2001 Acura MDX Review
2001 Acura MDX Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful ULEV V6 engine, nicely appointed interior, seven-passenger seating, excellent on-road performance.
Cons
- No 4WD-low range, meager tow rating, protruding proboscis.
What’s new
Acura brings a new sport-utility vehicle to the marketplace, combining great on-road performance, class-leading fuel economy and outstanding all-weather handling with seven-passenger seating and cavernous cargo capacity.
Edmunds says
A bland but otherwise utterly capable and perfectly useful SUV.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Acura MDX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$314/mo for MDX Base
MDX Base
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Acura may be late to the SUV party, but they've decided to come dressed to the nines with a uniquely transformable interior wrapped in an angularly attractive skin supported by a four-wheel independent suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels.
With its standard 240-horsepower, 3.5-liter VTEC V6 (which meets ULEV regulations nationwide) and electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission, the MDX delivers better performance than many of its competitors. With an estimated EPA rating of 17 city and 23 highway, the MDX is also one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class.
Power travels to the wheels through Acura's new Variable Torque Management (VTM) full-time four-wheel-drive system, which uses sensors to determine the vehicle's dynamic position and transfers engine torque to the wheels with the most grip. Unlike conventional automatic 4WD systems, Acura's proactively distributes engine torque during acceleration before wheel slip occurs. Unlike a Mercedes ML320, the MDX doesn't have a 4WD-low gear range and the towing capacity is low (at 3,500 pounds) for its class.
In terms of appearance, MDX includes Acura's signature pentagon grille, clean headlamp treatment and sharply chiseled front fascia, but with a muscular look appropriate to an SUV. Some of us find the bulky nose a bit off-putting, but from most viewpoints, the MDX is quite a looker. We like to think of it as a luxury off-road minivan that you can take through the brush all day, and the valet will still front-line it for you when you reach Spago for lunch.
Inside, the MDX features second- and third-row seats that split and fold flat into the floor, creating an interior that can be easily reconfigured from seven-passenger hauler (though we wouldn't recommend adults trying to cram in the third row) to a flat-floor Home Depot runner in a matter of seconds. Large, flowing shapes dominate the instrument panel and center console, which is highlighted by wood-grained trim.
The MDX comes with a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including leather seating surfaces (on first- and second-row seating), eight-way power and heated front seats, side airbags for front passengers, keyless entry, power moonroof, automatic climate control and a multi-function digital trip computer.
Opt for the Touring Package and the front seat positions become linked to the key fob remotes, plus you get a 200-watt Acura/Bose stereo with in-dash six-disc CD changer as well as a handy roof rack. An optional DVD navigation system, mapped for all the 48 contiguous states, is also available.
Sure, Acura may be a latecomer to the SUV party, but this is by far the most agreeable urban runabout to ever hit this segment. However, if serious boulder bashing or towing is in your future, shop elsewhere.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Acura MDX.
5 star(68%)
4 star(26%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(1%)
89 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
210K miles - going strong - paid for itself
Tango Papa, 07/19/2016
2001 Acura MDX Touring 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Bought this brand new when it first came out in 2001 when my daughter was born so we had space to change baby diapers in the back and was safe for the whole family. It was a fantastic new car on the scene. Well, 15 years later, my daughter is 15 now and learning to drive and she will inherit the MDX as her first car to drive around. It has 210K miles on it. Its mostly been trouble free. … Transmission went at 129K so was out of any warranty. (Apparently the early models, including mine, used a GM transmission as Acura had not quiet gotten their transmission ready for the car, later models used Acura transmission). The transmission rebuild cost $4500 but included a special attachment to the radiator to resolve the heating problem that these transmission had. On this second transmission, the car is now at 210K miles and it looks like it would probably do another 20K-40K without much problems. Changed battery 4 times (we live mostly in hot climate). Changed Tires 4-5 times. Changed brakes twice. Three timing belt jobs. One 100K tune up. Countless air filter and oil changes. Leak in power steering fixed (twice). A/C hose replaced. Engine mounts replaced under warranty. Catalytic converter went at 160K miles...feel I have spend $6-7K on all the repairs and normal maintenance over the years including wear and tear items like Battery, Tire, Brakes , Wipers etc....that works out to less than $500 per year which is not bad at all. I feel part of the issue with car trouble is crooked dealers who try to get you to replace items which don't need immediate replacement. Unless its an obvious problem impacting safety and drivability don't replace the item unless you are convinced it needs replacing. Car still looks new after 15 years. Amazing paint job. And guess what, didn't like the look of the new 2014 MDX so bought a nice new Range Rover - very fancy - but after 2 years and numerous problems, I traded it in for an UGLY but hopefully much more reliable 2016 MDX. New 2001 MDX touring bought for $37K in California in 2001. New 2016 MDX Base model bought for $39K in Texas in 2016...which was $5K off the MSRP due to up coming model change over.
2.38 out of 5 stars
Acura MDX - Transmission ISSUES - BEWARE!!!
acura_issues, 09/13/2011
2001 Acura MDX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I used to be a fan of Acura until I purchased an Acura MDX and ran into ALL KINDS of Power Transmission issues.
I'm not the type of person who is a "complainer", but believe me when I tell you that Acura is having all kinds of issues with the torque converters on their transmission.
Most of the time, the issues show up right after the warranty.
The dealership (McGrath Acura) will give … you the run around and have you contact the Acura Customer Care 1-800 #.
Once you do that, if you complain loud enough they will assign you to a District Manager who will do absolutely nothing to satisfy you.
If you're smart, do a simple Google Search on Acura transmission issues and see what comes up.
You will be amazed by the number of complaints that loyal Acura customers have regarding Transimission issues
5 out of 5 stars
Acura has been on point for the most part
B Dorsey, 10/10/2018
2001 Acura MDX Touring 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I owned this 2001 MDX for 9 years, and I loved it! Great in the harsh winters here in PA, only recently did I start having major repair issues with the front end. The under carriage has taken a beating and is rusting out. I really enjoyed this vehicle it was very reliable and gave a comfortable ride.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Love This Ugly Car
scullymo, 04/26/2011
2001 Acura MDX Touring 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Bought it used from an individual with 100k on it. other than a transmission job at 190k, I have had no problems with this vehicle. It is by far the ugliest thing I have ever driven but I would buy another in a heartbeat! I now have 235k on it and I'm hoping to make it to half a mil!
2001 MDX Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $34,370 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $314/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the MDX include:
- Alarm
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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