2008 Acura MDX

[JosephD05]

SO I have a friend who wants to purchase me out of my lease, and since my miles are high I think it's worth it. The reason I am not getting another 4runner is the terrible seating position. When you're 6"4', the low seats make for terrible thigh support and plenty of fatigue. Other than that, the drivers seat squeeks a bunch. It's been already replaced once 20K miles ago, I may take it in again before my warranty is up. SO, I am looking for my next truck. I test drove the MDX since I don't really off road, I figure I could trade in some off road ability for luxury.

Positives: The MDX was much more comfortable and had more techno gadgets. The memory function wasn't only for the seats, it also remembers the mirrors and steering column. The TRI zone AC was another cool feature. Also the Honda NAV system is the best in the biz, although I hate the stupid rotary dial they have now instead of the touch screen. The MDX seemed very roomy, and the second and third row simply fold down flat.

Negatives: The drivetrain is not on the same level as my V8 4runner. It did not have much low end torque and needed to be revved high to get anywhere in a hurry. Also, I could feel the engine vibrations on the steering wheel and shifter. This is NOT the case on my 4runner. Of course with the independent rear, it behaved better on the potholes, but not by much. I have always found Toyotas do a much better job of isolating a driver from the road than Hondas do, and this is no different.

Next car to test drive will be the Highlander. Looks to be 40K fully loaded without the DVD player, which I don't need. I could probably get it for 37K. I hear their residuals stink now, so leases are high. I may wait a couple of months. The only knock on the Highlander I see is NO MEMORY SEATS? WTF? How can the off road centric 4runner have this and not the family centric Highlander? Oh well, I love the car's looks and interior looks real nice. I sat in one, and I think it's more comfy than the runner, at least when it comes to thigh support. I'll see how it goes. I will miss my V8 though!!!!

PS: I don't have a need for towing ability either.

 

[ProMed]

Also the Honda NAV system is the best in the biz, although I hate the stupid rotary dial they have now instead of the touch screen.

My Mom has an 08 MDX with the tech and "performance"(?) or something package. The thing handles like it is on rails, but I have to both agree and disagree with you on the Nav. The rotary dial does suck, but the actual Nav itself sucks as well. The factory nav in my t4r has a much sharper image and less of that cartoon look to it like the acura. imo of course.

 

[JosephD05]

Re: Re: 2008 Acura MDX

My Mom has an 08 MDX with the tech and "performance"(?) or something package. The thing handles like it is on rails, but I have to both agree and disagree with you on the Nav. The rotary dial does suck, but the actual Nav itself sucks as well. The factory nav in my t4r has a much sharper image and less of that cartoon look to it like the acura. imo of course.

Forget the display, which I think is also very good, I just mean the way the software is designed. The honda NAV destroys the Toyota. I mean, the 4runner nav is a pain, and the voice commands are also not too intuitive. Also, in the honda you can enter while driving. None of this stupid babysitting garbage. (yes i know about the hack) The Honda also has much more accurate listings of businesses, and many more categories. Hey man, I LOVE the 4runner, but the NAV (Same as Lexus) doesn't compare. I wouldn't buy a vehicle solely for the NAV anyways, I'm just saying. Just my two cents.

 

[ProMed]

Re: Re: Re: 2008 Acura MDX

Forget the display, which I think is also very good, I just mean the way the software is designed. The honda NAV destroys the Toyota. I mean, the 4runner nav is a pain, and the voice commands are also not too intuitive. Also, in the honda you can enter while driving. None of this stupid babysitting garbage. (yes i know about the hack) The Honda also has much more accurate listings of businesses, and many more categories. Hey man, I LOVE the 4runner, but the NAV (Same as Lexus) doesn't compare. I wouldn't buy a vehicle solely for the NAV anyways, I'm just saying. Just my two cents.

I agree the voice control is much better on the MDX, no comparison there. It is not only more intuitive, but also seems to be less sensitive to unperfect dictation. My main problem with the MDX nav is that it looks like a cartoon, with very poor resolution. Reminds me of the old navs from the early 90's. I tried every possible combination of colors it allows you to use (which is another cool feature) and they were all still very cheesy. Thankfully I was able to create a disc to keep the hack in place even with the newest updates, it is still a pain in the ass, but having the hack does help make it more tolerable.

To say the Honda Nav destroys the Toy is a big stretch imo. If they made it a touchscreen, and got rid of the outdated resolution then it would be a no-brainer. However, both of those are big flaws to me.

 

[Thai]

I think that both Toyota and Honda use the same mapset, Navtech...so, the actual listing should be the same, unless the Acura version is more updated than your 4runner's.

