2008 Acura MDX User Reviews

Pros

Great Highway Fuel Economy, Comfortable, View, Performance

Cons

Extras, Leather, Carpet

Purchased As New

In January, our Acura dealer gave us a price of $34,000 on a new 2008 Base model MDX with .9% financing - a deal too good to pass up. We liked the size, styling and safety but were concerned about the mileage. However, it was a false concern. We've averaged over 20 mpg since we've owned it and on trips (NC to Boston) we're averaging over 23 mpg. We traded in a Mercedes ML320 and the MDX has been more comfortable - by far. My legs used to bother me within 3 hours in the ML but don't bother me at all in the MDX. We drove it from Boston to Acadia National Park and it was a joy to drive along the Maine coast and on the roads within the park. Great views from the MDX. The MDX moves and handles beautifully on the highway. It has a very safe feeling. People have told us the rear seat is very comfortable.

We added roof rails, side molding and a security cover for the cargo area and they weren't inexpensive. All of those were standard on the ML. It would seem that the side molding should be standard. Of course, we didn't get the same deal on the ML. While the seats are very comfortable, the leather feels "thin" compared to Mercedes and BMW. The carpet also seems "thin" - it'll be interesting to see how it holds up.

We've had the MDX into the dealer for an oil change and a service which included an oil change, tire rotation and differential fluid change. We paid $30 for the oil change and $145 for the service. They were much cheaper than a ML service - an oil change in the ML was $120.

Overall, we couldn't be happier. Everything about the car and dealer seems to be great....read morehide

Pros

Smooth ride on smooth roads

Cons

Rough ride on rough roads, bad voice recognition

Purchased As New

I am a first time owner of a vehicle in this class (after owning Ford F-150's and Explorers) and was hoping for the luxury and performance the vehicle presents. The interior is beautiful. I like the dark gray wood-grain accent to the natural wood color. This is my first vehicle with built-in navigation, bluetooth, XM radio and extended menu options. The ride is smooth and quiet on smooth roads. And, for the most part, I feel like I moved up from the Explorer, however . . .

The extended menu selections and the navigation system are very busy but I was determined to learn them. And, after spending many hours, I still find myself going through all the menu selections to find the one I'm looking for (I know it's there). The menu selection methodology is illogical. I couldn't begin to explain how one has to go back and forth between two buttons on the steering wheel to navigate through the menu. I suspect the navigation system's voice recognition would be great but I couldn't possibly remember what I'm sure are well over 100 voice commands to the navi system, I use the dials, buttons and other controls. The voice recognition for the bluetooth is worse. I spent a fair amount of time transferring my contacts into the phonebook but it doesn't have a clue what I'm saying when I want to call a contact. When I say, "Dial Joe Blow at Home" it says, "Two-Eight-Six, please say dial or continue adding numbers". There's an option to list the phonebook so I use it to stop at my selection. The gas gauge is hidden by the steering wheel but I can see the tachometer plainly. On the average of every three weeks I have to reset the personalized settings linked to my key because the key stops "remembering". I've yet to understand why that happens. I'm sure its nothing I'm doing wrong.

The only complaint I have about the vehicle's performance is its suspension (the Explorer I owned ran circles around the MDX suspension); the vehicle seems to "hit bottom" over minor road bumps or pot holes although, overall, it handles nicely and has a solid feel to it. My new MDX doesn't quite have 5,000 miles on it and it's been to the dealer once to repair the air conditioner (no cool air at all) and I'm returning it again today for the same reason.

Don't get me wrong, this is a nice vehicle and Explorer had its problems, too (so much so that I swore I wouldn't buy another Ford), but for the money I paid for the MDX, I expected a vehicle to which I'd be more satisfied....read morehide

Pros

great styling, comfortable to ride in, lots of room, handles great

Cons

gas mileage could be better

Purchased As New

I love this car and have owned it for 6 months. The only issue I had with is was that the radio kept losing its memory. Radio was replaced and have had no more problems. The car looks and drives fantastic. People always tell me they like the way it looks and when they drive it they are amazed. A friend has an Audi A6 and he prefers the drive and feel of the MDX! It costs $10,000 less than the Audi did. Great luxury SUV for the money....read morehide

Purchased As New

Overall good car. Well balanced and rides smooth. Comfort seating and well crafted interior. One somewhat annoying issue is that when driving on any bumpy roads, there is rattle noise coming from radio panel. Service could not locate it. If the radio is loud enough, it gets ignored. Windshield wipers noisy and choppy. Does lack some punch in engine....read morehide

Pros

Comfortable,Quiet,Great sound system,Easy to use nav,luxury plus performance.

Cons

None really except a slight uneven fit at the hood and front fender.

