Review: Honda YD1 MDX (2003-06)

Honda YD1.I MDX (2003-04)

Overview

Released in April 2003, the Honda YD1 Series I (YD1.I) MDX was a large, seven-seat all-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Ontario, Canada, the MDX was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5-litre J35A3 V6 engine had four valves per cylinder, a two-stage intake manifold and Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control (VTEC) system which adjusted the timing, duration and lift of the intake valves according to engine speed.

Dimensions and suspension

The MDX was 4800 mm long, 1955 mm wide, 1770 mm tall and had a 2700 mm long wheelbase, while the vehicle itself had a drag coefficient of 0.36 Cd. Inside, the MDX’s third row of seats split 50/50 and were capable of folding forward to form a flat floor, while the second row split 60/40.

The MDX had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension with trailing arms (both with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and anti-roll bars).

VTM-4 All-wheel Drive (AWD) system

The MDX was fitted with Honda’s Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive system (‘VTM-4’). In normal cruising, torque was directed to the front wheels; if a loss of traction was anticipated, however, torque could be pro-actively transferred to the rear axle. The VTM-4 system also included a pair of computer-controlled wet clutches in the rear differential which ensured that torque was delivered to the rear wheels in proportion to forward acceleration. There was also a ‘lock’ mode that provided permanent four-wheel drive at low speeds.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Honda MDX included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The MDX also had lap-sash seatbelts for all seven seats and five child seat anchors.

Features: Honda MDX

Standard features for the Honda MDX included 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven speaker sound system with six-stack CD player and remote control, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, heated front seats, cruise control, eight-way power adjustable front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, power sunroof, trip computer and an immobiliser.

March 2004: MDX update

From March 2004, the MDX also featured a centrally mounted CD/DVD player with a seven-inch TFT screen, two wireless headphones, remote control and game port.

Honda YD1.II MDX (2004-06)

Overview

Released in November 2004, the YD1 Series II (YD1.II) MDX introduced additional safety equipment, features and a subtle facelift. There was also a minor power increase of 4 kW to 195 kW, though peak torque was unchanged. Visually, the YD1.II MDX was distinguished by its redesigned bumpers, chrome grille and integrated square twin exhaust outlets.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the YD1.II MDX was upgraded to include full-length curtain airbags (i.e., for all three rows of seats).

Features

Standard features for the Honda YD1.II MDX were enhanced to include a full-sized spare alloy wheel, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, alarm, ambient interior lighting and illuminated dash meters.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Acura MDX (first generation)