The Acura MDX (Honda MDX in Japan) is a midsize SUV built by Honda of Canada Manufacturing Ltd. in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. It was introduced in late 2000 as a 2001 model. In 2003, the MDX went on sale in Japan.
Derived from Honda's Global Midsize Platform, that underpins such cars as the Honda Accord, Acura TL, Acura TSX and the Honda Odyssey, it is powered by a J35A3 3.5 L SOHC 24 valve V6 with VTEC. This 3471 cc (3.5 in x 3.6 in) engine produces 265 hp (198 kW) and 253 ft.lbf (343 Nm). Curb weight is 4451 lb (2019 kg), with a 106.3 in (2.7 m) wheelbase and 8 in (203 mm) of ground clearance. The cargo floor can flip up to provide two additional seats. The vehicle is designed to hold 7 passengers. The vehicle features an automatic four wheel drive system that engages only when wheel slippage is detected. The system runs as front wheel drive during normal operation.
The navigation system and DVD entertainment system options were mutually exclusive in the 2002 model. Both could be ordered at the same time since the 2003 model. The navigation option comes with a rear view video camera since the 2003 model. The 2003 model was rated as Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV.) EPA estimates 23 mpg highway, 17 mpg local.
In the 2004 model, the engine was improved to produce 5 hp (4 kW) more power than the 2003 model. The 2004 model features dual tail pipes instead of the single pipe in earlier models. Some chrome trimmings on the 2004 model use matte finish to distinguish from the polished shiny finish on earlier models.
Awards
The MDX won the the North American Truck of the Year award for 2001. The MDX was also Car and Driver magazine's Best Luxury SUV and Motor Trend magazine's Sport/Utility of the Year that year.
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