Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
17 City / 23 HWY
Horsepower
265
Seats
7
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Katy L
It is drives amazing! I feel very safe in it.
It drives wonderfully. Only complaint is that it does not make me put the car in park before i turn it off and that the air conditioning does not always work right.
accountCircle Emily B
The right turn signal is very helpful.
I love that my car gets me from place to place. It can also seat 7 people which I enjoy when I need to transport lots of people. One feature I do not like is the air conditioning is a little to strong for my liking and I feel like it is always blowing on me.
accountCircle Kelly M
A durable, comfortable car that feels safe in all weather conditions.
Even after a t-bone collision to the passenger side of the car, my vehicle works amazingly, and did a wonderful job protecting everyone inside. It runs well, is comfortable for long car rides, and the built in gps is a huge bonus. It's survived many cross country trips in its lifetime, and I'm looking forward to many more!
accountCircle Cheryl C
It's a good quality car and it is very dependable.
It rides smooth, it has a lot of power, and it looks really pretty
accountCircle Michelle N
Great for a family of 5 or more. Recommended it
Is a good size for my family. Is all wheel drive and that's great for the snow. Its economical in gas.
accountCircle SAndy C
Excellent value for the money. Truly a luxury car
Love the size and all the options on this vehicle...Not very good on gas
accountCircle Channel H
I really love my vehicle. It looks smaller than it is.
I love the fact that a tank of gas carry me along way. I traveled 1250 miles and only refilled my tank once. It's very spacious and roomy. I also have a third row for moving big items.. It doesn't need much maintenance, more than routine service. I actually would like to, get the newer model because I am very satisfied with the performance. If I had to complain about one thing, it would be, when driving 70+ miles or more the steering wheel shakes.
accountCircle Beth J
That it is very reliable and very comfortable.
The vehicle is very comfortable and reliable. It has a package that helps with the GPS. It has a great entertainment package.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Chris Mullen
What a LEMON
Bought a lemon ! Since I purchased this vehicle 6 months ago I’ve had nothing but problem after problem. First, found out it had a blown head gasket w/162,000 miles on it. Then the electrical nightmare started...after having it diagnosed by a mechanic he said my battery, though not able to charge, and alternator were good but every time I went to start my car I prayed that it would start...1/2 the time it wouldn’t. After doing hours of website searching come to find that it was an ongoing electrical problem that Acura knew about but never recalled. I was told it could be one of multiple things from the fuses, audio system, Bluetooth, door locks, ETC... None of which are inexpensive. The icing on the cake is the gas mileage. Wow does this thing s**k gas then you add in that it only take premium gas it makes it worse. To end on a positive note... This MDX is a beast in the snow and has an awesome amount of interior room
accountCircle Chris
What a LEMON
II purchased this vehicle about six months ago and I’ve had nothing but problems. For starters I found out I had a blown head gasket with 162,000 miles on it, Then I took it to a mechanic and asked him to check my battery, and after diagnosing my battery he said that my battery and my alternator were good but my battery wouldn’t hold charge. This is when my real nightmare started! After spending countless hours on the web I come to find out that something, could be audio system, Bluetooth, door locks, fuses, ETC, (none of which are inexpensive fixes) was drawing amps off the battery. Every time I went to start the car I just prayed that it would start, about 1/2 the time it wouldn’t. Come to find out that ACURA knew about this electrical problem but wouldn’t put out a recall! Also the gas mileage is terrible and with the fact that you have to put in premium gas just makes it that much worse. On the positive side… This MDX is a beast in snow! Also, the interior has an incredible amount of room and has a lot of extras in it.
accountCircle Jin N
The air conditioning does not function at all. The passenger window doesn't roll up either.
I like the car because it was free. I hate it because there is so many things that are broken with the car.
accountCircle Ron S
Reliable and long lasting
It's great really. It is good for all seasons of the year especially the winter as it drives really well.
accountCircle Amanda G
Happy buy of an Acura mdx.
Gas mileage is only about 16 in the city and 21 highway. I love the look of the interior and the features it has. Mine seats 7 people and it really feels like a great amount of room on the inside.
accountCircle Jason S
It's a smooth ride, holds up well. It is a big car to drive.
It's held up quite well over the years, but now it's starting to break down. The dashboard sometimes freezes so I can't get AC or radio. It still drives well. Not many complaints.
accountCircle peter w
I average driving less than 8,000 miles a year
Reliable car, I have not had many problems with it. I don't drive much- so it gets me places I want to go and still works!
accountCircle Lora M
Explained everything in last summary.
My car is amazing has a lot of room. Love the sun roof and seat warmers dashboard shows me when something is wrong with my car from the engine to tires love my car. Really have no complaints about my car and its 13 years old.

