| wmquan |
| Okay, there are copious threads discussing the 2002 release. There are many threads talking about what features people want in the MDX. Thought I'd play with the polling features for a more "scientific" result and ask, given that the 2002 won't have a huge amount of enhancements, what one enhancement do you really want to be in the 2002? You can only pick one. |
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| TheWorm |
William,
Great poll and choice of "just one" options! |
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| A2MDXer |
| Extra HP is always tempting but I don't think the MDX is lacking here. I answered VSA b/c that appears to be the only element that many competitors have and is lacking on the MDX. |
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| AtlantaMDX |
| Wow, that is tough picking just one. I wanted to pick at least 2 or 3. |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
William,
Great poll and choice of "just one" options!
Thanks, I figured that it becomes more interesting, and possibly more realistic, when you have to make hard choices. We all have huge wish lists for our vehicles, but we all know they're not perfect and there's no way they can have everything. I was wondering how broad or how narrow the desires here are.
And, I wanted to play with the polling feature ;) It's really cool, I continue to be really impressed with the software. |
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| JNanas |
I'm such a tool;
I'd love some of the other stuff - but for me, it's all safety, safety safety.
I went VSA - but HID's are a close second, since I don't think there's ANY way the 2002 MY can have VSA, but a slim chance they might come with HIDs. |
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| sgtglok |
I voted for interior quality, with stability being 2nd on my mind and to no surprise these 2 are the most wanted! IMO, the second is just for a piece of mind - have not found any problems with the existing setup yet, but the int. quality is a constant pain!
HIDs are a good option, but they are not allowed for Brooklynites (we'd loose them too fast - just look at the figures on # of slolen headlights from TLs), so passed on that. |
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| jwrokes |
| Give me a good sound system.:) |
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| TheWorm |
It's interesting to read the rationale for choices. Like Jnanas, I went the safety route. Although I really miss the HIDs that I have on the Lexus, I picked the side curtains. I figured I can easily add the HIDs aftermarket, but can't with the safety items.
Curious to know wmquan's choice. I bet on side curtains first and VSA second :) |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
Curious to know wmquan's choice. I bet on side curtains first and VSA second :)
I was more shallow and selfish than that ;)
I actually picked interior quality first. It's something you look and feel every day, every time you drive the vehicle. When I first beheld the faux-textured hard-plastic dash, I had to really ask myself if I could take it or if it would drive me crazy. I can take it, obviously, but it doesn't mean I wouldn't like it to be better.
I of course would love extra safety features in 1) VSA and 2) side curtains, but as I've said many times before, I think the MDX is safe. If I had to have those extra safety features ("kitchen sink") to make it even safe-r, I would have bought the ML320 (and then tried to trade it in for 2002 which adds side-curtains).
By the way, I put VSA above side curtains because I feel that side curtains are somewhat less useful in a high-riding SUV, whereas they're much, much more useful in a lower-riding sedan. If you get t-boned by a sedan or another SUV, the impact is going to be distributed more below the curtains, though of course any head recoil impact against the side window would be helped (and that's where it's positive). But in a sedan, the side airbag comes between one's head and shoulders and the SUV's grill (shudder).
Of course, if you get t-boned by a Ford 9000 like rlm did (and I'm so happy that his family is okay), the side curtains will certainly help.
From a selfish standpoint, my driving conditions aren't as severe as many folks here so that had something to do with it too. |
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| AtlantaMDX |
William,
I'm with you. I picked the interior quality as well. That's what you live and see and touch everyday. |
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| ghabicht |
| Now, how do we get the folks at Acura to take notes and actually do something about it? |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by ghabicht
Now, how do we get the folks at Acura to take notes and actually do something about it?
I bet that it's too late to change what's going to be in the 2002, unfortunately. Next time maybe we'll poll earlier! |
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| s2ktaxi |
| I'd rather have better handling and shorter stopping distances. |
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| mogur |
Agreed, the brakes are disappointing. I have to be careful when I get out of the BMW and in to the MDX there is such a dramatic difference in stopping capability.
quote:
Originally posted by s2ktaxi
I'd rather have better handling and shorter stopping distances.
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| Jawx |
| I find the back of the MDX a little plain. A more angular and more medial tail light would help. I made a mock-up and took a few pictures. See the Gallery. |
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| s2ktaxi |
| THe tires on the MDX have a lot to do with its stopping ability or lack thereof. It's always a tradeof. But I would expect the MDX to match the X5 in stopping and handling. |
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| mogur |
No, it is more a matter of modulation, feel, linearity and proportioning. I've driven the X5 very agressively and it's brakes are far and away superior to the MDX's. Published road tests bear this out as well.
quote:
Originally posted by s2ktaxi
THe tires on the MDX have a lot to do with its stopping ability or lack thereof. It's always a tradeof. But I would expect the MDX to match the X5 in stopping and handling.
