| Henson |
Could someone please photoshop the silver one. Couple of things.
- make the lower grayish bumper pieces color matched to the silver
- also make the upper and lower chrome/silver pieces of the grill black and just leave the middle bar and "A" emblem.
Thanks in advance |
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| vicpai |
quote:
Originally posted by BLEXV6
I have the reason Acura is not going to a 6 speed Auto tenny. They just got the 5 speed right, and do not want to go to a new design, and have the dreaded tranny problems again.
.....that is a very very wise thing they did. I would rather have a reliable 5-speed than a high tech 6 speed that smells of tranny problems all over again. (isn't reliablilty one of the main reasons we buy a Honda product in the first place??) |
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| BLEXV6 |
quote:
Originally posted by vicpai
.....that is a very very wise thing they did. I would rather have a reliable 5-speed than a high tech 6 speed that smells of tranny problems all over again. (isn't reliablilty one of the main reasons we buy a Honda product in the first place??)
Exactly. |
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| ckwooten |
| I am not sure if someone has already pasted this information but www.acura.com has a new section called Future Vehicles. Click on the tab and it takes you to the MD-X Concept section. The section is filled with photo gallery of the new X and gives you the chance to sign up for future updates. |
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| SuperTech |
Wasn't really expecting them so soon, but we got the official brochures today. Other than the grille, I really like the way it looks inside and out.
Got to read a bit more about some of the new things. The part I'm most interested in is the active dampers that come on the sport package. The dampers will use a very similar system to the magnetic selective ride that GM uses on the Corvette and some Cadillacs, and also the upcoming Ferrari 599GTB. I'm actually quite happy that Honda is finally getting out of the dark ages and keeping up with the Jones' in the suspension department.
If you are all foaming at the mouth to buy a new 2007, all the dealers should be getting brochures too. So stop in and pick one up. |
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| closetobuying05 |
There's also a write-up in Oct Car and Driver (which came today), page 46.
dunno, sportsfans...I am not enthralled w/ the exterior re-design. Yes, the interior looks more plush, but in my view Acura had NO ROOM to raise prices, so if they do/did, I will likely bail on this next purchase. My '05 is now getting to be kinda boring (sorry for you guys who just bought yours), and I am definitely getting the 2-yr itch. Acura, this was *not* the year to release a poorer-mpg vehicle and try to raise the price $3K+. And I am guessing you dropped OnStar, another one of my screens and one that actually brought me to the MDX Nov, 2005.
Now, I am focusing on the soon-to-be-released Buick Enclave, which has my attention, which I am completely impressed w/ for interior and exterior - and reported price-point. Yes, there's risk to be buying "US", but I genuinely hope GM got this one right. |
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| sma |
When I looked just after ckwooten posted, the Future Vehicles section was not there (now I know why... site was being updated). From ckwooten's post I could not tell if they were still talking about the MD-X concept in the "Future Vehicles" section which has been there since April or if they were talking about what I see now...
Anyway, it is Sept 1st now and the real MDX is up there now. That could have been what ckwooten meant but anyway...
http://www.acura.com/ then Future Vehicles then you'll see it.
Did I mention how much I don't like grey body cladding like the new MDX has on the front and rear bumper?... a la late model Ford Explorers and Expeditions and Jeep Grand Cherokees had on the side (fades, etc...) |
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| wmquan |
www.acura.com says that it has a 37.6' turning circle (thankfully, not a 40-foot one like some vehicles have). The third row is still split 50-50. Steering wheel controls are finally illuminated. Driver and front passenger windows are auto up and down. The remote will open the windows.
Xenons are standard.
The memory settings for the seat seem to have been improved:
quote:
Remote entry system with Acura personalized settings for driver's seat, steering column, outside mirrors, climate control, select audio settings and more
Reverse tilt-down mirror is standard.
Headlights are auto off/on.
Mileage confirmed as 17/22. Tank holds 21 gallons.
Cargo volume is 79.4 cubic foot SAE.
190.7" long, so it's two inches longer than its predecessor.
Width listed as 78.5"; Acura lists 77.0" for the 2006 MDX.
Height is a bit lower at 67.9" compared to 68.7".
