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2004 Acura MDX Full Review
Date Published: 3/07/08
Also in the 2004 Acura MDX Review:
2004 Acura MDX Review
Revised styling and added safety features headline 2004 changes to Acura's hot-selling SUV. MDX shares its basic design with Honda's Pilot. MDX has three rows of seats; the 2nd and 3rd rows fold flat to the floor. But it holds seven passengers vs. Pilot's eight, and has slightly less cargo room. The two share a V6 engine, which makes 265 hp in MDX vs. 240 in Pilot. They also share a 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system without low-range gearing.
Standard on MDX are ABS, antiskid system, and side airbags. New for '04 are a tire-pressure monitor and head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover all three rows and are designed to deploy in both side impacts and rollovers. Also available are rear DVD entertainment and a navigation system. The navigation system includes voice control and 3-D graphics; its dashboard screen also serves a rearview camera, which shows what's behind when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Other changes for '04 include revised front and rear styling, a rear spoiler, and brushed-metal-look interior and exterior trim.
Standard on MDX are ABS, antiskid system, and side airbags. New for '04 are a tire-pressure monitor and head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover all three rows and are designed to deploy in both side impacts and rollovers. Also available are rear DVD entertainment and a navigation system. The navigation system includes voice control and 3-D graphics; its dashboard screen also serves a rearview camera, which shows what's behind when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Other changes for '04 include revised front and rear styling, a rear spoiler, and brushed-metal-look interior and exterior trim.
News
Sources still see a redesigned MDX for model-year 2006. Like the current model, the new one will based on the Honda Odyssey minivan platform, which will be all-new for '05. Both vehicles are expected to add size and weight, but an upsized 3.8-liter V6 with extra torque and upwards of 300 hp should preserve performance.
Meantime, the 2007 Acura lineup is expected to add a sporty compact SUV based on parent Honda's CR-V. Don't be surprised if it's badged RDX and looks something like the recent RD-X concept vehicle.
Meantime, the 2007 Acura lineup is expected to add a sporty compact SUV based on parent Honda's CR-V. Don't be surprised if it's badged RDX and looks something like the recent RD-X concept vehicle.
2004 Acura MDX Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Climate controls |
| Fuel economy | |
| Navigation-system controls | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Test '04 did 7.1 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission makes the best of available torque, providing quick, seamless shifts.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Test '04 did 7.1 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission makes the best of available torque, providing quick, seamless shifts.
Fuel Economy
Test vehicles averaged 14.4-17.4 mpg in mix of city/freeway driving. That's on par with other 6-cyl luxury SUVs, but premium fuel is required.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Test vehicles averaged 14.4-17.4 mpg in mix of city/freeway driving. That's on par with other 6-cyl luxury SUVs, but premium fuel is required.
Ride Quality
Firm but not jolting even over large bumps, though a Lexus RX 330 is better at ironing out lumpy freeways.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Firm but not jolting even over large bumps, though a Lexus RX 330 is better at ironing out lumpy freeways.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Not as athletic as BMW X5, but more nimble than RX 330. 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 | 5.2 |
Not as athletic as BMW X5, but more nimble than RX 330. 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.
| Base | Touring w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
Modest tire hum and highway wind rush for an SUV. Engine smooth, audibly pleasant.
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 | 6 |
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 | 7.4 |
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 | 6.2 |
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 | 7.4 |
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 | 5.6 |
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 |
| 66 | 64 | 57.8 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 36 | |
| Average Score | 57 | |
| High Score | 70 |
2004 Acura MDX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/14/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door wagon | $36,400 | $32,792 | $545 |
|
|
|||
| Touring 4-door wagon | $39,000 | $35,132 | $545 |
|
|
|||
| Touring 4-door wagon w/DVD player | $40,500 | $36,482 | $545 |
|
|
|||
| Touring 4-door wagon w/navigation system and rearview camera | $41,200 | $37,112 | $545 |
|
|
|||
| Touring 4-door wagon w/navigation system, rearview camera, and DVD player | $42,700 | $38,462 | $545 |
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, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
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
235/65TR17 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.
2004 Acura MDX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Acura MDX 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4451 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 81.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.4 |
| 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. | 265 @ 5800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 253 @ 4500 |
| 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 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 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 2004 Acura MDX Review:
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