Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Acura MDX Sport & Entertainment edition. If you can get by the sticker shock the top of the line MDX will impress even the most demanding consumer. For many just the fact it is a “Honda-car” company product will be enough to distinguish it.
General Info:
Parts : U.S/ Canadian 65%, Japan 35%
Assembly : Alliston , Ontario , Canada
Class: -Special Purpose
Cars: – MDX, RDX, RL, TL & TSX
Handling & Performance:
Very responsive V6 with 300 horses pushing and pulling the all wheel drive system gives the MDX very nice handling especially noticeable in the corners with power distribution to front and rear and left and right drive wheels for best performance. And when you need the horses you’ll go from 0-60 in about 7 seconds.
A lot of the “Bulky” feel comes from stiff steering but and substantial 18” wheels and oversize disc brakes. Hard driving doesn’t faze this tough competitor on or off the track.
Styling:
Personally the styling is plain and unexciting to me. But as SUVs go in today’s world, it is right up there with all the other players. I have news for manufacturers – the first one to come up with innovative design wins.
Fit and Finish:
The workmanship is as excellent as you would expect from a high end Honda.
Cost:
The upward trend in cost is consistent with the rest of the competition and as Anthony said… “Forty-eight thousand for that car … wow”. Anthony, says I, “they don’t give away neat stuff like the backup cameras, navigation systems you like so much, very cool entertainment options and you also liked the comfortable ride and quick acceleration – so bottom line is that you get what you pay for. So get back in your Honda Civic and shut up”.
However if you get the lower priced MDX you still get comfort, most conveniences and safety equipment, leather, power items including power sunroof, heated front seats and the all important cell phone link.
Conveniences and comfort:
You get about all they offer on most cars these days as far as features and it is extremely comfortable. We carried 7 people – 5 adults and two kids under 13. The rear two seats are only good for small folks agile enough to climb back there.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you’re loaded and have a great big budget you will want to consider this option for a luxury SUV. Me – I’ll buy the Cad SRX but if you’re not sure about your choice you need to test drive them all. There are some pretty cool cars in this category and all are very competitive. There is no stand out that is heads and shoulders above the others.
Recognized Competition:
Acura MDX $40-48,000, Mercedes Benz M Class $43-86,000, Cadillac SRX $37-43,000, Volvo XC90 $36-49,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $28-43,000, BMW X5 $46-55,000, Infiniti FX $38-50,000, Volkswagen Touareg $38-59,000, Lexus RX 350 $37-39,000.
Good News:
Class act among very good company, bulky but it is roomy, cargo area seats easy to put down, seats 7 normal situations – meaning there’s likely to be a couple of smaller folks, like children!
Bad News:
Class means you should expect to pay through the nose for being among very expensive company, poor fuel economy and high cargo area entry.
Standard Equipment:
3.7 liter 300 hp V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission AWD (all wheel drive system), 4-wheel power assist ABS disc (electronic brake distribution system), front and rear stabilizer bars, variable assist power steering, Drive-by-wire throttle system, front and side airbags, side curtain airbags with roll over sensor, vehicle stability assist system, tire pressure monitoring system, theft deterrent system, latch system for child seats, navigation system with voice recognition and rearview camera, DVD rear entertainment system with 9” display and wireless headsets, leather, XM satellite radio, surround sound system with 10 speakers, 6 disc CD, DVD, CD, DTS Dolby prologic II, GPS Linked TriZone auto climate control, Driver & passenger 8-way power seats, heated front and 2nt row seats, power windows, steering wheel mounted audio, cruise control, memory settings, hands free telephone link, power moon roof with tilt feature, 18” alloy wheels, auto leveling headlights, fog lights, heated power mirrors, power tailgate.
Gas Stats:
$3.29/ Gal avg. June 1 ‘07
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
17 City and 22 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $47,795.