Acura MDX Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
Base
265 HP 20-20 MPG 7 Seats
car
Touring
265 HP 20-20 MPG 7 Seats
Photos may not match model

2005 Acura MDX Owner Reviews

4.25
75 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 51%
4 stars 32%
3 stars 12%
2 stars 3%
1 star 3%
accountCircle Carmen Z on March 24, 2021
Great 2005 Acura Mdx Suv. It's a great family car
Its has no problems. I my love my suv has third row seating. Navigation system sunroof leather interior its great
accountCircle Cathy S on March 20, 2021
MDX best SUV on the market
Well built, won safety awards, accelerates quickly, very comfortable ride, room for 7 (although the 3rd row seat would be cramped for adults). Comes with built in TV and Bluetooth, leather seats, and heated front seats, rear controls for a/c & heat in the back seats. Has surround speakers. Seats fold down for cargo. Gets good gas mileage for an SUV. LOVE my MDX!

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Miranda J.

I would advise other buyers that this vehicle seems to have some transmission issues once it gets over 200,000 miles. Some alignment issues also. It has been a pretty reliable vehicle for me other than those issues. And it is HORRIBLE on gas.

likeFilled Aaliyah J.

The pros of this vehicle are the amount of space in my vehicle, my ability to access all windows from drivers seat, drivers seat has reclining chairs that are not a lever. In my car you can control A/C and heat for the back of the car, from the backseat. I also enjoy my automatic window for the drivers side window, and the amount of trunk space in the vehicle.

likeFilled Verina V.

Durable & spacious ride. Great for Family or if you need to transport multiple people. I can fit approximately seven people into vehicle. If you like to take road trips or your family enjoys sports it is a good fit!

likeFilled Nam M.

Speed is good and love the color and spacious. Had DVD for the kids. There are super comfort and big. The price are super good and the model. The acceleration is quick but the wheels and to much expensive.

likeFilled Charlotte R.

The vehicle has a good amount of space for luggage, storage, people, groceries, etc. It is good for long trips because it is reliable (and the space). Fuel economy is okay. Japanese cars are generally better.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Miranda J.

It only get around 15-17 mpg in town, as well as on the highway. I spend more than I ever would have expected on gas for this vehicle. I assume it is because it is such a big SUV. Not to mention that it is over 10 years old now.

dislikeFilled Aaliyah J.

One of the biggest cons to my vehicle is only getting 13 miles to the gallon. Also, the leather seats seem to have deteriorated from the sun. Another con would be that it is sometimes difficult to access the third row seating in my car because the chairs in the second row make it difficult.

dislikeFilled Verina V.

Since this is a large vehicle it requires a decent amount of gas. At times I do not realize the back door is open. I believe it is just due to normal wear & tear. Sometimes parking can get tricky. Either for clearance & also width of parking spaces.

dislikeFilled Nam M.

The wheels are more expensive. All pieces to replacement are high cost. Like alternator, water bomb or gas. That is a problem because we don't have money you can use the car. But I understand is responsibility for the owner's.

dislikeFilled Charlotte R.

It is outdated for recent times. There is no aux cord to play for long trips. The DVD player was broken early on when some paper slipped in accidentally. It can get hot easily, especially with the seat material and car color.

