| Manufacturer | Acura |
|---|---|
| Also called | Honda MDX |
| Production | 2001–present (Acura) 2003–2006 (Honda) |
| Assembly | Alliston, Ontario, Canada |
| Predecessor | Acura SLX |
| Class | Mid-size crossover SUV |
| Layout | Front engine, four-wheel drive |
The Acura MDX, or Honda MDX as known in Japan and Australia (only the first generation was imported), is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Acura since the 2001 model year. The MDX was the first crossover SUV to have third-row seating. It is related to the Honda Pilot. The alphanumeric moniker stands for "Multi-Dimensional luxury". It is built by Honda of Canada Manufacturing Ltd. in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. It was introduced in late 2000 as a 2001 model, replacing the slow-selling U.S.-only body-on-frame SLX, based on the Isuzu Trooper. In Japan, it filled a gap when the Honda Horizon (also based on the Trooper) was discontinued in 1999. In 2003, the Honda MDX went on sale in Japan and Australia. Australian MDXs were all equipped with the 2001–2003 Touring 'Kiwi' style wheels and were all equipped with the Rear-Seat DVD entertainment system. For 2009, Acura created a crossover to slot above the MDX, called the ZDX, a four-door coupe similar in appearance to the BMW X6 and the Honda Crosstour. This MDX is in name of other fusion: Honda Horizon in Italian markets, Suzuki Mush in other Asian home markets, Chinese markets have a Mazda MDX, and U.S. domestic markets USDM/Japanese home markets have the MDX named Honda Softry in 2011 as a 2012 model.
Contents |
| Production | 2001–2006 (Acura) 2003–2006 (Honda) |
|---|---|
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Engine | 3.5 L V6 240 hp (180 kW), 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) (2001-2002) 265 hp (198 kW), 253 lb·ft (343 N·m) (2003-2006) |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
| Length | 188.5 in (4,788 mm) |
| Width | 77 in (1955 mm) |
| Height | Base: 68.7 in (1,745 mm) Touring: 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
| Curb weight | 4451 lb (2023 kg) |
| Related | Honda Pilot Honda Odyssey Honda Accord Acura TL |
| Designer | Frank Paluch (engineering), Catalin Matei (styling) |
Derived from Honda's Global mid-size platform which underpins cars like the Honda Accord, Acura TL, Acura TSX and Honda Odyssey, it is powered by a J35A3 3.5 L SOHC 24 valve V6 with VTEC. 2001-2002 3.5 V6 models produce 240 hp (180 kW) and 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) of torque from 3000 to 5000 rpm. 2003-2006 3471 cc (3.5 in x 3.6 in) model engine produces 265 hp (198 kW) and 253 lb·ft (343 N·m) . Curb weight is 4,451 lb (2,019 kg) , with a 106.3 in (2,700 mm) wheelbase and 8 in (200 mm) of ground clearance. The cargo floor can flip up to provide two additional seats. The vehicle is designed to hold 7 passengers, but the third row seats are small.
The vehicle features an automatic four wheel drive system (named VTM-4) that engages during off the line acceleration as well as when wheel slippage is detected. Additionally, the system offers a lock mode which can be activated and operated at low speeds and provides permanent 4wd and the equivalent of a locked rear differential; designed for climbing steep hills and getting out of stuck situations. To reduce drivetrain noise and increase fuel efficiency, the system runs as front wheel drive during normal cruising. The VTM-4 AWD system in the MDX is identical to the VTM-4 systems in the Honda Pilot and Honda Ridgeline. It is different than the real time AWD system in the Honda CR-V in that it can lock and it attempts to predict when traction will be lost and apply power to all four wheels before slippage occurs (by monitoring throttle inputs). The Honda CR-V system waits for slippage to occur and then sends power back.
2003 and later models use a revised 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2001 and 2002 models use a 5 speed automatic transmission which suffered a significant numbers of transmission problems that were similar to the problems with the Acura CL and TL. However, they did not get the benefit of the free extended warranty that the Acura CL and TL received, though the company often paid for the required parts. The 2003 and later models also received a number of structural and suspension modifications to help improve ride and handling. As of the Summer 2010 edition, Consumer Reports shows a drastic increase in reliability in the "Transmission, Major" category, going from far below average reliability on 01-03 models to above and well above average reliability on 04+ models. However, according to forum MDXers.org a significant portion of 05-06 owners have complained of harsh shifting and Acura has began issuing recall letters in order to re-flash the computer which change transmission shift points and torque converter settings. Owners are reporting smoother shifting but some loss of MPG due to using lower gears.[1]
The navigation system and DVD entertainment system options were mutually exclusive in the 2002 model. Both could be ordered at the same time since the 2003 model. The navigation option comes with a rear view video camera since the 2003 model. Since 2005 the navigation system featured information from Zagat about restaurants and other points of interest. The 2003 model was rated as Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates 23 mpg-US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg-imp) highway and 17 mpg-US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg-imp) city.
The 2001-2006 MDXs generally offered better gas mileage than competing SUVs and crossovers of similar size, interior volume, and weight (Ford Explorer and BMW X5 for example).
In the 2003 model, the engine was improved to produce 20 hp (15 kW) more power than the 2002 model and wheel designs were updated. The 2004 model received an additional 5 hp (4 kW). The 2004 model features dual tail pipes instead of the single pipe in earlier models, side curtain airbags, new head lights and tail lights, and new wheels. Some chrome trimmings on the 2004 model use matte finish to distinguish from the polished shiny finish on earlier models. Little changed for the MDX during the 2006 model year with a few minor revisions to the vehicle's chrome and faux wood interior trim which could now be had with a dark grey wood (as opposed to reddish wood on earlier models), and also a black dash and steering wheel in tan interiors.