Legroom of the 2007 is 41.2 in/38.7 in/29.1 in. 2006 is 41.5 in/37.8 in/29.3 in
Technology Package:
_ Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, rearview camera, and Zagat Survey® reviews & ratings*
_ Acura/ELS Surround® Premium 10-speaker Sound System with 6-disc in-dash CD, DVD-Audio, MP3, WMA and DTS® changer, Dolby® Pro Logic® II and AM/FM tuner
_ HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface with phone-book exchange
_ AcuraLink™ satellite communication system with real-time traffic**
_ GPS-linked, solar-sensing, tri-zone automatic climate control system
_ Interface dial
Sport Package:
_ Active Damper System sport suspension
_ Premium perforated leather-trimmed interior
_ Exclusive alloy-wheel design
_ Auto-leveling Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights
_ Textured interior trim
Entertainment Package:
_ Active Damper System sport suspension
_ Premium perforated leather-trimmed interior
_ Exclusive alloy-wheel design
_ Auto-leveling Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights
_ Textured interior trim |
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| wmquan |
http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-a...ticle_id=604566
It's several pages long.
Roof rack appears to be an accessory now.
Aux jack is standard.
Does not have paddle shifters on the steering wheel (like the RDX).
LED taillights and brake light.
Greater use of high-strength steel and aluminum.
Only 42.9 cubic feet behind the second row seat????
Transmission cooler is standard.
NO PRICING YET. |
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| wmquan |
| Overall, these seem like incremental improvements. They've improved the amenities somewhat. I don't consider it a true "luxury" SUV as much as it's still a "near-luxury" SUV. I'm not complaining about that, though, because additional luxury levels would drive the price up even higher. |
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| sma |
yeah, it is going to be real interesting to see where they price this. Also, interesting to see how long before it falls off MSRP to give some deals within $1k of invoice...
From acura.com:
2007 MDX CONFIGURATION OPTIONS
1. MDX
_
2. MDX with Technology Package
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3. MDX with Tecnology and Rear Entertainment System (RES) Packages
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4. MDX with Sport and Technology Packages
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5. MDX with Sport, Technology and RES Packages
.... why the gray body cladding bumpers?.... why I say?! I think "cheap" when I see that. When the newest 4Runner came out (2003?) it had gray body cladding for about half a year before ditching it mid-year. Did not expect a Japanese company to make that mistake again. |
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| dmz |
Believe me, this is not a mistake in their part. This is a common practice for a large # of auto manufacturer. When they come out with a brand new model they always leave something to improve for the mid model refresh cycle. By wowing you with a brand new model they hope that most people don't notice the little details that they left out and this will make it easier for them to make "improvement" half way though the model year. Chances are Acura already have a pretty good ideas of what the re-styled 2009 MDX will look like by now.
quote:
Originally posted by sma
.... why the gray body cladding bumpers?.... why I say?! I think "cheap" when I see that. When the newest 4Runner came out (2003?) it had gray body cladding for about half a year before ditching it mid-year. Did not expect a Japanese company to make that mistake again.
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| sma |
quote:
Originally posted by dmz
Believe me, this is not a mistake in their part. This is a common practice for a large # of auto manufacturer. When they come out with a brand new model they always leave something to improve for the mid model refresh cycle. By wowing you with a brand new model they hope that most people don't notice the little details that they left out and this will make it easier for them to make "improvement" half way though the model year. Chances are Acura already have a pretty good ideas of what the re-styled 2009 MDX will look like by now.
Good point, I agree with you. Still, its a bummer once you do notice... |
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| pdempsey |
quote:
Steering wheel controls are finally illuminated. [/B]
What's always bugged me is that the inside light buttons up on the ceiling of my 2003 and the home link buttons next to them are not illuminated. You have to feel around for them in the dark. |
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| BLACK-BLING-MDX |
| the inside is so hot, i love the dashboard and the front layout. i want one. now. thinking about trading in my '03 that has a 7 year warranty on it... |
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| DMor |
I don't like the steering wheel at all. I have a habit of gripping the wheel (firmly/knuckles up) with one hand at the bottom. Looks like they closed up the area with this new model. Not sure I can get used to that.
Rear end reminds me of an old Saab |
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| RM5 |
| 2007 mdx has less leg room and hip room in the 3rd row :mad: also it has more fake wood, can't they put real wood or just some kind of metal trim. what a bummer. |
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| MDX4now |
With all the "technology" acura is pushing, it's ashame they did away with the auto day/night mirror (something even my 1996 Chrysler minivan had), and the OnStar.
Heck, the OnStar was half the reason why I was able to convince my wife to get the '06...not to mention the fact we paid $5,000 less for the '06 vs. the '03 |
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| JL_SS |
MANUFACTURING QUALITY
Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario was chosen as the assembly plant for the new MDX. A special dynamic quality-control process will be used to ensure the highest possible level of attention to detail for every MDX produced. After assembly is completed, each MDX will enter a special Acura Quality line. The ability to immediately respond to the smallest quality issue positions the MDX to excel in quality – and in customer satisfaction.
