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Volvo XC90 vs MB M Class vs Acura MDX vs Lexus RX 350 vs BMW X5 vs Cadillac SRX

1068 messages,  Last post on May 08, 2009 at 5:44 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Acura MDX, Lexus RX 330, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90, SUV

#41 of 1068 by wmquan Nov 28, 2000 (5:00 am)
Please consider that the reason M-class quality discussions sound "like a record stuck repeating the same thing over and over" is exactly why there is a problem, and concern among prospective buyers -- MB's slowness and/or inability to respond to quality control problems, especially at the Alabama plant. Many problems in year 1, many problems continuing in year 2. Year 3, some slight improvement but based on statistical info currently available, still slighly below average. This is not to suggest that other vehicles are trouble-free. However, when someone compares, say, an RX300, there's a clear separation. I'm not suggesting the RX300 is a better or equivalent vehicle than the ML320, this is just focusing on quality. The M-class is an excellent vehicle, and MB has superb technology -- absolute, positive agreement from me on this. But to suggest "what reliability concerns" may be a tad bit optimistic. Everyone's mileage is going to vary, and there's no doubt that there are many happy M-class owners with trouble-free vehicles. But there are indeed a significant amount of problems, and there's plenty of documentation on the message boards here about them, especially in '98 and '99 models (that have greater history with them). And some of them have indeed stranded drivers, though I would say from what I've read that the greater majority of problems are more fit and finish items. Folks who have been "spoiled" by the tremendous quality available in their past vehicles, such as Toyota Camry's, Nissan Maxima's, etc. do need to realize that SUV's as a whole will probably be less reliable, and they'll have to adjust their expectations. And, of course, some models will be less reliable than others. Whether or not it sways one's buying decision is up to them.
#42 of 1068 wmquan by thor8 Nov 28, 2000 (5:34 am)
I apreciate what you are saying, but maybe you are missing my point, I was not suggesting that no ML has left no one stranded, I know just like everybody else that any vehicle can by any reason, any time leave anyone stranded, but after monitoring the ML section for over a year and a minimun of couple of thousands of posts, I have yet to read one, which means it must be a rare event. That takes me to the reliability issue, I dont know what unreliable means to you, but to me "unreliable vehicle" means a vehicle of such a poor quality that there is a higher than average chance that it will not deliver you from point A to point B, I had a few of those in my life, I can name a Vega and a Pacer. To me words have to be used in their proper definition, if not they loose their meaning and can not accurately describe an event, I worked in engineering and I pay attention to words, I translate them into real entities with exactitud not into loose proximities. Would it not be a more correct description to say, I heard they had problems with fit and trim, than to say unreliable, then what do I call an unreliable vehicle? Or do I have it all wrong? Regards
#43 of 1068 thor8 by wmquan Nov 28, 2000 (5:57 am)
I see your point. I agree with you that many folks consider reliability as the vehicle running dependably, namely from a mechanical standpoint. Quality problems with cosmetic areas, rattles, etc. can be annoying, but they're not the same as not being able to start and run the vehicle. I agree that most of the M-class problems are not with the vehicle itself running, but with a lot of the fit and finish items. (There are, of course, exceptions. The most recently notable was the fuel pump, which did have the capability of failing and leaving one stranded, and I did read a message on the M-class forum in the last few months about someone breaking down in such fashion while on a vacation. But hopefully these are rare.) I don't know what the correct terminology is. From an English language standpoint, quality problems with accessories, trim, etc. can be legitimately described as a lack of reliability. I suppose what could be preferrable would be a more accurate and descriptive context around the reliability, and again, I see your point. Consumer Reports obviously bundles all of this into a general "reliability" category. However, JD Power does break down its quality survey into categories: mechanical quality, feature & accessory quality, and body & interior quality. That may well be a good way to extrapolate an accurate term; mechanical reliability. Indeed, the JD Power results rates the M-class with a score of "4" for mechanical quality, which places it in the top 11% to 30% (or, better than average). It's the other categories that the M-class has traditionally suffered in. Of course, there are a substantial number of folks for whom even having good mechanical reliability is not adequate; they expect reliability in accessories, paint, etc. But that's up to the individual.
#44 of 1068 by brillmtb Nov 28, 2000 (6:22 pm)
I commend you all for comparing apples to apples here. The MDX, Lexus, MB and Infinity are in a different class then the Montero, LC, Land Rover and a different class still with the Yukon, Sequoia, etc.
#45 of 1068 Reliability Issues... by mbml55amg Nov 29, 2000 (3:46 am)
My 99 ML430 had one service issue the year I owned it, this was in the 7th month, a resistor had to be soldered into the A/C harness to get the A/C compressor to run properly in cold weather to aid defrosting, no other problems, rattles, etc. My 00 ML55 has had one service issue as well, the GPS was DOA upon delivery, the problem was an improperly crimped cable end from the antenna splitter to the GPS Module. I've had the ML55 11 months without any further problems, it has been spectacular. I know this is only 2 vehicles, and maybe I've been lucky, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the M Class to anyone, based upon my experience, & the excellent service I have received.
#46 of 1068 RX? ML? MDX? by kiiwii Nov 29, 2000 (5:12 am)
RX is a car that rides like a truck. ML is a truck that rides like a car. MDX is an Odyssey with larger wheels. all are good choices. it really depends what your preference is.
#48 of 1068 Acura MDX is the best by sean2g Dec 23, 2000 (11:54 pm)
I own a MDX and it is the best! I have had for about three weeks now, and it is fully loaded. I have the navi, touring package, and side steps. The Acura MDX won Motor Trend SUV of the year, some people might want to look into that. Every Suv was in that competition. This year's competition included the BMW X5, Ford Escape, Ford Explorer Sport, GMC Denali XL, Hyundai Santa Fe, Infiniti QX4, Mazda Tribute, Mitsubishi Montero, Pontiac Aztek, Toyota RAV4,Toyota Sequoia and the Acura MDX.
#49 of 1068 Test drove them all by parfive1 Dec 25, 2000 (9:58 am)
Qx4..sluggish and no load capacity. Nice interior though Rx300...Nice ride but didn't like the ex or interior design MDX...Nice, but to wide (5" bigger)takes up to much room in garage. Also, first year in production, never know what's gonna happen. ML430...bought it.
#50 of 1068 RX-300 by a4short Dec 26, 2000 (10:18 am)
What I don't like about our RX: 1. The stupid parking brake that in not a lever but a foot pedal. 2. The Audio, AC, and trip computer are all on the center display. You have to go through several windows to change radio stations, or to see outside temps or setting on the AC. Too much distractions from the road. 3. Memory is for the seats only not the mirrors. Also could be programed into the key like the MDX. 4. Horrid turning radius. 5. Sound system is not as good as the Bose System in my 98 Audi 6. The fold down arm rest interferes with fasting the seat belt on the driver seat. 7. Only a four speed automatic transmission. 8. Wind and road noise is more than I thought acceptable for a luxury vehicle.   Wish I could have convinced my wife to look at the MDX.

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