2003 Acura MDX Review
2003 Acura MDX Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds says
A somewhat bland but otherwise utterly capable and perfectly useful crossover SUV.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Acura MDX AWD 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 $4.64 per gallon for premium unleaded in Arizona.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Arizona
$328/mo for MDX Base
MDX Base
vs
$214/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Acura MDX.
5 star(79%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
304 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
I love my MDX
andy3631, 03/23/2013
2003 Acura MDX AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I have had my Acura for about 7 years now and I absolutely love it. I bought it with 70,000 miles on it and I currently have 209,000 miles. I have never had any major problems
with it. I actually drove about 2000 miles from Chicago to California and it drove great. I hope to have it for another 200,000 miles.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Keeps on going
rquigley1, 01/14/2012
2003 Acura MDX Touring AWD 4dr SUV w/Nav and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I was the 2nd owner. Bought in 4 years ago with 100k on the odometer. Super reliable. Changed timing belt at 140k and follow the service recommendations. I do all my own work from fluids to plugs etc. Read some posts about a tranny shift problem and noticed a little hesitation around 170k. I did a triple flush of the AT fluid and care is running just fine. I expect to get it to 200k and … then buy the current body style acura. Only real problem is a hum in the stereo and loud whine in the rear dvd system after about an hour of operation. For the money- a super car.
5 out of 5 stars
best car yet
klaire funderburgh, 09/09/2018
2003 Acura MDX Touring AWD 4dr SUV w/Nav (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
bought this car with 182xxx and i’ve put 6,000 so far. owned it around 4 months and has 0 problems. drives and rides so much better than any other car we’ve had, chevy, jeep, honda and ford. i LOVE the inside and out, both are very nice looking and stay clean fairly easily. i’m a nanny and have car seats in and out of car all the time...LATCH system makes it easy to install and remove … and leaves plenty of space for kiddos. nice sized suv. i live at 9000ft in conifer colorado and it does just fine on all out twisty roads even with power steering issues. seems to have descent traction on ivey roads. overall i’m in awe at acura, they really did a nice job with this one
2.13 out of 5 stars
Thinking of an '03 Acura MDX? Run Away!!!!!!
mvegastar, 02/21/2012
2003 Acura MDX Touring AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
My husband and I have owned a lot of different makes and models in our time, but we have had the WORST experience with our '03 Acura MDX.
We are the 2nd owner of the car, clean carfax report, bought it with 48K miles.
Owing it less than 4 yrs, not including regular maint such as oil changes, brakes and tires, we have spent over $15k on repairs!
Two transmissions, a motor, a paint job and … breaking down on vacations twice to name some if it!
This car has been a nightmare and Acura could care less since we bought it used.
When reading other reviews, the transmission is clearly a problem, but has there been a recall? Nope.
I hope sharing our experience will help others avoid the same pain
2003 MDX Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $35,700 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $328/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the MDX include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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 RestraintPoor
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