2001 Acura MDX

Pros: Big Luxury handling SEATS 7 ride Consumer Reports #1 rated
Cons: Likes gas, a tad under powered, lacks sport option

My wife and I love this truck, at first I wasn’t sold, I thought it was a bit on the boring side. I wanted the Benz or the Bimmer. But my wife pointed out how much bigger the truck was. Plus Acura is making solid products these days. After a year of owning this truck, I find myself looking at other SUV's so differently. It rides nice handles beautifully and over all is very easy to own. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a just above average luxury SUV that’s easy to own. The rear seat recline, and the AC and heat are powerful. Heated seats are perfect on cold days. I do wish it was a bit more powerful though, its not slow, but 25-25 extra HP would be perfect.

Pros: Good design
Cons: Bad executed

In 2003 I traded my 96 4Runner and 99 Land Cruiser for two 2001 MDX Touring & Navigation ,.What a mistake ...at 50K-60K I need to repair or replace 2 transmissions (recall ) ,front struts , 3 times SRS system elements , front damper springs ( recall ) , EGR valve (recall )...This 2001 is a lemon and Acura Client Department ,Torrance ,CA is no help .

Pros: 3rd row seat stowage, looks sharp, wonderful in snow & ice
Cons: Very little torque, transmission problems, shifting all the time,squeaks and rattles galore,noise, ride.

Consumer Reports (NOT!) still says the '01 MDX has never had a recall. Mine has for the transmission. And then I have had another tranny related problem. I don't tow with this but once tried to pull two 4 wheelers on flat land a couple of years ago at 70 MPH and it strained its guts out. Why can't this vehicle produce enough torque or transmission programming to find a gear? Even by itself it searches constantly and will downshift twice up a small hill on an interstate where the land is flat and hauling 1 person! What is with the road noise? What is with the harsh ride? I never realized what a sled I had until I got out of my Lincoln Aviator (with 63k miles)and drove this thing. The fuel mileage isn't any better either!The wife now wants something else. I know the car mags love it but if you are thinking of one of these you owe it to yourself to go drive a Lincoln Aviator.