Team Acura Parts Blog

Acura and its parent-company Honda, which are based in Marysville, Ohio, experienced highs and lows in terms of unit sales from last year in the United States.

Japanese company Acura, which is the luxury division of Honda, had a rocky 2007. By the end of the year, the brand successfully finished with a decent 30 percent increase in its sports utility vehicle division. The Acura RDX and MDX SUVs had a total sale of 80,000 units. Acura’s cars, however, did not have the same fate as sales went down to about eight percent.

American Honda Motor Company, on the other hand, had a good year as the automaker posted a five percent increase. This equals to a total of 1.37 million units for the whole year. By December, Honda had a point up that actually amounts to about 87 percent of last month’s sales alone.

Among Honda’s best sellers is the Fit. With its capability of an efficient combustion and improved fuel economy, the total units sold jumped to 56, 432 vehicles. The Honda Accord, which underwent refurbishing, acquired an 11 percent increase that translates to 392, 231 units compared to last year’s 354, 441.

In a nutshell, American Honda Motor Company still had a good year as it enjoys its 14th straight year of sale increase. Behind this decent feat include the decent sales of the following models: Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Civic Hybrid, and Fit compact.

Source: Biz Journals.

The Acura MDX is being touted as the best of its luxury SUV class and rightly so. Coming from Honda, a manufacturer who has since been known to produce high – quality cars, the 2008 Acura MDX is definitely one vehicle that is guaranteed to perform well.

In the tradition of making premium vehicles, Acura and Honda have launched the MDX, an SUV that is said to “set new standards for luxury, style and technology-enhanced performance and control”. According to Michael Gallietta of Bridgewater Acura, the MDX is “more for a larger family or people who need the extra cargo room. It is the best car Acura ever built. It hugs the road and offers the latest safety technology”. The vehicle is not only equipped with the best inline vehicle technology but it also has ample space for transporting families or cargo.

The technology that was put into the Acura MDX is, according to John Gomes of the Open Road Acura in East Brunswick, “Technology at its best. You get into it and it’s like being in the cockpit of a jet. It caresses you with comfort and all the controls are conveniently placed. The accessories are state-of-the-art.”

The 2008 Acura MDX boasts of a 3.7- liter VTEC V-6 engine that is capable of up to 300 horsepower at 6000 rpm with 275 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. It is also equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. This system allows the Acura MDX to handle all sorts of driving conditions. The makers of Acura are dedicated to the “application of advanced, customer-relevant technologies” and have sought to make the MDX into a very user friendly vehicle. The seven passenger MDX is equipped with an Active Damper System which absorbs most of the pressure that may come from uneven surfaces on the road. It also comes with an “auto dimming Day/Night rear view mirror, a new exterior paint color choice, a Taupe interior option, navigation and real-time traffic systems”. To top all those remarkable features off, the Acura MDX is also environmentally friendly. The vehicle complies with the U.S. EPA’s Tier 2-Bin 5 (and CARB ULEV-2) emissions regulation.

According to Dick Colliver, executive vice president for sales, Acura, “The MDX is the ultimate in performance, technology and style in the luxury SUV class. The reaction of our customers to this new MDX has been truly remarkable, as they discover the depth and breadth of the technology as well as the lengths to which our designers and engineers have gone to re-invent every aspect of its performance and luxury appeal.”

Source: 2008 Acura MDX delivers performance, comfort

Two Acura sports utility vehicles (SUVs) posted record sales in September this year, according to Honda. The two Acura models, the luxury MDX and the turbocharged RDX, contributed to Acura sales of 14,369 units. This figure, which is lower than last year’s by 8.4 percent, is based on the daily selling rate.

Acura has sold a total of 136,726 units for this year.

“RDX and MDX sales continue to impress thanks to smart styling, innovative features and excellent performance. We expect strong light-truck sales as winter approaches, thanks to all-weather features such as Super Handling All-Wheel Drive,” said Acura’s executive vice president for sales Dick Colliver, in a press release from Honda. A Japanese-based automobile company, Honda manufactures the Acura vehicles.

The impressive demand for MDX and RDX vehicles triggered the boost of the Acura light-truck lineup, which delivered record sales of 7,113 units.

The RDX, a small luxury crossover sedan, still posts significant gains in terms of sales for Acura. Its September record sales of 1,951 units is a 19-percent increase compared to last year’s. The number of RDX units sold this year reached 17,477.

On the other hand, the Acura MDX posted record sales of 5,162 units for September. This figure is an increase of 34.1 percent as opposed to last year and even outdoing its 2004 sales record of 4,958. Meanwhile, year-to-date sales of MDX vehicles reached 42,954 units sold. This is an increase of 14.9 percent compared to last year. MDX, which debuted in 2001, is known for its cutting-edge performance.

Source: Honda

A new Acura model gets the thumb-up from a car review.

The 2008 Acura MDX illustrates Acura’s expertise when it comes to creating high-technology luxury vehicles, according to a review made recently by The Auto Channel.

The MDX crossover sports utility vehicle (SUV) meets expectations as it offers comfort, convenience, and technology for engine, chassis, safety, and entertainment. The car has a seating capacity of seven.

According to The Auto Channel, the control layout for the driver is excellent. This feature is coupled with complete power seat and steering wheel adjustment, easily visible backlit LED instruments and good visibility. The car also has a navigation system that is convenient to use.

The latest MDX vehicle carries the biggest and most powerful engine ever produced by Acura—a 3.7-liter V6 that generates 300 horsepower. Its five-speed automatic transmission plus Sequential SportShift manual-mode channel power for the vehicle. The rise in power is due to the increased displacement, a greater compression ratio, and better breathing through intake and exhaust system enhancements.

The Auto Channel’s review also notes that the Acura MDX has “space-efficient transverse front-engine, all-wheel drive drivetrain layout and fully-independent suspension, with adaptive damping available with the Sport package.” The car has premium safety features, and has scored well in crash tests. This is due to Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering(tm) (ACE) body structure and design, which disperses frontal crash pressure. Even its hood is a safety feature in itself—it is designed to lessen injury in case of hitting a pedestrian.

Source: The Auto Channel

The combined total number of sales for the Acura MDX luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) and the non-stop clamor for the Acura RDX turbocharged SUV for last month has amounted to a total of 16, 436 units sold in the United States. This recorded sales also showed a year-to-date total of 122, 357 units.

For August, the Japanese luxury brand’s light trucks sales, which amounted to 7, 676 units, has relied greatly on the popularity of the Acura MDX and RDX SUVs. For starters, the MDX line was able to break last August 2006’s total record of 5, 379 with the August 2007’s total of 5,816 units sold. The year-to-date sales has posted a decent 12. 7 percent increase with a total of 37, 792 Acura MDX units sold. On the other hand, the Acura RDX line, which is slightly bigger than its Honda CR-V counterparts, was able to earn a total of 1, 860 units for last month, which is equivalent to a positive 36.7 percent increase, and a total of 15, 526 units for the year-to-date sales.

“Our light truck lineup continues to attract customers to the Acura brand at a record pace,” said Dick Colliver, who is the executive vice president of the Acura sales. “Customers are taking notice and appreciating the RDX and MDX’s advanced performance, luxury and technology features.”

Moving over to the smaller Acura vehicles, the Acura TL luxury sedan line was hailed as the most wanted among the passenger cars after it recorded a total of 4, 992 units sold last month. The Acura TSX sports sedan, on the other hand, took a total of 3, 245 units for August 2007 sales and a 23, 433 units sold for the year-to-date record.

Car safety is important for any owner or future user. The safety feature of a vehicle is one of the most important things to consider before buying any four-wheel machine. From the well-functioning automotive parts, special safety auto parts such as the seat belts and air bags should be well-checked. Aside from these interior safety parts, the vehicle’s exterior components are also helpful during road accidents. The Acura RDX and Acura MDX, which are classified under the sports utility vehicle, have passed the rollover rating of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Japanese automobile ingenuity is clearly evident in this Acura RDX and Acura MDX after it has been given with a four out of five-star rollover rating by the NHTSA. This earned rating by the Acura SUV shows that the vehicle is in fact safe and can withstand rollover situations. Geared with well-crafted Acura parts, these models of the luxury Japanese brand are included in the 78 SUVs that were able to earn a four-star rollover rating. Such rating means that the Acura RDX and Acura MDX have an only 10 to 20 percent risk of a rollover accident. The dimension of these vehicles made these Acura models safe. Until this year, no SUV has earned the perfect rating of NHTSA.