NHTA website reveals numerous complaints about "judder" (Acura's TSB terminology) noises coming from the transmission at speeds of 25-45 MPH. These are the precursor to the TC (Torque Converter) going bad. This also may lead the replacement of the entire transmission. There have been complaints that this is a safety issue as the vehicle may lose power unexpectedly.[2].
| Production | 2006–present |
|---|---|
| Model years | 2007–present |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Engine | 3.7L (3664 cc) 24 valve SOHC V6 VTEC 300 bhp (224 kW; 304 PS) @ 6000 rpm 270 lb·ft (370 N·m) @ 5000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic (2007-09) 6-speed automatic (2010-) |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 in (2,751 mm) |
| Length | 2007-09: 190.7 in (4,844 mm) 2010-: 191.6 in (4,867 mm) |
| Width | 2007-09: 78.7 in (1,999 mm) 2010-: 78.5 in (1,994 mm) |
| Height | 2007-09: 68.1 in (1,730 mm) 2010-: 68.2 in (1,732 mm) |
| Curb weight | 4,541 lb (2,060 kg)-4,551 lb (2,064 kg) |
| Related | Honda Pilot Honda Odyssey Honda Ridgeline Acura ZDX |
| Designer | Frank Paluch (engineering), Ricky Hsu (styling) |
On April 11, 2006 during the New York International Auto Show, Acura unveiled the 2007 Acura MD-X Concept, showing to the public an indication about the exterior styling of the upcoming completely redesigned MDX. The second-generation MDX was released on October 17, 2006 in the U.S.
The second generation model's body has a wider track and longer wheelbase than the previous MDX, but visibility to the rear has worsened from the prior generation. The redesigned Acura MDX's unit-body was engineered with Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure designed to absorb energy from a collision. The suspension was tuned at Germany's Nürburgring race track. The engine was upgraded to a 3.7 liter V6 tuned for 300 hp (220 kW) and 270 lb·ft (366 N·m) of torque. It accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds and is estimated by the EPA to have 16 miles per US gallon (15 L/100 km; 19 mpg-imp) in the city and 21 miles per US gallon (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg-imp) on the highway. It is one of the most powerful engines Honda has produced to date. The VTM-4 all-wheel drive system on the previous generation was replaced by the new SH-AWD "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive" previously debuted on the 2005 Acura RL. This AWD system is one of the most advanced in its class, featuring an active rear differential often found on high performance cars. It is able to tow 6,000 Lbs.
Like all Acuras, the MDX comes with a high level of standard equipment, including a power moonroof, leather interior, and high intensity discharge (Xenon) low beam headlights. From 2007 - 2009 model years, three option packages were available: Sport, Technology and Entertainment.
All Canadian Acura MDX models, aside from the heated front seats, also get the second-row heated outboard seats as standard equipment as well. A feature unique to Canadian MDX models are headlight washers. In terms of packages, Canadian MDX models get only two: Technology and Elite. The Technology package corresponds essentially to the US model's Technology package while the Elite package is an amalgamation of the US model's Sport and Entertainment packages. However, AcuraLink real-time traffic reporting through XM NavTraffic is unavailable for Canadian MDX models.
Like the 1st generation model, the new generation is manufactured by Honda of Canada Manufacturing Ltd. in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. But along with the 2007 RDX, the new MDX was the first Acura model to pass the Acura Quality Line, a special quality control and verification process separate from the other Honda vehicles.
In May 2007, the MDX was tested by the Car and Driver magazine against the Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90 Sport, Lexus GX470, Mercedes-Benz ML350, Cadillac SRX AWD V-8, BMW X5, and Land Rover LR3. The MDX won the comparison.[3]
The redesigned MDX overtook the TL as Acura's top seller in the United States.[4] It is also Acura's best-selling vehicle in Canada since the vehicle was redesigned.
For 2008 the MDX received a new auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The 2009 MDX had added more upgrades to the navigation system and there are two new colors added. The power tailgate, previously available only with the Entertainment package, is now included with Technology and Sport packages.
The 2010 MDX got a facelift, adopting Acura's new "Power Plenum" grille that debuted on its 2009 model year sedans. The most important upgrades to the 2010 model are a new 6-speed SportShift automatic transmission. An Advance package is now available that includes Adaptive Cruise Control, blind spot monitor, Active Damper Suspension, 19 inch wheels and tires, Ventilated seats and paddle shifters. Non-navigation equipped MDX models now have a rear view camera monitor located in the rear view mirror.
| Calendar year | US sales |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 9,750[6] |
| 2001 | 40,950[7] |
| 2002 | 52,955 |
| 2003 | 57,281[8] |
| 2004 | 59,505 |
| 2005 | 57,948[9] |
| 2006 | 54,121 |
| 2007 | 58,606[10] |
| 2008 | 45,377 |
| 2009 | 31,178 |
| 2010 | 47,210[11] |
| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | ||
| Entry-level | Coupé | Integra | Integra | Integra | RSX | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sedan | TSX | TSX | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EL | EL | CSX | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | Coupé | CL | CL | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sedan | Vigor | TL | TL | TL | TL | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | Legend | Legend | RL | RL | RL | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crossover | RDX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MDX | MDX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ZDX | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | SLX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports | NSX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
