The 2001 Acura MDX marked Acura's entry into the mid-size SUV market. A 5-door SUV, it was available from 2001 to 2006 in its first generation. Key trims included the base MDX and the Touring package. Pricing new ranged from around $35,000 to $40,000. Its combination of luxury, practicality, and a surprisingly sporty driving experience made it incredibly popular, setting a high standard for other luxury SUVs.
The Good
The 2001 Acura MDX offered a blend of performance and reliability, making it a practical choice. Its comfortable interior and refined design appealed to those seeking luxury. The MDX provided good value for its price, being less expensive than some competitors while still delivering a premium experience. It's an emotional purchase because of the Acura badge and reputation for quality, while its practicality comes from space and utility.
The Bad
Known weaknesses of the 2001 Acura MDX include potential transmission issues, particularly with early models. Oil consumption can also be a problem as the vehicle ages. The rear climate control system and the electronic features are prone to failure. Rust, especially in colder climates, should be checked. Watch for dashboard cracks as well.
2001 Acura MDX: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 3.5-liter V6 (J35A3)
- Horsepower: 240 hp @ 5300 rpm
- Fuel Economy:
- City: 17 mpg
- Highway: 23 mpg
- Combined: 19 mpg (estimated)
- 0–60 Times: Approximately 8.3 seconds
- Towing Capacity: 4,500 lbs (with towing package)
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base: Leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, premium audio system, alloy wheels, keyless entry, cruise control.
- Touring: Adds features like a sunroof, heated front seats, upgraded audio system, Acura Navigation System (optional), and wood trim.
- Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) was standard
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic
- Seating Capacity: 7 passengers
- Safety Features: Anti-lock brakes (ABS), front airbags, side airbags (optional). Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) was added later in the model run.
2001 Acura MDX Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2001 |
| Make | Acura |
| Model | MDX |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Wagon |
| Category | Minivan |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Canada |
| Manufacturing City | EL SALTO |
Dimensions
| Doors | 5-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | J35A3 |
| Engine Size | 3.5L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
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Analysis
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2001 Acura MDX Have?
Frequently reported problems for the 2001 Acura MDX often revolve around the automatic transmission. Some owners have reported harsh shifting, slipping, or complete transmission failure, especially at higher mileage. This is a significant long-term reliability concern. Oil consumption is another common issue, where the engine starts burning oil at an accelerated rate, requiring frequent top-ups.
Other issues include problems with the rear climate control system, which can be costly to repair. Electronic components, like the navigation system (if equipped) and the power windows, can also fail. Dashboard cracking is common, especially in hotter climates.
Recalls for the 2001 MDX include issues related to the fuel tank and potential fuel leakage in the event of a rear-end collision. Check the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) website for the most up-to-date recall information. Regular maintenance, especially transmission fluid changes, can mitigate some of these issues, but the transmission remains the biggest long-term reliability concern. Later model years (2003-2006) saw some improvements to address these issues, but the 2001 model is particularly vulnerable.
Other issues include problems with the rear climate control system, which can be costly to repair. Electronic components, like the navigation system (if equipped) and the power windows, can also fail. Dashboard cracking is common, especially in hotter climates.
Recalls for the 2001 MDX include issues related to the fuel tank and potential fuel leakage in the event of a rear-end collision. Check the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) website for the most up-to-date recall information. Regular maintenance, especially transmission fluid changes, can mitigate some of these issues, but the transmission remains the biggest long-term reliability concern. Later model years (2003-2006) saw some improvements to address these issues, but the 2001 model is particularly vulnerable.
How long will the 2001 Acura MDX last?
With proper maintenance, a 2001 Acura MDX can last for 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more, potentially providing 15 to 20 years of service. However, this is heavily dependent on consistent maintenance and driving habits. The primary long-term durability weakness is the automatic transmission, which is prone to failure if not properly maintained. Oil consumption also becomes a significant issue over time. Rust can be a problem in regions with harsh winters and road salt usage. Regular fluid changes (transmission, engine oil, coolant, power steering) are crucial for maximizing the lifespan of this vehicle. Ignoring maintenance will significantly shorten its lifespan.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 2001 Acura MDX featured a decent level of technology for its time. Standard features included a premium audio system with a CD player, automatic climate control, and power windows and locks. Optional features included a navigation system and a rear entertainment system (DVD player).
Driver-assistance features were relatively limited compared to modern vehicles. It had cruise control, but lacked features like blind-spot monitoring or lane departure warning.
Safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), front airbags, and optional side airbags. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) was not initially available in 2001 but added later.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) generally showed good performance. The MDX received high scores in frontal and side-impact tests. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) also conducted tests, and the MDX generally performed well, receiving good ratings for frontal offset crash tests.
Overall, the tech and safety features were competitive for the era, focusing on comfort and basic safety rather than advanced driver-assistance systems. Keep in mind that these systems are now quite dated compared to modern vehicles.
Driver-assistance features were relatively limited compared to modern vehicles. It had cruise control, but lacked features like blind-spot monitoring or lane departure warning.
Safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), front airbags, and optional side airbags. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) was not initially available in 2001 but added later.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) generally showed good performance. The MDX received high scores in frontal and side-impact tests. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) also conducted tests, and the MDX generally performed well, receiving good ratings for frontal offset crash tests.
Overall, the tech and safety features were competitive for the era, focusing on comfort and basic safety rather than advanced driver-assistance systems. Keep in mind that these systems are now quite dated compared to modern vehicles.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Taffeta White
Desert Rock Metallic
Firepepper Red Pearl
Granite Green Metallic
Nighthawk Black Pearl
Starlight Silver Metallic
Quartz Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Saddle
Ebony
Fern
2001 Acura MDX Prices and Market Value
The 2001 Acura MDX had a starting price of around $35,000 to $40,000 when new. Current used market prices typically range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on condition, mileage, and location. Depreciation has been significant due to age and mileage. Factors affecting resale value include the vehicle's condition (especially transmission health), mileage, maintenance records, and the presence of desirable options like the navigation system or rear entertainment. Vehicles with documented service history and in good mechanical condition will command a higher price. High mileage and potential transmission problems significantly reduce the resale value.
2001 Acura MDX Cost of Ownership
Insurance costs for a 2001 Acura MDX are relatively low due to its age. Fuel costs are moderate, with around 19 mpg combined. Maintenance can be costly, especially if the transmission requires repair or replacement. Oil consumption issues also add to long-term costs. Overall, the 2001 Acura MDX is not the most economical vehicle to own due to potential repair costs associated with an older vehicle and the risk of significant component failure like the transmission. Budgeting for unexpected repairs is essential.
2001 Acura MDX Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
-
City Mileage
-
Highway Mileage
-
2001 Acura MDX Recalls & Defects
Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
Recall date
2005-09-01
Recall no.
05v385000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
ON Certain Sport Utility Vehicles Originally Sold IN or Currently Registered IN THE States OF Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, NEW Hampshire, NEW Jersey, NEW York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and THE District OF Columbia. IN Areas Where Large Quantities OF Road Salt ARE Used, THE Front Suspension Coil Springs Have Insufficient Corrosion Protection, and MAY BE Susceptible TO Corrosion.
Consequence
Excessive Corrosion CAN Cause Spring Failure and A Broken Spring Could Puncture A Front Tire, Which Increases THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy
Dealers Will Replace Both Front Springs With Improved Springs. THE Recall Began ON October 11, 2005. Owners MAY Contact Acura AT 800-382-2238.
Notes
Honda/Acura Recall NO. P92.customers MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Http://www.safercar.gov.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
Recall date
2004-04-15
Recall no.
04v176000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
ON Some Mini Vans, Sport Utility and Passenger Vehicles, Certain Operating Conditions CAN Result IN Heat Build-Up Between THE Countershaft and Secondary Shaft Second Gears IN THE Automatic Transmission, Eventually Leading TO Gear Tooth Chipping or Gear Breakage.
Consequence
Gear Failure Could Result IN Transmission Lockup, Which Could Result IN A Crash.
Remedy
ON Vehicles With 15,000 Miles or Less, THE Dealer Will Update THE Transmission With A Simple Revision TO THE OIL Cooler Return Line TO Increase Lubrication TO THE Second Gear. ON Vehicles With More Than 15,000 Miles, THE Dealer Will Inspect THE Transmission TO Identify Gears That Have Already Experienced Discoloration DUE TO Overheating. IF Discoloration Exists, THE Transmission Will BE Replaced IF Discoloration IS NOT Present, THE Dealer Will Perform THE Revision TO THE OIL Cooler Return Line. THE Recall Began ON April 21, 2004, FOR Pilot, Odyssey, and MDX Owners. Owners OF THE Accord Vehicles Will Start Receiving Letters ON June 28, 2004, and ON June 29, 2004, FOR Owners OF THE TL and CL Vehicles. Owners Should Contact Honda AT 1-800-999-1009 or Acura AT 1-800-382-2238.
Notes
Honda Recall Nos. P30 (Odyssey and Pilot),p31 (Mdx), P38 (accord) and P39 (acura).customers CAN Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-Dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
AIR Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Recall date
2020-01-17
Recall no.
