2001 Acura MDX Review

It seems as if Acura is the last to show up at the party with its mid-size 2001 MDX luxury sport-utility vehicle because such a large number of sport-utes already have been introduced.

Acura has sold the SLX sport-utility since 1996, but it was only a rebadged Isuzu Trooper that allowed Honda time to develop an exclusive vehicle for its upscale Acura division.

The seven-passenger MDX will cost about $35,000. It's based on the platform of the popular Honda Odyssey minivan and has a potent 3.5-liter, 240-horsepower V-6 that is a more powerful version of the Odyssey V-6.

Honda really did its homework with the MDX, as it has excellent utility and above-average steering, ride, handling and braking--although the brake pedal is a little sensitive. Helping provide good roadability are large tires on 17-inch alloy wheels and a supple, all-independent suspension.

The big money with sport-utes comes from luxury models. Acura especially wants to outdo the popular Lexus RX 300, although other strong rivals include the Mercedes-Benz ML320 and BMW X5.

The MDX is packed with equipment, including leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof, cruise control, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette with in-dash CD player and the usual luxury vehicle power accessories.

The few options include a $2,500 Touring package with items such as a power front passenger seat, special alloy wheels and upgraded sound system. A $2,000 navigation system also is offered and is fairly easy to use.

Safety items include anti-lock brakes, dual-stage passenger front air bag and front passenger-side air bag.

The MDX is designed to help avoid bumper override with autos in frontal collisions and to withstand a 35-mph rear impact with no intrusion into the third-row seating area.

The cleverly designed third-row split seat folds into the rear floor and thus doesn't have to be removed to create an impressively large cargo area. However, cargo room is marginal with the third-row seat in its normal position.

That seat calls for extra effort to reach. But it's not too hard to get to it if you're limber because part of the second-row seat moves forward to allow entry to it.

The second-row seat also splits and folds into the cargo area--a sport-ute "first." That seat allows room for three adults, while the third seat is best suited to two shorter adults or kids because leg room is scarce back there.

The versatile seating can be easily reconfigured to accommodate one to seven passengers and a variety of cargo, including gardening and recreation equipment. Even a 6-foot ladder fits.

Rear passengers benefit from separate cooling and heating equipment in the rear of the front console. The MDX also has the world's first Synchronized Climate Control System, which allows simultaneous or independent operation of front and rear air conditioning systems for improved heating, cooling and defogging.

A large rear hatch makes it easy to load the cargo area and has a handy inside grab handle that can be pulled to close it.

An innovative all-wheel-drive system enables the MDX to outdo rival luxury sport-utes. Developed exclusively for the MDX, the electronic system normally delivers power to the front wheels. But it manages automatic distribution of engine torque to all wheels for better driveability and control in dry, wet, snowy and icy conditions.

Honda avoids radical styling, so the MDX has a generally conservative pinched, angular appearance. But the aerodynamic body allows hardly any wind noise at highway speeds. And body part fits are so precise it seems as if the MDX is almost a custom-made--not mass-produced--vehicle.

The engine has dual overhead camshafts, 24 valves and variable valve timing to provide a broad torque curve and lively acceleration--at least to 65 mph.

The MDX zips to 60 in 8.8 seconds. But it weighs a hefty 4,328 pounds, so the 65-76 mph passing times are average. You can really feel the weight holding down performance above 65 mph.

Fuel economy is an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway with the responsive five-speed automatic overdrive transmission, which lets the V-6 loaf at 2,000 rpm at 70 mph. Those figures are decent, considering the MDX's weight and generally strong acceleration.

The chromed outside door handles are easily gripped, as are inside handles. But the small-but-deep front console storage bin gets in the way of the two console-mounted cupholders and will lead to spills.

The church-quiet interior uses top-grade materials, with no stitch out of place. Gauges are easily read, and controls work smoothly. Seats offer very good support, and the driver has good visibility, with a big windshield, large outside mirrors and fairly slender roof pillars.

Curiously, the vanity mirrors on the back of the sun visors don't light up to allow, say, makeup to be applied unless the running lights or headlights are on.

The MDX feels more like a luxurious car than a sport-utility truck. Bet on it becoming as popular as the Honda Odyssey minivan.