| SuperTech |
The wait is over. We have them. I haven't had a chance to drive it other than from the parking lot to inside my shop (we didn't get the delivery till late in the day) so far. But so far, my initial impressions...
Not as small as I've been led to believe. Sure the roof is much shorter than the MDX. And they get away with this by having the seating position lower. Seats have more "bucket" to them...almost like a sports car would have. The feeling behind the wheel looking out of the windows doesn't suggest it's a small SUV. The dashboard is very long. Lots of real estate on top, much like the new Civic. The view out the front is more like looking from behind the hood rather than looking down on it like the MDX. This makes it hard to tell just where exactly the front corners are when making tight manuevers (such as pulling into my service bay). The mirror to mirror width has got to be within an inch or less of the MDX.
Rear visibility is just awful. The small oval rear window creates a huge blind spot for anything about 6 feet or closer to the rear. This alone should mean tech package equipped RDXs should be the popular choice.
Power? I'll get into more of that when I put some real miles on it But off the line, it feels very soft until the turbo spools up. An MDX has much more punch from a stop.
The standard 18" gunmetal painted wheels are actually quite nice looking. The plastic Escalade-esque lower cladding on the side of the body doesn't get it done for me. Something just doesn't look right about it. Like it makes the body look too slab sided maybe.
Interior is quite nice. The navi screen is not tilted towards the driver enough though. Maybe this was done to avoid glare? The rotary knob that runs the show is front and center and easy to get to. Shift handle has a very solid look and feel to it unlike the MDX's dainty looking rod coming up from the console. The way the rear seats fold flat are not like the MDX (due to the lower seat height I'm sure) and work more like many of the American SUVs I've seen like a Tahoe. And there's a good amount of space in the back even with the seats still up.
My favorite part though? Look at the picture below. What do you not see and what do you see? No splash shields. And what's that blue thing? OMG...the oil filter is in an easy place to get at! On the TSX/RSX, the fliter is on the side of the engine block. With the turbo on this engine and the way the subframe is designed, that would have made getting at it in that location pretty hard, so they moved it where you see it. Finally an Acura that won't cause a mess to do an oil change since the 3.0CL!
More to come tomorrow. |
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| QRTLOW |
In the words of Paris..."That's Hot". Any inside clues on the production of the MD-X?
QRTLOW
Touring Nighthawk Black on Black
Satin black Side Bars
Factory Spoiler
18x9x255 Michelin Energys
Enkie Chrome 5 spokes
Quickstoppro Slotted/Drilled Rotors |
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| ROTORRAY |
Dropped by '03 MDX off at the dealer this AM for some warranty work and they had 2 RDX's in the show room. Prices were $38K and $36K. of course these had some expensive add-ons, like bigger wheels and tires, but I just can't see paying that amount for a car that size. You're talking CR-V/RAV-4 size here, folks. If they jump the MD to $50K-ish I don't see that racing out of their stores either. of course, there are those who will still have to have the latest and greatest but with all that's coming out I think you'll see some changes in the price picture in the not to distant future.
Just my .02 |
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| highcountrymdx |
I couldn't help but notice on the expanded RDX web site that the new RDX has some features our MDX board has been yelling about for years. To wit:
1. Daytime running lights.
2. Auto locking/unlocking doors (personalization option).
3. HID headlights.
4. All windows roll down with key fob.
5. Both front windows auto up/down feature.
6. Real auto off headlights with timer (personalization option).
7. Factory wired for Ipod (cable required).
8. Outside air temperature readout display (not buried a couple menus deep).
9. Hard sided security panel for rear cargo area.
10. Superior sound system.
11. Paddle shifters
Possible negatives?:
1. No rear air conditioning (what were they thinking?).
2. At least 15 various switches on steering wheel.
3. No LED taillights (need confirmation on this one).
Do you suppose some of that good stuff will trickle down (up?) to the MDX? |
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| ROTORRAY |
Well, my '03 MDX needs a new water pump after 30K miles. During my oil changed I'd been watching dried up coolant collecting on the oil pan a couple of times. It went away but I discovered it again yesterday while changing my oil. Oh well. It actually started to drip thru the weep hole at around 22K. So much for Acura quality pumps.
While picking up a new TL loaner because my car won't be ready until TOMORROW, service guy said the new MDX will break $50K "No sweat." This is what I always figured but he rationalized it by saying it's a "new vehicle." Hey, I though every year was a "new vehicle."
Saw a 3rd RDX for $44K so I guess $50K for an MD is about right. someone mentioned rear air for the RDX but I don't know why you would need it on such a small vehicle. |
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| SuperTech |
OK, I drove it. I'm not digging how the power delivery works. Off the line...it's absolutely gutless. Light turns green and punch it. You get an extremely soft launch. Soft enough that AWD is totally a waste. As the revs build, so does the power. Around 4500rpm, the variable flow turbo is at full boost and VTEC is about fully engaged...and that's where the power is. If you're driving along at about 45mph and punch it, it'll kick down and get you right in the power. You'll feel a slight turbo lag and then it pulls decently. Exhaust note is pretty mundane except for a slight turbo spool up whirl that can be heard with the windows down.
Handling is quite nice. Since you sit much lower, it's even more carlike than the MDX. Make no mistake, it's still an SUV and don't expect it to run circles around a Miata or anything, but it gives you a good feeling of confidence pushing it through a curve. Much like the way the new RL feels, no doubt because of the fancy rear differential.
Stereo is nothing special. The EL Surround sytems in the TL and RL sound much better than this one for some reason. The bass seems kinda washed out and just not there.
