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Auto Trex Car Review 2006 Acura MDX

The MDX is Acura’s midsize luxury crossover SUV with seating for seven occupants. Acura was one of the first import luxury brands to offer a sport utility in 1996, with the the SLX, which was a rebadged Isuzu Trooper.

Minor changes for 2006 include an ebony-colored Zebra wood pattern on the center console and door switches, and satin chrome interior accents added to Touring Package-equipped models. Amazon Green Metallic has been added to the exterior color palette.



Acura began work on the MDX design concept, which was created at Hondas R&D facilities in Torrance, Calif. The MDX concept vehicle was unveiled at the 2000 North American International Auto Show and the production version debuted a few months later at the 2000 New York Auto Show.

In addition, the 2006 MDX is designed to meet Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards, even in California.

More Power

A dual exhaust system increases horsepower of the smooth 3.5-liter V6 to 265 from 260, besides adding more torque and lowering emissions.

Equipment levels significantly affect list prices. The base MDX costs $36,400 and has enough equipment to satisfy most buyers. The $39,000 Touring version adds such items as a front power passenger seat and higher-line sound system.

Prices top the $40,000 mark to cost $41,200 with a navigation system and rearview camera and go to $42,700 with a navigation system and DVD player.

Interior is airy, upscale

Inside the MDX, the look is upscale, yet restrained. The quirky pods and mixed shapes that the RX 300 has arent here, thank goodness. But the wood trim is fake.

A display screen sits in the center of the dashboard to transmit information to the driver about interior temperature, trip mileage and direction the vehicle is headed. This display also conveys navigation information if the MDX is outfitted with the optional nav system.

Built on the platform of the Honda Odyssey, the MDX is a bit larger inside and out than the RX 300 and M-Class. The overall feel inside, with standard moonroof, is airy, as even side glass windows are decent-sized.

That MDXs third-row seats, which are closest to cargo in back and thus come with easy-clean vinyl seat covering rather than the leather thats on all the other MDX seats, can accommodate more than just the kids, at least for a while. At 5 foot 4, I sat back there with enough comfort on a long highway drive that I fell asleep.

Maybe it was due to the quiet interior. In fact, its quiet enough that I could hold a conversation easily with the driver, even if I was seated back in the MDXs third row of seats.
But I noticed, in back-to-back drives of vehicles with and without roof racks, that the MDX with roof rack has more wind noise.

The two separate seats in the third row have six recline positions. The second-row seats have seven. But its awkward to get at the levers that control those positions when youre in the vehicle, easier when youre standing outside.

And the position of the dead pedal for the drivers left foot wasnt as comfortable as I would have liked.

Fun to Drive

The MDX is fun to drive. Acceleration is strong, and the fast steering is nicely weighted. Handling is very good as long as you dont try to drive as if in a Porsche Cayenne sport ute. Helping stability are a low center of gravity, front and rear stabilizer bars, large 17-inch wheels and a wide track.

Stability is enhanced by a Vehicle Stability Assist system. That system works with the all-wheel-drive system and electronic "drive-by-wire" throttle control system to provide enhanced control during acceleration, cornering and braking. The brake pedal has a linear feel, and stopping distances are short during moderately hard braking.

Pros: Tremendous quality - Acura has really thought of everything. An absolute dream to drive. Best navigation system Ive seen.

Cons: Nothing.

Overall Review: This is a fantastic SUV that is comfortable and fun to drive. I looked at BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo SUVs and none of them came close to the Acura MDX in overall value. Im averaging 18-22 MPG, which is great for a 250 HP V-6 engine. Also, Acura service is top-notch. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a luxury SUV.