Article Comments: 2007 Acura RDX Full Test

31 messages, Last post on Mar 09, 2007 at 6:51 PM

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What is this discussion about? Acura RDX, SUV

Article comments for Full Test: 2007 Acura RDX - More than just the MDX's feisty little brother, the RDX takes Acura into new territory. (more)

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#22 of 31 Re: Me thinks thou doth protest too much... [grinnin] by grinnin Dec 18, 2006 (4:31 pm)
Replying to: grinnin (Sep 29, 2006 10:10 am) Hey all - thanks for the interest in my original comment. I guess I should let you all know that I am a fan of both acuras and Mazda's - my current drive is an RX-8 (have to have the right mindset to love the car as I do) but my two previous cars were a first and then second generation legend with a 5-speed. I wasn't really trying to imply that acura charges more "for the name", I was just really struck by the nearly identical specs that these two vehicles have , and wondering at what point is the price differential not justified. My sense is the RDX is a better vehicle. Better interior, better AWD system. more goodies available. So, the question for me is... How often do I drive in such a way that the superior characteristics of the RDX are noticeable (of course, as often as possible!), and how much am I willing to pay for upgraded interior cabin materials and available goodies?? Even with two acuras in my past, I gotta say this one seems out of whack on the value scale. (and I do think the reveiwer did a sucky job of writing the article.) Replies to this message: robertsmx (Dec 18, 2006 6:19 pm) theeconomist (Dec 18, 2006 8:48 pm)
#23 of 31 Re: Me thinks thou doth protest too much... [grinnin] by robertsmx Dec 18, 2006 (6:19 pm)
Replying to: grinnin (Dec 18, 2006 4:31 pm) Looking for value? Go CR-V.
#24 of 31 Re: Me thinks thou doth protest too much... [cx7redic] by patentcad1 Dec 18, 2006 (7:04 pm)
Replying to: cx7redic (Dec 04, 2006 6:20 am) The RDX has a far classier interior than the CX-7 and blows it into the weeds in just about every performance parameter. Is that worth $4K to you? Your move car weenies.
#25 of 31 Re: Me thinks thou doth protest too much... [grinnin] by theeconomist Dec 18, 2006 (8:48 pm)
Replying to: grinnin (Dec 18, 2006 4:31 pm) I have not bought yet. I am currently an RX8 owner. I love the car, but I need something that can do cargo. And I'm tired of the manual.... although the RX-8 is a VERY fun car to drive. Hence I want a sporty SUV capable of good handling and can carry some stuff. It will be between a CX7 and a RDX. (I also liked the Saab 9-30Combi but apparently its reliability is horrible/ Configured to my liking, my choice is between the CX-7 at $32k and the RDX at 40k. I've driven each car twice now and have analyzed features in a rigorous manner. Here is my partial conclusion. IMO, the Acura wins in every category except looks. The CX-7 is without doubt the coolest looking SUV ever. In fact, it is RX-8'ish.... which I like. But I prefered the Acura's handling, ride, electronics, interior, plastic, instrument placement, sound system, cargo space, warranty, reputation, and dealer. The two navigation systems are not even in the same category, with Acura's clearly superior. It's voice activation actually works. Combine this with no Bluetooth in the CX-7 and for a guy like me, the RDX wins hands down. However, now let's talk money and features. If the budget is tight and the RDX's edge in it's awesome "technology package" is not a prime value, then the CX-7 looks very good. It is an awesome car and I doubt many people would dislike driving it. Also consider this. The CX-9 is now out and I just configured one and it is right at the same price as the RDX. In other words, for some people I think the CR-X will give more utility per dollar. It just doesn't for me. The Acura is worth the additional expenditure. (I started off looking at an X3 and I prefer the RDX to it slightly). I think this is what the reviewer's references to the CX-7 were meant for.
#26 of 31 CX-7 does look better from the outside by patentcad1 Dec 19, 2006 (4:42 am)
CX-7 is a better looker to be sure. From the outside. But that's less important to me than the interior and performance of the car. I like the RDX looks. But my feeling is that it leaves most people cold. Loving my base package RDX after 3500 miles. It may be the coolest overall car I've owned. Big fun to drive, comfy (but the stiff ride criticisms are true, you get it back in phenomenal handling), very utilitarian. OK on gas, averaging 17-18mpg, 20-22 mpg on longer hwy trips (and I have an aero-unfriendly Thule roof rack on the car). I paid $33K, but now they're giving RDX's away. At $30,500 or so for the base car the RDX is sort of a no brainer in my view. Replies to this message: theeconomist (Dec 19, 2006 7:17 am) wabend (Mar 09, 2007 6:51 pm)
#27 of 31 RDX vs CX-7 by theeconomist Dec 19, 2006 (7:17 am)
