Verdict
B
← Acura MDX · 2001-2006 · YD1
Acura MDX 1st Gen (YD1)
First three-row luxury SUV with three rows standard. Canada-built, 3.5L V6, won Motor Trend SUV of the Year.
BHP
240-265 bhp
0–60
8.6 s
Top speed
115 mph
MPG
20.0 mpg
Used
$3,000-$8,000
The first MDX launched October 2000 as a 2001 model, replacing the body-on-frame Isuzu-Trooper-based SLX. Built at Honda of Canada in Alliston, Ontario, on Honda's global mid-size unibody platform shared with the Accord and Odyssey. 3.5-litre J35 V6 — 240 hp at launch, bumped to 265 hp from 2003. Five-speed automatic, VTM-4 all-wheel drive (Variable Torque Management), three-row seating standard. Won Motor Trend SUV of the Year and North American Truck of the Year for 2001. Reliability has been strong, though the 5-speed automatic has had some torque-converter issues. Now a cheap, capable used SUV — clean examples under $8k.
Strengths
- First luxury SUV with three-row seating as standard
- Honda mechanical reliability — these run forever
- Comfortable, family-friendly interior
- VTM-4 is decent in winter conditions
- Cheap to buy, parts plentiful
Weaknesses
- Third row tight for adults
- Towing capacity (3,500-4,500 lb) lower than rivals
- Aging interior plastics
- 5-speed automatic has shown torque-converter issues
- Older model years (pre-2003) only 240 hp
Notable tech
- First three-row luxury SUV with standard third row
- VTM-4 all-wheel drive with locking rear diff
- J35 V6 with VTEC
- Available DVD-based navigation from 2002
- Side curtain airbags from 2004
Common issues
- 5-speed automatic torque-converter judder (extended warranty)
- Power steering pump whine
- Rear differential bushings wearing out
- Sunroof drains blocking
- Aging suspension bushings
Used-market budget
$5,500
2003-2006 facelift examples (265 hp) preferred over pre-facelift. Verify timing belt service (105k interval). Northern-state cars may have rust.