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2008 Acura MDX Base 4WD 4dr
Trim Info:
4 Wheel Drive, 4 Door, 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle
15 mpg city / 20 mpg hwy
Other Trims
15 mpg city / 20 mpg hwy
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Expert Reviews
October 27, 2009 by Alison Lakin, Associate Editor
2008 Acura MDX
With so many large vehicles out there for you to choose from, narrowing it down to the one that both you and your kids like can be an immense challenge. Thankfully, your hunt for a seven-seat family SUV may finally end with the 2008 Acura MDX. This SUV provides a grounded, sporty drive on a crossover chassis and delivers ride comfort to all seven occupants. Accessories like DVD players and navigation systems will appease the rowdiest of children and spouses. While the gas-sipping V-6 won't win any drag races, it will provide a solid ride for those who want more than a ho-hum SUV to schlep the gang around.
What's to Like
The first two rows of seats are incredibly roomy, especially for a crossover SUV, and there seems to be a never-ending amount of storage nooks. The Acura Navigation System is simplistic in its efficiency, and the at-eye-level screen is easy to read.
The first two rows of seats are incredibly roomy, especially for a crossover SUV, and there seems to be a never-ending amount of storage nooks. The Acura Navigation System is simplistic in its efficiency, and the at-eye-level screen is easy to read.
What's Not to Like
Due to the more sporty nature of the MDX, the ride can be a little bumpy. The power outlets have silly covers on them that could impede larger plugs, and the third row of seats can really only accommodate children.
Due to the more sporty nature of the MDX, the ride can be a little bumpy. The power outlets have silly covers on them that could impede larger plugs, and the third row of seats can really only accommodate children.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
You would think that a crossover SUV's hefty weight would impact driving. You would, in this case, be wrong. The MDX has a surprising amount of pickup for a vehicle with three rows of seats, and competitors, like the base Volvo XC90, lack the horsepower that this car produces. Acura has definitely leaned toward the sportier setup, the suspension is a little hard for luxury driving, but around corners you'll love the sturdy and powerful feel from the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive System. Saying that, the drive quality is diminished slightly by the command position – you feel a bit like you're floating above everything and not as connected to the road as you'd like.
DriverSide Driving Impressions
You would think that a crossover SUV's hefty weight would impact driving. You would, in this case, be wrong. The MDX has a surprising amount of pickup for a vehicle with three rows of seats, and competitors, like the base Volvo XC90, lack the horsepower that this car produces. Acura has definitely leaned toward the sportier setup, the suspension is a little hard for luxury driving, but around corners you'll love the sturdy and powerful feel from the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive System. Saying that, the drive quality is diminished slightly by the command position – you feel a bit like you're floating above everything and not as connected to the road as you'd like.
Engine and Drivetrain
Acura has upped the power in this second generation MDX. A 3.7-liter VTEC V-6 engine produces 300 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. Its wide wheelbase, while less sporty than its RDX sibling, is almost as dynamic. The all-wheel drive system can transfer 100% of its power to the wheels that need it most, giving you a more secure ride. The transmission is a five-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift controlled at the shifter.
Acura has upped the power in this second generation MDX. A 3.7-liter VTEC V-6 engine produces 300 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. Its wide wheelbase, while less sporty than its RDX sibling, is almost as dynamic. The all-wheel drive system can transfer 100% of its power to the wheels that need it most, giving you a more secure ride. The transmission is a five-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift controlled at the shifter.
Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
There are an impressive number of standard features in this crossover. Off the bat you're given leather seats, an mp3 auxiliary jack, three months of XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth interface. If you're feeling flush, we'd recommend the $3,500 technology package, which adds a navigation system with real time traffic and the ELS audio system – an aural dream. DVD entertainment is available in a few optional packages as well, and sport packages provide an active damper system and interior accents.
There are an impressive number of standard features in this crossover. Off the bat you're given leather seats, an mp3 auxiliary jack, three months of XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth interface. If you're feeling flush, we'd recommend the $3,500 technology package, which adds a navigation system with real time traffic and the ELS audio system – an aural dream. DVD entertainment is available in a few optional packages as well, and sport packages provide an active damper system and interior accents.