Acura’s vehicles have been designed and manufactured with stability control systems that can offset the occurrence of rollover accidents. Such system, which is also employed by other manufacturers, has helped minimize the rollover fatalities last year. Other SUVs that garnered the four-star rollover rating include Hyundai Santa Fe, Saturn Outlook, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, and Ford Explorer, amongst others.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced that the Acura RDX and MDX both scored the top rating of ‘GOOD’ for their rear-end collision protection.

According to the IIHS, rear-end collisions are very common, and often result in neck injuries. The Acura MDX and RDX are both equipped with standard active front head restraints which help minimize the potential for the driver or front passenger to suffer a neck injury during a rear-end collision. During in a crash test, head restraints are measured as to how much protection they can give in a rear-end collisions.

“In stop and go commuter traffic, you’re more likely to get in a rear-end collision than any other crash type,” says David Zuby, senior vice president of the Institute’s Vehicle Research Center.

Passenger safety is definitely one of the features that the RDX and MDX boast about. By being equipped with an array of standard safety technologies for protection in a variety of crashes, both vehicles also received the top IIHS rating in both the frontal offset and side impact tests. The RDX and MDX are the ‘TOP SAFETY PICKS’ of IIHS after garnering ‘GOOD’ ratings in each of the IIHS safety tests. Also, the two Acura vehicles have received five-stars, the highest possible rating, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in both frontal and side impact crash tests through the government’s New Car Assessment Program.

Safety equipments and features installed in both RDX and MDX are the dual stage front airbags, front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side curtain airbags for front and rear outboard seats, ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).

The exterior styling of its redesigned MDX sport wagon was inspired by high-end yachts, like the Wally Boat, as Acura stated.

The MDX has been completely redesigned as a cutting-edge performance machine, with macho styling and packed with electronic and telematic equipment. The vehicle still comes with a V6, but the new 3.7-liter engine is not bad, for it can produce 300 horsepower. A dual-stage intake manifold and unusually high 11.0:1 compression ratio give the MDX’s engine the punch of a V8 while sipping fuel like a V6.  The MDX  still comes with a five-speed automatic that can be shifted like a manual.

This year, power is delivered as needed to each wheel through Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, wherein the outside wheels can rotate faster to facilitate cornering. The racetrack-tuned suspension offers switchable sport and comfort settings. A magnetic shock-absorber system, included with the optional Sport package, includes two-mode active dampers that increase stability and body control in hard maneuvers without ill effects on the ride.

Standard safety equipment includes front air bags, side air bags mounted in the front seats, full-length side curtain bags, active front head restraints, stability control with a stabilizing feature for towing, tire-pressure monitors and antilock disc brakes with brake assist.

The MDX has grown to seven-passenger capacity, with three rows of seats; leather is standard on all MDXs.  When the second- and third-row seats all up, cargo space measures 15 cubic feet, but the hold grows to 83.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A small storage compartment is hidden under the rear floor.

The base MDX is $40,665. The Technology package brings the price up to $44,165 and includes a navigation system, surround-sound audio system and Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity. The Sport package adds the active-damper handling system and sport seats, pushing the price to $46,265. The $2,200 Entertainment package has a second-row DVD video system, heated second row seats and power liftgate. Fully loaded, our test vehicle topped out at a sobering $48,465, including destination.

The MDX made its debut as a 2001 mode. It hit the streets with stellar build quality, which quickly built a reliability record to match and gained immediate respect.

For station wagon adepts, the Acura MDX will prove to be a champ performer on the road. Though not for rock climbing travails, the MDX is one of the most powerful in Acura’s line of luxury mid size sport utility vehicles. The MDX has been refined and a few styling modifications have made it more than ready to offer a few new surprises for the year 2007. Engine power, smooth handling, with paddle shifters that work without a hitch—all make the Acura MDX a choice for those who have it in their heads to set off for some off-the-road driving or for improved traction response on tricky terrains like those littered by mud, ice or snow.

The modifications that Acura, which is a luxury brand of Japanese auto maker Honda, has implemented includes the outfitting of a grille into the model. In addition, the longer wheelbase accounts for the new look of the MDX. Since the car now follows a longer wheelbase, the car sports a more aggressive look simply apt for those off the road adventures. Still, with the two inches advance, the MDX still counts as one of shortest in Acura’s line of such cars. So, for those drivers who do not relish the notion of having to contend with a car that’s a wee bit too long in the wheelbase are safe from such worries.

There’s ample space for three rows that can seat seven people in each. The headroom of the MDX is also luxurious. So tall people won’t have to employ contortionist skills simply to fit inside the confines of this Acura model. Admittedly though, the third row seat up, while capable of exceptional carrying capacity, is more suitable for children than adults.

