Reader Review of the Week: 2007 Acura MDX
Yes, yes we know: The new Acura MDX was just featured in our Suburban Dad vs. Urban DINK post a few weeks back, but the “Ski Family” from Lake Tahoe submitted an MDX review that was the best consumer review of the week. The family traded in a 2004 Acura MDX for the new model, so it may help persuade other previous MDX owners and fill them in on changes to the navigation system, the loss of the roof rack and other useful tidbits.
You can submit your own car review any time right here.
“I traded my fully loaded 2004 MDX (nav and DVD) for the 2007 MDX three months ago and have driven 3,000+ miles. The ‘07 MDX is a nice blend of the RL’s and MDX’s best features.
Some believe not having a touch-screen navigation system is a downgrade or worse than before. To me, this is absolutely not the case and more about people not understanding the system. Unlike center dash systems, the screen is on the top of the dash, which greatly minimizes taking your eyes off the road. Of course, in this position it cannot be easily touched (so no touch-screen). Once you get familiar with the control knob, it is quite easy to use. Upon learning the voice commands, just tell the system what to do…so why would it need to be touched?
The stereo is awesome. I purchased the Tech and Sport model with a PLII mode for the XM radio which allows for 5.1 surround sound. The sound quality is absolutely amazing and I still find myself shaking my head and saying “wow.” All the functions on the radio are voice activated. If you want to change the station, just tell it. Want to listen to channel 71 (jazz), just say “XM 71.”
Other advantages over the 2004 MDX included a 120-volt AC power outlet, auto closing the rear door (no blown-out eardrums from closing), and the Bluetooth system. Some have complained about there not being a luggage rack, but frankly, in my three years with my ‘04 MDX I never used it. The luggage rack causes wind noise and reduces fuel efficiency, so why make it a standard option? If you use a rack, install it as an option just like a towing hitch.
The best part of the 2007 is the handling. Going around corners is a blast. I read some people complaining about the ride (not soft enough), and I thought, my goodness they are nuts. Awesome ride; nothing that I tested was better.
Now, I do not know why Acura didn’t install the auto rearview mirror. But, honestly, with the rear tinted windows I have never had to change the mirror when cars were behind me so I do not miss this feature.
Here’s my final thought. My brother owns a Toyota Sequoia, my buddies drive a BMW X5, Lexus 330 and Chevy Tahoe, and my sister drives an ML Mercedes (always in the shop), and whenever we go anywhere, whose rig does everyone want to take? The MDX.”
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The reason for not having an auto-dimming rear view mirror is: The MDX is taller than most passenger cars. The windows are tinted pretty dark. A lot of people probably didn't even "need" it. So I think Acura decided to cut it, and spend that money elsewhere...
The perfect lazy person's vehicle. I'm not complainin i'd love to have one of these oh so good lookin SUVs, but alas i have no job (yet).
In response to the last commenter who said this is the perfect "lazy person's vehicle", do you drive a vehicle with no power steering, power brakes, power windows, power locks? If you have / have had ANY of these features in a vehicle, I guess you were driving a lazy person's vehicle, as well. It's all relative. BTW I don't own an MDX.
I have a 2007 MDX and until yesterday loved the car. Yesterday while at a shopping mall my wife used her remote to unlock the car. I came a few minutes later and started the car with my set of keys. We both noticed the clock was an hour off, then discovered that all of my setting had been deleted - XM radio settings, address book entries wiped out, personal settings back to factory preset, etc. Now when I insert my key (Driver 1) the car says "Welcome Driver 2.
I've called my dealer in Salt Lake City and the one here in Indianapolis but neither one has any idea what could have happened. I thought the MDX was a great automobile. Now am not so sure about having an "electronic car".
Has anyone else heard of this type of problem?
there is a profile for each key. if one key doesn't work but the other does it is because you need to set the profile for the key that doesn't work. i.e. set the controls etc the way you want them using the key you want those settings set to. I just bought an 07 MDX and that is one feature the salesman was bragging out to me.
Acura MDX is good. Use a smart process. My dad bought two cars and uses this process, http://tinyurl.com/ltengz