning the towing capacity for Honda's SUV's and the Ridgeline? Is it the transmission? The brakes? The chassis? A combination of these and other factors? While 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity is more than enough for me for now (I'm not ready for the big cuddy cabin boats yet ) I've just always wondered what prevents the Honda's from towing more. It doesn't seem like power is an issue, as the BMW X5 with the 3.0L I-6 rated at 225 hp has a towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. And the X5 weighs 4,652 lbs, so it's comparable to the MDX on the scales.
Does anyone know?
Now, the question is this: What is the limiting factor concerning the towing capacity for Honda's SUV's and the Ridgeline? Is it the transmission? The brakes? The chassis? A combination of these and other factors? While 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity is more than enough for me for now (I'm not ready for the big cuddy cabin boats yet
) I've just always wondered what prevents the Honda's from towing more. It doesn't seem like power is an issue, as the BMW X5 with the 3.0L I-6 rated at 225 hp has a towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. And the X5 weighs 4,652 lbs, so it's comparable to the MDX on the scales.Does anyone know?
Thats a dam fine question. Especially now seeing that the Cayenne V6 can tow 7716.