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2003 Acura MDX Full Review
Date Published: 3/07/08
Also in the 2003 Acura MDX Review:
2003 Acura MDX Review
More power and a new transmission, a standard antiskid system, and an available rearview TV camera headline MDX's 2003 changes. This hot-selling SUV shares its basic design with the newer Pilot SUV from Acura's parent company, Honda. Like Pilot, MDX has three rows of seats, but it holds seven passengers vs. Pilot's eight, and it has slightly less cargo room. MDX shares Pilot's V6 engine and all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. MDX gains 20 hp for '03, for a total of 260 vs. 240 for Pilot. MDX also trades its 4-speed automatic transmission for a 5-speed automatic, as in the Pilot. Also new for MDX, but not Pilot, is a standard antiskid system. Wheels are of a new design, steering and suspension are revised, and the body structure is stiffened. Again standard are front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, rear air conditioning, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. An available navigation system returns with new voice control and 3D graphics, and its dashboard screen now serves a rearview camera, which shows what's behind when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Finally, MDX offers its first rear-seat DVD entertainment option.
Competition
Luxury SUVs vary in size and type, including former members of both the Full-size and Midsize SUV classes, along with a few all-new models. All offer higher standards of workmanship, comfort, refinement, and pricing than other SUVs.
Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.
Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.
Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
News
A bona fide hit, MDX posted calendar-2002 sales that were 29.3 percent higher than the '01 total. MDX is now built at Honda's new Alabama plant, but don't count on supplies improving right away, as that factory is also trying to keep up with strong demand for Honda's Pilot SUV and Odyssey minivan.
MDX had been rumored to get a 3.8-liter V6 by now, but the engine's whereabouts remain a mystery. Our best guess is that Honda/Acura is saving it for MDX's first redesign, expected for 2005 or '06. What else will be involved is another mystery, at least for now.
MDX had been rumored to get a 3.8-liter V6 by now, but the engine's whereabouts remain a mystery. Our best guess is that Honda/Acura is saving it for MDX's first redesign, expected for 2005 or '06. What else will be involved is another mystery, at least for now.
2003 Acura MDX Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Climate controls |
| Fuel economy | |
| Navigation-system controls | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No opportunity to time the 2003 model, but expect it to beat test 2002 model's 8.7 sec 0-60 mph. New transmission's five speeds make the best of available torque, providing quick, seamless shifts.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
No opportunity to time the 2003 model, but expect it to beat test 2002 model's 8.7 sec 0-60 mph. New transmission's five speeds make the best of available torque, providing quick, seamless shifts.
Fuel Economy
Test 2003 MDX averaged 17.4 mpg in mix of city/freeway driving. That's better than 6-cyl luxury-SUV norm, but premium fuel required.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.1 |
Test 2003 MDX averaged 17.4 mpg in mix of city/freeway driving. That's better than 6-cyl luxury-SUV norm, but premium fuel required.
Ride Quality
Firm but not jolting even over large bumps, though a Lexus RX 330 or Mercedes-Benz M-Class is better at ironing out lumpy freeways.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Firm but not jolting even over large bumps, though a Lexus RX 330 or Mercedes-Benz M-Class is better at ironing out lumpy freeways.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Not as athletic as BMW X5, but more nimble than RX 330 or M-Class. Sporty at reasonable cornering speeds. Moderate body lean, but still less steady than a car in sudden swerves. In slick corners, antiskid system modulates brakes and throttle for added measure of security. Brakes provide short stops with little nosedive, but pedal modulation too touchy for some testers.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Not as athletic as BMW X5, but more nimble than RX 330 or M-Class. Sporty at reasonable cornering speeds. Moderate body lean, but still less steady than a car in sudden swerves. In slick corners, antiskid system modulates brakes and throttle for added measure of security. Brakes provide short stops with little nosedive, but pedal modulation too touchy for some testers.
Quietness
Modest tire hum and highway wind rush for an SUV. Engine smooth, audibly pleasant, but not luxury-car hushed.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Modest tire hum and highway wind rush for an SUV. Engine smooth, audibly pleasant, but not luxury-car hushed.
Controls
Models without navigation system mount climate controls a far reach from the driver, and their indicator lights can wash out in daytime. Acura's navigation system friendlier than most, but can still be distracting to operate. Gauges, other controls clear, convenient. Upscale, contemporary cabin design. Materials quality just a notch below BMW, Lexus, Mercedes.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 5.7 |
Models without navigation system mount climate controls a far reach from the driver, and their indicator lights can wash out in daytime. Acura's navigation system friendlier than most, but can still be distracting to operate. Gauges, other controls clear, convenient. Upscale, contemporary cabin design. Materials quality just a notch below BMW, Lexus, Mercedes.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
All but the very tall have good head and leg room. Seats comfortable, supportive. Driving stance efficient, visibility good. Rearview TV system helpful in determining if anything is in vehicle's path when backing, but shouldn't replace turning around and looking.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
All but the very tall have good head and leg room. Seats comfortable, supportive. Driving stance efficient, visibility good. Rearview TV system helpful in determining if anything is in vehicle's path when backing, but shouldn't replace turning around and looking.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Ample 2nd-row knee and head room. Just enough width for three adults. Third-row seat is kid-sized, but useful. Both seats have reclining backrests; 2nd-row seat also slides fore/aft.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Ample 2nd-row knee and head room. Just enough width for three adults. Third-row seat is kid-sized, but useful. 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 stow easily, quickly. Load deck a bit high.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
Not much with a full passenger load, but numerous seat-folding options compensate. Second- and 3rd-row seats stow easily, quickly. Load deck a bit high.
Value within Class
A highly desirable blend of competence and convenience keeps improving. Its ride can be truck-lumpy at times, but MDX shines for overall refinement, generous standard equipment, and competitive pricing. No wonder it's such a sought-after Best Buy--and seldom discounted.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 10 | 9 | 5.2 |
A highly desirable blend of competence and convenience keeps improving. Its ride can be truck-lumpy at times, but MDX shines for overall refinement, generous standard equipment, and competitive pricing. No wonder it's such a sought-after Best Buy--and seldom discounted.
Total Score
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 64 | 62 | 55.6 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 36 | |
| Average Score | 55 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2003 Acura MDX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 10/09/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door wagon | $35,700 | $32,162 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| Touring 4-door wagon | $38,300 | $34,501 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| Touring 4-door wagon w/DVD player | $39,800 | $35,852 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| Touring 4-door wagon w/navigation system | $40,500 | $36,482 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| Touring 4-door wagon w/navigation system and DVD player | $42,000 | $37,832 | $500 |
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, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front and rear air conditioning w/front and rear automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 7-passenger seating, heated front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, 2nd- and 3rd-row stowable split folding bench seats, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, trip computer, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic 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 (driver seat, mirrors), passenger-side tilt-down back-up-aid mirror, Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rain-sensing wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2003 Acura MDX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Acura MDX 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4420 |
| 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. | 260 @ 5300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 255 @ 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 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
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 2003 Acura MDX Review:
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