2003 Acura MDX consumer reviews

Love it so much we've bought a 2nd one (2008 Tech). It is a good size, "big enough" w/o being unwieldy and drives great, though the 2nd gen ones are really a revelation, handling like a 5,000lb version of my wife's BMW 3-Series. We've racked up 170K miles on this one w/o issue. Repairs have only been normal service items (change fluids, timing belt, etc.) except for one air conditioner repair. Though living in Arizona with 115 degree summers, running it 24/7 maybe contributed to that. Acura's Navigation is sourced from Alpine and is the best in the industry (says JD Powers). I used to work in the navigation software business so would have to concur with their assessment.

Bought my 2003 Acura MDX in 2008 with 88000 miles on it. Loved this vehicle. Took it everywhere. It now has 142000 (March 2010). The transmission went out at the 142000 miles and I was told that there was a chance that the transmission would not be able to be rebuilt. Waiting for word on how much it will cost me to fix. However everything else about this SUV was awesome! Great handling, loved the interior design, the room and comfort.

We have put 150K on this car and have only had one problem. We put a new starter in at about 65K. Other than that, this car has been great. Many complain about transmission problems with this car but I have not experienced this yet. It is a little cramped on long drives though. This is not unusual for Honda products though.

This is the fourth Acura we have owned and the second that has saved our life. When the car had a couple of thousand miles on it.. now has 115,000+ ... we were on cruise control on a road trip... freeway... So California... five lanes of traffic moving at about 75 miles per hour. I pointed out some new homes off to the side of the road to my wife and we both took our eyes off of the road. When I turned back... all five lanes of cars were stopped... about 250 feet in front of us. Luckily the other drivers to our right... we were in the fast lane... had been paying attention and were slowing down way behind us. I jammed my foot on the brake... could feel the pedal pulsing as the ABS did it's job. No slide... no tire noise... but we were not stopping in time. I made a panic 90 degree turn to right... under full breaking and deceleration... we turned... and at the side of the road... still under full breaking and deceleration... made a second 90 degree turn to the left and came to a stop on the right shoulder... just to the right of about the third car in. We could not believe how the vehicle stability worked. I can't imaging any other car I've ever owned stopping us safely. It was amazing... scary... in fact terrifying. It has never had any work done other than scheduled maintenance... looks... feels... drives... like new. This is a wonderful car.

Purchased 2003 MDX new. Everything about vehicle is great except for transmission which failed at about 80K miles. After much pressure Honda agreed to pay half the $4,550 cost of a reconditioned transmission. Honda settled a class action suit for defective transmissions for model years up to 2002, but my model year was not covered. Clearly they are still having problems, so be sure to maintain vehicle according to warranty specs. As well the dealer advised to change transmission fluid at twice the frequency recommended in owners manual. Transmission has no filter so impurities will limit life in his view.

Bought 02 used with 36K on it runs like a charm. I used to have a CRV replaced by Highlander and 2 weeks after we bought Highlander had a chance to drive this and immediately our decission was there is no comparision between two. The style, ride and everything else is superb. If I changed this vehicle I would go on another MDX probably a newer one.

Very solid ride. A little stiff but tolerable really. The stereo is pretty low quality but the seats make up for the sound. Bun warmers are great on snowy days and it has tons of power from the VTEC engine. Has good features for the money. Picked my 2003 up off a lease return. Wish it had navigation, worth the extra $. I would probably purchase another, if this one ever wears out. No tranny problems that the 01\02's had. 18.5 mpg at best on highway.

03 solves most previous transmission issues. After four years, I still love everytime I get behind the wheel of my X.

The Acura 2003 MDX is a nice car. This has been well established. It is a good preformer and has many features in the interior to make anyone happy. For instance, the system features a state-of-the-art navigation system that is still far better than many competitors' systems. But as a performance vehicle, the MDX does not approach too much greatness as the feel of the vehicle is still truck-like.

This vehicle has been a good deal so far. I don't have many miles as of yet.(33,000) I have had good mileage on roadtrips. City mileage is poor. No regrets so far