Seriously lacking in the customer service area

Author's Rating:

Pros: sporty looking, ample storage compartments, comfortable seats

Cons: MPG, customer service, audio system, very cramped third row seat, slow CD changer

The Bottom Line: 
I would not recommend because despite having a vehicle under warranty, Acura will not make the necessary repairs.

Author's Review
I like the sporty look of this car, the fact I can lower the middle row of seats to make a flat area nearly the size of the flat bed of a pick up. I have transported a treadmill and pine straw in this vehicle with ease.

Although the vehicle has a 3rd row of seats, I don't really feel that I have that 3rd row because for the most part, it's useless. The seats sit so close to the back window I do not feel comfortable having my children ride there. Additionally, there is so little space with the 3rd row of seats engaged that you can fit no more than a few bags of groceries from the store. It's also very difficult to climb into the 3rd row seat since it is only accessible on the passenger's side. The seating is so cramped in the 3rd row, an adult would not be comfortable during the ride. Honestly, I was uncomfortable sitting there for a few minutes just trying it out, so I cannot imagine going on a trip seated back there. For a family, I wouldn't recommend this vehicle solely for the "7 passenger seating" because if I don't feel my children would have a safe, comfortable ride being that close to the back window, I certainly couldn't recommend someone else has their children ride there either.

I purchased this vehicle new and within a few days the audio system made a vibrating noise which could not be adjusted. The problem was eventually corrected by wrapping tape around the part which was causing the vibration, I was told. While tape would not have been my preference for the repair, it did seem to work.

One of the things that sold me on this car were its safety features: curtain air bags all the way to the 3rd row seat and the vehicle stability assist should you need it while driving. However, the stopping distance is terrible. If you have to slam on the brakes, make sure your insurance is current because you probably won't be able to stop in time.

Overall, the engine runs smoothly but when you accelerate rapidly, it's more of a roller coaster ride feeling. Acceleration is not as smooth as I think it should be for a quality vehicle.

The only external noises I have noticed come from the wind going through the side-view mirrors. Perhaps that has been resolved in the newer models, but the sound is a bit distracting.

For miles per gallon, I average between 19 and 20 both highway and city driving combined. If I do a lot of city driving, it's usually between 16 - 18 MPG. Mostly highway driving, I can expect 21 - 22 MPG. There is a handy little gauge which tells me what kind of mileage I am getting, and because I do not have the navigation system, my screen where the navigation system would be shows a graph which looks similar to the letter "C". Each time I press the gas, the bar goes higher. If I stop, the "C" is empty. It's an annoying and distracting feature which several of my passengers have asked, "What is that thing?"

There are some "intelligent features" to the vehicle, such as the tire pressure monitor which let me know my tire pressure was too low one day. It even told me which tire needed more air, and when I stopped to check the pressure myself, it was right, although all of the tires actually needed air, not just the one the sensor alerted me to.

The vehicle has automatic windshield wipers (which detect pollen, dust, or if I'm backing out of the garage and the sunlight hits the windshield just right). Sometimes when there is rain, they don't turn on by themselves until I manually turn the wipers on, which will usually prompt them to do so on their own.

The visibility in this vehicle is much better than the 2007 MDXs. I feel I have no problem seeing to change lanes, and one thing I absolutely love about this vehicle is the night sensor on the rear-view mirror. If a vehicle pulls up behind you, the rear-view mirror will tint over so the light doesn't shine in your eyes.

The heated leather seats in the front are very nice in the winter, but after they warm up, they turn themselves down so low you really can't feel they are on any longer.

Not too long after owning the vehicle, a spring began to poke through the leather seat on the passenger's side. I was told the clip which holds the spring in place had broken, and the clip and seat belt sensor were replaced.

The area which causes me the most displeasure with my MDX is the audio system. It's nice having the controls right there on the steering wheel, but the placement of them leads to accidentally switch from CD to radio when you do not intend to.

Also, I feel the audio system lacks in quality by frequently making static noises without warning. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership several times in an effort to have the problem corrected but was told if they can't replicate the problem, they can't fix it. After I brought the vehicle in again with the same concern, the dealership was able to replicate the problem and replaced the amplifier. The very next day the noise returned louder than before.

I realized one of the triggers for the noise is my cell phone, but it's not the only trigger since the noise will surface while driving in various conditions, and it happens a lot regardless of whether I am using my cell phone or not. My cell phone also was not in the vehicle when the dealership replicated the concern. I have requested the audio system be repaired, but Acura will not do so despite the fact the vehicle is still under warranty. They suggested I purchase an extended warranty and buy a new cell phone.

For this to be a luxury vehicle, there have been a lot of problems, and I have been more disappointed with the purchase than pleased. If I could change my decision, I would have gone with the less-expensive Honda version of this same vehicle or looked at Toyotas.

While this has nothing to do with my overall feelings regarding my Acura, I find it of interest that I received a letter stating the warranty on some Acura vehicles, including the 2004 MDX, has been extended due to inaccurate odometer readings. Now I do not know when my warranty expires since it has been unexpectedly extended, but regardless, I wish they would fix my audio system while it's still under warranty.