2008 Rdx

[Randy]

HONDA CANADA

The Acura RDX is an advanced 5-passenger Entry Premium SUV that keeps Acura ahead with handling, performance and technology. In its first year on the market the RDX was recognized as the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC),
The RDX concept was initiated in North America. It features precedent-setting engineering features for Acura. It is the luxury division’s first turbocharged and intercooled engine. It also represented the first adaptation of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system to an SUV, and Acura’s first application of standard 18-inch wheels and tires. Likewise, the RDX continues Acura’s “Safety Through Innovation” with the application of advanced safety technologies. The RDX also offers an extensive array of sophisticated electronic technologies that are seamlessly integrated to keep its occupants informed and entertained.

What’s New for 2008

HandsFreeLink™- Bluetooth® wireless telephone interface with steering wheel-mounted controls now standard on base

MID display now standard on base

XM Radio – standard on all trims

Driver 2-position memory seat – standard on all trims

Auto dimming day/night mirror – standard on all trims

New colour - Polished Metal replaces Graphite Pearl

All trims now have choice of black or taupe interior

[nsxt2000]

Today my wife is having her MDX serviced and the loaner provided is the '08 RDX Trubo. Some features I like, but others are somewhat disappointing. Here is the good and the bad from my perspective:

* I like the appearance and agressive stance.
* The size is too small for my family needs, but I can see how it will work for others.
* The information bar on top of the dash is convenient.
* Some of the trim appears cheap and I am not sure of how well it will hold up over time.
* I only have an MBA degree and completed the course work for a DBA, so I am not inteligent enough to figure out all of the controls. The "joy stick" is reminiscent of the one in the BMW - which few like.
* The seats do not conform to my physique well. The neck bends up too sharply for me to be comfortable.
* The engine noise / turbo noise can become a nuisance after a while.
* There seems to be an inordinate amount or turbo lag when first starting, but it picks up quickly after that to deliver power.
* The shifting paddles are fun for a while and feel much more in tune with the car than some I have tried.
* Tonight in the dark I literally could not make out any of the steering wheel controls. There is just a faint backlight and certainly not enough for me to see what is there, let alone use it.
* Steering feels tight and responsive and it handles well.
* Brakes did not seem very capable although I did not try any panic stops.
* Passenger seat is manual even though drivers side is electric. (Also the back of it fell off for some reason).

So that is it. I certainly prefer the MDX, but I don't think that is the market segment Acura is shooting for with the RDX.

What do you forum owners think about it. Do you agree with any of my assessments?
-Mike S.

[nsxt2000]

I turned in the loaner RDX Turbo today and a few additional comments about it -
A. The turbo lag is very annoying. It picks up well when it kicks in, but the wait is agonizing.
B. The turbo noise bothers me more each time I drive it.
C. I noticed that it has daytime driving lights. I understand that they slightly reduce your insutance and engineers tell us they are beneficial, but I personally don't like them.
D. I was surprised at the poor milege. For the two days we drove it we averaged 17.2 MPG. Now granted I did play around with it a bit and used the paddle shifters to downshift a lot, but we get 19.8 MPG or more on our MDX. I thought it would do better and will with a more gentle driving approach I assume.

What do RDX Turbo owners think about their ride?
-Mike S.

[nsxt2000]

After my experiences with the RDX as a loaner vehicle and I guess you could say a "neutral" review, I was curious as to how professionals viewed it. In checking I discovered a comparison test from the August 2007 issue of "Motor Trend" where it was stacked against the BMX X3, Land Rover LR2 SEand Lincoln MKX (are all of these designations really necessary?).

Here was "Motor Trend's" assessment -
4th PLACE - Lincoln MKX / The sole American in the group fared poorly and was generally described as "sloppy and overweight". To add further insult they said - "the MKX feels like a pig among coyotes". - Ouch!

