The Acura MDX, or Honda MDX as known in Japan and Australia (only first generation was imported) , is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Acura since the 2001 model year. The MDX was the first crossover SUV to have third-row seating. It is related to the Honda Pilot. The alphanumeric moniker stands for "Multi-Dimensional luxury". It is built by Honda of Canada Manufacturing Ltd. in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. It was introduced in late 2000 as a 2001 model, replacing the slow-selling U.S.-only body-on-frame SLX, based on the Isuzu Trooper. In Japan, it filled a gap when the Honda Horizon (also based on the Trooper) was discontinued in 1999. In 2003, the Honda MDX went on sale in Japan and Australia. Australian MDXs were all equipped with the 2001-2003 Touring 'Kiwi' style wheels and were all equipped with the Rear-Seat DVD entertainment system. For 2009, Acura created a crossover to slot above the MDX, called the ZDX, and it is a four-door coupe similar in appearance to the BMW X6 and the Honda Crosstour.
Acura MDX (1G MDX) First Generation (2001-2006)
Manufacturer Honda ! Also called Honda MDX ! Production 2001–present (Acura) 2003–2006 (Honda) ! Assembly Alliston, Ontario, Canada ! Predecessor Acura SLX ! Class Mid-size crossover SUV ! Layout Front engine, four-wheel drive.
The Acura MDX, or Honda MDX
Acura MDX (1G MDX) First Generation (2001-2006) Manufacturer Honda ! Also called Honda MDX ! Production 2001–present (Acura) 2003–2006 (Honda) ! Assembly Alliston, Ontario, Canada ! Predecessor Acura SLX ! Class Mid-size crossover SUV ! Layout Front engine, four-wheel drive.
The Acura MDX comes with a high level of standard equipment, including a power moonroof, leather interior, and high intensity discharge (Xenon) low beam headlights. From 2007 - 2009 model years, three option packages were available: Sport, Technology and Entertainment.
- The Technology Package includes the Acura/Alpine DVD-based satellite GPS navigation system with AcuraLink satellite communications with real-time traffic reporting (XM NavTraffic), a 410-watt Acura/ELS DTS Surround audio system with XM Satellite Radio, rearview camera, and a remote powered liftgate, operated either from the key's remote, inside the car or directly from the lift gate.
- The Sport Package featured active suspension dampers (co-developed by Honda and Delphi) that dynamically improves handling according to road conditions with a button in the center stack to switch to Sport/Comfort modes. This Comfort/Sport mode uses magneto rheological dampers, which change their characteristics when a magnetic field is introduced (usually in milliseconds). The Sport package also includes unique 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, perforated leather seats and the items in the Technology package.
- The Entertainment Package offers a flip-down 9-inch (230 mm) LCD screen with 2 wireless Dolby Digital headphones, second-row heated outboard seats, and a unique center-stack silver trim. The Entertainment Package is only available on Sport or Technology Package models as compared to the 1st Generation MDX where the Entertainment Package was available as a standalone package on Touring Models.
