| KifsterDDS |
Greetings folks! I'm new to the forum, and also a new MDX owner. Just thought I'd throw out my opinions and see if any of you ladies and gents had anything to say--agree or disagree.
I bought the MDX w/ Touring and Navigation. Paid just a hair under $40k for it, about two weeks ago. My wife and I were about to buy the Volvo XC-90 before deciding on the MDX. We also considered the BMW X-5 and VW Touareg (which was horrendously overpriced for a stinking VW!).
So far I'm quite happy with the MDX, having driven a Honda Accord throughout school. We opted for the MDX because of Honda's reliability.
The ride is nice. The peformance is nice. For lower-end "luxury" SUV, it offers a lot. Despite the fact that I'm overall quite satisfied with this car, I do have some complaints.
1. The interior is a HUGE let-down. The Acura sedans have very luxurious interiors (despite being less expensive than the MDX), but the MDX for some reason reeks of Honda. I was very disappointed to see that the headlinght control stick, wiper control stick, cruise control, and general layout of the interior was very much like my accord, if not exactly like it.
2. No wood! Plastic lookalike wood in a $40,000 car?
3. A/C controls are primarily within the navigation system, and they're generally confusing. What do the buttons do at the top that the buttons within the Navi screen don't? Sometimes you can hear the fan running, but when you go to ACInfo within the navigation screen, the fan speed is set at zero.
4. Passenger-side mirror lowering during reverse. How long will it take for this mirror's motor to fail?
5. I'm 5' 7". Has anyone else approximately my height noticed that the front seats cannot be lowered enough? I always feel like I'm sitting higher than I'd ideally like to be.
6. The tires are too thin. The MDX would have looked much nicer with thicker tires.
7. The roof racks. Length-wise racks would have looked nicer.
8. Why am I unable to change XM channels via the steering wheel buttons?
Don't get me wrong, my wife and I love the car. And I'd be more than willing to overlook items 2 through 8 if the interior was commensurate with other Acuras! |
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| BigHersh |
What's up doc? Welcome...
This may, or may not be what you're looking for, but I'll answer, just because...
1.) I was OK with the interior on my 2006. Still am; I guess my expectations weren't that high, or, I wasn't disappointed with what I saw. To me, it was no better, and no worse than my Expedition. Well, it was better in one way, it was black leather; whereas my expy had tan leather... You can't beat black on black...
2.) I have the faux wood trim (zebra), but I may upgrade to the real wood looking, fake wood at some point. I don't mind fake wood, I rarely keep a car 3 years, so I'm not expecting to fall in love with it, or have a long term relationship with this Acura.
3.) No, navi on mine, it's all buttons, but the screen shows a fan speed display... Not as cool as a Navi (Damn, I wish I had pushed harder), but the LCD screen is a nice touch for us cheap bastards that spent $40,000 but decided to save the last $2,000.
4.) My 2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition had this, but both mirrors tipped down., albeit not as far as on the MDX, so they were actually useable. On the MDX, I like the fact that I can see the lines/curb, etc. I just can't see the feaking car next to me...
Back to my Ex though, I drove it for 28 months before I traded it (For this MDX) mirror motors never failed. I expect better from Honda, although my confidence is shaken after hearing about rubber band transmissions (2001 - 2002) and how sorry the batteries are in the MDX; I hope that has been addressed, and no more corners got rounded.
5.) I'm right at 6'2", so I have the seat way back, and lowered as far as it'll go, and my head is still two fingers in thickness away from the ceiling. I agree with you here, I'd love it if the seat went lower. Hey, whay do you think about the dead pedal/foot rest? How's it feel, as far as ride comfort?
6.) I refer to these 235's as "girly-man" tires. This truck should have had at least 255 - 275's. As thin as they are, I must admit, they do ride well. (Unless you live in, or drive through north Louisiana, then I'm sure you felt like you were in an M113 APC on I-20, through Shreveport.) On smooth roads though, it's like riding on glass; almost.
7.) Yeah, I don't know what Acura was thinking with that, but- I opted for the touring because the smooth roof starts really letting on to those that see it, that this MDX is really a 4-door minivan, with AWD. Sorry guys, I know you hate to hear that, but it is what it is... I knew that, bought it anyway- because I liked it.
8.) I can change the XM channels with my steering wheel controls, however, they seem to go up by 10, rather than 1 channel at a time.
I love my MDX too, but, had I taken it for a longer test-drive it, I probably wouldn't have bought it because I'd have had time to notice all the little things, that don't make it a bad vehicle, but still irks the Hell out of me..
Oh well, I could shed it for a 2007 Tahoe (great deals) or a 2006 LR# (They've assured me they can get me out of this MDX), but I'm worried about year 1 bugs (Tahoe) and Land Rover's reliability history... Worse case, I have 34 more months on this lease... Maybe in that time, my appreciation of what it is, will grow to love. Otherwise, I'll have to tell my wife she was right, when she said I shouldn't have stepped down froma full sized SUV into the MDX. I told her we didn't need a vehicle that big...
Damn, I hate it when she's right.