Does this mean that they are going to catch and fix their numerous paint defects before they leave the plant - or have they improve their paint capability? Our 2003 SS paint was horrible and our BSM 2005 Pilot is not much better. |
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| vicpai |
......(taken from the details posted on www.vtec.net)
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY
Acura product planners took thorough measures to ensure that off-road enthusiasts would be satisfied with the 2007 MDX. The new vehicle meets design criteria developed for the original MDX, which was based on research at different off-road areas across the country. This research was the foundation for specific minimum performance criteria for the new MDX, including travel through standing water nearly 19 inches deep, steep approach and departure angles (28º front and 23º rear, respectively), rocks, off road and paved grades up to 60%. Components located underneath the vehicle are tucked away to avoid damage in off-highway driving, and the evaporative canister is protected by a high-strength steel guard.
The high-torque engine, SH-AWD™ system with hill logic and computer-controlled traction capabilities help the MDX meet typical off-road challenges without the need for low-range gears. The MDX outperforms its predecessor without the need for a driver-selected 4WD "lock" mode. Generous front approach, break-over and rear departure angles enable the MDX to meet the rough terrain needs of its target buyers.
Bottom line: per the spec sheet:
Minimum ground clearance is 7.33 inches. If this is truly taken at the lowest point, then it is about the same as the current MDX (I've measured 7.2 inches at the tailpipe)
Approach/deparature/breakover angles: approach angle of 28 degrees (same as current), but MOST IMPORTANTLY the departure angle of 23 degrees (21 current) and breakover of 20.9 degrees (current 19) are nice improvements.
Another extreme concern of mine was the turning circle, which at 37.6 feet remains roughly the same as the current MDX. Lately, there has been a trend at Acura, of their new vehicles (RL, TL etc.) having huge turning radii (now I can breathe a huge sigh of relief)
Ironically, the turning circle of the new MDX is significantly smaller than the new RL and TL (roughly 40 feet)............how weird :rolleyes: |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by vicpai
... The MDX outperforms its predecessor without the need for a driver-selected 4WD "lock" mode.
Vic, but you brought up something that IS a concern for driving in snow. There doesn't appear to be any way to "lock" torque going to the rear. You're dependent on the SH-AWD system sending the power to the rears.
Granted that the system will send torque when accelerating. But so did the old system, and it still had a "Lock" mode. What I liked about the VTM-4 "Lock" mode was that you could really force it if you were planted in some snow and just needed help getting moving. Hopefully with the SH-AWD we're not struggling to get the vehicle going.
The only real experience with SH-AWD is in the RL -- any real-world experiences with the RL in snow?
I just hope that in their zeal to make the MDX a "handler," they haven't screwed up the fact that the current MDX is an excellent all-weather vehicle. |
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| bigbadbuff |
Now that I've seen real pics, I admit I am extremely disappointed.
Pros:
Exterior design is slightly better
Interior design from the front seats on back looks very good
Engine/handling sound much improved
Updated nav, which should rival/surpass Lexus for best
Cons:
Dash looks absolutely terrible in quality/design. MORE fake wood, are you kidding me Acura? At this price/supposed quality level and it's bathed in fake wood.
Larger exterior, less interior space where it's needed. No one wanted LESS interior space.
Minor improvements at best in the tech/luxury area. Still no reclining 2nd row, no more auto day/night rearview, still no ability to adjust front/back of power seat independently (for those who like bucket-style driving).
Gas mileage still mediocre
Inevitable 3k+ price increase, putting one with good bells and whistles into the high 40s.
This will still sell to all the guys who won't let themselves drive an RX350, but I was hoping for something that would equal/surpass that in several ways, and on paper and in photos Acura didn't do it. |
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| wmquan |
| I'm not sure if the auto-dimming rear view mirror is gone? Did a review say it's really gone? Maybe Acura just forgot to mention it in the web specs. I'd be very surprised if it wasn't there. |
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| SilveradoMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by bigbadbuff
Cons:
MORE fake wood, are you kidding me Acura? At this price/supposed quality level and it's bathed in fake wood.
Minor improvements at best in the tech/luxury area. Still no reclining 2nd row, no more auto day/night rearview,
Gas mileage still mediocre
Sorry, I am newbie, "Is there a way to tell from a picture what's a real wood or plastic?" Might drop to an acura dealer and check out those wood trim, some are plastic to that I agree. Maybe real on the 2007, gotta judge it in person and looking around the trim then I can judge it. There are tons of ways to fool the eyes.
