Article Comments: 2007 Acura MDX Full Test

34 messages, Last post on May 08, 2008 at 8:38 AM

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What is this discussion about? Acura MDX, SUV

Article comments for Full Test: 2007 Acura MDX - A driver's SUV that poses a serious threat to the dynamic stronghold of six-cylinder Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 models. (more)

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#25 of 34 Let's ... by tidester HOST Dec 13, 2006 (7:25 pm)
... stick to the topic and drop the personal barbs and posturing. tidester, host
#26 of 34 Re: On Road Performance is What Counts [low_ball_88] by kbhakta Dec 13, 2006 (9:47 pm)
Replying to: low_ball_88 (Dec 13, 2006 4:02 pm) low_ball_88: "I'm sorry, but no one here is arguing except for you. I guess you will have to defend your purchase to the end. I expect it. I am just telling you my opinion if you don't mind. Like it or not, you do not have to respond. I for one was ready with cash to buy the 07 MDX, but left not impressed. I think you just simply don't understand that some people just do not like the product at any price. Sorry to break your bubble, but not everyone thinks like you. Honda/Acura make a great product and I cannot dispute that. I have standards just like you but mine is a little higher." low_ball_88 defending his purchase to the end:"With my BMW, I always look forward to driving it because it is so much fun to drive." Not everyone thinks like you! You offer your opinion and one liners("but it's still front wheel bias") with nothing to back it up but your "feelings". It's great that you offering your opinion, but the others are offering info that might actually be useful along with their opinion. See the difference? Replies to this message: socalmark (Dec 14, 2006 7:52 am) ceric (Dec 14, 2006 6:40 pm)
#27 of 34 Re: On Road Performance is What Counts [kbhakta] by socalmark Dec 14, 2006 (7:52 am)
Replying to: kbhakta (Dec 13, 2006 9:47 pm) Perhaps what low_ball_88 meant was his standards are a little "different". In any event, I have the non-sport model and have had it on some serious mountain twisties and smiled the whole time. I got the tech/ent package and am totally satisfied with the driving experience. The nav system and bluetooth are wonderful. The stereo is the best I have heard and I find myself listening to much more music while driving than before just because it sounds so good. Admittedly I don't drive with the gusto of my youth and have never driven a BMW so I won't try to compare the two. Any quibbles I have with the vehicle are so minor they are not worth mentioning. Replies to this message: ceric (Dec 14, 2006 6:40 pm)
#28 of 34 Re: On Road Performance is What Counts [socalmark] by ceric Dec 14, 2006 (6:40 pm)
Replying to: socalmark (Dec 14, 2006 7:52 am) Hi, Mark: I envy you. I own a '98 BMW 540is since new. Trust me when I say that your life probably is happier w/o having a BMW in it. Rumor has it that Honda/Acura is working on a V8 based on their excellent Indy-V8. I would not be able to hold it off if the MDX come with V8 and 6-speed tranny. very possibly in MMC (mid-model changes in 2-3 years). Yes, the inside door handle definitely should be chromed, not just raw plastics.
#29 of 34 Re: On Road Performance is What Counts by tyyeh0 Dec 14, 2006 (9:18 pm)
Replying to: low_ball_88 (Dec 13, 2006 4:02 pm) I've driven the following comparable SUVs within a short amount of time: 2007 MDX[base suspension], 2006 Cayenne[base model], 2004 X5 4.4[sport package], 2006 Mercedes ML350[base mode] Here are some observations: I have to say that the Cayenne probably drives the best out of these SUVs although it does feel pretty underpowered. The X5 drives pretty well but the sport package is pretty rough on the passengers. The 2006 ML350's suspension is way too soft. The 2007 MDX does have somewhat of a lag off the line but not bad comparing to the Cayenne. The MDX feels as stable as the X5 or Cayenne with a slight less road feel, but the MDX has a much better ride [even with base suspension]. When comparing these cars, there is one main thing that the MDX has which all others in this group does not. The MDX has 7 seats. I guess the 2007 BMW X5 may be a fair comparison. If you look at all the major attributes of this SUV, it's hard to beat: performance [SH-AWD + 3.7V6] safety [2007 MDX has the best rollover rating of any mid-size SUV I believe + expected high ratings on all other tests] value [fully optioned = base price of X5] convenience [7 seats, spacious trunk, automatic tailgate,NAV] I currently drive two mid-engined cars, and I am pretty impressed with how some of these heavy SUVs handle.
#30 of 34 It does almost everything better than it's competition by lttmkd5 Mar 30, 2007 (1:51 pm)