My next new car (If I can wait)
Buick Enclave
quote:
Originally posted by KifsterDDS
Greetings folks! I'm new to the forum, and also a new MDX owner. Just thought I'd throw out my opinions and see if any of you ladies and gents had anything to say--agree or disagree.
I bought the MDX w/ Touring and Navigation. Paid just a hair under $40k for it, about two weeks ago. My wife and I were about to buy the Volvo XC-90 before deciding on the MDX. We also considered the BMW X-5 and VW Touareg (which was horrendously overpriced for a stinking VW!).
So far I'm quite happy with the MDX, having driven a Honda Accord throughout school. We opted for the MDX because of Honda's reliability.
The ride is nice. The peformance is nice. For lower-end "luxury" SUV, it offers a lot. Despite the fact that I'm overall quite satisfied with this car, I do have some complaints.
1. The interior is a HUGE let-down. The Acura sedans have very luxurious interiors (despite being less expensive than the MDX), but the MDX for some reason reeks of Honda. I was very disappointed to see that the headlinght control stick, wiper control stick, cruise control, and general layout of the interior was very much like my accord, if not exactly like it.
2. No wood! Plastic lookalike wood in a $40,000 car?
3. A/C controls are primarily within the navigation system, and they're generally confusing. What do the buttons do at the top that the buttons within the Navi screen don't? Sometimes you can hear the fan running, but when you go to ACInfo within the navigation screen, the fan speed is set at zero.
4. Passenger-side mirror lowering during reverse. How long will it take for this mirror's motor to fail?
5. I'm 5' 7". Has anyone else approximately my height noticed that the front seats cannot be lowered enough? I always feel like I'm sitting higher than I'd ideally like to be.
6. The tires are too thin. The MDX would have looked much nicer with thicker tires.
7. The roof racks. Length-wise racks would have looked nicer.
8. Why am I unable to change XM channels via the steering wheel buttons?
Don't get me wrong, my wife and I love the car. And I'd be more than willing to overlook items 2 through 8 if the interior was commensurate with other Acuras!
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by KifsterDDS
Greetings folks! I'm new to the forum, and also a new MDX owner. Just thought I'd throw out my opinions and see if any of you ladies and gents had anything to say--agree or disagree.
I bought the MDX w/ Touring and Navigation. Paid just a hair under $40k for it, about two weeks ago. My wife and I were about to buy the Volvo XC-90 before deciding on the MDX. We also considered the BMW X-5 and VW Touareg (which was horrendously overpriced for a stinking VW!).
So far I'm quite happy with the MDX, having driven a Honda Accord throughout school. We opted for the MDX because of Honda's reliability.
The ride is nice. The peformance is nice. For lower-end "luxury" SUV, it offers a lot. Despite the fact that I'm overall quite satisfied with this car, I do have some complaints.
1. The interior is a HUGE let-down. The Acura sedans have very luxurious interiors (despite being less expensive than the MDX), but the MDX for some reason reeks of Honda. I was very disappointed to see that the headlinght control stick, wiper control stick, cruise control, and general layout of the interior was very much like my accord, if not exactly like it.
2. No wood! Plastic lookalike wood in a $40,000 car?
3. A/C controls are primarily within the navigation system, and they're generally confusing. What do the buttons do at the top that the buttons within the Navi screen don't? Sometimes you can hear the fan running, but when you go to ACInfo within the navigation screen, the fan speed is set at zero.
4. Passenger-side mirror lowering during reverse. How long will it take for this mirror's motor to fail?
5. I'm 5' 7". Has anyone else approximately my height noticed that the front seats cannot be lowered enough? I always feel like I'm sitting higher than I'd ideally like to be.
6. The tires are too thin. The MDX would have looked much nicer with thicker tires.
7. The roof racks. Length-wise racks would have looked nicer.
8. Why am I unable to change XM channels via the steering wheel buttons?
Don't get me wrong, my wife and I love the car. And I'd be more than willing to overlook items 2 through 8 if the interior was commensurate with other Acuras!
Congrats, but your major complaints were readily noticeable during the test drive. If you couldn't stand the interior, why did you buy it? |
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| eurohazard |
1. The interior is a HUGE let-down. The Acura sedans have very luxurious interiors (despite being less expensive than the MDX), but the MDX for some reason reeks of Honda. I was very disappointed to see that the headlinght control stick, wiper control stick, cruise control, and general layout of the interior was very much like my accord, if not exactly like it.
I agree the MDX isn't the most luxurious looking and feeling SUV out today. Keep in mind it is essentially the same as a 2001......and itself it based heavily on a 1999 Honda minivan. I personally LOVE the fact the main controls are simple (a la Accord).
2. No wood! Plastic lookalike wood in a $40,000 car?
We semi affectionately called it "plood"....plastic wood. Yes, it's not the best.
3. A/C controls are primarily within the navigation system, and they're generally confusing. What do the buttons do at the top that the buttons within the Navi screen don't? Sometimes you can hear the fan running, but when you go to ACInfo within the navigation screen, the fan speed is set at zero.
