Entered CNET Catalog: 10/13/2007
SKU: 100933706
Manufacturer: Acura
User opinions
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User Rating: 
7/10
Engine & Sport Suspension make it a Great Road Vehicle
Pros: Handling, fuel efficient, powerful V-6, build quality, active damper sport suspension, SH-AWD system, seat comfort, material quality, navigation system screen placement, 5000 Lb towing capacity, Bluetooth, stability control included for trailering
Cons: 2nd row seats DO NOT fold flat, useless rear view camera, road feel in power steering, no IPod connection, blind spots, rear wiper, front wipers speeds, sluggish acceleration, needs 6 speed trans, mandatory premium fuel, lacks full size spare tire
The 2nd row seats not folding FLAT is a major design flaw in the vehicle and is something that might stop me from buying another MDX since it prevents me from fully utilizing the cargo space due to the high angle of the folded second row seats. Not one review of the vehicle highlighted this design flaw. I called Acura USA and I was told they did this intentionally in order to incorporate semi-bucket second row seats and felt that the majority of owners would never fold down the second row seats and would be happier with more comfortable second row seating. The windshield wiper high speed is another design flaw. The wipers cannot keep the front windshield cleared of rain during moderate to severe downpours. Additionally, the rear wiper placement in the middle of the tail gate window limits the sweep area and provides a tunnel view rearward when being used.
The rear view camera is dangerous to use due to the lack of depth of field or some type of distance indicator since objects seem to appear ten times farther away than they are. I have stopped using it altogether. I miss having an iPod outlet built into the front console since I constantly listen to music while driving and have a glove compartment loaded with CDs. I have found that the rear blind spots and the lack of over the front fender visibility makes most parking situations a chore.
The navigation system has been a useful option except for the voice recognition system which is more of a bother than a help. The mandatory use of 91 octane fuel has really hit in the wallet due to the miles I put on the vehicle. However, I have constantly exceeded the EPA mpg estimates, averaging 21-23 mpg even with 75 mph speed limits in the Southwest. I have utilized the manual shift modes and have found them to be an excellent feature of the transmission.
Updated on Aug 29, 2008The power steering lacks any road feel through the steering wheel. It feels like a flybywire aircraft rather than a road vehicle. I wish it had the road feel similar to what I experience in my MX-5.
Updated on Sep 18, 2008I found that my 2008 MDX does have an iPod connection inside the center console behind a flip cover. The connection does not include being able to charge the player battery. The original add on connector via the rear of the radio/Nav unit was dropped due to software conflict problems caused by MP3 player firmware upgrades.
User Rating: 
9/10
Lives up to "Sports Sedan of SUVs" label. Got me out of my 10 year old Audi A4.
Pros: Great handling and turning grip; comfortable seats front and back; nice looking dash and controls; excellent stereo system; roomy cargo space; easy to manually open/close liftgate; looks very athletic
Cons: Base model is already very well equiped, but can't select options a la carte; comes only in packages.
I've kept my A4, and I thought I was going to drive my MDX only when its utility is needed, as my A4 is still fun to drive. However, the MDX is much more sporty to drive than I ever thought from my test drive at the dealership. My MDX is now driven all the time! You can have fun and utility all in one! The only other viable choice for me was the RDX, as this was a hoot to drive, but you have to decide if it has enough room for you.
I thought I would have trouble backing out and parallel parking, as I did not get the rearview camera, but that did not bear out. First time to parallel park in San Francisco was no problem. When you turn your head and look out the back, you can actually estimate the distance to the nearest car/obstacle fairly well.
My combined gas mileage is 18.4 mpg. All highway driving gets me 21 mpg. Altogether not bad for this size vehicle, and higher than the EPA estimates.
To anyone looking for a sporty SUV, I highly recommend you take a look at both the Acura MDX and RDX. I'm loving mine!
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