Aside from the comfort offered by the interiors of the car, the new 3.7 liter V6 takes the place of the 3.5 liter liter unit. A boost of 47 horsepower gets added to an even 300. Given that the car weights for more than 4,000 pounds, the MDX is not quite as light as other cars of its ilk. But with the degree of engine power that it can generate on the road, trouble can still spring if one isn’t too careful on the steering. For those who will go for bouts of Interstate driving, a careful and precise monitoring as well as handling of the cruise control is an absolute requirement.

The car has a 5-speed automatic transmission that comes with a sequential sport shift functionality. The sequential shifter allows adjustments via the paddles behind the steering wheel. Tuning out of the manual mode is also quite easy, simply hit the “=” when the car is in “fifth” or “-” when one is driving in the first gear. Doing so will activate the automatic mode. Unlike a number of cars that utilize sequential shifters, the Acura MDX offers no such troubles, affording only smooth functionality at all times.

Other commendable additions into the car include a second row of heated seats that are certain to make one’s passengers warm and snug in the merry days of winter, a navigation system that has voice recognition features as well as traffic details that will prove quite useful in traffic situations. There is also the rearview camera that allows for a more absolute view of side and back traffic so incidents the likes of running over suicidal squirrels or civilians can be avoided. An adjustable suspension makes for better stability and a DVD entertainment system allows for moments of amusement while one is on the way to somewhere. Of course, given that this is a luxury vehicle from Honda, one can hardly expect any less.

The front row seats of the car provide utter comfort, even with a bit of side support woe. Rear seats have spacious leg room so those with long limbs need not suffer a strained and constricted ride. Cargo space is enough and access is via a power liftgate.

Overall, the Acura MDX performs to the best of each and every one of its talents, combining the advantages of an SUV packaged in pure Acura comfort as well as style while still being able to stay within a reasonable price queue.

The redesigned Acura MDX outpointed competitors from Cadillac, BMW, and Lincoln in Consumer Reports’ tests of five mid-sized luxury SUVs for the July issue.

Acura MDX now rank in fourth place among the 18 mid-sized SUVs recently tested by Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports’ top three rated vehicles in this category are all from the Toyota family. The number one, and also the Top Pick vehicle in the Annual April Auto Issue, is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Another hybrid, the Lexus RX400h, is ranked second overall. RX350 round up the highest three.

CR tested a total of five luxury SUVs for the July issue—the RX350, the MDX, the Cadillac SRX, BMW X5, and Lincoln MKX. Loaded with features such as sunroofs, high-end sound systems, and more, prices for these SUVs ranged from $43,595 for the MKX to $56,745 for the X5.

Alhough the SRX achieved a “Very Good” overall score, it still finished just midpack in this competitive segment. The X5 and MKX finished at the bottom of CR’s rankings for this class.

Actually, Acura MDX and RX350 finished in a virtual tie, with 80 points each overall. But the battle went down to the varying driving characters. The five-passenger RX is luxurious and comfortable and delivers the quickest acceleration and the best fuel economy in this group—at 19 mpg overall. The three-row, seven-passenger Acura MDX, on the other hand, has better handling and a powertrain that feels sportier than the Lexus, but a firmer ride.

Details about the how the tests and racings of the mid-sized and large SUVs were done appear in Consumer Reports’ July issue released last June 5. The full reports can also be obtained on-line from www.ConsumerReports.org.

Consumer Reports features only two of the five mid-sized SUVs in this issue—the Acura MDX and RX350. CR did recommend the SRX because of its subpar reliability record; CR does not yet have reliability data on the X5 and MKX.

Consumer Reports only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR’s Annual Car Reliability Survey of its own subscribers, and performed at least adequately when crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

The newly-facelifted Acura MDX is a well-rounded, seven-seat SUV that outscores vehicles costing thousands more. CR noted its refined powertrain, responsive handling, and controlled ride. But the third-row seat is tight for anyone but kids. The Acura MDX ($46,365 MSRP as tested) is dragged by a 300-hp, 3.7-liter V6 that delivers quick acceleration coupled with a smooth and responsive five-speed automatic transmission. Braking is highly touted.

Consumer Reports is one of the most reliable sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. Anchored by the magazine’s auto experts who have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars, Consumer Reports conducts the most comprehensive auto-testing program of any U.S. publication or Web site.