Key Technology Evaluation
The MDX's technology contributes to a sense of ease while driving. Standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control and a tire pressure monitoring system – quickly becoming customary in most cars. Speed-sensitive volume control helps you keep your hands on the wheel instead of fumbling with dials. The all-wheel drive system mentioned above is a coup for Acura. The advanced technology improves your drive and speaks volumes about Acura's safety systems.
The MDX's technology contributes to a sense of ease while driving. Standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control and a tire pressure monitoring system – quickly becoming customary in most cars. Speed-sensitive volume control helps you keep your hands on the wheel instead of fumbling with dials. The all-wheel drive system mentioned above is a coup for Acura. The advanced technology improves your drive and speaks volumes about Acura's safety systems.
Green Evaluation/Gas Mileage
Large SUVs aren't generally the Earth's best friends. The Acura MDX is no exception to this rule. At 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, you'll get to know your neighborhood gas station attendant very well. But, it holds a ULEV-II (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) emissions rating, which is 50% better than the lowest emissions standard now allowed.
Large SUVs aren't generally the Earth's best friends. The Acura MDX is no exception to this rule. At 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, you'll get to know your neighborhood gas station attendant very well. But, it holds a ULEV-II (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) emissions rating, which is 50% better than the lowest emissions standard now allowed.
A Closer Look: Vehicle Details
Interior
A softly alluring instrument panel greets you and your passengers upon entering the car, and the audio and climate controls are easily reached. There are also controls and a power outlet in the rear. The middle row of seats might be a little upright for occupants until the seatback is adjusted; and when folded in their 60/40 split, they don't lie completely flat.
Interior
A softly alluring instrument panel greets you and your passengers upon entering the car, and the audio and climate controls are easily reached. There are also controls and a power outlet in the rear. The middle row of seats might be a little upright for occupants until the seatback is adjusted; and when folded in their 60/40 split, they don't lie completely flat.
Exterior
Barring the grill, which looks like a surplus piece of medieval armor, the styling of the MDX is appealing to the eye. The rear spoiler hints at the sportiness under the hood and the large front bumper gives the car a harder edge. The roofline is a little high, but that's understandable considering how large the interior is.
Barring the grill, which looks like a surplus piece of medieval armor, the styling of the MDX is appealing to the eye. The rear spoiler hints at the sportiness under the hood and the large front bumper gives the car a harder edge. The roofline is a little high, but that's understandable considering how large the interior is.
Market Segment and Pricing
Priced well in its class at $40,195, the MDX manages to compete well against rivals like the Volvo XC90 and the BMW X5. It offers equivalent or better standard features and appeals to the sportier family driver.
Priced well in its class at $40,195, the MDX manages to compete well against rivals like the Volvo XC90 and the BMW X5. It offers equivalent or better standard features and appeals to the sportier family driver.
What We Think
The Acura MDX is a competitively priced SUV that's capable of carrying a few peewee football team members, all their gear and their chaperone. Its fold down seats and drive versatility make it a wise choice for a capable family luxury SUV.
The Acura MDX is a competitively priced SUV that's capable of carrying a few peewee football team members, all their gear and their chaperone. Its fold down seats and drive versatility make it a wise choice for a capable family luxury SUV.
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Other Resources
Acura Forums – Acura Forums Source: acuraforums.com
LONG-TERMERS: 2008 Acura MDX: Like Einstein, baby: Acura MDX has major snow smarts, but we have a mi – Our Acura MDX started its second quarter with us by returning from an 11-day, 1000-mile holiday trip to northern Michigan. Source: www.autoweek.com
LONG-TERMER: 2008 Acura MDX: Keeps on ticking: Our Acura MDX proves as reliable as ever – Another quarter with our long-term Acura MDX has passed, and, as was the case in the previous six months, we have little negative to report. From errand running to cross-country trips, the MDX continues to shuttle us in problem-free comfort. Source: www.autoweek.com
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