Ranks #5 Luxury Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2005 Acura MDX has an average owner rating of 4.25 out of 5 which ranks it #5 of 11 other Luxury Midsize SUVs.

1
car
4.75
2
car
4.67
5
car
4.25

Ranks #1 Luxury Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2005 Acura MDX has a combined MPG of 23 which ranks it #1 of 11 other Luxury Midsize SUVs.

1
Tie
car
23 MPG
1
Tie
car
23 MPG
1
Tie
car
23 MPG

Is The 2005 Acura MDX A Good Car?

Yes my vehicle rarely has any mechanical issues, it gets good mileage, and is comfortable to ride in. It's also sporty
Marvin A.
Yes, I really like it. It's a safe car, drives really well, and fits all my needs size-wise. It fits all my family as well as friends.
Candice S.
Yes it is a very reliable vehicle that is also a good family car. Good engine and has good fuel economy as well
Heather E.
Yes I believe it is a good vehicle because it's quite reliable and is a nice and spacious car to drive everyday.
DIANE C.
Yes. It’s a very reliable vehicle and is aging well. Great style that still looks relevant and not outdated.
Avery Z.

How Reliable Is The 2005 Acura MDX?

It is very reliable. I've never had it break down or had mechanical problems that left me without a ride
Patty L.
I think it's very reliable. The only issue I've had with it is that the backdoors stopped being controlled by the lock button on the key and on the drivers' and passengers' side doors. I have to... Read More
Shannon W.
So far it has been very reliable, changed the oil and plugs often and it runs very well. I am thoroughly satisfied with the vehicle
Nicole L.
It is very reliable there were a few recalls and other issues but nothing too serious. The problems were mostly general maintenance as well as a leak resulting in replacing the transmission seal
Dennis L.
During the summer, one of the windows do roll down by itself and the vehicle has to be taken down to the dealership for maintenance. During the winter, transmission or engine can make strange noises.
Kathleen M.

Is The 2005 Acura MDX A Good Value?

In 2005 my MDX cost around $42,000 ( don't remember exact amount). Because it has lasted so long and mechanically been sound I feel it's a good value
Nathan L.
I forget how much it cost, but it does require premium gas so paying for gas does add up. But I think it's a good value for what it's needed for, which is transporting the whole family and using on... Read More
Raphael Z.
It is a good value. I got mine for 5000. So far I've not needed to put any additional work into the vehicle
Michelle S.
The value has most definitely severely decreased since I have purchased it at the time it was a little pricey for me I paid about $18,500
Nae R.
I can't remember, but it was a great deal from what I can recollect. I would definitely say it’s a great vehicle and worth purchasing or investing in.
Mia E.

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Acura MDX Engine Reliability Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2005 Acura MDX power steering fluid type?

Answer: The power steering fluid used in the 2005 Acura MDX is not specific, but it does need to be designed to handle Honda vehicles. You can avoid any issues with concern related to this by purchasing Genuine Honda...

What's the 2005 Acura MDX hfl module location?

Answer: The 2005 Acura MDX HFL (Hands Free Link) module can be found in the center console and it is used to control the bluetooth and handsfree ability to use Your phone or other device int he car. The module will...

What's the 2005 Acura MDX fuel filter location?

Answer: On the 2005 Acura MDX, the fuel filter is not considered a serviceable part. It's located within the fuel tank, as part of the fuel pump assembly. It should typically last for the lifetime of the vehicle;...

What's the 2005 Acura MDX blend door actuator location?

Answer: The 2005 Acura MDXBlend door actuator location is positioned just below the glove box on the passenger side footwell. The blend door actuator is a small electric motor that features sensors connected to Your...

What are some of the 2005 acura mdx navigation problems?

Answer: The 2005 Acura MDX was one of the first widely available vehicles to offer navigation -- looking back, technology from a decade and a haLFAgo may not hold up to today's standards. As with any aging tech, the...

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Not Rated

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety