2001-2006 Acura MDX: Overview

Updated: 12/17/09

2001 Acura MDX
2006 Acura MDX
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2001-2006 Acura MDX 

  • Price Range:  $6,800 - $19,300
CG Rating

56

out of 100

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Pros

  • Cargo room
  • Passenger room
  • Refinement

Cons

  • Climate controls
  • Fuel economy
  • Navigation-system controls

Vehicle Highlights

Honda's upscale division designed and built this all-wheel-drive midsize sport-utility vehicle to compete against the popular Lexus RX 300 and other car-based SUVs. Based on the Honda Odyssey minivan platform, the MDX ("Multi Dimensional Luxury") is about 5 inches longer than a BMW X5 and 8.5 inches longer than a Lexus RX 300. Both of those competitors seat five, however, while the MDX holds seven occupants. Additional rivals include the Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Toyota Highlander. Under the MDX hood sat a more powerful version of the Odyssey's 3.5-liter V6, producing 240 horsepower and linked to a five-speed automatic transmission rather than a four-speed. Standard Variable Torque Management (VTM-4) four-wheel drive normally powers the front wheels, but is designed to sense impending wheel slippage and direct up to 52 percent of power to the back wheels when needed. A rear-wheel locking device kicks in for maximum traction below 6 mph, but no low-range gearing was included. An MDX can tow a 3500-pound trailer or a 4500-pound boat. Standard fare included leather upholstery, heated power front bucket seats, a power sunroof, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Front side airbags, antilocking all-disc brakes, rear air conditioning, heated mirrors, and a CD player also were standard. The optional Touring package added a driver's seat/mirror memory, roof rack, and a six-disc in-dash CD changer. A navigation system with dashboard screen was optional. Second- and third-row bench seats were standard. As in the Odyssey, the third-row seat folds into the rear cargo floor. So does the second-row seat, which was an SUV "first." Both seats were split, so sections can stow individually to suit passenger/cargo loads.

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Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Acura MDX base Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 3
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 8
Room/Comfort (rear) 7
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 56

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