20v026000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) IS Recalling Certain 1998 Acura 2.2cl, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3cl, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0cl, 2001 Acura 3.2cl and Acura Mdx, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5rl, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2tl, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 Cr-v, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis Vehicles. These Vehicles Were Equipped With Non-azide Driver AIR BAG Inflators (Nadi) and DO NOT Contain Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (psan) Propellant. DUE TO A Manufacturing Issue, THE Nadi Inflators MAY Absorb Moisture, Causing THE Inflators TO Rupture or THE AIR BAG Cushion TO Underinflate.
Consequence
IN THE Event OF A Crash Necessitating AIR BAG Deployment, AN Inflator Rupture MAY Result IN Metal Fragments Striking THE Driver or Other Occupants. AN Underinflated AIR BAG Cushion MAY NOT Properly Protect THE Occupant. These Scenarios Increase THE Risk OF Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy
Honda Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Inspect THE Driver Frontal AIR BAG Inflator, and Replace IT IF Necessary, With AN Inflator OF A Different Design, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began October 1, 2020. Owners MAY Contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center AT 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu Customer Service AT 1-800-255-6727.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Recall date
2020-01-17
Recall no.
20v027000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) IS Recalling Certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2cl, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5rl, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2tl, Honda Cr-v and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan Vehicles. These Vehicles MAY Have Received A Replacement Driver Frontal AIR BAG Module AS Part OF A Vehicle Repair. DUE TO A Manufacturing Issue, THE Replacement Nadi Inflator MAY Absorb Moisture, Causing THE Inflator TO Rupture or THE AIR BAG Cushion TO Underinflate.
Consequence
IN THE Event OF A Crash Necessitating AIR BAG Deployment, AN Inflator Rupture MAY Result IN Metal Fragments Striking THE Driver or Other Occupants. AN Underinflated AIR BAG Cushion MAY NOT Properly Protect THE Occupant. These Scenarios Increase THE Risk OF Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy
Honda Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Inspect THE AIR Bags IN THE Vehicles, Replacing THE Driver Frontal AIR BAG Inflator With AN Inflator OF A Different Design, AS Necessary, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began October 1, 2020. Owners MAY Contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center AT 1-888-234-2138.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
2001 Acura MDX Insurance
Insurance for a 2001 Acura MDX is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Wagon with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2001 Acura MDX Compare to Other Wagon?
The 2001 Acura MDX competed with vehicles like the Lexus RX 300, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz ML320. In terms of performance, the MDX offered a good balance of power and handling, although the BMW X5 was sportier. Feature-wise, the MDX was competitive, offering a similar level of luxury and technology as its rivals.
Reliability is where the MDX's weaknesses are most apparent. The Lexus RX 300 is generally considered more reliable, particularly concerning its transmission. The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML320 can be expensive to maintain due to their complex systems.
In terms of price, the MDX was typically more affordable than the BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but similar to the Lexus.
Alternatives to the 2001 Acura MDX include later model years of the MDX (2003-2006), which addressed some of the early reliability concerns. The Lexus RX 300 is a better choice if reliability is a top priority. The Toyota Highlander (which shares components with the RX 300) also represents a more reliable alternative. If you are looking for something more modern and safer, consider a newer model.
Reliability is where the MDX's weaknesses are most apparent. The Lexus RX 300 is generally considered more reliable, particularly concerning its transmission. The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML320 can be expensive to maintain due to their complex systems.
In terms of price, the MDX was typically more affordable than the BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but similar to the Lexus.
Alternatives to the 2001 Acura MDX include later model years of the MDX (2003-2006), which addressed some of the early reliability concerns. The Lexus RX 300 is a better choice if reliability is a top priority. The Toyota Highlander (which shares components with the RX 300) also represents a more reliable alternative. If you are looking for something more modern and safer, consider a newer model.
Ranks #1805 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 1805 | 2001 Acura MDX | (0.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2001 Acura MDX a Good Wagon?
The 2001 Acura MDX is ideal for someone seeking an affordable, used SUV with a touch of luxury and seating for seven. However, it's only worth buying if you're prepared for potential maintenance costs and the risk of transmission issues. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is essential. It's best suited for a buyer who is mechanically inclined and willing to perform some maintenance themselves or who can find a well-maintained example with documented service history. Given its age and potential problems, it is not recommended for those seeking a hassle-free vehicle. Look for the Touring trim if you want more features, but prioritize a well-maintained engine and transmission above all else. Keep a repair budget in mind.
Drew B
Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma