The 2008 Acura MDX is one of the more practical options available to you if you’re after a mid-size luxury SUV. With typical listing prices around $8,000, there are cheaper SUVs out there, but they don’t drive like this, they’re not this comfortable, and they’re not this dependable.
Is the 2008 Acura MDX a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – This is simply the best mid-size luxury SUV on the market for its model year.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – The BMW X5 might be marginally more comfortable, but we’re splitting hairs. It rides like a cloud and packs a studio apartment in two or three trips.
- Reliability 8/10 – It’s basically a fancy Honda, so it’s built to last an easy 200,000+ miles on the original transmission.
- Safety 8/10 – Good crash test ratings and generous standard equipment make the MDX safe enough to drive with confidence.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – 15/20 miles to the gallon, city/highway, might not sound like much until you consider that this thing is an all wheel drive seven-seater delivering 300 horsepower.
- Value 8/10 – Not the cheapest SUV on the market, but the best deal you’re going to get on a luxury SUV that’s big enough for the whole family.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Acura MDX?
Consumer Reports found the Acura MDX to be a well-rounded, spacious SUV punching well above its price point. They liked the zippy acceleration, tight handling, smooth powertrain, and high-end cabin. Their only complaint: The third row is fine for kids, but cramped for grownups.
Kelley Blue Book named the 2008 MDX as the most powerful and tech-savvy V6 SUV on the road in its model year, praising the high-end cabin and handling. They note that the Lexus RX 350 rides a little smoother and “tamer,” though, if sportiness isn’t a priority for you.
Edmunds praised the “exemplary” handling, and they were especially impressed by the V6 engine, somehow managing to deliver power and fuel-efficiency in a single package. They weren’t so hot on the awkward control layout, or the odd-looking Star Trek grille.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Acura MDX Have?
The Acura MDX has generated just 47 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Electrical issues take the lead at a mere 8 complaints, mostly pointing to fairly minor problems like broken clocks, but at least one driver reporting electrical interference with the brake assist.
6 suspension complaints see drivers replacing the sports suspension system after just a few thousand miles on the road. Drivers report rattling sounds coming from the shocks and struts when hitting small bumps.
A few drivers have reported the hood latches feeling loose, rattling while the car is in motion, and leaving the hood bobbing up and down or vibrating in the wind.
The 2008 MDX has only been recalled once, for issues with an aftermarket bike rack.
How Long Will the 2008 Acura MDX Last?
Drivers often report the 2008 Acura MDX lasting as long as 250,000 miles. You might want to bet on 225,000 when deciding if it’s worth the money, but an Acura is just a fancy Honda, so it’s built to go the distance.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of just $463, which is typical for an Acura, but low for a luxury SUV. Expensive common repairs include new catalytic converters, starting at around $1,943, and new oil pumps, at $1,039.
I haven't had any problems with my car. It is 'smart' so it tells you when certain services are due, as well as the temperature outside and tire pressures.
We have barely had it a year and we got it really old. So, surprisingly it has not given any trouble.
Yes very reliable. I personally haven't had any issues yet. I've had the car for about 3 months now and it’s going well. No issues
I have heard my model and year are prone to having transmission problems once the car reaches 90K miles.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2008 Acura MDX was ahead of the curve in 2008, and still holds up as being pretty good today. Bluetooth hands-free comes standard, as do CD/MP3 players with 8 speakers, 6-disc CD changers, and auxiliary input jacks.
Safety technology features are good for the model year. Stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard.
Is the 2008 Acura MDX a Good Value?
The 2008 Acura MDX is one of the better deals in its class. A model with around 160,000 miles on the odometer will typically sell for about $7,964. The fair price range goes from $6,537 to $8,192, so you may be able to haggle a thousand bucks off the sticker.
There are cheaper SUVs in this size class, but the MDX is the total package at a fair price. It’s sporty, powerful, fun to drive, comfortable, reliable, versatile, fuel-efficient, and even stylish. If you can find one with low mileage at a good price, don’t pass it up.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Acura MDX?
The 2008 Acura MDX is offered in a single trim level, featuring:
- 8-way power adjust driver seat
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted cruise and audio controls
- Tri-zone automatic air conditioning
- Leather seating
- CD/MP3 player with 6-disc changer, 8 speakers, and auxiliary input
- Heated power mirrors
- Bluetooth hands-free
What Engines Come In the 2008 Acura MDX?
- The 2008 Acura MDX packs a 3.7L V6 engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque at an average fuel economy of 15/20 miles to the gallon. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission in all wheel drive, and it can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
What Colors Does the 2008 Acura MDX Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Acura MDX?
The only knock against the 2008 Acura MDX in the comfort department is that the third row can’t really fit three full-sized adults. But, it’ll fit the kids no problem. Seating stretches 60 inches across at the hip, the suspension rides nice and smooth, and the cabin is first-class from top to bottom.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Acura MDX Have?
The 2008 Acura MDX offers up 15 cubic feet of cargo space to start with, or you can fold the seats down for just over 83 cubic feet. Even with the seats up you’ve got a mid-size sedan’s trunk worth of storage, and with the seats down you can pack small furniture items.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2008 was the second model year for the MDX’s 2nd Generation, running from 2007 to 2013.
2006: The only big changes for the 1st Generation’s final model year had to do with new interior trim options.
2007: For the 2nd Gen relaunch, the MDX received an overhauled suspension system and a larger wheelbase.
2008: Acura added auto-dimming rearview mirrors for 2008.
2009: No major changes in 2009.
2010: The MDX got a new look for 2010 thanks to a brand new grille design and a revamped front fascia and hood.
How Does the 2008 Acura MDX Compare to the Competition?
The 2008 Acura MDX is the best luxury mid-size available for its model year. The BMW X5 is cheaper than the MDX, but it’s less dependable, with a whopping 16 recalls on file, and the entry level model comes up 40 horsepower shy of the MDX.
Depending on your needs, the MDX may be preferable to what would usually be the more practical option, being the Honda CR-V. The CR-V typically sells at around the same price, is comparably reliable, and averages a combined 22 miles to the gallon, a few MPGs better than the MDX. But it’s less powerful and not as roomy.
There are cheaper SUVs out there than the MDX, but the MDX delivers a lot more value than you’re probably expecting for the price, and it’s as dependable as any Honda on the road today.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Acura MDX?
Yes. I love my car! The seats are comfortable, it is roomy, and stylish. I love the navigation system and heated seats.
Yes it is very reliable. We haven't had any problems as of yet and it is pretty old. My only complaint is it gets really bad gas mileage.
Yes it is. Runs great and the repairs have been minor. I love the sound system and the smoothness of the ride.
Yes, so far it has been a very good vehicle. It is a safe and practical vehicle to own, and yet sporty and fun to drive.
