| Fun to Drive? Yeah, Like a Dump Truck
- Click HERE for Original Thread
|
| acuramdxkc |
I just completed Acura's New Owner Survey after two months and 1400 miles. They kept talking over and over about whether I wanted a car that was "fun to drive", or whether I drive the car for "recreation", and whether the MDX delivered that. Are they kidding? Do they really expect anything close to "fun" with an MDX?
My 2007 MDX with Tech drives like a dump truck. It's great driving straight when there are no tight turns, but when driving out of driveways or in parking lots, I apparently don't have the strength (6' 2", 200lbs) or quickness, to turn the steering wheel fast enough to manuever into tight spots or do anything quickly without anticipating the coming turn. I will never try to parallel park this beast. It's reached the point, where I shun my new $44K, first luxury car when choosing a car to take for a spin (my '90 Miata *is* definitely FUN, my daughter's '07 Civic is fun, my long-gone Nissan Quest drove like a nimble two-door, and I even prefer my wife's Crown Vic if measured in "fun" - I can spin that steering wheel around with one pinkie!)
I've taken the MDX to the shop three times about the stiff steering and it was there for a total four entire days. The first time they found that the preload on the steering rack was torqued too high (and I would even call the loaner MDX they gave me "nimble"). When I got it back, the steering still wasn't close to the loaner. So, I took it back again and for them to measure whether the steering action was in-spec. They said it was, but when I got the car back I found that all the tires were set at 39psi instead of the specified 32psi and would guess that *would* make the steering easier. So, I took it back again for them to test the steering resistance at the specified 32psi (cold) and they said it was again in-spec. I found the two other different loaners were just as stiff as mine so I stopped complaining and guess I'll have to live with this and drive the car when I *have* to.
So, I'm curious, do any other '07 MDX owners out there really believe this car is "fun to drive"? Why would Acura even bother to ask this question? |
|
|
| gmc74 |
Sorry to hear about the issues you are having. I enjoy the hell out of mine. It isn't as nimble as a miata (I had a 94) or as fast as my 04 Maxima, but it is nice. I don't think I bought an SUV thinking it would handle like it was on rails, in fact, I was pleasantly surprised with how well it handled.
I definitely like the toys in the sport package, that makes it fun to drive. |
|
|
| dj-mdx2 |
| Having lots of fun with my 07 Sport. Definitely prefer driving it to the limits over my 01. Haven't noticed any problems with steering either. It handles superbly well for an SUV. Now I haven't driven a dump truck but if a dump truck drives like this, I'd drive it every day.:D |
|
|
| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by acuramdxkc
I just completed Acura's New Owner Survey after two months and 1400 miles. They kept talking over and over about whether I wanted a car that was "fun to drive", or whether I drive the car for "recreation", and whether the MDX delivered that. Are they kidding? Do they really expect anything close to "fun" with an MDX?
My 2007 MDX with Tech drives like a dump truck. It's great driving straight when there are no tight turns, but when driving out of driveways or in parking lots, I apparently don't have the strength (6' 2", 200lbs) or quickness, to turn the steering wheel fast enough to manuever into tight spots or do anything quickly without anticipating the coming turn. I will never try to parallel park this beast. It's reached the point, where I shun my new $44K, first luxury car when choosing a car to take for a spin (my '90 Miata *is* definitely FUN, my daughter's '07 Civic is fun, my long-gone Nissan Quest drove like a nimble two-door, and I even prefer my wife's Crown Vic if measured in "fun" - I can spin that steering wheel around with one pinkie!)
I've taken the MDX to the shop three times about the stiff steering and it was there for a total four entire days. The first time they found that the preload on the steering rack was torqued too high (and I would even call the loaner MDX they gave me "nimble"). When I got it back, the steering still wasn't close to the loaner. So, I took it back again and for them to measure whether the steering action was in-spec. They said it was, but when I got the car back I found that all the tires were set at 39psi instead of the specified 32psi and would guess that *would* make the steering easier. So, I took it back again for them to test the steering resistance at the specified 32psi (cold) and they said it was again in-spec. I found the two other different loaners were just as stiff as mine so I stopped complaining and guess I'll have to live with this and drive the car when I *have* to.
So, I'm curious, do any other '07 MDX owners out there really believe this car is "fun to drive"? Why would Acura even bother to ask this question?