The auto day/night rearview is still there and standard.:(
In every car manufacturer, offering luxury benefits differentiate among other luxury SUV and packages, so its up to you to decide which SUV is most preference to your needs and comfort. :rolleyes: just think back what an suv offers back in the 90s to what is now 2000s. |
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| RM5 |
quote:
Originally posted by SilveradoMDX
Sorry, I am newbie, "Is there a way to tell from a picture what's a real wood or plastic?" Might drop to an acura dealer and check out those wood trim, some are plastic to that I agree. Maybe real on the 2007, gotta judge it in person and looking around the trim then I can judge it. There are tons of ways to fool the eyes.
The auto day/night rearview is still there and standard.:(
In every car manufacturer, offering luxury benefits differentiate among other luxury SUV and packages, so its up to you to decide which SUV is most preference to your needs and comfort. :rolleyes: just think back what an suv offers back in the 90s to what is now 2000s.
Check out the spec page Acura's website it tells you it's Simulated wood. |
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| CPanther95 |
Auto day/night rearview was listed as a dealer installed option.
Specs do list reclining 2nd row seats - although I'm much more interested in being able to adjust them forward a few inches.
Can someone go to acura.com and click the "Interior" button and tell me what species of wood that is supposed to simulate? Are they going for a look like wood flooring in strips or planks? |
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| msc1099 |
quote:
Originally posted by MDX4now
With all the "technology" acura is pushing, it's ashame they did away with the auto day/night mirror (something even my 1996 Chrysler minivan had), and the OnStar.
Heck, the OnStar was half the reason why I was able to convince my wife to get the '06...not to mention the fact we paid $5,000 less for the '06 vs. the '03
Day/Night mirror is there, but I can't find rain sensing wipers. |
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| BLEXV6 |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
MANUFACTURING QUALITY
Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario was chosen as the assembly plant for the new MDX. A special dynamic quality-control process will be used to ensure the highest possible level of attention to detail for every MDX produced. After assembly is completed, each MDX will enter a special Acura Quality line. The ability to immediately respond to the smallest quality issue positions the MDX to excel in quality – and in customer satisfaction.
Does this mean that they are going to catch and fix their numerous paint defects before they leave the plant - or have they improve their paint capability? Our 2003 SS paint was horrible and our BSM 2005 Pilot is not much better.
I just received my 06 and the fit and finish is perfect, the paint quality is great, (real nice metallic grey), although it is apparently a pearl. I think this X is better built than my 04, but they are close. I am hoping this 06 should be perfect with 6 years to perfect it. We shall see. |
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| wmquan |
There has been some confusion over some of the features of the 2007 MDX. This is due to some conflicting information from reviews, Acura's web site, and the Acura-provided technical specs on VTEC.net.
You'd think that manufacturers would have their PR firms do a better job. Unfortunately, this often is not the case. E.g. there is conflicting information between the Acura web site and the Acura-provided technical info on VTEC.net.
Acura web site lists under "Safety Feature" a day/night rearview mirror but does not say if it is standard or not. The technical specs lists a day/night rearview mirror with a compass as an accessory. So, either a day/night rearview mirror is an accessory, or a day/night rearview mirror with a compass is stanard, or a day/night rearview mirror is standard but to get it with a compass is an accessory. Who really knows.
Both sites list HID's as standard equipment. Both sites list that the Sport Package upgrades to xenon HID's with auto-leveling. It's interesting they never use the word "xenons" with the standard HID's. But they aren't halogen low-beams.
quote:
All 2007 Acura MDX models include high-intensity discharge (HID) low beams with halogen high beams. The advantage of HID headlamps include greater lighting power, daylight type lighting temperature and reduced power consumption. They provide 690 lumens of lighting power, up from the 350 lumens of the 2006 Acura MDX halogen low beams. In addition, the cutlines of the new HID headlights are extremely precise, providing maximum nighttime visibility without distracting other drivers.
As far as whether the wood is real or not -- it's fake. A reviewer has already mentioned that it's plood. Acura's web site lists a wood steering wheel that has simulated wood. The Acura tech info says:
quote:
Sculptural and warm wood-patterned trim creates a zone of luxury for the front passenger.
"Wood-patterned trim" = plood.
So, for those who wanted it -- sorry, it's not real wood. |
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| jwaters |
According to Acura.com it is simulated Koa wood. Here are my personal thoughts on the whole real vs. fake debate. As long as it looks good, who cares? From what I can see, the trim in the new MDX looks as good as most new cars with real wood trim (i.e. much better than the stuff in the current MDX). Besides, most all wood trim in modern cars is coated in what is essentially a thick coating of shiny clear plastic to protect the thin strip of real wood underneath. Unless you examine it 2" from the surface or pound on it, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between a good quality fake wood and the stuff that is in any new Lexus.
