2003 Acura MDX Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

A somewhat bland but otherwise utterly capable and perfectly useful crossover SUV.

Pros

Room for seven passengers or serious amounts of cargo, gutsy V6 engine, well-balanced suspension, top-rated crash test scores, low price.

Cons

Limited off-road capability, below-average tow rating, ho-hum interior design and materials, might have to pay over sticker to get one.

What's New for 2003

Further honing its already quite capable MDX, Acura has made a number of key improvements for 2003. First up is a 20-horsepower boost, giving the MDX a total of 260. To support the increased power, there's a revised five-speed automatic transmission, a new stability control system, a strengthened chassis, a retuned suspension and stronger brakes. Inside, the optional navigation system has gained voice recognition capability, enhanced graphics and expanded database coverage. There's also a tailgate-mounted rearview camera this year that transmits its view to the display screen when the vehicle is put in reverse. Lastly, Acura will be offering an optional DVD-based entertainment system as a factory option.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

All purpose family vehicle

Written by: Happy Family Man on 08/23/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	7

Vehicle

2003 Acura MDX Touring AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I purchased my MDX used with 64000 miles after I got my wife and father-in-law to leave the Lexus RX300. The ride is very sporty and comfortable. The roominess paid off immediately on a family trip. The navigation screen is big and simple to use, with voice activation, and the rear entertainment system kept the kids quiet and entertained on the whole trip from Texas to South Carolina. The vehicle ran perfect with no problems, just regular oil changes and services. I feel very comfortable putting my wife and kids in this vehicle anytime. The bland exterior should not distract you from the safety and comfort and style you get for the same luxury as Lexus without the 15000 price increase.

Favorite Features

The navigation system and the rear entertainment system, and most of all the back-up camera, and the controls on the steering wheel so you never have to take your hands off the wheel.

Suggested Improvements

Should not have to always take premium fuel, and maybe a better design for the next model after the 2007 model.

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80,000 Miles and Still a Great SUV

Written by: Keith on 08/15/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

Bought it new in July 2003 for a young family of 5. Road trips, in town, on the beach, in the mountains, deep snow, icy roads, high elevations. It has performed great through all of it. Drove it on NC's beaches on the outer banks and went right past Toyotas stuck in the sand. We now live at 8600' elev. in the Rockies and drive up and down 3000' of elevation change daily, often on unplowed roads. This car is perfectly balanced and always stays in control. We have had no mechanical problems. Only issue has been the seat heater, which quit working a year ago (and very expensive to repair). If I had to do it over again, I definitely would!

All-wheel drive system and handling is the best on-road, foul-weather system you could hope for. Also love the rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Wish I had a heated windshield and daytime running lights.

Just an excellent vehicle!!!!

Written by: Ron on 06/26/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	9

This has been a great vehicle, never had any issues with normal maintenance in 65000 miles.

Nav, and the side mirrors that fold down when you back up.

They have already made it. A power tailgate.

The problems are starting

Written by: GitaS on 06/16/2008


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	6
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	6
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	7

Bought my MDX brand new 4 years ago. Has the most amazing and easy to use navigation system. Reliable drive. Has every feature you could need. Have had some problems though. From the start, I have had problems with starting my car (I live in sunny So. Cal). Battery has been changed twice but still doesn't always fire on the first or even second try. Now as I near 100,000 miles, things are beginning to fall apart. All the features on my steering wheel don't work (including airbag, horn, volume control, cruise cntrl). Passenger seat warmer is kaput. Vent control plastic knob fell off. SVA (or something) sensor failed. The repairs are now getting expensive. Was hoping to drive this for another 100K.

Navig system rocks - so user friendly, best I have encountered. I love the size - not too big (but third row for little people only).

Improve the gas mileage. Improve electrical - too many things are beginning to fail.

Piece of junk falling apart

Written by: gwen on 06/04/2008


Performance:	6	Fun-to-Drive:	5	Build Quality:	2
Comfort:	6	Interior Design:	6	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	4

I bought a 2003 MDX a few months ago, a mistake. It had only a little over 60000 miles and is very poorly built. The transmission has problems. The headliner was cut too short and is falling out in the back. The rear window washer is about to fall off. And the right door has a part loose inside that makes a lot of noise when you close it. I would not buy another Acura. This company used to turn out good cars. What happened?

Appearance.

Improve quality control and start building a good car again.

2003 Acura MDX Consumer Ratings & Reviews