Volvo XC90 or Acura MDX?

[coachditka]

We are looking at a used 2007-2009 SUV to replace our Volvo wagon.

I have read nightmare stories about the Volvo T6 transmission so that model is off the table. The 2.5T or V8 seem to be much better.

I have never had a Honda product like an MDX, but the size and safety of the MDX seem up there with the XC90.

If anyone has any feedback on either vehicle, it would be appreciated.

After all, this is BITOG and we all have opinions!

Thanks.

.

 

[rjundi]

I own a MDX (2007) and it has offered pleasurable ownership for the last 2 years with two very minor issue. I purchased with 80k and now has 106k. My sole reason for considering it was the 7 passenger (rear seat for kids).

My only issues were:

electrical gremlins that seemed horrid at first(check engine, air bag system turning off, losing presets, AWD failure, power window quit on passenger side) but turned out to be a weak battery.

AC stopped working but turned out to be a common AC Clutch relay fixed for $7 DIY after reading internet.

My only qualm with the entire vehicle is MPG which is 18 winter and 19 summer mixed mostly around town. But Volvo would be no better. Otherwise love it especially power, comfort and decent handling.

 

[JOD]

My suggestion: if you're looking at an XC90, also consider looking at a Ford Taurus X, 2008 or 2009. It's build on the same platform but with a less finicky drivetrain and, IMO, a better use of interior space. Safety ratings are just as good, if that's a concern, and maintenance costs and purchase price should be significantly less than either one. Fuel economy will also be better than either one.

The downsides are that the interior isn't as nice as either the MDX or the XC90, and the exterior is a bit dorky as well. I looked at both of those when I got my Freestyle, and as far as what you get for your $$ in the slightly-used market, it wasn't even close.

You can always see good pictures on Ebay, so here are some since you've probably never even seen one of these on the road: LINK

 

[CATERHAM]

Volvo

 

[randomhero439]

MDX, because vtec

and this commercial... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEZPH_YoJhY

 

[Kuato]

Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Volvo


+1.

Sverige för segern!

 

[jrustles]

+1 Volvo. If the unthinkable should happen, you can't beat Volvo crash performance, but not to suggest the MDX wouldn't be safe also.

Also, here's another case in the Volvo's favour put in three words:
"Honda V6 transmission"

 

[Hokiefyd]

The MDX's transmission from that era is reliable, so no worries there. It also does not have the i-Vtec version of their V-6, so no worries there. It uses off-the-shelf motor oil, though other fluids are dealer only. Though I don't know for sure, I suspect that maintenance parts will be easier to find for the Acura than for the Volvo.

We've been extremely pleased with ours; we have the generation previous to that and it's been a gem. That next generation is even better. It's one of the better rated mid-to-large SUVs available. We use the third row in ours all the time; it's a great feature. We average 17-18 mpg in town and 22-25 mpg on the road. I also tow a small trailer with it from time to time, though I usually tow it with our CR-V. It pulls our 5x8 trailer very well (as any vehicle this size should).

 

[hypervish]

If you don't need a third row, take a look at the Lexus RX.

Great resale value, very reliable, comfortable and good fuel economy. Better than the thirsty MDX & XC90.

Format- City/Combined/Highway
RX350- 18/20/23
RX400h- 28/26/25
MDX - 15/17/20
XC90- 15/17/21

All of the above are numbers from Edmunds using model year 2007.

 

[dparm]

IMO the MDX feels a bit more upscale/premium than the RX. Sorry, but I just don't think Lexus interiors feel very luxurious.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: jrustles
+1 Volvo. If the unthinkable should happen, you can't beat Volvo crash performance, but not to suggest the MDX wouldn't be safe also.

Also, here's another case in the Volvo's favour put in three words:
"Honda V6 transmission"

By 2007-2009 the Honda V6 transmission problems were in the past.

 

[Rolla07]

Dont know much about the Volvo but a friend has an MDX.. too many problems from his experience. gas mileage about 16-17mpg... Id go with Volvo, and maybe consider some other options.

 

[gofast182]

MDX.

---There are some here who spout dumb stuff about Honda ATs without perspective of when the issues happened and when they were resolved. While there are small groups of people who have issues with any AT on any car, there isn't a large scale issue here.

---You'll find that the MDX is one of the safest vechicles on the road, every bit as safe as the Volvo in crash tests. Volvo doesn't really have much on Honda in this department anymore.

---I had a coworker with an XC90. All kinds of little things would constantly go wrong with it. HIDs burnt out one at a time, premature brake wear, premature tire wear, TPMS all went bad, and a problem with the exhaust.

---MDX will be a more entertaining drive, esp with SH-AWD (it's an amazing system). The J35/37 is silky smooth, potent, and Honda reliable. To be fair, MPG is a drawback. Not sure what the Volvo gets but we get 17-18 in town and around 21-22 on the highway. (higher numbers are with my wife driving)

If you have any specific questions on the 2G MDX, I'll do my best to answer from my experience.

 

[rjundi]

Originally Posted By: jrustles
+1 Volvo. If the unthinkable should happen, you can't beat Volvo crash performance, but not to suggest the MDX wouldn't be safe also.

Also, here's another case in the Volvo's favour put in three words:
"Honda V6 transmission"

Not an issue with the vehicle. Just a software update but nothing else and a board I inquired with seemed like few if any failures.

 

[jrustles]

Thanks for the correction, I don't want to influence the OP wrongly! It's good to know that the MDX 5ATs were sorted out by the end of 09 with the last firmware revision.

 

[iontrap]

In 2007, the XC90 no longer had the 2.5t as the standard engine. Starting in 2007 the 3.2 i6 was standard.
As far as I'm concerned, seats in the XC90 are the most comfortable of any vehicle I've ever owned.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: jrustles
Thanks for the correction, I don't want to influence the OP wrongly! It's good to know that the MDX 5ATs were sorted out by the end of 09 with the last firmware revision.


The mechanical issues were sorted out in 2004. MDX transmission reliability is quite poor in the 2001-2003/4 timeframe. Beginning in late 2004 and continuing to current, MDX transmission reliability is quite good; at least as good as industry average. In other words, it's a non-issue for someone looking for a 2007+ model.

 

[dparm]

OP, my advice is to go drive a TON of different cars and buy the one you like best. Seriously, go to every dealer in town and drive the same model multiple times. You'll know which one is right.


Also, +1 on user name.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: jrustles
Thanks for the correction, I don't want to influence the OP wrongly! It's good to know that the MDX 5ATs were sorted out by the end of 09 with the last firmware revision.


The mechanical issues were sorted out in 2004. MDX transmission reliability is quite poor in the 2001-2003/4 timeframe. Beginning in late 2004 and continuing to current, MDX transmission reliability is quite good; at least as good as industry average. In other words, it's a non-issue for someone looking for a 2007+ model.


Not only the above, but the torque vectoring tricks and inside wheel braking make the MDX delightfully NOT like most SUV type vehicles when you are in the driver's seat!

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Not only the above, but the torque vectoring tricks and inside wheel braking make the MDX delightfully NOT like most SUV type vehicles when you are in the driver's seat!


Very true. The SH-AWD system is pretty durn cool.