Some info. on Koa wood:
Koa is the largest endemic tree in Hawaii. The species exists naturally nowhere else in the world. It is the fastest growing of Hawaii's valuable hardwoods. It can grow as much as an inch in diameter per year, reaching 100 feet in height, attaining a trunk diameter of 5 feet or more. It was historically the material of choice for carved ocean-going canoes. Koa wood is the most prized cabinet and furniture wood in Hawaii. Colors range from light brown to deep red/brown hues. Highly figured koa is sought after for use in fine furniture, musical instruments, crafts, gunstocks, and knife handles. Koa has weight and strength properties similar to black walnut. It is a moderately heavy wood (specific gravity .55). It is stable, works well, and takes an exceptionally rich, deeply reflective glow when finished with oils and modern varnish or laquer |
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| letti001 |
I am sorry, but there is difference in real vs. fake wood. Just sit in a Lexus or Jaguar and look/feel the polished wood. I would prefer a nice brushed aluminum instead of the fake wood, but I prefer the real wood overall.
Of course that is all opinion.
I think things such as a quite ride, smooth over railroad tracks and nice sounding stereo appeal to everyone.
Just a thought.
Sal |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by CPanther95
Actually, they said it was "priced just right".
My bad. I had read the part when they said that price was a drawback.
It's interesting that they concluded that it was priced just right. In the past, a lot of reviewers and buyers said the MDX was a great value for what you got.
I think most of the debate so far (sans the REAL price; we are just speculating into various presented ranges) has been whether it's a decent value or not a good value. It's interesting that not many posters here have jumped up and said they think it's a great value (even with the price only speculated).
I am concerned that published reports seem to indicate that the cargo room behind the third row has dropped. The previous MDX had about 49.5 cubic feet behind the second row. Reports are that it's down to about 43 cubic feet. That's not good. |
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| jwaters |
quote:
Originally posted by letti001
I am sorry, but there is difference in real vs. fake wood. Just sit in a Lexus or Jaguar and look/feel the polished wood.
Sal
I don't have to sit in anything. I owned a GS430 and I was NOT impressed. The wood was super glossy and scratched very easily. After a few months it had lots of fine swirl marks from dusting it and some deeper ones that caught the light and were distracting and I was very careful to only use soft microfiber towels. I can't say I ever had a problem with the fake wood in Acuras/Hondas I've owned scratching as easily. Who sits in their car and feels up their wood trim on the dash anyway? |
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| jwaters |
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
I am concerned that published reports seem to indicate that the cargo room behind the third row has dropped. The previous MDX had about 49.5 cubic feet behind the second row. Reports are that it's down to about 43 cubic feet. That's not good.
According to vtec.net (2007) and acura.com (2006):
2007 Specs:
Cargo with 3rd row seats up 15 cubic ft
Cargo with 3rd row seats down 42.9 cubic ft
Cargo with 2nd and 3rd row seats down 83.5 cubic ft
2006 Specs:
Cargo with 3rd row seats up 14.8 cu ft
Cargo with 3rd row seats down 44.4 cu ft
Cargo with 2nd and 3rd row seats down 81.5 cu ft |
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| FlyHigh |
is there real wood in all lexus? Specifically I want to know about the Rx330 and the GX470 Thanks!
quote:
Originally posted by letti001
I am sorry, but there is difference in real vs. fake wood. Just sit in a Lexus or Jaguar and look/feel the polished wood. I would prefer a nice brushed aluminum instead of the fake wood, but I prefer the real wood overall.
Of course that is all opinion.
I think things such as a quite ride, smooth over railroad tracks and nice sounding stereo appeal to everyone.
Just a thought.
Sal
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| eurohazard |
Lexus reffers to the dash trim of the RX350, and the GX470 as "wood".
It's probably the real deal..................and no, I'm not saying Toyota/Lexus is perfect. |
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| jwaters |
| Yes, all Lexus vehicles use real wood. Although, generally, I prefer the wood trim Audi uses. It's just a bit less shiny and as a result you can more clearly see the grain of the wood. |
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| letti001 |
I think the real vs fake wood is like Pergo vs hardwood floors...there IS a difference, but it is just a matter of perspective.
My one wish was for ventillated seats...I live in Aizona and the heated seats will not help much.
Oh, and one more note for being in Arizona. I visited Audi and looked at a Premium Q7. Holy cow! The panoramic roof makes the vehicle a solarium. The thin beige cover does not keep the heat out. The salesman was telling me that they will be adding a special tinting (at no extra cost) as if $60K was some kind of deal......the wood in that baby was a heat sink. |
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| RM5 |
| How about the pleather on the seats on the current mdx only seating surfaces have leather. I wonder if the 07 is cheaped out the same way. Acura does cut corners in fit and finish. |
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| QRTLOW |
quote:
Originally posted by letti001
I think the real vs fake wood is like Pergo vs hardwood floors...there IS a difference, but it is just a matter of perspective.
