| 2007 Acura MDX |
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The Acura MDX, a Japanese-made, mid-sized SUV, was introduced by the Honda-owned Acura company in late 2000. Hailed as “The Driver’s SUV,” this vehicle can hold up to seven passengers and comes with an optional navigation system, two flip-up floor chairs for extra seating, optional DVD entertainment and a four-wheel drive feature that automatically engages in the event when the wheels slip on the road. Up until 2006, the MDX has been fitted with a dual tail pipe system, a Zagat-based addition to the navigation system, improved horsepower, ultra low emissions rating and an estimated 23 mpg on the highway.
The 2007 Acura MDX, unveiled in late 2006, featured a new and completely redesigned body with a longer wheel base, a wider track and a powerful 3.7 liter, V6 engine. With three options – Tech, Entertainment and Sport, the all-new engine also features 275 lb-ft of torque and 300 horsepower, making it the most powerful engine that is currently featured in any of the other vehicles in the Acura lines. Expected to be the leader in its class for power-train and superior handling, due to the Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive System, the 2007 MDX will also include low beam headlights powered with High Density Discharge.
The Entertainment package available will feature a remote-powered lift gate, and a 9 inch LCD DVD screen that flips down for viewing. The sports package includes both sport and comfort modes and improvements on road sensitive conditioned responses. The Tech package will feature GPS navigation, Acura Link satellite communications, and a rearview camera, among other well-received features. Some of them include: XM Satellite Radio, heated seats and HandsFreeLink TM wireless telephone interface.
In the past, the Acura MDX has hovered in price around $35,000, making it a good deal considering that the competitors in its class are typically priced much higher. The price, however, will rise when optional features and special package deals are added. Competitors in its class are the Hummer H3, the Mercedes Benz M-Class and the BMX X3. The 2007 MDX comes with a six year, 70,000-mile power train warranty and a 4 year, 50,000-mile vehicle warranty.
The Acura MDX has been hailed for its superior, five-star safety ratings and is considered to be one of the hardest working SUVs in its class. It combines luxury and accessories of a higher-end vehicle with the practicality of a working class one. More family friendly and accessible to customers with a lower-end budget, the Acura MDX combines the convenience of a truck with the smoother-feeling ride of a car, making it, overall, one of the most economic decisions within its class.