Envision yourself driving a normal mid-size SUV, anything in the class will do. After the initial newness of the truck wears off, remember about how you were longing for a SUV that doesn't feel like one and drives like a sport sedan. From the fit and finish to the road manners, to the ergonomics - the whole package. There aren't many mid-size, optional 3rd row seat SUV's that can deliver in all categories. In this case, Acura does and hits the target in almost every facet. After spending several long drives in the 07 MDX, and driving EVERY other SUV in the class, it is by far the most complete. Yes there are others who will beat it 0-60, and yes there are others that may beat it in off road use, and even with usefulness of the 3rd row seat. But when looking at the total vehicle and value for what you are paying for, it has BMW, Audi, and Infiniti (as well as all the American makers by a HUGE margin) beat. Yes, I agree with some of the comments I have read in various places that the faux wood is cheap, but that can be overlooked. I'm not buying the truck because it has nice wood trim but drives too rough. Yes I also agree it's not as taunt and sports car feeling as the BMW. But the BMW punishes it's passengers (it's great for the driver) with it's harsh ride and to comparibly equip the X5 as the MDX w/Sport and Ent. packages, get ready to put out $10-15K more. Not worth it in my estimation. Is the third row a bit small....yes. But if you want a spacious third row, then you need to be looking at a full size SUV like the Lexus LX, Infiniti QX56 or Mercedes GL450. After driving the Q7, X5, FX35 and Mercedes ML 350 I can't see a downside to the MDX. Does it have a few shortcomings, sure. But it sure makes me smile when I drive it and not look back and what could have been. The Nav is so easy to use you really don't need too much manual time. The Entertainment Package is grouped with rear heated seats and power liftgate. Kids and adults alike love those things. The sounds system is top quality and you'd be hard pressed to find better. All-in-all an excellent value for the money. So if you want an SUV that you have the option of carrying 7 people (even if they are pint-sized) this is the truck. Replies to this message: lttmkd5 (Apr 01, 2007 1:50 pm)
#31 of 34 Re: It does almost everything better than it's competition [lttmkd5] by lttmkd5 Apr 01, 2007 (1:50 pm)
Replying to: lttmkd5 (Mar 30, 2007 1:51 pm) I did forget to add the two things that bug me about the MDX...first, roof rails and crossbars are a $900 option. Go figure, it IS a SUV, no matter how it gets marketed, and most folks actually use the rails to secure stuff. These should be standard. Maybe in '08 after Acura colelcts the data on how many people that buy the MDX add the rails and bars. Second, the ipod interface with Acura Link is just plain silly. You cann't see the title, artist, or album info as you do on the ipod. Once the ipod is connected, there is a "cheat sheet" that the user needs to know that in mode 1 is tis shuffling songs, in mode 2 it is shuffling by a particular artist, etc...I have the Harmon Kardon iDrive unit that gets plugged into the sound system directly that has it's own viewer and controller and works just like the ipod. Much better!! My advice is to save the $495 the Acura dealer charges ti install the Acura ipod link and go to Best Buy and get the iDrive for $199..
#32 of 34 Bimmer fan says this is better deal than X5 by dataps Mar 12, 2008 (11:40 pm)
I've been a bmw fan all my life - have owned ml320, 95 325i, 2004 m3, 2002 x5- I've driven the current X5 & ML350 - and this Acura blows those guys away - hands down ... no questions asked.... I didn't like the style at first - but now I think it looks better than the competition except for the steering wheel - with all the features you will save over 10k in original price plus maintenance costs. Highly recommended!!! - hoping to buy ours base+tech within a couple of months. Replies to this message: dms9 (Mar 15, 2008 5:13 am)
#33 of 34 Re: Bimmer fan says this is better deal than X5 [dataps] by dms9 Mar 15, 2008 (5:13 am)
Replying to: dataps (Mar 12, 2008 11:40 pm) If you are a BMW fan, and are going to buy the tech anyhow, do yourself a favor and buy the Sport!!!! It is so worth it and not much more money. You will love the way it drives. Even in the comfort mode, which is where I leave it, it drives so much better than the standard MDX without the magnetic ride shocks.
#34 of 34 New 2008 Sport by 6sptl May 08, 2008 (8:38 am)
I have owned 14 Hondas through the years including a pair of TL's and an RL, I must confess that aside from my S2000 this is the best vehicle Honda has ever built, period. It is superbly confortable, handles better than a few "sports sedans" has very decent acceleration and has all the electronic doodas that you could ever want or need, even better, all the electronics actually work(contrary to european brands)! The sport model is worth every penny, though the basic suspension is comfortable and performs well, the sport suspension offers another completely higher level of handling, all without affecting comfort at all. The comfort setting is only necessary when driving the car on rutted unpaved roads. The leather is also a significant upgrade from the regular version. Those 2 additions are well worth the extra money. I traded a 2005 ody touring for the MDX, though I loved the ody and do miss its greater people capacity, the driving dynamics and comfort of the MDX are in an entirely different planet. Since we live in Wisconsin its exponentially better traction in winter conditions was also a determining factor. One thing the prospective buyer should consider, however, if the price of fuel is of any concern to you this is definitely not the car for you. Though its fuel economy is more than competitive in its segment, and not that bad on the highway (22 or so), it does drink a lot of gas (17 MPG combined). However if you have too worry unduly about gas prices you shouldn't be driving a 50K car anyway:)