I really love the ZDX and have since it came out.

Personally, I think it's a great vehicle for my lifestyle. I guess you could say I have a pretty active lifestyle but I don't want to drive an everyday SUV.

My family also has a cabin located in a rural area. Not that I need a rock crawler, but a little bit of ground clearance is good. I can't (and won't) take the TSX or the Crossfire. The road is gravel and has a few rough patches with some deeper washed out parts, and there is a section of the road where it turns to clay so when it rains it gets pretty slick. Nothing I don't think the ZDX can't handle.

The other thing I would need it to do is tow a jetski. We have a Kawasaki 3-seater that weighs probably close to 1,100lbs. Total weight of the rig is probably 1,300lbs., so I think the ZDX can handle that. With everything loaded up for a day at the lake (jetski full of gas, ice chest, etc.) I'll most likely be pretty close to the max towing. My mom's 07 Pacifica handles the load with ease (although it has a 3,500lb. tow capacity) so I figure I'll have no problem with the ZDX. The only thing that does worry me is the glass roof for some reason. The rigidity of the roof scares me some.

Has anyone towed with their ZDX? How did it handle the load?

Also, the particular one I looked at had the Advance Pkg. Would towing put excess wear on the suspension system or should I spring for just a Tech. model? During the summer months the jetski will be towed almost every weekend ~30 miles one way, sometimes up to 70 miles one way. I really prefer the options on the Advance model. Our Pacifica has an auto-leveling rear so I just assumed the Honda-developed system could handle it.

I really liked the vehicle. The back seat isn't really a problem as I never sit back there and really never ever have more than one other passenger. I'm 6'2" and fit just fine in the front seat. It has enough cargo room for me too as it's either an ice chest or a suitcase in the back.

I didn't feel any lack of power, either. The 6A/T is pretty good! I felt the that the performance of the drivetrain was plenty and then some. The only thing I'm really worried about was the MPG, but I expect it to average around 19-20. My TSX usually averages about 27-28 and the Crossfire is usually about 25. It felt more powerful than my TSX (obviously) but not as quick as the Crossfire although it did feel pretty easy to push through the corners. The sound from the V6 is great too.

I'm not the target demographic of the ZDX, but it fits me. I'm younger, no kids, it has enough utility for me, ample ground clearance for getting where I need to go, it's performance is good, I want something unique, and it looks freaking hawt!

The one I test drove was a 2010 Advance in Aspen White Pearl with Taupe interior. It had 3,000 miles on it and he told me that it would be certified prior to sale. But he did tell me it had been in their loaner program which worries me a bit. Most people abuse and rag on the loaners... I thought the price was kind of steep too... $46,900. I could probably find a cheaper one with about ~10K on it. While my TL-S was white and so is my TSX, I really dig the Ionized Bronze. I think that's color I want with an Umber interior.

 

Honestly, Allen, I think you might be better off with an MDX. I test drove both last week where the MDX was about 4k cheaper and I felt they drove equally comfortably. I love sports/enthusiast cars and haven't had one since my 350z so I opted for the zdx because u felt it too cyrves better than the MDX.

I do go camping and hunting but I have an 06 XTerra for that. Since you already have your fun to drive cars, I say you should consider the MDX even though you said you'd rather not. I have had a FX and it felt so much closer to it in terms if comfort. Way better than a typical SUV - I.e. XTerra. 1500 tow cap is not much when you have a jets I and a full vehicle. IMO, it's really not meant for that.

Good luck.

P.S. almost bought the mdx but they dropped the price big on the ZDX.

 

I've owned a '10 MDX Tech and now the '11 ZDX Advanced as you can see. The MDX was new and the ZDX was used, but only had 3,400 miles on the odometer. I paid a little less for the MDX, but the ZDX is much better than the MDX overall, and rides and handles much better. It is also much quieter and gets better gas mileage. There are hundreds of thousands of MDXs on the road and less than 5,000 ZDXs. If I knew how good the ZDX was I would have bought one instead of the MDX in 2010. I have never seen an MDX 1st or 2nd Gen towing anything, and I have seen hundreds, if not thousands. Go with the ZDX; you will not regret it.

 

46900 just a rip off. I got my 2010 Advanced CPO with 10k miles for 40,500$ couple of months ago

 

I agree. I got my Ionized Bronze at the end of October for $44K and it only had about 1,000 miles. You will love it though, it isa wonderful car an the Bronze is great. Also - during Christmas I did see a Bronze with umbe interior i I think Boston on autotrader for $40K with 8,000 miles. I'd guess that dealer could be talked down a little from that if they still have it. But the Bronze is had to find and i was only on he 2010s so they will be harder to find in the future. Good luck with your search!

 

If you are more on the sporty driving side I would go with the advance. In sport mode the suspension is more stiff and sporty than the reg suspension. Plus power steering system is different on the advance model so it has more road feel.

Mine had a lot more miles 16500 and was also in the loaner program but I only paid $41000 and it has the chrome wheels and other dealer installed options. My service department is awesome so I had no problems with buying the loaner because I know they will take care of any problems I have.

I am 33 and have no kids. Honestly this car fits me perfectly. I can take it to the beach, fishing, clubbing, gym, bar hopping and nice dinners. It does all of the jobs in style. If you don't need the size of the MDX go with the ZDX You will have more pride driving something so unique almost exotic. IMHO.

Hope this info helps. And I hope to see you posting in this forum soon. Hopefully with a title like "Just pulled the trigger and love it"