2005 Acura MDX Review
Fuel Economy
17 mpg
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.
Cons
Limited off-road capability, below-average tow rating, ho-hum interior design and materials.
What's New for 2005
This year the MDX receives standard XM Satellite Radio, a Bluetooth hands-free cell phone interface on Touring models, a larger fuel tank and an enhanced stability control system. The optional rear entertainment system now includes an in-dash six-disc CD changer, and the navigation system has an enhanced database. MDXs with navigation also include the OnStar communications system.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Extended warranty
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Acura MDX AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I have this truck for over 4years, I took to dealer at least 5 times for various problem.... Nice design, need to improve quality... Starter, Valve, Transmission, shock-- etc some of the few problems that have with this truck....
Favorite Features
Ride is O.K.
Suggested Improvements
They need to work on transmission.
Outstanding Family Vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Acura MDX Touring AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
The MDX is overall a truly outstanding family vehicle. Ours has 74,000 miles of intense use and wear. The balance of comfort, utility, passenger space, cargo room, handling and performance is remarkable. Honda is a packaging genius for figuring out how to create so much space in a reasonably compact vehicle. Acceleration is good for a heavy vehicle. Interior room is excellent and the leather seats are comfortable and durable. Many long road trips have been completed with enjoyment and ease. My wife and I have 3 children, aged 4-11. Gas mileage is solid, 16 city, 24-25 pure highway. An early electrical problem was fixed and we have had no other issues. We will keep our MDX for years.
Favorite Features
Comfort, passenger room, cargo room. Driving position and view. Exterior design (roundly criticized as dull, but I think just the right look for this type of vehicle).
Suggested Improvements
Softer touch plastics on the dashboard and center console. Replacement of plastic wood with real wood or metal.
Rear main seal - transmission
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Acura MDX AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Barely out of warranty and the rear main seal (rear crankshaft seal) failed. The sad part is I just paid off this sucker. Transmission also started to develop problems. Replacing the rear main seal can cost upward $2000 (mostly labor) but this won't stop the other transmission related problems. I finally gave up and traded it in for a new car. This was a loss-loss situation for me. Acura quality is falling apart. Sadly, I am not the only ones being affected by this...avoid at all cost!
Favorite Features
Cargo room.
Suggested Improvements
All over...
I thought Acura/Honda's were relable?
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Acura MDX AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I really liked the features of the vehicle. Drove it one week and started hearing a "rumbling" noise around 30-40 mph. Seemed like the transmission was having problems shifting. Dealer had it for two weeks, had to rebuild the transmission and replace the torque converter. Luckily I will have 3 years/36,000 mile warranty on the transmission. Besides that, nothing else to complain about so far. I thought Acura/Hondas were supposed to be very reliable?
Favorite Features
Interior is roomy, comfortable for a tall person.
Suggested Improvements
Fix the transmission problem, better fuel economy.
My Wife Loves this Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Acura MDX Touring AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This is a great car. Comfortable seats, quiet, smooth. My wife's friends always ask her to drive because they all love this car. Very reliable - transmission replaced under warranty, no other problems.
Favorite Features
Plenty of power and the all wheel drive make it a sporty and sure footed. Parks easily. Dealership experience - They treat you great and take a lot of pride is keeping your vehicle in top shape.
Suggested Improvements
I wish my MDX had the same stereo as my TL. Other than that this car is near perfect as is. Actually, I have driven newer MDXs and prefer the 2005 model to the newer "improved" models.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Acura MDX
- 2008 Acura MDX
- 2007 Acura MDX
- 2006 Acura MDX
- 2005 Acura MDX
- 2004 Acura MDX
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