I have a 2002 MDX, and it's fun to drive.:D |
|
|
| hipcheck |
As someone who as owned a few BMW X5s, BMW 3 series, and a few other sports cars, I can't disagree more with the dump truck analogy. My MDX is the best driving SUV (and almost car) that I've owned. I love the thing and to me the handling is fantastic for the size of the thing.
If you are that convinced the thing is evil, I would look into selling it or checking out your local lemon law. Life is too short. |
|
|
| rai |
I owned a Z3 and currently own a S2000 together for more than 50K miles of driving.
The MDX is not 'fun' in that sense. But it's pretty darn fun and handles well for a SUV. I have driven a several SUVs and minivans.
I don't understand why you think a car you can steer with your pinkie is a good thing?
Maybe your MDX is out of spec, but the point is most cars have a bit of heft to the steering. Maybe the MDX has more than others, but it's like the car will go back to center easily and will stay straight without constantly having to correct the steering wheel I think that's more important than a car that will steer all over the place without any force on the steering wheel. |
|
|
| Mike_TX |
Something tells me you aren't going to find a lot of sympathy here. The plain fact is that most SUV's have relatively "weighted" steering, and most of us consider that a good thing.
True, I notice a big difference when I go from my RL to my MDX, but if either one of them steered "with a pinkie", I'd be taking IT to the shop!
I started driving in the days of no power steering, before transitioning to the over-boosted power steering of American cars of the 60's and 70's (which still lives today in Cadillacs, Buicks and certain other full-size American cars). Talk about zero steering feedback!
Your X may well steer harder than some others, but this and your other thread make me think you just like lots of power steering boost. The only Japanese cars that deliver that are sedans aimed at the older set and minivans aimed at soccermoms. All the German cars and sportier cars will have the heavier weighted steering.
So I agree with the other poster who suggested selling or trading it for something you like better. For my part, I've found the X to be better than many sedans at tight maneuvers, and I've been surprised at its relatively short turning radius for such a big vehicle.
(Oh, and I'm only 5'10", 185 lbs. ;) )
.
. |
|
|
| acuramdxkc |
No troll here. A real owner. Who else would know what was in the survey?
Also found, besides having the preload too tight, that one of the tire pressure sensors was defective (and replaced), the front-end was out of alignment (would go into the ditch in 2 secs at 75mph), and just yesterday the gas cap loose warning came on even though I have touched the gas cap in two weeks (and it was tight then). Not the type of quality I expected in a brand-new Acura.
I did say the straight line driving is great. You basically point the MDX in one direction and it goes without further correction, even in the rain and wind (like I imagine a dump truck would). I too prefer the stiffer wheel on the highway and have always joked that with the Crown Vic (or Cadillac or Buick) that if you even coughed on the highway with your hand on the wheel, you'd be in the ditch or in a head-on. And I agree the turn ratio is remarkably small for an SUV. But in driveways and parking lots, I don't know why they can't give the steering more of a boost.
I wouldn't yet call my MDX a lemon or evil but it is a disappointment. I didn't think I would have three things wrong with the car in the first two months with steering on the upper limits of normal. And THEN I found I didn't have the activated headrest safety functionality that was discussed online and in all of the brochures as standard equipment when I bought the car.
And I certainly don't have the budget to eat the $3500 I've already paid for sales tax and personal property tax together with probably losing another $3-$5K for driving it off the showroom floor. And, I don't know of any SUV that is perfection :( |
|
|
| dj-mdx2 |
quote:
Originally posted by acuramdxkc
And THEN I found I didn't have the activated headrest safety functionality that was discussed online and in all of the brochures as standard equipment when I bought the car.
Sounds like you got a bum car. You do have active head restraints, just not the revised ones installed after May. |
|
|
| crazymjb |
Sounds like something is wrong. Though we have only test driven the vehicle (supposedly we will be getting it by summers end, but I heard that in Nov) based off the test drive and all magazine reports, as well as users here, it should not drive like a dump truck.
I can parallel park my full size extended cab truck (albeit with effort), this thing shouldn't be that bad.
Mike |
|
|
| m500 |
Sounds like MDX is not a fit for your personal taste.
Its not perfect for me but I like it and most of the little stuff I find doesn't really bother me yet.
My biggest compliant right now is the lack of torque compare to my 03 ML500. But the sound of the VTEC revving sure makes me feels whole lot better. Just wishing it have more torque so acceleration will feels more solid. |
|
|
| LionSpeed |
| ... make way, 1st gen & 2nd gen X. Here I come... |
|
|
| deanking |
I have owned or currently own:
96 Chevy Blazer
98 Grand Cherokee
2000 Ford Expedition
2002 GMC Envoy XL
2004 Explorer
2005 Pathfinder
2 Ford F150s but they shouldn't even count for this post
The X is by far the best and easiest handling SUV (and I repeat SUV) I have ever owned. It is not the best handling car I have ever owned but it is close. The Envoy was also close.
I am wondering if this happened to you during your test drive. |
|
|
| bluetail47 |
Test drive another MDX and see if there is a difference in feel/steering. We purchased ours partially because it is so easy to drive and park. We have not been disappointed.
You may have a lemon,. |
|
|
| acuramdxkc |
Well, I have driven three different MDX loaners now, all Base model with Bridgestone tires. The first was remarkably nimble and dramatically different from mine as far as handling even noticed by the mechanic. The other drove like mine, and the other was in-between.
I had test drove an MDX at another dealer and never the drove the one I bought until after I bought it. Lesson learned. |
|
|
| EXCALIBUR |
acuramdxkc,
Q: After having driven all these different MDX's, each having different steering characteristics, what are you going to do about your MDX?:confused: |
|
|
| deanking |
| I learned the test drive lesson on my last car and had to get rid of it after 2 years and 15k miles. I spent an hour and a half test driving and inspecting the X I ended up buying. It is odd that this does not seem to be a consistent complaint from people. It's this kind of mystery that makes me want an explanation even more. Do you live somewhere with an "unusual" climate that could be affecting the vehicle? Another thought: someone mentioned in a different post that the MDX is manufactured in 3 different places. Mine came from Canada. I would assume all of the vehicles from your dealer were from one plant. |
|
|
| acuramdxkc |
I live in the midwest (KC?) and my car came from Canada as well.
As far as lesson learned, I'm embarrassed to say that it took me 56 years to learn that lesson. I usually keep my cars 10 years or more so I don't have many more cars to buy. It just never occurred to me that there would be ANY variation in ANY Acura especially in a core function. Excellent quality control, right? I've driven dozens of rental Tauruses and *they* all drove the same.
What am I going to do? First of all, I have to drive the car on three separate days to see if the loose gas gap warning goes off on its own or if it advances to the engine light warning. If I need it to go back to the shop (for the fourth time in 1400 miles), I want them to let me personally test (with a strain gauge) whether the wheel stiffness is in-spec (I guess I still can't believe there can be that much variation and something still must be WRONG that can be fixed).
Took the family out to dinner yesterday for my birthday in the '97 Crown Vic. Just didn't want to have to deal with the MDX's amber info light which is on now, or having to back out of the garage and navigate around four other cars parked in the driveway (the kids all came home), or trying to park it in a high traffic, tight parking lot. Makes me sad :( |
|
|
| m500 |
Something must be up in your MDX. I flip on the Sport mode and took a 270" circular on ramp until tire screeching today for testing and its as nimble as my G35 Sedan. The handling feels better then my wife's LS430 Sport. Not much body roll and very sure footed.
On the side note, MDX is no where near Miata's handling. My wife use to drive a 95 Miata and we both love it. If you compare it to Miata then MDX is surely drive like a dump truck. :D |
|
|
| gmc74 |
My Miata was the most fun car I have ever driven. I did a U-turn at 45 one day when a crazy a-hole was chasing me, he had no option to follow me after that :)
I finally got rid, too many times I sat at the stop light and looked up into the wheel wells of trucks... I started to wonder what would happen if one of those trucks ran over me, and away it went
I went from a Miata to an Excursion, a literal 180 in handling... |
|
|
| Activator |
My favorite thing about the new MDX (I previously had an '01) is the way it handles. Yeah, you feel every pound of metal, but I like that secure, tank-like feeling. But handling like a "Truck"? I can out run just about any car on a twisty backroad... it's scary how well the SH-AWD works! The road that leads to my house is a wide but very twisty 35mph 2-lane road. Whenever someone is riding on my back, I wait for a section with a few tight S-turns and hit the gas in the MDX... then I stop at my street turnoff and wait for them to catch up... usually a few minutes later! Hah!
acuramdxkc - I have to say, you might like the RDX better. I had one for about a week and wasn't comfortable in the drivers' seat - plus the ride is VERY stiff and jarring on the highway - but the steering is light and nimble, handling is sports-car controlled, and the RDX accelerates like a freakin' rocketship! |
|
|
| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by Activator
..., and the RDX accelerates like a freakin' rocketship!
rocketship on that 4 banger with the turbo lag? I don't think so ... |
|
|
| deanking |
I reread your original post. It sounds like a lot of people including myself thought you were commenting on open road handling. It sounds like the issue is turning force required at very low speeds. Honestly, I have not paid any attention to it but I do not recall it hard to park or turn in my driveway.
Two more thoughts:
1) It sounds very much like the variable assist power steering is not working right if I am correct about the low speed turning force being the problem. I am assuming that someone did check the fluid level (as stupid as that sounds)?
2) I have always found the concept of SH-AWD a little disturbing. Granted, giving power to slipping wheels has been around a long time, but providing extra power based on the input of a variety of sensors on dry pavement: that sounds like something that could go wrong. Do we fully understand the symptoms when it does go wrong? I think it does a good job for what it is designed for. Still, what if it is powering the wrong wheels at the wrong time?
I keep wanting to think there is something very wrong with your car but when you say that three different X's behave differently, I keep wondering if you are just very picky with this particular aspect of the car. I had the same thing going on with the ride in my last vehicle (which I eventually dumped). After two new sets of tires, the service people eventually just stopped trying. |
|
|
| crazymjb |
SH-AWD disturbing? What if the ABS on any car equipped kicks on. What if the VSA decides to randomly lock up wheels. What if the drive by wire throttle decides to go balls out (or cruise control modules in older cars)...
Mike |
|
|
| Activator |
quote:
Originally posted by LionSpeed
rocketship on that 4 banger with the turbo lag? I don't think so ...
Go drive one. It's scary how fast that car is. Yes, there's a bit of lag but, once the turbo kicks in, it's quite a ride. Sub 7 second 0-60 on a 4,000lb SUV is pretty dang fast! |
|
|
| Lrpba300 |
quote:
Originally posted by Activator
Go drive one. It's scary how fast that car is. Yes, there's a bit of lag but, once the turbo kicks in, it's quite a ride. Sub 7 second 0-60 on a 4,000lb SUV is pretty dang fast!
Thanks Activator! I'm glad some people can reconize the quickness of the RDX! ... and the quickness for a 4k lb SUV!!! |
|
|
| Mike_TX |
Car and Driver got 6.5 sec. 0-60 out of an RDX, and Road & Track got 6.3.
That compares to an average of 7.5 sec. for our MDX's. IOW, the RDX is roughly 15% faster to 60mph than the MDX. Put another way it's close to the 0-60 time for a TL.
I'd say that's a pretty quick SUV! (Too bad it's rough-riding and has that 4-cylinder growl.)
.
. |
|
|
| Lrpba300 |
quote:
Originally posted by Mike_TX
Car and Driver got 6.5 sec. 0-60 out of an RDX, and Road & Track got 6.3.
That compares to an average of 7.5 sec. for our MDX's. IOW, the RDX is roughly 15% faster to 60mph than the MDX. Put another way it's close to the 0-60 time for a TL.
I'd say that's a pretty quick SUV! (Too bad it's rough-riding and has that 4-cylinder growl.)
.
.
Some of us like a more sporty feel in an SUV, (not electronically controlled!) & that growl is the turbo, not the 4 cyl so much! |
|
|
| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by Mike_TX
Car and Driver got 6.5 sec. 0-60 out of an RDX, and Road & Track got 6.3.
That compares to an average of 7.5 sec. for our MDX's. IOW, the RDX is roughly 15% faster to 60mph than the MDX. Put another way it's close to the 0-60 time for a TL.
I'd say that's a pretty quick SUV! (Too bad it's rough-riding and has that 4-cylinder growl.)
.
.
You could always get a V6 RAV4 if you want "bat out of hell" acceleration (0-60 in 6.1 secs) without a tight suspension in an RDX sized SUV........ |
|
|
| gmc74 |
quote:
Originally posted by Activator
Go drive one. It's scary how fast that car is. Yes, there's a bit of lag but, once the turbo kicks in, it's quite a ride. Sub 7 second 0-60 on a 4,000lb SUV is pretty dang fast!
They need to take a cue from BMW, there is zero lag on the 335 (twin turbo) and smooth acceleration all the way from stop to hauling a$$. |
|
|
| m500 |
quote:
Originally posted by gmc74
They need to take a cue from BMW, there is zero lag on the 335 (twin turbo) and smooth acceleration all the way from stop to hauling a$$.
To achieve this RDX will need a smaller turbo or go with twin turbo.
Twin turbo is design to reduce lag but single turbo yield the most HP. |
|
|
| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by gmc74
They need to take a cue from BMW, there is zero lag on the 335 (twin turbo) and smooth acceleration all the way from stop to hauling a$$.
335, now this my friend is a ROCKETSHIP for small price. |
|
|
| gmc74 |
quote:
Originally posted by LionSpeed
335, now this my friend is a ROCKETSHIP for small price.
It is quick, but not as fast as I was hoping. It was just marginally quicker than my 2004 Maxima. I was hoping it would make my neck snap, but it didn't.
If it had done what I wanted, it would be in my driveway rather than the MDX... I am not usually a practical guy, but it made my practical decision a bit easier. |
|
|
| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by gmc74
It is quick, but not as fast as I was hoping. It was just marginally quicker than my 2004 Maxima. I was hoping it would make my neck snap, but it didn't.
If it had done what I wanted, it would be in my driveway rather than the MDX... I am not usually a practical guy, but it made my practical decision a bit easier.
how about RX460, V8, 380HP, 8 Speed AUTO trans? |
|
|
| gmc74 |
That doesn't exist yet, does it? If it does, I missed it when I was test driving cars.
I don't drive a lot (work from home) but I don't think I would want something with a v8 for gas mileage... I really wanted the Hilander Hybrid, but it was too generic inside. |
|
|
| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by gmc74
That doesn't exist yet, does it? If it does, I missed it when I was test driving cars.
I don't drive a lot (work from home) but I don't think I would want something with a v8 for gas mileage... I really wanted the Hilander Hybrid, but it was too generic inside.
Lexus RX460 available in SPRING 2008 baby!
yeeeeehaw.
:2: :2: :2: |
|
|
| dj-mdx2 |
quote:
Originally posted by LionSpeed
Lexus RX460 available in SPRING 2008 baby!
yeeeeehaw.
:2: :2: :2:
If the redesigned Toyota RAV4 and now the Highlander are any indication of where the RX is going, I may just slink off to the local Lexus dealer this spring, |
|
|
| m500 |
I took it for another fast turn on my daily 270 degree down hill on ramp with Comfort setting again today. Its still handles very well especially for SUV.
My wife tho does complaint about its not as easy to drive as my previous ML500. I think thats just due to the missing torque and that fat wide 275 tire. |
|
|
| gmc74 |
I was pulling out of the drive way with a bottle of water and a smoke in my hands, and when I switched to drive, it was a ***** to turn the wheel with 3 fingers....
I understand what you are saying, but that is the only time I have had the issue, and I didn't think it was so bad. |
|
|
| Mike_TX |
quote:
Originally posted by gmc74
I was pulling out of the drive way with a bottle of water and a smoke in my hands, and when I switched to drive, it was a ***** to turn the wheel with 3 fingers....
I understand what you are saying, but that is the only time I have had the issue, and I didn't think it was so bad.
You SMOKE in your X???
Shame on you. :14:
.
. |
|
|
| gmc74 |
It is a car, sure the resale will go down, but my happiness goes up, it is a trade off.
I don't smoke in my house, but my car is fair game... |
|
|
| Mike_TX |
quote:
Originally posted by gmc74
It is a car, sure the resale will go down, but my happiness goes up, it is a trade off.
I don't smoke in my house, but my car is fair game...
:26: .......... :headshake:
.
. |
|
|
| gmc74 |
quote:
Originally posted by Mike_TX
:26: .......... :headshake:
.
.
I may have to add that to my cig-nature... sorry for the pun
:26: |
|
|
|
|