Not sure what else to say. I suppose I could do a more in depth review, but then I'd seriously question why I don't just do it for Motor Trend or something... Oh yeah, I know why. I'll actually say something sucks if it does while MT and the other rags are so afraid of losing advertising dollars from a manufacturer, they'll never really lay into a vehicle. |
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| Blackura |
Just wanted to say thanks for your honest reviews. It's refreshing to read both the good and the not-as-good. Looks like a nice enough vehicle, but I think everybody on this board is right... despite the high tech goodies, the RDX is just priced waaaay too high for the marketplace.
As an 05 RL owner, I can say for sure with the new RDX, watch for falling prices! |
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| dj-mdx2 |
Thanks for the heads-up, ST. I was thinking about test-driving one when lo and behold! my Acura salesman left a message on my machine "just keeping in touch". Hmmm. I did mention last time that I was interested in the next MDX but would try the RDX on for size since it looked small for us with 3 kids. I might test drive it but if it doesn't have rear air - which is almost a requirement down here in 100+ degree spring temperatures - I will not buy one unless they somehow drop the price to sub-30K and add rear air on the nextgen.
Who does Acura survey for market feasibility studies anyway? Has any of you guys been asked about what type of vehicle and what features you would want on your next Acura? Aren't they interested in owner input since we're most likely to at least look at the next MY vehicle they're offering? Case in point - Porsche finally succumbed to the SUV market when their maket analyses showed their precious customers were buying SUVs coz they didn't have any. Now look at Cayenne sales and how they've helped support Porsche's racing efforts. |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by dj-mdx2
Thanks for the heads-up, ST. I was thinking about test-driving one when lo and behold! my Acura salesman left a message on my machine "just keeping in touch". Hmmm. I did mention last time that I was interested in the next MDX but would try the RDX on for size since it looked small for us with 3 kids. I might test drive it but if it doesn't have rear air - which is almost a requirement down here in 100+ degree spring temperatures - I will not buy one unless they somehow drop the price to sub-30K and add rear air on the nextgen.
Who does Acura survey for market feasibility studies anyway? Has any of you guys been asked about what type of vehicle and what features you would want on your next Acura? Aren't they interested in owner input since we're most likely to at least look at the next MY vehicle they're offering? Case in point - Porsche finally succumbed to the SUV market when their maket analyses showed their precious customers were buying SUVs coz they didn't have any. Now look at Cayenne sales and how they've helped support Porsche's racing efforts.
MDX owners might be surveyed for features but not for feasibility of the RDX. MDX owners are not the target market except for maybe as a second vehicle. They are targeted at the younger professional who likes gadgets and has no family. However, the 4 cyl turbo choice was likely an eng'g/marketing decision with the argument of better wgt and mpg. Given ST's description it doesn't sound like seamless power delivery as they were alluding to with the variable turbo technology. Of course, many believe it should be a V6 for $40K. I wonder how the Acura engineers are explaining to management how Toyota has put a V6 in the equivalent size RAV4 and it is significantly quicker, weighs less, and gets better mpg. Should be interesting to see the Lexus RAV4 variant and how they price it compared to the RDX. |
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| SirJOW |
I took a look at the RDX last week as I'm looking to replace another car. I have yet to drive it but my impressions are that it is very attractive looking! Moreso than the '07 MDX (IMO)...of course, I don't think any of us have seen the finished MDX model so I don't know.
As it stands right now I'd probably replace my MDX with the RDX when the time comes if it has AT LEAST equal acceleration (even if it is "laggy") and has the following features taken care of:
1. Auto wipers
2. Auto lights
3. DRL able to be disabled (this isn't Canada afterall!)
4. Auto center rear view mirror (currently available as an accessory)
5. Memory driver's seat
6. Power passenger's seat
Other than that, not much else seems to be missing. I think that they will take care of 1, 2, and maybe 4 in the not to distant future. The other 3 I can only hope for.
BTW; anyone who has bought the RDX here yet? If so, what features exactly are programmable? They have not all been published and I don't know why.
Thanks!
OH yeah! Let me list some of the positives over our current MDX that I saw on the RDX...so I don't look so negative hahaha:
1. Nicer styling inside and out (everyone here needs to admit our current MDX is VERY DATED...not for much longer though;-)
2. Sports shift with steering wheel paddle shifters
3. Super Handling All Wheel Drive (the car may not have the engine to make this enjoyable though)
4. Auto open/close sunroof
5. MP3/WMA compatible CD player
6. Portable MP3 player compatible plug
7. Large and proportional OEM wheels
8. Dual zone climate control |
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| buckeye1 |
Both my wife and I have driven
the RDX and found it to be very
nice.Obviously smaller than our current MDX
but we both liked it quite a bit.
Waiting to see and drive the new MDX
and will then decide which one we
are going to get.
Everyone seems to harp on how
expensive the RDX is but the last time
I checked evertything in todays economy
is expensive!! To each his own but I still
belive Acura makes quality cars for the money |
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| Echo2625 |
quote:
Originally posted by ROTORRAY
Well, my '03 MDX needs a new water pump after 30K miles. During my oil changed I'd been watching dried up coolant collecting on the oil pan a couple of times. It went away but I discovered it again yesterday while changing my oil. Oh well. It actually started to drip thru the weep hole at around 22K. So much for Acura quality pumps.
While picking up a new TL loaner because my car won't be ready until TOMORROW, service guy said the new MDX will break $50K "No sweat." This is what I always figured but he rationalized it by saying it's a "new vehicle." Hey, I though every year was a "new vehicle."
Saw a 3rd RDX for $44K so I guess $50K for an MD is about right. someone mentioned rear air for the RDX but I don't know why you would need it on such a small vehicle.
Your dealer must be marking up the RDX and/or adding a ton of accessories. The most expensive RDX is the tech package and it has a MSRP of $37,165 including freight. |
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