3rd PLACE - BMW X3 / Frankly this one surprised me as I am kind of a fan of the X3. Although this is the eldest of the foursome, it has undergone several improvements since introduced in 2004. It performed well in all categories, but according to reviewers came off dated and over priced at nearly $50k as tested.

2nd PLACE - Land Rover LR2 SE / Like the BMW, the Land Rover also surprised me. I thought it would come in third or fourth. "Motor Trend" liked the fact that it's platform is car-based. It performed very well in off road test and that impressed the staff.

And the FIRST PLACE WINNER is...drum roll...our ever-so-loveable RDX! The RDX pretty much excelled in all test areas and was clearly the one to beat. Add this to the fact that is was the least expensive vehicle tested and the deal is sealed. Congratluations RDX!

For the full review visit www.motortrend.com.
-Mike S.

P.S. - One final dig at the Lincoln - "Compared with the MKX, the RDX feels like an NSX." What a great line...

[scottRDX]

Hello Mike and Acura Forum Members,
I just discovered the Acura Forum website today and decided to join. I bought a Silver 2007 Acura RDX w/ Technology in July '07. So, I've owned the car about four months. Some of the criticisms you site about the RDX are valid, but I find them charming and quirky. Who wants a car that drives and performs like every other car/appliance on the road? I happen to like the turbo sound, especially in a tunnel with the window open while accelerating. I noticed the turbo lag is less pronounced if you disable the overly intrusive VSA. The Acura/ELS sound system is fantastic, 10x better than the premium sound system in my BMW 325xi. Although I will admit, learning how to operate the sound system, satnav, climate control, and all the infinate number of other functions this car has is diabolical and does require an advanced engineering degree to use. It does get easier over time. I only have one child, so the RDX is the perfect size for my family. The suspension is very stiff, however, the stuctural integrity of the chassis is so strong, it absorbs the harshness and bumps very well. The reward of the stiff suspension comes in the twistys, &living next to the mountains here in Colorado, we have some great driving roads. It's very easy to forget your driving a 3900 lb SUV. With the turbocharged engine and quick reflexes, the RDX is always entertaining. I am also disappointed with the poor gas milage. I'm averaging only about 18 mpg. I also agree the brakes could be improved, especially the squishy brake pedal.
You know what though? Even with the criticisms and quirks of the RDX, I still get excited andsmile every time I drive it. Bottom line, this car is a blast to drive, it's great looking, highly capable, and to me, that's all that matters.

Best regards,
Scott R.

[nsxt2000]

First, welcome and I am glad that you found us. We are new and learning along the way and with members like you I know things will go well.

I like your assessment and can definitely see your point. To my little mind, when it comes to a method of transportation I think it is improtant that the driver enjoy whatever he /she is in - and I think you have found yours. I also believe that we evolve and go through periods such that a car I really enjoyed ten years ago now doesn't turn me on, if you will. And then on ocassion we come full circle.

An example of what I am saying is that when I was in college I wanted nothing but a British sports car and owned several including two Austin Healey's , TR4A, MGB-GT, etc. Later I transitioned into an Oldsmobile Cutlass, when they were cool. Eventually finding fun in a Pontiac Firebird and from there running the gammut until finding nirvana - a feeling of complete bliss & delight, not to be confused with the band - in the NSX.

So, after getting off the subject, back to welcome and please spread the word. Glad that you like us and your Acura!
-Mike S.

[scottRDX]

Thanks Mike for the warm welcome! I'm looking forward to learning more about the Acura brand and my RDX. :)

Regards,
Scott

[Randy]

Welcome Scott.:)

Why don't you start your own thread if you want.Post up some pictures of your RDX.:)

I see these all day long but it would be great to see members post up their rides with different backgrounds then a showroom.

Enjoy the forums,

Randy

[scottRDX]

Randy,

I will work on getting some good pictures of my RDX in some beautiful Colorado backgrounds.

Thanks,
Scott

[nsxt2000]

With the RDX cast in front of the Colorado mountains it sounds like a perfect opportunity for a "Photo of the Month" shot.
-Mike S.