Acura MDX: tell me about it
- Thread starter KST
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Other than being the Honda version of the Ford Explorer, They apparently have weak transmissions that are very very costly to repair..
A clip from wikipedia
-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. 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. The 2003 and later models also received a number of structural and suspension modifications to help improve ride and handling.
LONG STORY SHORT, they use the same transmission type as the Acura TL and CL of around 2000-2003 in which the average transmission lasts 75k before the 2500 dollar rebuild..
A clip from wikipedia
-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. 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. The 2003 and later models also received a number of structural and suspension modifications to help improve ride and handling.
LONG STORY SHORT, they use the same transmission type as the Acura TL and CL of around 2000-2003 in which the average transmission lasts 75k before the 2500 dollar rebuild..
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Stay away from anything older than '04 would be my suggestion. I was looking hard at that same vintage, along with a Highlander, Subaru Tribeca and a Ford Freestyle. I ended up with the Freestyle. The rampant transmission problems were the biggie that drove me away, which is a shame, because I really liked the vehicle.
It's way different than the Explorer, since it's on a car platform and not a truck platform.
It's way different than the Explorer, since it's on a car platform and not a truck platform.
We own an '05, and echo the comments about staying away from anything older than the '04 model year. The '04 got the new and much better transmission. The '05 got a fascia refresh that included a new front fascia, new projector beam headlamps vs. the older reflectors, and new rear tail lamps. I think '04 received the dual muffler exhaust with two separate outlets, but if not, all '05s had that.
I can't say enough about how well this vehicle handles and drives. It's a 4500-pound SUV, but truly drives like it weighs much less. The AWD system is excellent, and includes a lockable rear differential (part of the VTM+4 system). Ours is the Touring model, with navigation and rear DVD, and all that stuff works very well. The seat heaters are strong and the front seats are very comfortable. The third row works very well for our 5 year old, and I can sit back there sideways if I have to, but it's honestly not reasonable to put anyone over 5' tall back there for any length of time.
Despite the "current" EPA rating of 15/21 for that vehicle, we get about 17.5mpg in town and 22-23mpg on the road with it, which isn't all that dissimilar from the '07 Chrysler minivan that this vehicle replaced. The rear doors are short, making them easy to use in crowded parking lots. Lots of small details on this vehicle that you will learn to appreciate, but don't read in most reviews.
I can't say enough about how well this vehicle handles and drives. It's a 4500-pound SUV, but truly drives like it weighs much less. The AWD system is excellent, and includes a lockable rear differential (part of the VTM+4 system). Ours is the Touring model, with navigation and rear DVD, and all that stuff works very well. The seat heaters are strong and the front seats are very comfortable. The third row works very well for our 5 year old, and I can sit back there sideways if I have to, but it's honestly not reasonable to put anyone over 5' tall back there for any length of time.
Despite the "current" EPA rating of 15/21 for that vehicle, we get about 17.5mpg in town and 22-23mpg on the road with it, which isn't all that dissimilar from the '07 Chrysler minivan that this vehicle replaced. The rear doors are short, making them easy to use in crowded parking lots. Lots of small details on this vehicle that you will learn to appreciate, but don't read in most reviews.
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