I need a different vehicle for my wife. I've been impressed with most Acuras.

I like the MDX, and so does she. We're both tall, and a taller vehicle helps a lot with getting the baby in and out of the gov't-mandated safety device.

I'd also like comments on the Toyota Sienna, as that's something else we're considering.

jh

 

My friend had an MDX for a while. Really nice car. Smooth as silk, quiet as a mouse, needed a turbo or two though. Very comfortable car.

 

My Dad has a 2001 I believe. It's been solid until the tranny went out a few months ago. Acura then went and covered half of it even though the vehicle was just out of warranty. You have to like that.

 

Acura is coming out with a new model to complete with the BMW X3 and the such for 06'. Smaller than the MDX. The MDX is slated for a new platform in 07'. Look for special trim editions later in 06' to help bolster sales.

 

_______________________

Both good choices
My vote is for the Sienna as much as I dont like minivans they sure are practical. We had one for a while and you just cant believe how user freindly they are and how much room there is. For kids the minivans are the cats meow and IMO the Sienna is tops.

 

Nooooooo not the minivan!!!!


Actually I havent heard anything bad about either vehicle. Though I have heard very good things about both companies, Acura more then Toyota. Havent had a chance to work on the MDX but the Sienna is a minivan and they are a pain in the backside to get on a lift. Other then that no complaints.

 

As I said on the other forum, I've had a 99 Civic Si (the 8000 RPM V-tec buzz bomb) and now have an 03 Acura 3.2TL-S Navi as a commuter car. Neither has ever been to the shop for anything other than routine maintenance.

My wife has said that when her 2000 Durango SLT+ (44K miles) is ready for replacement, she'll be driving an Acura MDX which she's already test driven.

Rusty

 

If you want to search MDX stuff this is a good resource.

http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/

 

If you are considering the Sienna then you have to look at the Honda Odyssey. We just bought a 2006 Odyssey. In my opinion it is better than the Sienna on many fronts. We got the EXL RES which is heated leather and rear DVD entertainment for the kids. I can't even begin to list the features and ammenities. Plus, it has a lot more HP and Torque than the Sienna. They did their homework on the new Odyssey for sure. Test drive both and then compare all of the options, we did and the choice was obvious.

The wife loves the mini van for the kids. We have three boys ages 5, 2, 4 months. Nothing could be easier for her. We looked at everything from the MDX/Pilot to an Excursion and she picked a mini van which wasn't on my original list of approved vehicles. I never thought I would say it but it is a nice vehicle and was the best choice. The 2006 Odyssey is her 3rd one. She had a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan (never again not even if they gave her one) and then a 2003 Odyssey.

 

I like the Odyssey, but reliability is not as high as other Hondas, and they've had teething problems. There have been issues with the auto trannies, leaky windshields, etc. I'm sure the 06 is perfect, but I can't (won't?) afford an 06, so we're looking at earlier (02-04) models, and they Odyssey wasn't as refined and reliable then as it is now.

I like Hondas in general a lot. But all my reading on the Odyssey said that reliability was "average". For a Honda to be merely "average" in reliability is pretty rare because most Hondas are above average or FAR above average for reliability.

If memory serves, Honda also had some problems with the initial product launch of the Pilot SUV (which is similar to an MDX). It may have been the tranny also, as the Oddity, the MDX, and the Pilot all use the same 5-sp auto tranny bolted to the 3.5L V6 (which is a gem of an engine).

Personally, I've become a big fan of Nissan's powertrain engineering. Good auto trannies that match very well to the engine's power curves. Having driven a VQ30-powered Maxima with an auto trans for 103K now (car as 134K on it), I can say I'm most impressed. Tranny STILL has very little slop in it, and engine runs great.

Too bad Nissan's styling is so polarizing-- I personally care for other brands styling much better, and I'm the guy that puts styling DEAD LAST on the list when shopping. Look at the current Nissan minivan for an example of TERRIBLE styling. Beam me up, Soccer Mommy!

 

We test drove an MDX, a Honda Pilot and a Lexus RX-300 3 years ago. We didn't like the Pilot any where near as much as the RX-300 or MDX (handling, interior etc). We liked the MDX but ended up liking the RX-300 more and ended up with it. Liked the drive-ability and handling (car like, not truck/SUV/mininvan like). Really liked the creature comforts as well. Was a hard choice between the 2. Really like how much room is in the back seat of the RX-300, tons of leg room. MDX was a very nice vehicle as well. Not a lot of options when you buy an Acura, which makes the pricing easier. They come with all the options, usually just have to decide if you want Nav or not and what color. A friend has an older 3.2 TL and loves it, but he is on his 2nd or 3rd tranny. Acura stepped up to the plate and gave him an excellent extended warranty on the tranny, as this was not an isolated issue (many others were affected according to him). He has had no problems since the tranny was replaced and as I said, still loves the car.
Tough choice, all excellent vehicles you are looking at.

My .02c

~Rob

 

I own a 2001 MDX and have worked for Acura as a Service advisor. If you are planning on getting a newer one get a 2003 or newer as they have made significant improvements in both sound, ride and power from the 2001 model. I serviced my trans. every 15,000 miles since new and just this week had to have it replaced (93,000 miles) As for the rest of the vehicle VERY GOOD! Seeing them in the dealership you get to see the overall service record and without a doubt the transmission was the only real problem on the 2001 & 2002 models. New ones are excellent and they all can be towed behind an RV. Need any more info let me know. I plan on keeping mine another 100,000 miles.

 

I would go for the Sienna. Minivans have a stigma, but are very practical. They usually get better mpg, have more room, and often cheaper than an SUV. I would recommend any Toyota, as every one I or my family has owned has been very trouble free, including models ranging from 1984 to 2006. We have a Solara now and it nice. The Sienna is available with all wheel drive and a lot of other nice feature. good luck with whatever you choose. And something else to condsider may be the new RAV4. It was just redone and while I haven't looked at one, the pictures and specs are nice.

Nick