Introduction to the 2006 Acura MDX
Introduction to the 2006 Acura MDX
If the 2006 Acura MDX were a baseball player, it might have been Cal Ripken, Jr. Solid, dependable, with ample power and class. Since its introduction in 2000 as a 2001, the MDX has quietly evolved into a leader. For a list price of $44,200 ($44,815 as tested with $615 Destination charge), the 2006 Acura MDX Touring edition comes well-equipped and carrying a 4 year/50,000 mile basic warranty and a 6 year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty.
Step into the batter's box, MDX. Let's see what you've got.
Big glass abounds all around, with narrow pillars between the panes to make for smaller blind spots -- Acura claims 288 degrees of visibility, and I have no reason to doubt them.
Fit and finish are top notch, with great paint quality, even, tight gaps and seams and a general air of quality. The Acura MDX is not overly dressed with chrome, just a few accents here and there ? the door handles, grille, headlight/taillight surrounds and rear liftgate get simple, tasteful adornment.
The standard 17" wheels are nice, but the MDX might look a little cooler with 18" or even a set of 20" wheels -- hey, a little flash never killed anybody, right? Hasn't Ripken got those baby blue eyes?
] Sliding into the MDX's driver's seat is a pleasure, and not too big of a climb. The seat itself is great -- 8 way power includes a fantastic lumbar adjustment. The leather seating surfaces are lovely, supple and well-padded with good side bolstering. Very comfortable.
The Acura MDX's tilt steering wheel (what, no telescope?!) is substantial and features redundant controls for the audio, cruise control, hands-free phone and voice command.
Big, clear round gauges above the wheel give the essential information. The center stack houses the fun center -- I mean the navigation system and audio controls. Every MDX comes standard with a nav system, and it's a good one. Many of the SUV's electronic functions are integrated and can be operated through onscreen menus or voice commands. Having voice command in your SUV is kind of like having a traveling companion from another country -- at first, it's frustrating to find a common language. Once you find the right words and phrases to communicate, it's fun to make the connection. I never get as much satisfaction out of turning up the sound on the radio with the twist of a knob as I do saying "Volume Increase" and having my command executed. So, like Ripken, the MDX is smarter than the average competitor.
Cal was never known for his power at the plate or his speed on the base paths, but he always had enough of both to get the job done when it counted. The Acura MDX is the same, with its 3.5 liter V6 pumping out 253 hp and 250 lb ft of torque, it's hardly a class leader. But I never felt at a loss for power or speed while driving the MDX. The five-speed automatic transmission is a big help, keeping the engine in its powerband.
The MDX has a drive-by-wire throttle system which electronically interprets your pressure on the pedal into throttle inputs. It works transparently -- you'll never know the difference in day-to-day driving. Out on the highway, drive-by-wire makes cruise control smooth and efficient, making long trips more comfortable.
For a 4500 lb vehicle, the MDX is composed, if not nimble, exhibiting minimal body roll and inspiring confidence on twisty roads. The four-wheel independent suspension delivers a smooth ride over most surfaces, yet still retains good road feel.
The Acura MDX's third row seating is easily accessible, and okay for short trips for adults. Both rear and third-row seats recline a little. Cargo room with the third-row seats up is about 14 cubic feet -- parents with big strollers will want to check the fit carefully.
If you're looking for a full-featured luxury SUV, you might compare the Acura MDX with the BMW X5, Lexus RX 330, Volvo XC90, Land Rover LR3, Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. You might also look at the Toyota 4Runner, the Nissan Pathfinder and even the Honda Pilot, which can save you a few thousand over the MDX. Don't forget the Ford Explorer -- the Mark McGwire of SUVs. It does with bulk and brute strength what the MDX accomplishes with finesse.
If you're like me, and your SUV stays mainly on the road and hauls people, not cargo, the MDX is a great choice. You'll get that vaunted Honda/Acura reliability and quality, even if you don't have the flashiest SUV on the block. Sometimes a great all-around player is a better member of your team than a player who excels in just one area -- isn't that what made Cal Ripken, Jr. one of the all time greats?
If the 2006 Acura MDX were a baseball player, it might have been Cal Ripken, Jr. Solid, dependable, with ample power and class. Since its introduction in 2000 as a 2001, the MDX has quietly evolved into a leader. For a list price of $44,200 ($44,815 as tested with $615 Destination charge), the 2006 Acura MDX Touring edition comes well-equipped and carrying a 4 year/50,000 mile basic warranty and a 6 year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty.
Step into the batter's box, MDX. Let's see what you've got.
First Impressions of the 2006 Acura MDX
It's hard to tell how big a ballplayer is out in the field. It's the same with the MDX -- its design camouflages its size. Get up close, though, and you'll see that the Acura MDX is quite long (188.7") and wide (77"). A relatively low roofline (71") keeps the MDX in scale. Its low, sloping hood is much more minivan-like than most large SUV's. A gently rising waistline gives the appearance of forward movement. Gentle fender flares accent the wheel wells, unlike the current design trend toward overly muscular haunches on SUVs. Like Ripken, the MDX is no steroidal show-off.Big glass abounds all around, with narrow pillars between the panes to make for smaller blind spots -- Acura claims 288 degrees of visibility, and I have no reason to doubt them.
Fit and finish are top notch, with great paint quality, even, tight gaps and seams and a general air of quality. The Acura MDX is not overly dressed with chrome, just a few accents here and there ? the door handles, grille, headlight/taillight surrounds and rear liftgate get simple, tasteful adornment.
The standard 17" wheels are nice, but the MDX might look a little cooler with 18" or even a set of 20" wheels -- hey, a little flash never killed anybody, right? Hasn't Ripken got those baby blue eyes?
] Sliding into the MDX's driver's seat is a pleasure, and not too big of a climb. The seat itself is great -- 8 way power includes a fantastic lumbar adjustment. The leather seating surfaces are lovely, supple and well-padded with good side bolstering. Very comfortable.
The Acura MDX's tilt steering wheel (what, no telescope?!) is substantial and features redundant controls for the audio, cruise control, hands-free phone and voice command.
Big, clear round gauges above the wheel give the essential information. The center stack houses the fun center -- I mean the navigation system and audio controls. Every MDX comes standard with a nav system, and it's a good one. Many of the SUV's electronic functions are integrated and can be operated through onscreen menus or voice commands. Having voice command in your SUV is kind of like having a traveling companion from another country -- at first, it's frustrating to find a common language. Once you find the right words and phrases to communicate, it's fun to make the connection. I never get as much satisfaction out of turning up the sound on the radio with the twist of a knob as I do saying "Volume Increase" and having my command executed. So, like Ripken, the MDX is smarter than the average competitor.
Cal was never known for his power at the plate or his speed on the base paths, but he always had enough of both to get the job done when it counted. The Acura MDX is the same, with its 3.5 liter V6 pumping out 253 hp and 250 lb ft of torque, it's hardly a class leader. But I never felt at a loss for power or speed while driving the MDX. The five-speed automatic transmission is a big help, keeping the engine in its powerband.
The MDX has a drive-by-wire throttle system which electronically interprets your pressure on the pedal into throttle inputs. It works transparently -- you'll never know the difference in day-to-day driving. Out on the highway, drive-by-wire makes cruise control smooth and efficient, making long trips more comfortable.
For a 4500 lb vehicle, the MDX is composed, if not nimble, exhibiting minimal body roll and inspiring confidence on twisty roads. The four-wheel independent suspension delivers a smooth ride over most surfaces, yet still retains good road feel.
The Acura MDX's third row seating is easily accessible, and okay for short trips for adults. Both rear and third-row seats recline a little. Cargo room with the third-row seats up is about 14 cubic feet -- parents with big strollers will want to check the fit carefully.
Journey's End
Everybody's got a favorite SUV, just like everybody's got a favorite ballplayer. The right choice depends on your budget, your needs and your taste. The Acura MDX is usually classified as a mid-size SUV, but it is really closer to a full-size because of its seven-passenger capacity. The EPA estimates that you can expect 17 mpg city/23 highway from your MDX -- right in the middle of the pack.If you're looking for a full-featured luxury SUV, you might compare the Acura MDX with the BMW X5, Lexus RX 330, Volvo XC90, Land Rover LR3, Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. You might also look at the Toyota 4Runner, the Nissan Pathfinder and even the Honda Pilot, which can save you a few thousand over the MDX. Don't forget the Ford Explorer -- the Mark McGwire of SUVs. It does with bulk and brute strength what the MDX accomplishes with finesse.
If you're like me, and your SUV stays mainly on the road and hauls people, not cargo, the MDX is a great choice. You'll get that vaunted Honda/Acura reliability and quality, even if you don't have the flashiest SUV on the block. Sometimes a great all-around player is a better member of your team than a player who excels in just one area -- isn't that what made Cal Ripken, Jr. one of the all time greats?