Replying to: patentcad1 (Dec 19, 2006 4:42 am) I have similar thoughts as patentcad1. It's odd, I started out looking at X3's (BMW), then drove the Acura and thought to myself, the RDX is better overall with the X3's interior only slightly more "posh" (although the Germans STILL have not grasped the concept of the large drink). As far as the actual ride and handling itself, the RDX was the better performer. I plan to buy sometime within the next month or so. Right now, I'm on the side of the RDX. Like some other readers I really like the interior functionality of the RDX as I think some very intense thought went into it. There are a few aspects of the CX-7 that makes me wonder if they sort of, for instance, just stuck a Nav system in it. On my last test drive, I tested on a rigorous fashion. I literally used everything from moon-roofs to sound system to ipod links to nav systems. The nav system is disappointing. It is sort of "lame" in its capability and its spatial data is some 3rd rate vendor. (FYI, I have a master's in Geographic Information Systems and IMO there is no substitute for NavTech spatial data -- they actually drive the roads to get precision) Lastly, for stereo buffs, I preferred the RDX system. By integrating their navigation system with their stereo, the IMO degrade the functionality of both. The irony here is that on the base vehicles they are very even. But if you compare the loaded RDX against the loaded CS-7, IMO the Acura wins. Anyone know anything about Saabs? I liked their Combi waggon, but I've read they are poor quality.??
#28 of 31 rdx by animagix Dec 20, 2006 (8:08 pm)
seems there are a lot of current/former rx-8 owners here looking to switch to a CUV. I currently drive a loaded rx8, very fun, gas mileage sucks but you kinda forget about that when you're pulling .90g's around the twisties. I tested out the RDX over the weekend and felt no loss of the sporty nature I found in the rx8. No way in hell will any CUV overtake an rx8 (unless if you're an unfortunate soul who bought the AT) but for anyone who's looking to start a family but isn't quite ready for a minivan or boat-like handling of bigger SUV's, a car like the RDX would be a good choice. I want an engine with a nice kick, all wheel drive, sporty handling and with extra income my wife is pulling in I couldn't care less if it's 4-5g's more than the cx-7. The tech package with that 410 watt 10 speaker system. Plus, acura dealers are giving them away at invoice. 33k for a loaded RDX is worth it, as my other option is an a4 2.0T wagon which priced out at 36-38k with similar options. german vs japanese is another issue I don't want to get into. Replies to this message: theeconomist (Dec 21, 2006 11:19 am) animagix (Dec 21, 2006 2:38 pm)
#29 of 31 Re: rdx [animagix] by theeconomist Dec 21, 2006 (11:19 am)
Replying to: animagix (Dec 20, 2006 8:08 pm) Yes. I love my RX8. Truly love it. But on Dallas highways and traffic, and the occasional need to "haul" something, it is a bit impractical. And I grow tired of the standard at times. My goal is to get something "RX-8'ish that does cargo. I've looked at lots of choices and thus far am favoring the RDX. I'm looking at about everything in the small SUV/wagon genre. The new Mitsubishi Outlander had some promise... lots of gadgets and storage, but it failed in the engine and interior departments. Mazda CX-7 is impressive, but no Bluetooth and the NAV system is substandard. The BMW X3 is certainly plush, but it is a good $8k more for the options I value. The Volvo V50 was an option but I'm again at $41k for the options I want. Nissan has nothing interesting. Saab has a wagon but its reliability rating is horrible. Dodge Nitro handled like a go-cart. Tomorrow I'm test driving the Audi A3 wagon. In search of.... Replies to this message: animagix (Dec 21, 2006 2:38 pm)
#30 of 31 Re: rdx [theeconomist] by animagix Dec 21, 2006 (2:38 pm)
Replying to: theeconomist (Dec 21, 2006 11:19 am) If you're looking for german sports and utility... I would check out the a4 2.0T avant, the sexiest wagon out there today. Plus you can't go wrong with 20-30mpg. I considered this but I remembered what it was like to own an audi. I had an A4 a few years ago and recalled it was very sensitive... little things kept going out and it got really expensive when warranty expired. I heard audi got their shit together and their newer models are more reliable. Though I've been through enough with the A4 to know its a troublesome car. On to the RDX, I'm checking out a few dealers tomorrow to not only get the best deal but also field best trade-in offers. I recently got quoted 13-14k for mine at a brooklyn dealership. What a F'in joke! I could wait to sell it privately but, now is THE best time to get a car. Better financing options plus great discounts.
#31 of 31 Re: CX-7 does look better from the outside [patentcad1] by wabend Mar 09, 2007 (6:51 pm)
Replying to: patentcad1 (Dec 19, 2006 4:42 am) I have an RDX with factory roof rack. I'm looking to get a Thule bike rack for the roof. Do you have a factory or Thule roof rack? I checked the Thule website and it wasn't clear as to whether or not I could just buy the bike rack or I need the rails also. Can you provide some advice? I might need to call Thule directly. Thanks so much!