I have to say that I really love driving this car.The tech appointments and systems monitoring sensors give vital signs of everything.Honda produces the engines for Indy Racing League and their extensive racing experience in formula one and other venues have passed on much technology to the MDX.It handles like a sports car but has a high level of interior luxury.A perfect blend to me.The service manager at place of purchase told me he went road racing with some buddies and they couldn't believe how he was able to drive the MDX right on the tail of his friends Porche.The friend was ticked.300 HP out of a V6 and not bad fuel consumption.The body style is beautiful and powerful wheras the old MDX was basically boring.The sport shift is handy for downshifting to save brakes.Love the center display to monitor tire pressure,average fuel,range,etc.Those who complain about bad mileage probably take-off fast and have a heavy foot.Reasonable freeway driving,70 mph,gets me about 21 mpg.You can get as much as 25 if you get in the right hand lane and go 60 mph.All in all,a fantastic vehicle....read morehide

I bought this car and the very next am. went to go to work and SUPRISE the battery was dead and it had to be towed!!! The battery was replaced and a week later had 2 messages saying low battery! Took it in to be serviced and they kept it 2 nights and replaced another part! 45K and this is what you get???? Love the interior but the ride is a bit bumpy compared to the Lexus 350 08' (my husband's car). Very roomy inside, nice interior and it feels luxurious. I guess I am just not having much luck in the month that I have owned it. I have been very understanding with the service department BUT if it happens again I will not be so patient!...read morehide

Pros

Aggressive styling; Good fuel eonomy for class (over 9000 miles and averaging 20 mpg)

Cons

needs air-ventilated seats

Over 9,000 miles and not a single hiccup. This SUV rides like a car, is very quiet for its class, has a very nice audio system, has intuitive electronics, and substantial room. I have received many, many positive comments from people who ride with me. Frankly, I don't understand some of the reviews on this site. One fellow claims 8 mpg, which I couldn't get unless I let my car sit in the driveway with the engine on for a few hours a day -- then again maybe he lives in L.A. Some folks report trouble with their MDXs, but I do not even hear a rattle on bumpy roads. Unfortunately, most people who comment on websites such as this one probably do so because they have a gripe. My guess if that the vast, vast majority of people who own this car love it; I certainly do. This is a spectacular vehicle for the price, and compares very favorably with those from Audi, BMW and Mercedes....read morehide

Pros

Great handling, awesome interior, kids love the third row seat

Cons

DVD Player Rattles, wind noise

I have had the MDX for over 2 months now (I traded a 2002 Jeep Cherokee) and over-all I am statisfied with the purchase. The features are easy to use and I already feel spoiled by all the bells and whistles. The only problems I have had are that the after market DVD player that the dealer installed rattles when I hit medium to big bumps (like railroad tracks). I have not yet taken it in to see if they can fix it but I intend to have them see what they can do when I get the oil changed. The other issue is that when I hit 45 mph, I hear a whistling noise like the air being let out of a balloon. It continues until I get to about 60 mph and then goes away. Again, I have not yet asked the dealer to look into it but it seems strange that any $45K vehicle would have a problem like this... let alone an Acura....read morehide

Pros

Standard everything, SH-AWD makes cornering fun, awesome stereo, comfortable seats

Cons

Gas mileage (but improving), handling a little ponderous when driving slowly

I have had this vehicle for a little more than 800 miles. As i get used to its bulk, I am more and more impressed with the handling characteristics at speed. It shows a real eagerness to take on corners and high-speed, sweeping turns. Moreover, it does this while swaddling me in a luxurious, full-featured interior. The seats are a nice blend between soft, leathery comfort and sporty purpose. The stereo is excellent--even non-DVD-A music sounds full and rich. I can even stand the sound of MP3s now. The kids love the DVD player and I love that I can play the stereo while they listen to their movies with the wireless headsets. The navigation system is quite intuitive. And speaking of intuitive, the massive button layout is not all that threatening once you figure out they're sectioned off according to climate controls, stereo, DVD player, and navigation controls. For a guy who has driven a long line of sporty coupes, sports cars, and sports sedans, I can say that I mightily impressed with the MDX's blend of performance, handling, and comfort. One thing: don't expect good gas mileage. I can get a blend of 18 mpg if I consciously take it easy. Otherwise, I get about 16 mpg with my normal driving habits....read morehide

Pros

Great ride...powerful

Cons

Several minor problems

Overall, the ride is great. It may even be a bit too powerful for me (drove RX330 prior). Noticed others who had same problem with gas tank door that wasn't flush to the exterior and had to be serviced (the guy just popped it back in!!) Rear Entertainment rattled from the get-go. Had it serviced, but not much better. 2nd row armrest not quite aligned with the entire seat in general (seaming is visually off). Had it serviced, but not much better either. Getting use out of the 3rd row. Works well with a 3-year old, but not too comfy for adults... expected it, though. Can't fold down third row if the back of the 2nd row is not moved close to 90 degrees. Trunk cover rattles as well. Very annoying if you're sitting in the 2nd row. Liked my RX330 touch screen Navi Sys way better. Dial is hard to handle. Yes, it has voice recognition, but it doesn't recognize normal peoples' voices. Gave up trying to use it. Bluetooth is great, though. Will hand over the MDX to the husband soon and get a Lexus GX470 for myself. Interior luxuries in a Lexus far outweigh what the MDX can offer. If you value performance, get the MDX. If you prefer a soft, smooth, luxurious ride, go with a Lexus....read morehide