The fairly large, heavy MDX sport-utility vehicle from Honda's upscale Acura division is thriving despite the move to smaller, less fuel-thirsty car-based sport-utes and "crossover'' vehicles, which are mostly glorified station wagons.
The seven-passenger MDX sales set a record in October, and its yearly sales through last month totaled 48,133 units -- up from 46,553 in the same year-ago period. Accordingly, don't look for much of a discount on an MDX.
Economy isn't an MDX strong point because it only delivers an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway with its 3.5-liter, 265-horsepower V-6. I averaged about 14 mpg in the city, because this powerful sport-ute is heavy at 4,451-4,510 pounds, but highway economy at 65-70 mph was 23-25 mpg. That's partly because the V-6 loafs at 1,800 rpm at 65 mph and 2,000 rpm at 70 mph.
The MDX is a fairly late arrival to the luxury sport-utility market; it arrived for the 2001 model year, although Acura was Japan's first luxury division to sell vehicles in America, starting in 1986.
From the beginning, Acura put the emphasis on sport with the MDX, although it's plenty roomy. Performance is broad-based with no major flaws. Steering is quick, and an all-independent suspension provides a firm ride that's supple but not exactly carlike. Handling is above-average, and an anti-skid system is standard, although no 68.7-inch-high vehicle has sports-sedan moves. The standard anti-lock brakes are OK, but not in the BMW X5 sport-utility class.
The MDX strikes a happy medium. It's not as sporty as the X5, but is sportier than the softer Lexus RX 330 sport-ute. Its standard all-wheel-drive system isn't designed for rough off-road use, but it's OK for, say, trips into the wilderness for camping or to launch a boat.
The MDX soon distinguished itself by winning Motor Trend magazine's Sport Utility of the Year award and the North American Truck of the Year award from a national jury of auto journalists, including this writer.
The 2003 MDX got major improvements, with horsepower boosted from 240 to 260 and a new five-speed automatic transmission, along with chassis and suspension enhancements. A new all-wheel-drive system also was added for better control during acceleration, cornering and braking.
The 2004 MDX got styling enhancements that give it a more muscular, performance-oriented look to accompany its new 265 horsepower V-6.
Acura got a major setback when Toyota introduced its incredibly successful Lexus luxury vehicle division in 1990, and Nissan's upscale Infiniti division didn't help when also introduced that year.
But Acura is catching up with Lexus and other luxury vehicle producers. Its total vehicle sales this year through October were 163,241 units, against 140,958 in the same 2003 period.
Acura is picking up sales by giving its more-competitive car models and the MDX lots of comfort, convenience and safety equipment. The entry $36,700 MDX is so well equipped, with everything from leather seats to a power sunroof and premium sound system, that many MDX buyers need go no further up the model lineup.
Added equipment, including a power front passenger seat and rain-sensing wipers, are found in the latest $39,525 Touring version. The Touring model with a rear DVD entertainment system lists at $41,025, while the Touring with a navigation system and handy rearview camera costs $42,275.
The top model, which I tested, is the $43,775 Touring with the navigation system, rearview camera and DVD player.
For 2005, Acura has turned its attention to updating the MDX interior with the latest technologies and enhanced safety, although safety items already included front side air bags and head-protecting curtain side air bags designed to cover all seating rows and deploy in side impacts and rollovers.
To that end, XM Satellite Radio has been made standard on all versions. The optional Acura Navigation System with voice recognition -- one of the best in the industry -- has been enhanced to provide a quicker response time, additional voice recognition commands, more points of interest and access to the ZAGAT restaurant guide. It's still a little distracting to use when at the wheel, but beats navigation systems that are a nightmare to use in some upscale vehicles by a county mile.
MDX models with the navigation system also receive General Motors' highly publicized OnStar assistance system. In addition, the "HandsFreeLink'' wireless phone interface, which allows hands-free dialing to restaurants and other points of interest, now is included in the Touring version. An MDX with the Rear Entertainment System also comes with a 6-disc in-dash CD player, compared with an under-seat 6-disc player on the 2004 model.
Chassis enhancements include an improved vehicle stability assist system and a brake assist feature that helps drivers apply full braking pressure in an accident-avoidance situation. A larger, redesigned fuel tank increases capacity by more than one gallon; that might be enough to prevent some drivers from running out of fuel and having to walk several miles to the nearest filling station.
No Acura (or Honda) car or truck has a V-8 engine because Honda doesn't believe in them. However, the MDX V-6 provides nearly V-8 performance, with a good 65-75 mph passing time. Rivals such as the Cadillac SRX offer a V-8, but the Lexus RX 330 only has a V-6. The MDX engine works with a five-speed automatic transmission that gets the best performance from the engine.
It takes a little extra effort to get in or out. Five tall adults fit, and there's room for a few kids in the third row, which calls for extra agility to enter or leave. Front seats are supportive, and occupants sit high. Gauges are easily read, and controls get an above-average rating. However, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz have slightly better interior materials quality.
The MDX doesn't have much cargo space with a full passenger load, but second- and third-row seats split and fold flat into the floor for impressive (82 cubic feet) cargo capacity.
Most 2005 MDX prices have been raised only moderately, so this Acura should continue to do very well.
2005 ACURA MDX
PRICES
$36,700-$43,775
LIKES
New Features. Roomy. Upscale. Powerful. Good handling.
DISLIKES
So-so fuel economy. Child-size third-row seat. Difficult entry to third seat. |