This I agree with 100%. My biggest b!tch is the lack of a fan speed dial!!!!! Is that so hard? lol
4. Passenger-side mirror lowering during reverse. How long will it take for this mirror's motor to fail?
Dude, this is an awesome feature! It takes exactly 1 parallel park to realize how sweet this feature is, and why it hasn't been used more often. It will save chewing up your tires and wheels. Also I find it strange to be concerned about the failure of a mirror motor. There are so many more high-tech gadgets in the MDX the mirror-tilt feature should hardly keep you up at night.
5. I'm 5' 7". Has anyone else approximately my height noticed that the front seats cannot be lowered enough? I always feel like I'm sitting higher than I'd ideally like to be.
Can't help you here. I mean it is an SUV. If you like the feeling of sitting on the floorboards.....check out the Toyota 4-runner.
6. The tires are too thin. The MDX would have looked much nicer with thicker tires.
This is how Honda and Acura do things. Has ANY Acura/Honda ever had wheels large enough? This is good for 2 things though: 1) replacement tires are cheaper than wider ones. 2) The ride is quieter than wider tires. MANY folks have opted for aftermarket wheels/tires.......and they look nice.
7. The roof racks. Length-wise racks would have looked nicer.
Do you think the Pilot racks look good? I think the MDX racks look OK, but certainly not too functional! ;)
8. Why am I unable to change XM channels via the steering wheel buttons?
Not sure bro. I have a 2004. |
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| highcountrymdx |
DOC-
Welcome, welcome!:welcome:
You hit the nail on the head in virtually every thoughtful comment.
However:
If you're concerned about the mirror tilt reliability, try this: keep the l/r mirror control switch out of the neutral position. The mirrors then won't tilt. However, that's one feature I've come to love. I use the tilt all the time.
I agree 100% about the roof rack. That's why I ordered the full length filler strips and removed mine. If I need them, they can be put back on in 10 minutes.
Speaking of longevity, I've always wondered how real wood holds up with direct sun exposure. My own critique of the interior centers on the dashboard. Looks like it was lifted from the Odyssey. Warning lights scattered all over the place, no voltmeter, etc. Feels like I'm driving a Crown Vic, sometimes.
All in all, I'm a huge fan of the MDX. Just needs a little more refinement. |
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| MacJag |
| Congrats on your new ride. I may be bias but I think you bought a great vehicle. 40k and all these complaints? I am puzzled why you bought your MDX? |
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| G. COLTON |
In regard to your questions:
1. The interior is a HUGE let-down. The Acura sedans have very luxurious interiors (despite being less expensive than the MDX), but the MDX for some reason reeks of Honda. I was very disappointed to see that the headlinght control stick, wiper control stick, cruise control, and general layout of the interior was very much like my accord, if not exactly like it.
No comment. It is an OK interior. Nothing to complain nor brag about in my opinion.
2. No wood! Plastic lookalike wood in a $40,000 car?
No comment.
3. A/C controls are primarily within the navigation system, and they're generally confusing. What do the buttons do at the top that the buttons within the Navi screen don't? Sometimes you can hear the fan running, but when you go to ACInfo within the navigation screen, the fan speed is set at zero.a
No comment.
4. Passenger-side mirror lowering during reverse. How long will it take for this mirror's motor to fail?
Personally I do not even use this feature. Keep it turned off. My wife's caddy has the same and I find no use for it either.
5. I'm 5' 7". Has anyone else approximately my height noticed that the front seats cannot be lowered enough? I always feel like I'm sitting higher than I'd ideally like to be.
Are you really saying you cannot get the seat LOW enough? I would think you would want it higher to give you better bisibility. Nothing like trying to peer over the hood and not being able to see.
6. The tires are too thin. The MDX would have looked much nicer with thicker tires.
What do you mean be too "thin?" Do you mean too narrow? If so I disagree. The more rubber that you put on the road the poorer will be the fuel econome. They are very functional as they are.
7. The roof racks. Length-wise racks would have looked nicer.
Longitudinal roof racks are virtually worthless. They are supposedly there for funactionality, not looks. My complaint with the roof racks is that they are not adjustable. I would like to be able to adjust them farther apart when carrying a long load.
8. Why am I unable to change XM channels via the steering wheel buttons?
No idea.
George |
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| td284 |
You can change XM stations with the steering wheel buttons, but it changes the presets. Same with FM and AM. Go in and set your presets.
I'm 5'7" and I find the ride height fine but I wish the steeering wheel was telescoping--I feel my arms are always in an uncomfortable position when the seat and pedals are set.
The interior is almost six years old so it is certainly ready for a re-do. |
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| TheMichael |
Why don't you use voice commands? works great.
You can say 'fan speed up' or 'temperature 65'
We're missing clock on dashboard, but if you say "what time is it?" it tells. |
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| blevins |
8. XM radio channels:
The steering wheel "ch" works on my '05. Just be sure the "channel" bar is darken on the screen (the "mode" at the bottom selects "channel" and the others). If you have it in one of the other modes, the "ch" button selects the next XM channel of that type !!
Confusing, it is, that the "mode" button on the steering wheel changes between audio sources, e.g. FM1, FM2, XM1, CD. |
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