My one wish was for ventillated seats...I live in Aizona and the heated seats will not help much.
I'm in AZ too and the only one that benefits from my seat heaters is my girlfriend. She uses them 9 months out of the year. The pergo comparison is a good analogy. I put pergo in one of my former homes and loved it for about a month. I vowed never to do that again and currently have hardwood. Why? Because I know its real and was willing to pay the difference. |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by letti001
I think the real vs fake wood is like Pergo vs hardwood floors...there IS a difference, but it is just a matter of perspective.
Sort of like how I couldn't convince my then-girlfriend wife that a cubic zirconia was as good as the real thing ... |
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| jwaters |
quote:
Originally posted by RM5
How about the pleather on the seats on the current mdx only seating surfaces have leather. I wonder if the 07 is cheaped out the same way. Acura does cut corners in fit and finish.
From vtec.net
SEATING SURFACES
All MDX models feature high quality perforated leather seating surfaces as standard equipment for the first and second row seats. In addition, the special premium leather included in the Sport Package is the softest leather ever offered in an Acura. This full grain leather has not been corrected or altered and shows the natural leather grain. A soft, flexible coating system provides maximum softness while retaining excellent abrasion resistance. Breathable perforated inserts in the first two rows add to passenger comfort. With the premium leather, leather application is increased to the second row center passenger area.
At least Acura offers leather seating surfaces as standard equipment. They could just use pleather/vinyl like Audi/BMW/VW, etc. If the vinyl is of good quality it's hard to tell the difference anyway. Besides, Acura isn't alone in not offering full-leather seating. Anytime you pick up a brochure and it says "leather trimmed interior" or "leather seating sufaces" that basically means that the parts that touch your body are leather while the rest is vinyl. |
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| wmquan |
I'm fine with the seating leather just being leather where your body touches. For one thing, making the back of the seat leather is a waste. And not too practical with little ones in the second row kicking it. The stuff on the side of the seat doesn't touch you. Personally, I'd rather see real wood (done correctly) before seeing full leather seating.
I'm sure some folks will complain that the third row seat is vinyl and not leather. But since the seats are mainly for kids and may be folded up all the time for some owners, I think vinyl is fine.
My main complaint with Acura/Honda leather isn't the coverage, it's the quality. I'm a bit skeptical about the Sport Package offering "the softest leather ever offered in an Acura." I wonder if the leather is surface-dyed again. |
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| bigbadbuff |
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
My main complaint with Acura/Honda leather isn't the coverage, it's the quality. I'm a bit skeptical about the Sport Package offering "the softest leather ever offered in an Acura." I wonder if the leather is surface-dyed again.
It almost certainly is surface dyed. Acura is far from alone in using this in their high end vehicles, however... so ridiculous to see the corners cut by these companies sometimes. What good is it to harp on how great your leather is and then simply dye it? Unless you take amazing care of the leather its entire life (and likely even if you do) the dye will wear off, leaving a great two-tone seat! :rolleyes: |
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| Paul S. |
| After owning a 2001 MDX and now a 2004 MDX I was concerned about ordering an Audi Q7 to replace our MDX without seeing the 2007. No regrets at all. Sure the Q7 is $10K more expensive, but it gives us everything we wanted. A nicer interior without acres of plood, 10" longer than the MDX for more legroom, an adjustable suspension for good clearance in snow & sand, excellent paint quality, a 350 HP V8 and a dealer that actually cares. |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by Paul S.
After owning a 2001 MDX and now a 2004 MDX I was concerned about ordering an Audi Q7 to replace our MDX without seeing the 2007. No regrets at all. Sure the Q7 is $10K more expensive, but it gives us everything we wanted. A nicer interior without acres of plood, 10" longer than the MDX for more legroom, an adjustable suspension for good clearance in snow & sand, excellent paint quality, a 350 HP V8 and a dealer that actually cares.
Just curious, how much did your Q7 end up costing? Did you get the Premium or did you load up the base with options?
Also, what's your real-world gas mileage been like?
While it may be true that most Audi dealers are ahead of Acura dealers -- sadly, it wouldn't be the case with me. Barrier Audi in Bellevue, WA is part of the Barrier Motors chain of dealerships, and their service is very weak. European vehicle + bad service = mediocre ownership experience, as I learned when I had a lease through Barrier Audi/Saab (they've since dropped Saab).
Meanwhile, nearby Acura of Bellevue has had a superior service department for us. They actually provide a "luxury" experience vs. Barrier. |
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| jwaters |
| Funny you should mention the fact that the Q7 is longer than the MDX. I went to check one out the other day and was shocked at how cramped the second row was. It made my Pilot look like a Tahoe/Yukon. Checking the interior dimensions it would appear the Q7 isn't nearly as well packaged as the MDX/Pilot as it has less room for passengers and cargo. Plus, 13mpg in the city and a curb weight well into the mid-5k lbs. range are dealbreakers for me. |
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| Paul S. |
| wmquan-our Q7 ended up costing $59K. My wife didn't want the panorama sunroof so we took a base model 4.2 and added the cold weather package with heated front & rear seats & steering wheel, the air suspension (for driving in deep snow & sand), 4-zone AC, side assist (tells you someone is in your blind spot), and the S-line package. The 4-zone AC adds a separate AC unit for the rear and is an absolute "must" that should have been standard equipment. The S-line package adds different front & rear bumpers, full body paint (no gray plastic below the doors), 20" wheels, headlight washers, aluminum trim instead of wood on the doors and around the shift, and a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters. I also took the maintenance plan for $550. It covers all maintenace for 50K miles. It covers oil changes, (the 4.2 holds 12 quarts of synthetic) and it covers filters, wiper blades and one set of brake pads and rotors. If you read AudiWorld, real mileage is around 14 city & 18 highway on a 4.2. |
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| Paul S. |
| jwalters - maybe the rear seat was moved all the way up in th Q7 you saw. It is adjustable. One of our complaints with our '04 & '01 MDX has been front leg room. At 6'2" I wished for another inch of MDX seat travel backward. The intrusive glove box eliminates foot space as well. The foot wells in the Q7 are very deep and comfortable. Audi always puts the driver's comfort first. Sure the rear seat in my A4 is a joke but if I put the front seat all the way back I can't fully depress the clutch. |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by dvilla
But the NAVIGATION has NO touch screen capability:
http://research.cars.com/go/crp/res...section=reviews
Thanks for the link! Contrary to a comment someone made about all reviews for new vehicles being glowing, this writer made sure to point out the negatives.
Unfortunately, the RL introduced Acura's own ripoff of iDrive (though not as awful as iDrive). This new MDX carries that forward and loses the touch screen. As some have pointed out here, the screen is now in a "better" position, up and under a hood, where using a touchscreen wouldn't have been practical.
The reviewer made somewhat of a mistake in saying that cargo dimensions were pretty much as before. Here's another review stating that there are only about 43 cubic feet behind the second row.
The current MDX has 49.5 cubic feet, so this is a pretty significant loss of cargo volume. It's still bigger than other vehicles in its class, but Acura screwed this one up IMHO. |
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| cardingtr |
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
The current MDX has 49.5 cubic feet, so this is a pretty significant loss of cargo volume. It's still bigger than other vehicles in its class, but Acura screwed this one up IMHO.
Probably and I hope I'm right that the cargo room lost is probably toward the roof because of it's sporty design, and not on cargo floor. So if you are packing luggages and boxes and crates up to the seat line, it won't make much difference because you still want the top cargo clear for visibility. |
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| jwaters |
| Please look on the previous page. I posted the cargo specs for the 2006 and 2007 MDX. According to Acura, the '06 has 44.4 cubic ft. (not 49.5 as has been stated) of storage with the 3rd row folded down, so the loss seems to be around 1.5 cubic ft., which is quite minimal IMO. It's also worth noting that overall available cargo space is up compared to the the 1st gen MDX. |
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| CPanther95 |
| Not sure of the exact dimensions, but if you assume 5 feet wide and 3 feet tall for the cargo area - 1.5 cu ft is about 1.5 inches less from front to back. Not that significant. |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by jwaters
Please look on the previous page. I posted the cargo specs for the 2006 and 2007 MDX. According to Acura, the '06 has 44.4 cubic ft. (not 49.5 as has been stated) of storage with the 3rd row folded down, so the loss seems to be around 1.5 cubic ft., which is quite minimal IMO. It's also worth noting that overall available cargo space is up compared to the the 1st gen MDX.
Curiously, Acura had listed the 2001 MDX as 49.6 cubic feet. This is what the 2001 MDX was listed at by Acura:
81.5 / 49.6 / 14.6
So over the years, Acura must have changed how they measure the capacity. Either that, or they made changes to the capacity itself.
So long as the measuring system is consistent, I agree with you that going from 44.4 cubic feet in the 2006 to 42.9 cubic feet in the 2007 is insignificant. I'm glad there isn't a big loss.
I await the "beer case" test which is one of the more useful ways to gauge capacity. Car & Driver demonstrated just how huge the MDX's cargo area was, in its SUV comparo years ago with the 2001 MDX. The MDX handily beat the competition back then, in both behind-the-2nd-row and behind-the-third-row capacity.
Thanks! |
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| finesse92 |
Kicking Tires Article
Although a small feature, I'm digging that removable DVD remote.
Hey, I'm easy!!! |
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| Pierre |
| What's an SUV without a roof rack? |
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| eurohazard |
quote:
Originally posted by Pierre
What's an SUV without a roof rack?
Sport Utility-less Vehicle
;)
But in all seriousness, I never used mine in the 2 years I owned my X. |
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| dvilla |
If I were to buy (probably not yet) the 2007 MDX I'll exclude the NAVI option. I just can't imagine using it without the touch screen feature that I like very much.
I went to Circuit City the other day and I was surprised to see many portable NAVI on display, from the simple/cheap to sophisticated/expensive. |
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| CPanther95 |
| I was initially upset when I heard that they were dumping the touchscreen, but after using the RL's Navi (same as the new MDX) - it is fine. The interface is identical, only the means of entering letters and numbers is different and the new method is just about as fast as the touchscreen. |
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| MMVIMDX |
| I don't see much in the 2007 to get excited about. Front and rear end especially look bad. I don't need the extra horsepower and towing capacity, especially for the loss in mileage and price increase. Plus OnStar is gone, and still no powerlift tailgate. So glad I got a great deal on my 2006. |
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| CPanther95 |
| The 2007 does have a power liftgate. Personally, I'm glad OnStar is gone - I doubt I'd subscribe, and I hate buttons that do nothing (or blanked out buttons for options I didn't get). |
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| ROTORRAY |
| Ho Hum...It's in the '06 Pilot. I just want to know where the $50K SUV is. |
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| BLEXV6 |
quote:
Originally posted by MMVIMDX
I don't see much in the 2007 to get excited about. Front and rear end especially look bad. I don't need the extra horsepower and towing capacity, especially for the loss in mileage and price increase. Plus OnStar is gone, and still no powerlift tailgate. So glad I got a great deal on my 2006.
I thought I read that the power liftgate is availiable on the top of the line sport model? |
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| BostonX |
I saw an RDX on the road today and it looked pretty sharp (it was a light brown color). For that reason I will withhold judgement on the new MDX's looks until I actually see one in person. So many of these crossovers look alike that I don't think styling will be a major factor in it's popularity (or lack of). Every time I see a new Toyota RAV4 I do a double take to see if it might be an RDX!
Any word on color options for the new MDX (should we be calling it the MD-X?)? The Acura website shows it in silver, white, gray(?) and a strange green color. |
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| teton |
Does reduced height mean less head room?
I'd like more head room as my head is almost touching the headliner. Also I want to sit up high and not low... since this IS an suv right?
-Teton |
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| wmquan |
You can look it up on www.acura.com.
2006 Headroom:
38.4 in/39.0 in/36.1 in
2007 Headroom:
39.2 in/38.6 in/35.1 in |
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| MMIIMDX |
The power tailgate is only available with the "Entertainment Package". What a bunch of B.S. - why should someone have to fork over $$$$ for a RES when they don't want it, just to get something that is very practical and included on most other SUVs in this category? IMO Acura missed the target on this one.
I know OnStar isn't for everyone, but it gives my wife a more secure feeling when she is driving alone. This is part of the reason we sold our 2002 and purchased a 2006. |
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| CPanther95 |
| The bundling is stupid, but there's a big difference between "not available" and "I don't want to pay the price for it". |
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| jwaters |
Yes, the bundling of options is a bit silly, but it's nothing that Lexus or other automakers don't do.
I still don't understand why some of you are so let down by the MDX. Sure, it doesn't have EVERY single feature we might like, but what vehicle does? Let's face facts, the new MDX is a huge leap forward, whether you like the styling or not is up to you. If OnStar is so important, buy a GM. If having a Hybrid is a priority, get the Lexus. I'm sure Acura did their research and chose the options/features that were most important to potential buyers.
On a side note, does anyone know when "official" pricing will be announced by Acura? |
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| joneSi |
quote:
Originally posted by MMIIMDX
The power tailgate is only available with the "Entertainment Package". What a bunch of B.S. - why should someone have to fork over $$$$ for a RES when they don't want it, just to get something that is very practical and included on most other SUVs in this category? IMO Acura missed the target on this one.
I know OnStar isn't for everyone, but it gives my wife a more secure feeling when she is driving alone. This is part of the reason we sold our 2002 and | | | |
