Known as the Acura MDX in North America, the Honda MDX was the first crossover that came with three rows of seats. While 7 seats are a pretty common thing these days, that was a rather revolutionary thing back in the day.
Of course, the MDX is much more than just a practical family car – it’s a genuinely premium vehicle that offers excellent engineering and lots of luxury.
Unfortunately, only the first generation of this luxury SUV was available in Australia. Later models continued in North America, and in fact, the fourth generation has just debuted. The Australian model was offered between 2003 and 2007, but even today, it impresses with its butter-smooth engine and overall quality.
The First Generation of Honda MDX (2001-2007)
The development of the MDX starts back in the '90s. The goal was to offer a large SUV that's more refined and more practical than the good-old, fully framed Acura SLX (based on the Isuzu Trooper).
Of course, the primary market was North America, so the initial version came under the Acura badge in 2001. Two years later, the company decided to offer a right-hand-drive version, which they sold in Japan and Australia.
This model debuted in 2003, and it remained in production until 2007 when the second-generation model arrived. Unfortunately, the second generation never came to Australia.
You can still buy the MDX in Australia but only in the used car market. What model year should you avoid, and what issues should you be aware of? Find out the answers below.
Honda MDX Design
Design-wise, the MDX was a pretty big change compared to its predecessor, the SLX. Of course, the key difference was that the SLX was an old-school, body-on-frame SUV based on the Isuzu Trooper.
The new model featured a car-like, monocoque/unibody design, bringing significant improvements in ride quality but limiting its off-road capabilities.
Honda used its Global mid-size platform for the new MDX, the platform that underpinned several models in the lineup, such as Accord, Acura TL and TSX. The new crossover featured 2,700 millimetres in wheelbase, which was enough to put three rows of seats inside the cabin.
By today’s standards, that’s a pretty modest wheelbase, more typical for smaller models like the CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The crossover is 4,788 millimetres long and 1,955mm wide and weighs 2,019 kg.
Honda MDX Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2700mm
- Height: 1770mm
- Length: 4800mm
- Width: 1955mm
- Ground clearance: 200mm
- Weight: 1980kg
- Turning circle: 11.4m
Suspension and Brakes
The Australian model debuted as the Honda MDX 2003, and it has brought a significant improvement regarding ride quality, thanks to a sophisticated suspension setup even by today's standards.
At the front, the MDX features a McPherson strut, while the rear end also comes with independent suspension with an advanced multi-link setup.
When it comes to brakes, this car received ventilated discs at the front and classic discs at the rear wheels. The original model comes with 17 x 6.5 JJ cast-aluminium alloy wheels and 235/65R17 all-season tyres.
Interior
Despite the Honda badge, the first-generation MDX is a genuine premium car, and that's easy to conclude when you look at the dashboard design. It features excellent build quality and is wrapped with fine materials.
A large infotainment screen sits at the centre stack, equipped with navigation – something that wasn’t a common thing back in the day. All models were equipped with cruise control, leather seats and steering wheel, heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, power sunroof, CD charger, 7-speaker audio system and many more.
Amid the luxe features, the cabin is also practical. As already mentioned, this is the first three-row crossover in the world, and all 7 seats are pretty functional.
The front row offers around 1055mm of legroom, while the second row is good for about 959. The third row is a little bit tighter and offers 745 mm of legroom. What's also important is that all three rows offer enough shoulder room – 1555mm in the first row, 1551mm in the second, and 1489mm in the third row.
Acura MDX Interior Dimensions
1st Row:
Head Room: 983 mm
Leg Room: 1055 mm
Hip Room: 1446 mm
Shoulder Room: 1555 mm
2nd Row:
- Head Room: 990 mm
- Leg Room: 959 mm
- Hip Room: 1431 mm
- Shoulder Room: 1551 mm
3rd Row:
- Head Room: 921 mm
- Leg Room: 745 mm
- Hip Room: 1232 mm
- Shoulder Room: 1489 mm
Engine
All versions come with Honda's well-known 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The initial 2001 model featured a max output of 179 kW and 332 Nm of torque, while the 2003 model year (the first one on the Australian market) outputted 191 kW and 345 Nm of torque.
A few years later, the 2005 Honda MDX came with another slight power increase, with the max output going up to 195 kW, while the max torque remained the same.
Despite the power increase, all models feature similar performance. This three-row crossover needs around 7.5 seconds to hit 100 km/h, while the top speed goes about 190 km/h. The manufacturer’s claimed average fuel economy is 13L/100km in a combined ride.
The MDX introduced another big novelty, a new AWD system called VTM-4. This is an automatic all-wheel drive, which normally uses front wheels only but engages the rear wheels under hard acceleration and when wheel slippage is detected.
There is also a lock mode, which simulates a locked rear differential. It offers a permanent 4WD at low speeds, which is an excellent feature for more challenging terrains.
Honda MDX Engine Specs
- Engine Capacity: 3471cc
- Number of cylinders: V6
- Fuel type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Forced Induction: -
- Transmission: 5-speed Automatic
- Maximum power: 191kW (2003-2005); 195kW (2004-2007)
- Maximum torque: 345Nm
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.5s
- Top Speed: 190 km/h
- Fuel tank capacity: 73L
- Fuel consumption (combined): 12.9L/100km
What are the common problems of Honda MDX?
Despite Honda's impressive reputation for reliability and durability, there are some pretty common Honda MDX problems, and foremost of these is the transmission.
The Japanese manufacturer is famous for making probably the best manual gearboxes in the world, but things are completely opposite when it comes to an automatic transmission. Honda has a history of automatic transmission issues, and the 5-speed unit from the first-generation MDX is no exception.
Models before the update are particularly vulnerable, so if you're planning to buy this crossover, look for Honda MDX 2005 or younger. Transmission in earlier model years usually lasts no more than 150,000 km, while repairs typically cost thousands of dollars.
Other than the transmission, there aren’t any major issues with this crossover. A few fuel system failures have been reported, as well as a couple of interior features breakdowns.
Maybe, you should also check the airbags. Acura recalled a large number because of dangerous airbag inflators made by the company called Takata. These airbags have been recalled in over 37 million vehicles so far.
Do you have a Honda MDX for sale and wonder where to advertise it? You reach out to a bigger market by posting an ad on our website and get more interested buyers. Also, if you like this article, you can find more content by browsing our blog.
By Nebojsa Grmusa