A review of my 2004 Acura MDX

I’d like to start out by breaking it to you all that this is going to be one of those “it’s better than you think” reviews because that’s really the only phrase to entirely capture what this car really is. Better. Than you might think. Why? Well, lets start with the raw data. The MDX has a high compression version of Honda’s 3.5L V6, giving it 265 wheel horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. This is a 21 horsepower advantage over the normal 3.5L that can be found in both the Honda Pilot and Odyssey. This power gain is capable of propelling the MDX from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which is “better than you think,” because I’m fairly confident that the first word that comes to your mind regarding the MDX is not “fast” or “sporty.” While 7.2 seconds isn’t too quick by itself, it was the fastest 6-cylinder SUV you could buy in 2004. So it’s quick enough in a straight line, but how’s the handling? Good. Surprisingly good, as a matter of fact. To say that it handles like an Accord would be an accurate comparison. You can stick it around tight bends and even hit the apex in long sweeping bends, if you’re feeling adventurous and it never feels like it’s going to tip over or lose control. This is probably thanks to its 4-wheel independent suspension and sort of a “beta version” of Acura’s now-formidable Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Speaking of the drive train, I’m sure some of you are wondering: so this car is basically a Honda Pilot that handles better, so does that mean that the transmission is garbage? Nope, not here. Listen, this is my second car. My first car was a 2000 Honda Odyssey that I inherited from my mother with 230,000 miles that was on its 3rd transmission since we owned it. I know a bad transmission, I promise you that, so I can confidently say that this is a solid one. The torque converter on the other hand? Ohhh boy, let’s wait for that. Moving away from the mechanical aspects of the MDX, the interior is very well appointed. Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures of the interior and it’s currently raining outside, as usual in Florida, so if you’re curious then I promise that Google Images has what you’re looking for. What I can tell you is that I’m actually amazed at the sophistication (by 2004 standards) of the technology and gizmos that this car has. I have the fully-loaded Touring model so this might not be the same on every MDX, but to vividly describe my interior, picture this: you open the door and are bathed in a gentle, blue ambient light, and after climbing over the aluminum door sills, you sit in heated and perforated power leather bucket seats with two person memory. You pull the door closed and you notice on the door that you have switches for a fully automatic driver side window as well as heated power mirrors. You turn the key and watch the illuminated gauges glow to life, presenting you with information such as a precise tire pressure monitoring system. You look to your right and you see the computer screen light up, with a message reminding you to pay attention while using the GPS. You shift your car in reverse and the backup camera activates to help you see what’s behind you. Once you are out of the garage, you reach past your auto-dimming rear view mirror to push your integrated garage door button. You also notice the power sunroof. You turn your attention back to the front and place your hands on the wheel; the right one by the automatic rain-sensing wiper controls and the left one by your automatic headlights. You begin to feel hot as you drive so you turn down your fully automatic climate control that adjusts fan speed accordingly, like in your house. You decide you want to listen to music so you use the controls on your steering wheel to choose between listening to AM, FM, cassette, and your 6-player CD system. Ok that’s it, the end. It also has a trip computer, which is nice. Anyways, fit and finish is also exceptional as I currently have 178k miles (286k km) on the clock and no rattles or squeaks; nothing broken. I know I’m talking as if we’re dealing with a proper sports SUV, but if you’re a soccer mom in need of a reliable daily driver, this is perfect for you. If the MDX is one thing, it’s practical. With 7 seats, 2 rows of which fold completely flat, it’s a great family hauler. So I can drive my family to the beach but what if I want to bring my boat? Well the MDX has a solution that comes in the shape of a 4,500 lb towing capacity. WHILE THE TORQUE CONVERTER LASTS. Here we go, there it is. I’ve been hyping up the MDX this whole time but no car is perfect and the MDX has some problems. I bought this car second hand in 2013 with 111k miles, now here we are 67,000 miles later and while the torque converter has not given out yet, it’s been getting progressively louder, whinier, and rougher so I did some research only to find that these cars like to destroy their torque converters for some reason. So realistically it’s only a matter of time so I’ll enjoy it while it lasts. One last thing, it also has diff locks for some reason. This car is not an off-roader but I guess it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

Would I recommend it? YES.

PROS:
Great handling, fast, practical, reliable. Dull but utterly capable.

CONS:
Gas guzzler (16 MPG average with Premium Unleaded), rough shifting transmission, mushy brakes.