2002 Acura MDX Review
Fuel Economy
17 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A bland but otherwise utterly capable and perfectly useful SUV.
Pros
Powerful V6 engine, roomy interior, fold-flat third-row seat, sophisticated 4WD system.
Cons
Limited off-road capability, below-average tow rating, lacks personality.
What's New for 2002
Introduced last year, Acura's capable SUV receives only minor changes for 2002. There are four new exterior colors, and enhancements have been made to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) for a quieter, more comfortable ride.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Mixed Bag
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura MDX Touring 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
After looking at a ton of Suvs I finally decided to go with a 2002(55k) MDX. Everything was great with the car until strange noises started to occur. Mainly between 35-40mph. It sounded like running over rumble strips. The problems just got worse from there. Rough shifting, clunking, etc. I went and tried to find an answer for this problem and discovered that transmission problems in these vehicles are pretty common. I love this car but the transmission is a HUGE issue for me. I am very disappointed with this vehicle and I will not be buying another Acura product.
Favorite Features
Leather, Sound System, Third Row Seating, Nav
Suggested Improvements
Fix the stinking transmission!
02 MDX
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura MDX Touring 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
The MDX has been great although the 02 is well known for transmission failure. Mine gave out at 60K. There are hundreds and hundreds of similar stories, even at much lower mileage levels. You will here a "burr"ing sound between 40 - 50 MPH while traveling in 5th gear. Talk to your dealer and to Acura customer service in order to get a new transmission heavily discounted or best case, for free, even when you are out of warranty.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
I Would Buy Another
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura MDX Touring 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
My husband and I test drove several SUVs before selecting this one. We selected it in part because it has the drive and comfort of a car unlike the truck feel of many others. The body style is great (didn't change for a few years). We like the reliability, overall style, navigation system, and mileage (is still very good). After 143,000+ miles & over 7 year it still looks and drives great. A new transmission was installed a few months before the extended warranty expired so we incurred no extra cost. No other major work has been needed. Two times the navigation malfunctioned but shortly corrected itself. We need to update our navigation CD because some locations can't be found.
Favorite Features
I like the seat memory because my husband and I alternate driving the SUV. With the push of a button, my seat position is restored. Especially like the navigation recalculation feature if you go off the route and the fold out that holds coffee mugs/cups in both front and rear compartments.
Suggested Improvements
The third seat is very tight so only a small person or young child can sit comfortably. It would be good to have a little more leg room.
Fun to Drive, but Expensive
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura MDX Touring 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
My first time with a luxury SUV, which I researched prior to buying. At 40K miles, the transmission needed to be replaced!!! But they did it thanks to buying it pre-owned, pre-certified - would have cost 7K. This car handles very well and has gotten me out of more than a few accidents. Power about right and handles extremely well, is extremely comfortable.
Favorite Features
Sporty ride and feel. I liked the navigation and control features. 3rd row was nice, but a little cramped and difficult to access.
Suggested Improvements
Paint does chip a little easy. All owners beware about the transmission problem. Routine maintenance is very expensive and so is the premium fuel.
2002 Acura MDX
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura MDX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I just bought an MDX. The transmission died within 30 days! 4500.00 to fix! NO MORE ACURAS for me. And, it is the SECOND time! First replacement was in 2004
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Fix the transmission issues. A so called "luxury" car with tranny issues like this one is absolutely without excuse.
View Pricing for Other Years
Research the 2002 Acura MDX
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
