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2001 Acura MDX Full Review
Date Published: 3/07/08
Also in the 2001 Acura MDX Review:
2001 Acura MDX Review
Acura's first SUV uses the platform and powertrain of parent Honda's Odyssey minivan. MDX seats seven and is longer overall than the rival 5-seat BMW X5 and Lexus RX 300. Its 2nd- and 3rd-row bench seats fold flat with the load floor. Standard are front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, rear air conditioning, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and 17-inch alloy wheels. A V6 with 5-speed automatic transmission is the sole powertrain. It links to an all-wheel-drive system without low-range gearing. A navigation system is optional. The Touring model adds a power passenger seat, in-dash CD changer, and other features.
Competition
This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buy is the car-based Lexus RX 300. Though it lacks a low range in 4WD mode, it's the most carlike to drive and offers all of the versatility of a truck-based model.
Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the best-selling Ford Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the Teutonic Mercedes-Benz M-Class; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.
Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the best-selling Ford Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the Teutonic Mercedes-Benz M-Class; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.
News
Acura's first SUV has been an instant hit, scoring nearly 10,000 sales in its early months of late 2000. Demand continued strong into 2001, which is why discounts have been nil. Sales got a further boost in January when MDX was chosen by a panel of journalists as North American Truck of the Year.
Being freshly minted, the MDX should see no major change until model-year 2003, when Acura will reportedly install a larger 3.8-liter V6 with perhaps 280-290 hp. The upsized engine is intended to distance MDX from a new derivative Honda-brand SUV that arrives that season with the Acura's current 3.5 engine.
Being freshly minted, the MDX should see no major change until model-year 2003, when Acura will reportedly install a larger 3.8-liter V6 with perhaps 280-290 hp. The upsized engine is intended to distance MDX from a new derivative Honda-brand SUV that arrives that season with the Acura's current 3.5 engine.
2001 Acura MDX Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Climate controls |
| Fuel economy | |
| Navigation system controls | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
V8 SUVs have more muscle, but MDX feels lively enough in most situations--it's as fast as most any 6-cyl rival--aided by a smooth, prompt 5-speed automatic transmission. Our test Touring model clocked 0-60 mph in 8.7 sec.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
V8 SUVs have more muscle, but MDX feels lively enough in most situations--it's as fast as most any 6-cyl rival--aided by a smooth, prompt 5-speed automatic transmission. Our test Touring model clocked 0-60 mph in 8.7 sec.
Fuel Economy
Slightly above the 6-cyl midsize-SUV norm, but premium fuel is required. One test MDX averaged 16.8 mpg in hard driving that included gas-eating performance tests. Another averaged 19.3 in primarily highway driving.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.3 |
Slightly above the 6-cyl midsize-SUV norm, but premium fuel is required. One test MDX averaged 16.8 mpg in hard driving that included gas-eating performance tests. Another averaged 19.3 in primarily highway driving.
Ride Quality
Firm but not jolting even over large bumps, though a Lexus RX is much better than MDX at ironing out lumpy freeways.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Firm but not jolting even over large bumps, though a Lexus RX is much better than MDX at ironing out lumpy freeways.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Not X5 athletic, but more nimble than RX 300 or a Mercedes M-Class. Sporty at reasonable cornering speeds, with moderate body lean for an SUV, but feels typically unsteady in sudden swerves. ABS provides short stops with little nosedive, but the brakes were touchy on our Touring test model.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Not X5 athletic, but more nimble than RX 300 or a Mercedes M-Class. Sporty at reasonable cornering speeds, with moderate body lean for an SUV, but feels typically unsteady in sudden swerves. ABS provides short stops with little nosedive, but the brakes were touchy on our Touring test model.
Quietness
Marked tire hum on all but glassy pavement. Wind rush volume surprisingly high at highway speeds. Engine smooth, audibly pleasant, but not luxury-car quiet.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Marked tire hum on all but glassy pavement. Wind rush volume surprisingly high at highway speeds. Engine smooth, audibly pleasant, but not luxury-car quiet.
Controls
High-mount climate controls a far reach, and their indicator lights can wash out in daytime. Acura's navigation system is easier to use than most, but can still be distracting to operate. Gauges, other controls clear and convenient. Cabin's design is upscale, contemporary, though materials are not in league with BMW, Lexus, Mercedes.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 4 | 4.4 |
High-mount climate controls a far reach, and their indicator lights can wash out in daytime. Acura's navigation system is easier to use than most, but can still be distracting to operate. Gauges, other controls clear and convenient. Cabin's design is upscale, contemporary, though materials are not in league with BMW, Lexus, Mercedes.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
All but the very tall have good head and leg room. Seats comfortable and supportive, driving stance efficient, visibility good.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.2 |
All but the very tall have good head and leg room. Seats comfortable and supportive, driving stance efficient, visibility good.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Ample 2nd-row knee and head room, plus just enough width for three adults. Third-row seat is kid-sized, but appreciated. Both seats have reclining backrests; 2nd-row seat also slides fore/aft.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Ample 2nd-row knee and head room, plus just enough width for three adults. Third-row seat is kid-sized, but appreciated. Both seats have reclining backrests; 2nd-row seat also slides fore/aft.
Cargo Room
Not much with a full passenger load, but numerous seat-folding options compensate. Second- and 3rd-row seats easy and quick to stow, far more convenient than rivals' removable seats. Load deck a bit high.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Not much with a full passenger load, but numerous seat-folding options compensate. Second- and 3rd-row seats easy and quick to stow, far more convenient than rivals' removable seats. Load deck a bit high.
Value within Class
Competent and convenient. Ride is truck-hard on bumpy, broken pavement, but overall refinement, generous standard equipment, and attractive relative pricing make MDX a Best Buy value.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 10 | 9 | 4 |
Competent and convenient. Ride is truck-hard on bumpy, broken pavement, but overall refinement, generous standard equipment, and attractive relative pricing make MDX a Best Buy value.
Total Score
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 60 | 57 | 49.4 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 36 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2001 Acura MDX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/02/2000
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door wagon | $34,370 | $30,621 | $480 |
|
|
|||
| Base w/navigation system 4-door wagon | $36,370 | $32,401 | $480 |
|
|
|||
| Touring 4-door wagon | $36,970 | $32,935 | $480 |
|
|
|||
| Touring w/navigation system 4-door wagon | $38,970 | $34,715 | $480 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/front and rear automatic climate controls, variable-assist power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 7-passenger seating, heated front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, second and third row split-folding bench seats, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, power sunroof, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, trip computer, map lights, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/65R17 tires, alloy wheels.
Touring adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power passenger seat, memory system for driver seat and mirrors, tilt-down passenger-side mirror back-up aid, Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2001 Acura MDX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Acura MDX 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4328 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 81.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /212 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 240 @ 5300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 245 @ 3000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 17/23 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Acura MDX 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Canada
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Also in the 2001 Acura MDX Review:
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