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2004 Acura MDX
By Peter Bleakney
 While the Acura MDX has been around for a few years now, recent improvements have kept it competitive in the hot mid-sized SUV market. Most notable of these is a boost in grunt for 2004. The 3.5 litre 24-valve aluminum V6 now kicks out 265 silky-smooth ponies and 253 ft/lbs of torque at 3500 - 5000 rpm.
What makes the MDX ($50,000) such a winner is the basic goodness that’s baked right in. Built on the Honda Odyssey minivan platform, Acura has fashioned a sensibly sized and pleasant driving SUV with the requisite refinement and luxury you’d expect from the nameplate. The third row flip-up seat expands the capacity to seven persons (preferably small ones in the back) and with the optional $5300 Technology Package (satellite navigation, rear-view camera, DVD entertainment) you’ve got a pretty sweet family hauler.
That’s assuming that you just can’t do a minivan - which really is the ultimate family vehicle. But that’s an argument for another day...
After spending a week in the MDX, this non-SUV loving scribbler warmed up to the vehicle quite nicely. The fact that the second ice age descended upon Toronto that week went along way in swaying me. Acura’s VTM-4 is an on-demand all-wheel-drive system - it’s basically a front driver until wheel slippage directs up to 50% of the torque to the rear wheels. On a snowy road, the transition is all but seamless, but you will know when it kicks in because the vehicle adopts more of a rear-wheel-drive attitude. It sure made negotiating the unplowed streets in my ‘hood a breeze.
As would be expected, the MDX has ABS and electronic stability control, which will brake individual wheels and cut power if necessary when the sensors tell command central you’re heading for the ditch.
 Refinement is the operative word when describing the MDX. The strong V6 works seamlessly with the 5-speed automatic, and the overall driving experience is one of “luxury-car-on-stilts”. Steering is direct and body motions are well controlled. The beautifully executed and airy cabin has heated leather seats, tasteful mock wood trim, automatic climate control and power everything.
Spring for the Technology Package, and you get a host of goodies that with impress your friends and keep the kids happy for hours. Central to this package is the satellite navigation system, which features a touch screen and voice command. It’s very easy to program, and voice prompts will have it directing you to the nearest hospital, bank, Acura dealer... whatever. My kids were thrilled when it gave us a map to the nearest Japanese restaurant, although I made the mistake of asking it for the time in front of them. “Dad, get her to tell us the time again!”
And if the rear seat occupants want to watch a DVD, there’s a flip down LCD screen and two wireless headphones.
A valuable safety feature of this package is the rear-view camera. The view comes up automatically on the LCD screen when reverse is selected, letting the driver see any objects that are below his sight line.
Both the leather front seats are heated and feature eight-way power adjustment. In addition, the driver’s seat has a remote-linked memory feature and power lumbar support.
Sensors in the passenger seat will prevent airbag deployment if the rider is a child or small statured person. The 2004 MDX also has side curtain airbags for all three rows.
The list of amenities goes on - power moon roof, rain-sensing wipers, Homelink system, tire pressure monitor, rear seat climate controls, an impressive 8 speaker Bose sound system with an in-dash six CD changer, and steering wheel mounted cruise and audio controls.
 Styling wise, the MDX is subtle and conservative. Yes, you could call it boring, but at least it’s not screaming “macho SUV!” with a bunch of body cladding and brush bars. You arrive quietly in the MDX. My tester, in Aspen White Pearl, looked especially fetching.
Other than the usual criticisms you can level at an SUV (tall, overweight, thirsty, not particularly space efficient), it’s pretty hard to find fault with the Acura MDX. It is supremely comfortable, refined, pleasant to drive and handles all family and hauling duties with elegant grace. The third row seat is a bonus you won’t find in the similarly priced Lexus RX330.
If you’re in the market for a mid-sized luxury SUV, the MDX should definitely be on your short list.
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