 

[Uneek]

Don't know about the present nav. But the 2001 and 2003 Acura, and 2002 Honda nav systems that I've used were horrible. The calculations are slow, if you miss an exit, it's almost a good minute before it gives a new route.

 

[JosephD05]

Don't know about the present nav. But the 2001 and 2003 Acura, and 2002 Honda nav systems that I've used were horrible. The calculations are slow, if you miss an exit, it's almost a good minute before it gives a new route.

I had an accord, last generation. 2003 I think, first accord with nav. EXCELLENT system. Blew away my 06 limited, thats for sure. New acura? not even close. It recognizes 1.7 MILLION street names and cities, so you can enter destination addresses completely hands free. THAT IS SO PIMP!

 

[Mark86]

My brother has a 2007 MDX with the technology package and it is a great vehicle. The MDX handles extremely well around the corners. The steering also feels great with lots of feedback. The Acura is much more technologically advanced than my Toyota with traffic nav, configuring everything through the dash, speed sensitive intermittent wipers, climate control that can adjust to sunlight, etc. On the other hand, I will take the power in my V8 4Runner any day. The exhaust sounds great on the Acura, but it is more noise than power. You feel the difference greatly when going up hills.

Overall, I find the navigation display and the software much better on my 4Runner. It is much easier to program a destination on my 4Runner with the touch screen and the menus are clearer. Also, the display on the Acura has very poor resolution. It almost looks like an old school display with all the grain.

I would highly recommend the MDX over any other crossover out there at the price level. You get a lot for your money and Honda makes a great vehicle. It has many cool feature that you still can't get on a reasonably priced Toyota.

 

[JosephD05]

My brother has a 2007 MDX with the technology package and it is a great vehicle. The MDX handles extremely well around the corners. The steering also feels great with lots of feedback. The Acura is much more technologically advanced than my Toyota with traffic nav, configuring everything through the dash, speed sensitive intermittent wipers, climate control that can adjust to sunlight, etc. On the other hand, I will take the power in my V8 4Runner any day. The exhaust sounds great on the Acura, but it is more noise than power. You feel the difference greatly when going up hills.

Overall, I find the navigation display and the software much better on my 4Runner. It is much easier to program a destination on my 4Runner with the touch screen and the menus are clearer. Also, the display on the Acura has very poor resolution. It almost looks like an old school display with all the grain.

I would highly recommend the MDX over any other crossover out there at the price level. You get a lot for your money and Honda makes a great vehicle. It has many cool feature that you still can't get on a reasonably priced Toyota.

I agree 100%. the V8 is addictive, not easy to get rid of.

 

[Thai]

I would highly recommend the MDX over any other crossover out there at the price level. You get a lot for your money and Honda makes a great vehicle. It has many cool feature that you still can't get on a reasonably priced Toyota.

I would rather get a Sienna Ltd. (just kidding.)

 

[MAC4Runner]

I can't speak to the 2008 MDX, but my 2005 has been bulletproof. It's a great crossover. :bigok:

 

[mikeync]

End Result?

Joseph - what did you end up going with??

I test drove the 4runner and loved it. We just had a lot of snow and the vehicle performed beyond expectations. However, when I brought the wife and we both tried the passenger seats neither one of us could stand it. I understand why there isn't more height for the legs, but that doesn't change the fact that it was unbearable for both of us

So very sad and dissapointed I am now looking for other vehicles that can handle on-road BAD conditions (lots of snow, ice and inclines) but not off-road. So interested in what you ended up with and if you tried any other vehicle out there.

I am going to check out the Touareg - but it is really more money than I want to spend...

 

[MAC4Runner]

Re: End Result?

Joseph - what did you end up going with??

I test drove the 4runner and loved it. We just had a lot of snow and the vehicle performed beyond expectations. However, when I brought the wife and we both tried the passenger seats neither one of us could stand it. I understand why there isn't more height for the legs, but that doesn't change the fact that it was unbearable for both of us

So very sad and dissapointed I am now looking for other vehicles that can handle on-road BAD conditions (lots of snow, ice and inclines) but not off-road. So interested in what you ended up with and if you tried any other vehicle out there.

I am going to check out the Touareg - but it is really more money than I want to spend...

Run from the touareg unless you have a GREAT mechanic!

 

[mikeync]

Really

Really that bad?

Well for the money I can get the GX470 so going to check that out first, but the Touareg seemed like a good option... hmm will look into their reliability record more.

Last one one my list would be the MDX, but that seems to be more a "comfort" ride... not sure how that all-wheel drive system Acura has matches up.

 

[Mark86]

Re: Really

Really that bad?

Well for the money I can get the GX470 so going to check that out first, but the Touareg seemed like a good option... hmm will look into their reliability record more.

Last one one my list would be the MDX, but that seems to be more a "comfort" ride... not sure how that all-wheel drive system Acura has matches up.

If you are between the MDX, GX470, or Touareg go with the MDX! That is my 2nd favorite vehicle behind the 4Runner. If you want, I can recommend a pretty good Acura dealer in the area.

 

[JosephD05]

Re: End Result?

Joseph - what did you end up going with??

I test drove the 4runner and loved it. We just had a lot of snow and the vehicle performed beyond expectations. However, when I brought the wife and we both tried the passenger seats neither one of us could stand it. I understand why there isn't more height for the legs, but that doesn't change the fact that it was unbearable for both of us

So very sad and dissapointed I am now looking for other vehicles that can handle on-road BAD conditions (lots of snow, ice and inclines) but not off-road. So interested in what you ended up with and if you tried any other vehicle out there.

I am going to check out the Touareg - but it is really more money than I want to spend...

In the past weeks, I test drove numerous cars including the MDX. I was dissappointed to say the least. the MDX was not nearly as refined as the 4runner when it came to the drive train and road isolation. The engine was weak with no low end grunt. I love the V8 refinement in the 4runner, maybe it spoiled me.

On teh positive side, the MDX was comfy and had more cool techno gadgets, but thats it.

I also test drove a Jeep Commander (garbage, drove VERY BIG), Ford Explorer (very unrefined, cheap plastics everywhere, BUT best seats), Highlander ( VERY VERY BORING, felt like a woman driving it), Pathfinder (No telescopic steering, felt cheap inside) .

Next vehicle I'll be test driving will be the 09 pilot in the spring. If that doesn't satisfy me, I'll keep my rig until the least is up (april 09), then lease month to month until new 4runner comes out.

Good luck.

 

[Sramblur]

I just traded my 2005 Honda Pilot for a new V8 4Runner Limited at the beginning of the year. If I didn't own a boat that weighs over 5K w/trailer (over Pilot's tow rating) I would have kept the Pilot. My mom actually has a 2004 Lexus GX470 and she was going to trade it for the MDX until my step dad decided to take if off her hands. One test drive of the MDX and she was sold. So was I, but unfortunately I have a 21ft boat and they get to keep their 30 foot Sea Ray bowrider in front of their condo on the intercoastal. Unfortunately I don't have the same luxury and have to tow it. If I didn't need a tow vehicle I would choose the MDX any day over the 4Runner as I think it is more luxurious inside! Don't get me wrong, I am happy with the 4Runner, but if I were just buying something for towing I'd buy the Pathfinder. Unfortunately for Nissan I think their products are a piece of &^%$ as every friend I've know has countless problems with them. I would also liked the better mileage of the MDX too, but then again I don't have to feed the 4Runner Premium gas!

 

[JosephD05]

An astonishing turn of events! I am getting an MDX!! I 'm ok with not having the same low end torque, and love the rest. The ONLY reason I am not keeping my runner is the terrible seats for me since I am tall. The lack of thigh support is a real pain in the arse, and I REFUSE to make huge payments and be uncomfortable. Toyota needs to realize that here in AMERICA, there are plenty of consumers well over 6' tall. Other than that, a FANTASTIC vehicle. I will miss the ruggedness, although I have no use for it. Here in Jersey, there is no need for an off road monster, and I do not tow. I would rather have the luxury. I will be financing the MDX as there is fantastic 2.9% financing now. 6 years down the road, I can see myself looking for the next generation Lexus GX series though. I am and will always be a Toyota fan. Even since my 94 Supra TT, I have a love affair with Toyota's quality, luxury feel and impecible reliability track record although lately that has been questioned. I did test drive the new Seqouioa, and the interior fit and finish is a disgrace!!!!! Reminded me of a mid 90s GM truck. Very upsetting. Hopefully this is an abaration.

 

[mikeync]

4Runner

Joseph - thanks for the update. Honestly we have the exact same reason why we are not buying the car. I am 6.1 and my wife is 5.8 - as bad as it is for the driver it is 10 times worse for the passenger. I would have been ok as driver, but my wife couldn't stand the other side (neither could I when I sat there). We went and looked at the GX - same thing.

The Sequia is much better, but still you can't raise the passenger seat... I just can't believe it.

We are ending up with an Armada. I know I am getting inferior quality and not the same deep snow capability, but completely loaded at $40k I can afford a few towes, and quite a bit more gas (especially compared to the Sequia).