The 2002 Acura MDX marked Acura's entry into the luxury SUV market. It's a mid-size SUV with three rows of seating. The first generation MDX ran from 2001-2006. Key trims included the base model and Touring package. When new, prices ranged from around $35,000 to $40,000. Its popularity stemmed from its blend of Acura luxury, Honda reliability, and family-friendly utility, making it a practical and desirable SUV.
The Good
The 2002 Acura MDX offers a smooth and adequate performance. Known for its Honda-derived reliability, it provides peace of mind. Comfortable ride and spacious interior appeal to families. While not the most fuel-efficient, it delivers good value for the price. Its appealing design and luxurious features attract both practical buyers seeking dependability and emotional buyers desiring a premium experience.
The Bad
Common weaknesses of the 2002 Acura MDX include transmission issues, particularly in early models. Oil consumption can also be a concern. The rear differential can experience problems. Rust can develop, especially in colder climates. Check for worn suspension components and failing electronics as these vehicles age.
2002 Acura MDX: Quick Overview
Key Specs for the 2002 Acura MDX:
- Engine Options: 3.5-liter V6 (J35A3)
- Horsepower: 240 hp @ 5,300 rpm
- Torque: 245 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
- Fuel Economy: EPA estimated 17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
- 0-60 mph Time: Approximately 8.1 seconds
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs (with trailer hitch)
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base: Leather seats, power moonroof, keyless entry, automatic climate control, premium audio system, alloy wheels.
- Touring: Adds features like a navigation system, upgraded audio system with a CD changer, roof rack, and heated front seats. Some models also had a rear entertainment system. Homelink garage door opener, and memory seats were also included.
2002 Acura MDX Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2002 |
| Make | Acura |
| Model | MDX |
| Trim | - |
| Style | All-Wheel Drive |
| Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Canada |
| Manufacturing City | ALLISTON |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 2012.13 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 2580.94 kg |
| Overall Height | 181.1 cm |
| Overall Length | 478.79 cm |
| Overall Width | 195.58 cm |
| Wheelbase Length | 270 cm |
| Standard Seating | 7 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3.5-L V-6 |
| Engine Size | 3.5L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $37,300 USD |
| Invoice Price | $33,602 USD |
| Delivery Charges | $500 USD |
Vehicle History Report
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Analysis
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2002 Acura MDX Have?
The 2002 Acura MDX, while generally reliable, has some frequently reported problems. The most prominent issue is transmission failure. Early model years, including 2002, were particularly susceptible to this issue, with symptoms including slipping gears and harsh shifting. Some owners experienced complete transmission failure, necessitating costly repairs or replacement.
Another common concern is excessive oil consumption. This can lead to engine damage if not monitored and addressed.
Rear differential issues, including whining noises and eventual failure, are also reported. Rust can be a problem, especially in areas with road salt.
There have been recalls for the 2002 Acura MDX, including issues related to the fuel tank and the automatic transmission. It's crucial to check the vehicle's VIN with Acura to determine if all applicable recalls have been performed.
Long-term reliability concerns mainly revolve around the transmission and potential for corrosion. Regular maintenance, including fluid changes, can help mitigate some of these issues. However, given the age of these vehicles, potential buyers should be prepared for age-related repairs.
Another common concern is excessive oil consumption. This can lead to engine damage if not monitored and addressed.
Rear differential issues, including whining noises and eventual failure, are also reported. Rust can be a problem, especially in areas with road salt.
There have been recalls for the 2002 Acura MDX, including issues related to the fuel tank and the automatic transmission. It's crucial to check the vehicle's VIN with Acura to determine if all applicable recalls have been performed.
Long-term reliability concerns mainly revolve around the transmission and potential for corrosion. Regular maintenance, including fluid changes, can help mitigate some of these issues. However, given the age of these vehicles, potential buyers should be prepared for age-related repairs.
How long will the 2002 Acura MDX last?
With proper maintenance, a 2002 Acura MDX can easily reach 200,000 miles or more. Many owners report exceeding 250,000 miles. However, longevity heavily depends on consistent maintenance, including timely oil changes, transmission fluid replacements, and addressing any issues promptly.
Long-term durability is generally good, but the transmission remains the primary weak point. Over time, suspension components like struts and bushings may need replacement. Electronics can also become problematic as the vehicle ages. Rust is another potential concern, particularly in regions with harsh winters.
Long-term durability is generally good, but the transmission remains the primary weak point. Over time, suspension components like struts and bushings may need replacement. Electronics can also become problematic as the vehicle ages. Rust is another potential concern, particularly in regions with harsh winters.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 2002 Acura MDX offered a decent suite of tech and safety features for its time. Built-in tech included a premium audio system with a cassette player and CD player. The Touring trim added an optional navigation system, which was advanced for its era. Some models featured a rear-seat entertainment system.
Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern vehicles but included cruise control. Standard safety features comprised anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and front and side airbags. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) was also included.
The 2002 Acura MDX achieved good crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It received high marks for frontal and side impact protection.
While lacking modern features like Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone integration, or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), the 2002 MDX provided a solid level of tech and safety for its time. The navigation system, while dated, was a notable feature in the Touring trim. The standard safety features and crash-test performance contributed to its reputation as a safe family vehicle.
Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern vehicles but included cruise control. Standard safety features comprised anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and front and side airbags. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) was also included.
The 2002 Acura MDX achieved good crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It received high marks for frontal and side impact protection.
While lacking modern features like Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone integration, or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), the 2002 MDX provided a solid level of tech and safety for its time. The navigation system, while dated, was a notable feature in the Touring trim. The standard safety features and crash-test performance contributed to its reputation as a safe family vehicle.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Taffeta White
Nighthawk Black Pearl
Firepepper Red Pearl
Desert Rock Metallic
Starlight Silver Metallic
Deep Emerald Pearl
Quartz Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Saddle
Ebony
Fern
2002 Acura MDX Prices and Market Value
When new, the 2002 Acura MDX had a base price around $35,000, with the Touring trim reaching close to $40,000. As of today, used market prices typically range from $2,000 to $6,000 depending on condition, mileage, and location.
The MDX has significantly depreciated over the years. Factors affecting resale value include mileage, condition (especially regarding rust and transmission health), maintenance history, and overall market demand for older SUVs. Low mileage examples in excellent condition command a premium, but even well-maintained MDXs face competition from newer, more fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced vehicles.
The MDX has significantly depreciated over the years. Factors affecting resale value include mileage, condition (especially regarding rust and transmission health), maintenance history, and overall market demand for older SUVs. Low mileage examples in excellent condition command a premium, but even well-maintained MDXs face competition from newer, more fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced vehicles.
2002 Acura MDX Cost of Ownership
Insurance costs for a 2002 Acura MDX are relatively affordable due to its age and depreciation. Fuel costs are moderate, given its V6 engine. Maintenance can be average, but potential transmission and differential repairs can significantly increase costs. Long-term ownership costs can be higher than expected if major repairs are needed. Regular maintenance is crucial to minimize potential issues. Overall, it's not the most economical vehicle to own, especially compared to newer, more fuel-efficient options.
2002 Acura MDX Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
51.77 liters
City Mileage
6.68 km/l
Highway Mileage
4.76 km/l
2002 Acura MDX Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2002 Acura MDX Recalls & Defects
Engine and Engine Cooling:engine
Recall date
2002-08-28
Recall no.
02v226000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
ON Certain Minivans, Sedans, Coupes, and Sport Utility Vehicles Equipped With V6 Engines, A Timing Belt Tensioner Pulley ON THE Water Pump IS Misaligned and Could Cause THE Timing Belt TO Contact A Bolt ON THE Cylinder Head. Eventually THE Belt Could BE Damaged and Fail.
Consequence
IF THE Timing Belt Breaks, THE Engine Will Stall, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy
Dealers Will Inspect THE Water Pump and IF IT IS ONE OF THE Defective Pumps, THE Water Pump and Timing Belt Will BE Replaced. Owner Notification Began August 30, 2002. Owners WHO Take Their Vehicles TO AN Authorized Dealer ON AN Agreed Upon Service Date and DO NOT Receive THE Free Remedy Within A Reasonable Time Should Contact Honda AT 1-800-999-1009 or Acura AT 1-800-382-2238.
Notes
Also, Customers CAN Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-Dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
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.
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.
2002 Acura MDX Warranty
Basic
Original warranty
48 months / 50,000 miles
Estimated remaining
Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty
48 months / 50,000 miles
Estimated remaining
Expired
Rust
Original warranty
60 months / unlimited miles
Estimated remaining
Expired
2002 Acura MDX Insurance
Insurance for a 2002 Acura MDX is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sport Utility Vehicle with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2002 Acura MDX Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle?
The 2002 Acura MDX competed with vehicles like the Lexus RX 300, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz ML320. In terms of performance, the MDX offered adequate power but wasn't as sporty as the X5. Feature-wise, it was comparable to the RX 300 and ML320. Regarding reliability, the MDX was generally considered more reliable than the ML320 but perhaps not quite as bulletproof as the RX 300.
Price-wise, the MDX was often positioned as a good value compared to its European rivals.
Alternatives to the 2002 Acura MDX include:
Price-wise, the MDX was often positioned as a good value compared to its European rivals.
Alternatives to the 2002 Acura MDX include:
- **Lexus RX 300:** Offers similar luxury and better long-term reliability, though with less sporty handling.
- **Toyota Highlander (first generation):** A more mainstream option with similar capabilities and Toyota reliability.
- **Infiniti QX4:** A Nissan Pathfinder-based luxury SUV with a similar price point and feature set.
Ranks #1791 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 | (3.0★) |
| 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★) |
| 1791 | 2002 Acura MDX | (0.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2002 Acura MDX a Good Sport Utility Vehicle?
The 2002 Acura MDX is ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable and spacious used SUV. It's worth buying if you find one in good condition with a well-documented maintenance history, particularly regarding transmission service. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.
Given its age, avoid expecting it to perform like a new vehicle. Focus on finding a well-maintained example, ideally with lower mileage. The Touring trim offers desirable features like navigation and a better sound system. If you're comfortable with potential repairs and prioritize value over the latest technology, a 2002 Acura MDX can be a practical and affordable option.
Given its age, avoid expecting it to perform like a new vehicle. Focus on finding a well-maintained example, ideally with lower mileage. The Touring trim offers desirable features like navigation and a better sound system. If you're comfortable with potential repairs and prioritize value over the latest technology, a 2002 Acura MDX can be a practical and affordable option.
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