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| s2ktaxi |
quote:
Originally posted by s2ktaxi
THe tires on the MDX have a lot to do with its stopping ability or lack thereof. It's always a tradeof. But I would expect the MDX to match the X5 in stopping and handling.
Agreed - my point was that the MDX should have its brakes improved to match the X5. |
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| sgtglok |
just my 5 cents...
i've never driven X5 so i cannot compare with my 'DX, but the braking of this truck is what amazed me in the first place!
i've been driving it for 3 months and so far i think the braking is excellent, and trust me i drive more than agressively sometimes, although i try to cool off fast; or the truck, no matter how good it's handling & crush tests are, is still a good 1000 lbs heavier than an average sports sedan. |
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| wmquan |
At 104 votes taken (thanks to everyone who has contributed), it stands at 27% for the interior luxury upgrade, 24% for VSA, and everything else at 10% or under (video system & HID's are barely 10% when rounded to the closest percent, horsepower tweak at 9%, premium audio at 8%, convenience upgrade at 7%, side curtains at 5%, and more colors at 2%.
While this poll is not really scientific, some of my own observations and opinions:
1) I think many people recognize that the interior, while hardly stripped, can be nicer. I was surprised by just how many.
2) It's interesting that stability control placed so high -- a few years ago many folks haven't even heard about it. Seems that's changing now, perhaps as NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and the media push it as the Latest Great Thing.
3) I was surprised that HID's didn't have a better showing, as that's something a lot of people seem interested in. Maybe some of it was wanting something else on the poll, and/or thinking they could add it aftermarket (though the legality is always a question), and/or get ripped off, and/or are afraid it'd get them flashed over and over again. |
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| tdnone |
I vote the for inferior interior than the safety (VSA) since I do not drive aggressively (well I admit a little fast 70+) and do not negotiate curve like a sedan. I think the MDX is safe enough with all the gadgets and built in safety features.
But VSA is definitely my second choice and I would like to add the second row side airbags too, to protect my kids.
:) |
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| s2ktaxi |
quote:
Originally posted by sgtglok
i've been driving it for 3 months and so far i think the braking is excellent, and trust me i drive more than agressively sometimes, although i try to cool off fast; or the truck, no matter how good it's handling & crush tests are, is still a good 1000 lbs heavier than an average sports sedan.
Good point - maybe reduced weight would be a good feature... The seats are quite heavy - among other things. Aluminum beams for the inner bumper supports and for the suspension would help. |
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| Raj |
| Anyone else would like to see the rear window flip up instead of having to lift the entire gate all the time?!?!?!?! |
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| tdnone |
Being short, I found that flip open or roll down glass on the tailgate is of limited use :). Of course you will have great ventilation with minimum noise when you have the ability to roll down the rear glass. Personally, I seldom open any windows unless I need to evacuate offensive odor or interior air (hot air during parking under the sun). I always have my MDX in full auto climate control :D
In the good and intended compromise of this survey (only one tough choice), I opt for Inferior Interrior, and still try to voice a faint second choice of VSA :D
Comfort and safety are my two most crucial factor (of course performance and styling are the next two crucial one) :D:D |
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| AtlantaMDX |
| A power rear window would be a nice addition. I'm not sure how this would affect the rear window wiper. Hopefully they'd add an intermittent setting as well :) |
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| A2MDXer |
| I love this idea - great for hauling stuff. This feature was one of my favorite things about the 4Runner but it might cause some rattles and might not be possible with the angle of the glass. I know on the old 4Runners the tailgate would be locked unless the glass was up, presumably to prevent shattering the glass if one closed the tailgate with too much force!:eek: |
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| wmquan |
Supposedly when the glass is integrated into the lid it adds to to the structure that helps hold the roof up in the event of a rollover.
It'd be another thing to add wind/cabin noise to the MDX ;) |
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| Boomer |
| I tell ya what, I sat in a new RL last week at Walker Acura in New Orleans and flipped over the telescopic steering column! This is exactly what my MDX needs. The telescopic model would fit right in the MDX dash. If Acura would make this change it would improve the driver's comfort dramatically. I might even trade my old 2001 model in for that upgrade. |
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| mogur |
I believe that having only one selection available somewhat biases the poll. For example, I want HIDs but I can add them myself (which I have done), and I would like an ultrasonic backup assist (but again I can and did add that myself), etc. But VSA can only be done at the factory level, so I voted for that. My very close second choice would have been the interior upgrade...
Tom
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
At 104 votes taken (thanks to everyone who has contributed), it stands at 27% for the interior luxury upgrade, 24% for VSA, and everything else at 10% or under (video system & HID's are barely 10% when rounded to the closest percent, horsepower tweak at 9%, premium audio at 8%, convenience upgrade at 7%, side curtains at 5%, and more colors at 2%.
While this poll is not really scientific, some of my own observations and opinions:
1) I think many people recognize that the interior, while hardly stripped, can be nicer. I was surprised by just how many.
2) It's interesting that stability control placed so high -- a few years ago many folks haven't even heard about it. Seems that's changing now, perhaps as NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and the media push it as the Latest Great Thing.
3) I was surprised that HID's didn't have a better showing, as that's something a lot of people seem interested in. Maybe some of it was wanting something else on the poll, and/or thinking they could add it aftermarket (though the legality is always a question), and/or get ripped off, and/or are afraid it'd get them flashed over and over again.
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| wmquan |
I agree about the single choices biasing the poll. Unfortunately Acura probably doesn't care if some of what they add on can be added aftermarket or not. To be fair, I don't think any manufacturer does beyond a certain point. E.g. should they decide to add HID's I don't think they take into consideration that a buyer could attempt to add it on themselves so perhaps they should substitute another new feature.
If they really cared, we wouldn't see all these middling (or worse) proprietary and difficult-to-upgrade stereo systems being forced upon us.
I had figured that as soon as messages were posted commenting one way or another, that would also bias the poll. E.g. I noticed that after some talk about VSA, the VSA poll numbers went up. After talk about HID's here and in other threads, I think the HID number went up. Only natural.
Even though I could get HID's added, I'd rather have a proper, fully street-legal factory implementation, including auto-leveling and headlamp washers. A number of aftermarket HID's are not street-legal in all states (not that your's are not - are they?), and may not have auto-leveling and probably not headlamp washers (when gunk gets on the HID it causes more glare problems).
Note that some current Acura HID implementations are not auto-leveling or have headlamp washers. That's one reason it wasn't as simple for Acura as sticking the TL's HID's onto the MDX, the higher-mounted position without auto-leveling would have been a serious problem.
It's unfortunate since many of the MDX's competitors have them, at least as an option. The ML can be bought with them or they can be added on, fully legal. The RX has them, and so does the X5, as an option. To raise the bar further, the 2002 ML will have "bi-xenons", going one step further ahead.
One problem is how Honda/Acura have traditionally sold, with few, if any, individual options for customization. There's a trade-off in lower cost vs. more flexibility. A lot of folks, pre-release, had hoped for at least HID's in the Touring Package, that certainly would have made it more substantial. |
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| mdxpecting |
| How about a hybrid automatic-manual transmission such as Tip-tronic or Autostick as offered on Audi's, VWs, and perhaps even other Acura models? |
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| s2ktaxi |
| I always thought all Acura automatics should be at least a Sportshift if not some sort of Sequential Manual Shifter (i.e. self shifting clutched system). |
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| AtlantaMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by mdxpecting
How about a hybrid automatic-manual transmission such as Tip-tronic or Autostick as offered on Audi's, VWs, and perhaps even other Acura models?
I like that idea. My last two cars were sticks and I test drove TL type S with tiptronic shifter. That would be pretty cool in the MDX. Give it an even sportier feel. |
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| wexy99 |
How about side moldings specifically designed for the car? color coded? why not protect the sides of the car?
Also, I vote for onstar.... don't know if it is reasonable to expect it as an option for 2002 given the nav option...
just my $.02 |
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| wmquan |
Oooh you just set yourself up ;)
Out of curiousity, what does the monthly OnStar subscription cost in other vehicles? |
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| MDXtasy |
quote:
Originally posted by s2ktaxi
I always thought all Acura automatics should be at least a Sportshift if not some sort of Sequential Manual Shifter (i.e. self shifting clutched system).
"SPORTSHIFT", "HID" HEADLIGHTS, "SPORT-TUNED" SUSPENSION w/ 19" LARGE WHEELS, "CUSTOM BODY-COLOR FENDER FLARES", and finally "ALUMINUM INTERIOR TRIM" ----> all would make a nice "SPORTS PACKAGE" on the 2002 model. Additionally, VSA and Auto up/down on front windows should be standard. BTW, I like the idea of flip-open or pwr rear window at the tailgate - that would be very functional.
......Or am I dreaming of an MDX Type-S, except that you'll have to add more HP;) |
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| s2ktaxi |
quote:
Originally posted by MDXtasy
"SPORTSHIFT", "HID" HEADLIGHTS, "SPORT-TUNED" SUSPENSION w/ 19" LARGE WHEELS, "CUSTOM BODY-COLOR FENDER FLARES", and finally "ALUMINUM INTERIOR TRIM" ----> all would make a nice "SPORTS PACKAGE" on the 2002 model. Additionally, VSA and Auto up/down on front windows should be standard. BTW, I like the idea of flip-open or pwr rear window at the tailgate - that would be very functional.
......Or am I dreaming of an MDX Type-S, except that you'll have to add more HP;)
19" wheels would likely be heavier than is ideal. However, for everything else, maybe a '03 model? |
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| jeff968 |
| It is not one of the poll selections but it is a popular modification done by other MDX owners. I think a nice set of factory side moldings would smart new feature which would keep those doors looking good. Painted in a matching paint color it would look good as well. |
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| s2ktaxi |
quote:
Originally posted by jeff968
It is not one of the poll selections but it is a popular modification done by other MDX owners. I think a nice set of factory side moldings would smart new feature which would keep those doors looking good. Painted in a matching paint color it would look good as well.
Contrary to popular belief, any factory side moldings may help but not eliminate dings. Most other car doors - esp rear doors of 4 door cars and SUV's are normally never at the correct height. |
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| tdnone |
| Bigger parking space may be a better option :D:D:D |
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| s2ktaxi |
| Maybe they should have used plastic body panels like the Saturns or have huge amounts of body cladding like the Jeep Cherokees or the Pontiacs. |
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| PolyTat |
quote:
Originally posted by MDXtasy
"SPORTSHIFT", "HID" HEADLIGHTS, "SPORT-TUNED" SUSPENSION w/ 19" LARGE WHEELS, "CUSTOM BODY-COLOR FENDER FLARES", and finally "ALUMINUM INTERIOR TRIM" ----> all would make a nice "SPORTS PACKAGE" on the 2002 model. Additionally, VSA and Auto up/down on front windows should be standard. BTW, I like the idea of flip-open or pwr rear window at the tailgate - that would be very functional.
......Or am I dreaming of an MDX Type-S, except that you'll have to add more HP;)
I vote for everything above as well as an optional "Voice Activation Package" for doors (incl. moonroof), windows, lights, ignition, interior consoles (sound system, air, heat, seats), "handsfree mic for mobile phones", "built in humidifier" that recycles the air . . .. .
Improve the navigation consoles to surf the web, read email, or watch a movie - - However, driver beware! Technology only gets better from here. This whole Auto PC concept is coming soon!:D |
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| tcabral |
I voted for the entertainment system, but it was a toss up with the side airbags package and the stability package. With a toddler and infant spending much time in the car gets to be a drag. The thought of taking a long trip sends shivers down my spine.
I would also love to have the NAV system connect to the web. Our cd seems to suit our needs most of the time, but it does seem out of date already.
Speaking of the NAV system I would love to see the following features:
1) real-time traffic info (with option to reroute around problematic areas)
2) web capability (guess we'd need a better keyboard though)
3) a system that LEARNS from your driving habits/routes
4) easier menus/programmable quick keys
5) a REAL clock
6) tilt/moveable screen
One last thought, I would love to have on the MDX an integrated cell phone system (microphone, auto radio mute, in-dash mount, steering column control). We sure miss that from the 95 Legend! |
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| CHAZMAN |
Most needed accessory:
It's probably too late but how about a tilt/teloscoping steering wheel.
Intermittent rear wiper would be real nice in a luxury vehicle. (Even a Toyota RAV4 has 'em) |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by CHAZMAN
Intermittent rear wiper would be real nice in a luxury vehicle. (Even a Toyota RAV4 has 'em)
The 2002's have the intermittent rear wiper. |
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| bstoeffler |
Real wood trim would be nice. The close competitors (ML320 and X5 have it). I think it would be a very cost effective upgrade that would add value and would make the MDX more competitive with those vehicles. Nice un-perforated leather and a HID option would also be cool, but the autoleveling issue would require some work.
I've always wondered if Sport-Shift would ever be an option...I read somewhere that the MDX doesn't feature manual sport-shift because ACURA wasn't going for that type of feel to the vehicle. Without consideration of Acura's intentions, an MDX Type-S makes my mouth water! The Type-S 260HP engine would be fantastic |
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