| MG Pilot |
There are a lot of cool features that the X hs that we do not...
New tranny, more power via more free-flowing exhaust system, VSA, wire throttle system, better VTM system, etc., etc.
You can no longer say that the Pilot is a less expensive version of the MDX.
I am willing to bet that you will see all this stuff and more for the 2005 Pilot. If we see this stuff for 2004, THEN I'll be upset! I would have held onto my Accord for another year for these new and improved features... |
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| SkyPilot |
quote:
Originally posted by Pilotless
The only new enhancement that I'm envious about is the Vehicle Stability Assist We could have used that also. :8:
Grrrr. Don't get me started :3:
I would REALLY have liked that and would have happily paid [quite a bit] as an extra option.
Does anyone know if the price of the MDX is going up? How much? Given those changes, I would bet that it goes up by $1-$2K |
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| bakerlar |
That's why they keep making them better/more options etc. There's still opportunity to purchase a new MDX.....me, I'll stick with the Pilot and the value for the $$. The people who deserve to be a bit angry are those who put out the $$ for the MDX before the Pilot was released. Same is true with any care - New C5 Z06 Vette has 405 HP - priced at approx. $50K and is competitive with ZR1's produced several years ago for $70K+.
Bake in Wisconsin:) :) :) |
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| Scoobs |
| Under the hood of the 2003 MDX. Nice and clean. |
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| rvehock |
quote:
Originally posted by bakerlar
The people who deserve to be a bit angry are those who put out the $$ for the MDX before the Pilot was released.
Bought my MDX before the Pilot was released. Went down to the Honda dealer and test drove the Pilot and I know I made the right choice - not at all angry:D |
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| srpbep |
Own an 02 MDX [purchased 12/2001] and like rvehock, have no problem.
If Acura had not enhanced the 03 MDX, THEN I would have been disappointed.
For us, we would still choose the 02 MDX over the Pilot [note: this is simply our choice]. I believe that the Pilot does offer more for the $$ but we were [and still are] willing to pay extra for the MDX. While there are a couple of things that come into play, the two key drivers are:
* Body shape/style.
* Moonroof [must have for us].
Now, if we were deciding between 02 MDX, 03 Pilot, 03 MDX we would have to go with the 03 MDX. The key feature is the VSC. In fact, this alone could motivate us to "up year".
The Pilot/MDX SUVs are both awesome. American Honda offers both Honda and Acura badging. IMHO, the Honda badge offers more for the dollar, always has, and always will. The Acura badge offers more features/ammenities but you do pay for them. We own both badges:
* Purchased Accord AV6 vs TL [his car, engineer type].
* Own MDX, would purchase MDX over Pilot [her car, 'nuf said, no complaints from him]. |
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| BPilot |
| No doubt, wish these changes applied to the Pilot as well. I found it most interesting that structual changes to the rear subframe, wheel, and tailgate areas were made. I believe that these are needed on the Pilot to eliminate the body flex and window scrunch many of us experience each drive. Additional evidence: As many know, I have experienced a right rear suspension noise from day one. This is the one the Honda engineer stated was "NORMAL." This past weekend I discovered that the noise is eliminated when the shock is removed. Not so fast... the shock was replaced under warranty some time back by the dealer in hopes of eliminating the noise. Swapping rear shocks has no effect on the noise and location. This leads me to believe that the body is being stressed by road irregularities being transmitted upward by the shock. The wheels, suspension and differential are all part of the subframe. The upper shock mount fastens directly to the body. There must be a poor weld or weak body joint in the area. This has proven most difficult to find and very frustrating. But, I don't have much longer to wait! Any thoughts? BP |
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| Gordo |
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...t_code=03458472
(8:30 Sep. 23, 2002)
Acura beefs up 2003 MDX to meet stiffening competition from Lexus
By RICHARD TRUETT
Automotive News
Faced with stiffening competition, the Acura division of Honda Motor Co. is taking the unusual step of beefing up the performance, handling and safety features of the MDX sport-utility for the 2003 model year, just two years after its debut.
The 2003 MDX gets a host of technical and safety upgrades that include:
A horsepower boost from 240 to 260.
A new, more compact five-speed automatic transmission that is lighter and quieter.
A recalibrated four-wheel-drive system increases traction on slippery roads by sending as much as 30 percent more torque to the rear wheels.
Dual-piston front brake calipers, stiffer springs and revised shocks. The upgraded brakes, Acura says, provide better braking, while the stiffer springs and softer shocks offer a smoother ride without affecting handling.
A body that has 35 percent better torsional rigidity due to body reinforcements in the tailgate, rear wheel area and rear subframe.
An improved navigation system that contains a more efficient voice recognition system and 50-state maps on one disk.
An optional built-in rear camera that displays the area behind the vehicle on the navigation screen. The camera is active only when the vehicle is in reverse.
Improved airbags that deploy with varying force based on the weight of the passenger and the proximity of the driver to the steering wheel.
The reason for the early upgrades: fierce competition. Acura officials are especially wary of the upcoming revamped version of the Lexus RX 300, the top-selling import-brand luxury sport wagon. The RX 300 is due for an overhaul in the 2004 model year.
Acura is on track to sell all 49,000 MDXs it can build this calendar year. Though production will hold at 49,000 in 2003, the vehicle could be more profitable because Acura expects to sell a richer mix of vehicles with the optional navigation system and a factory-installed DVD player.
The horsepower boost comes from new camshafts, an improved intake manifold and an exhaust system that increases flow by 40 percent, said, Scott Craile, manager of Acura product planning.
Though the 2003 MDX weighs slightly more than the 2002 model because of the stiffer body and changes to the exhaust system, fuel economy remains the same at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
Sales of the MDX through August of this year were 35,104, up 29.3 percent from 27,139 in the year-ago period. Sales of the Lexus RX 300 through the first eight months of this year totaled 49,836.
No prices have been given.
Acura officials said the vehicle goes on sale in early October |
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| Choctaw |
| I don't think anyone who bought an MDX is unhappy in any way. I know I was going to buy an MDX until I saw the Pilot in June. What didn't change my mind was things like - style, room, features, etc... The only reason I am buying the Pilot is $$$. For all you MDX'ers out there, don't let anyone make you think your purchase was wrong in any fashion. |
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