There are only a few vehicles that can be used in place of a small fleet of cars, and the 2008 Acura MDX is one of the best of those vehicles. On the one hand the MDX, redesigned for the 2007 model year, can double nicely as a luxury sedan. The front leather-trimmed power seats both coddle and support you, plus their heating function is a godsend when winter's arctic blasts hit. The electric moonroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, speed-sensing windshield wipers, satellite radio, and incredible sound system almost seem out of place in an SUV.

The MDX is still an SUV, though. All-wheel drive ensures the vehicle can handle inclement weather, a possible 83.5 cubic feet of storage space guarantees a trip to Home Depot won't be a problem, seating for seven helps for carpool duties, and a 5,000-pound towing capacity can get the boat to the lake.

The MDX was developed partly on European racetracks, and offers driving dynamics that make it a suitable substitute for sportier alternatives. The MDX may weigh nearly 4,600 pounds and have a high center of gravity, but the 300-horsepower 3.7L VTEC V6 goes a long way to satisfying boy racer fantasies. The four-wheel disc brakes provide ample stopping power, the ride is excellent, and the handling is assured. A five-speed automatic transmission backs up all MDXs.

A Technology Package adds cruise, audio, and phone controls to the steering wheel, and a rearview camera, hands-free telephone interface, and real-time traffic updates to further the luxury theme. An Entertainment Package adds heated second row seats, a remote power tailgate, and a DVD entertainment system.

An optional Sport Package comes with an active damping suspension system that adjusts the shocks in milliseconds to meet driving demands. A button on the console allows the driver to select between sport and comfort modes. Most impressive is Acura's use of their SH-AWD (super handling-all wheel drive). Not only is power shifted front to rear to aid in the slippery stuff, but it also transfers a goodly portion of the 275 lb-ft of torque between the right and left rear wheels to provide better drive out of the corners. The Sport Package also tacks on premium leather seat trim and the contents of the Technology Package.

Model Strengths

300-horsepower V6; super handling all-wheel drive; luxury coupled with reliability.

Model Changes

Acura redesigned their top-of-the-line MDX SUV in 2007, so changes are relatively few for the 2008 model. Grade logic control and xenon high-intensity discharge headlights are standard, as are LED taillights. The Technology Package includes upgraded leather interior trim, and both the Sport and Entertainment Packages include one more 12-volt power outlet to up the total to three.

Model Value

The 2008 Acura MDX is sporty enough to make most drivers forget they are behind the wheel of a seven-passenger truckster while still being convenient to use for family and household activities. The lavish attention to detail will leave you feeling as if you'll never need a luxury sedan again.

The Acura MDX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Acura since the 2001 model year. The MDX is the first crossover SUV to have third-row seating. It is built by Honda of Canada Manufacturing Ltd. in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. It was introduced in late 2000 as a 2001 model, replacing the slow-selling US-only SLX, based on the Isuzu Trooper. In Japan, it filled a gap when the Honda Horizon was discontinued in 1999. In 2003, the MDX went on sale in Japan. It competes with the Lexus RX, Infiniti FX, BMW X5,Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

Derived from Hondas Global mid-size platform which underpins cars like the Honda Accord, Acura TL, Acura TSX and Honda Odyssey, it is powered by a J35A3 3.5L SOHC 24 valve V6 with VTEC. This 3471cc engine produces 265hp and 253ftlbf.Curb weight is 4451lb,with a 106.3in wheelbase and 8in of ground clearance. The cargo floor can flip up to provide two additional seats. The vehicle is designed to hold 7 passengers. The vehicle features an automatic four wheel drive system that engages only when wheel slippage is detected. The system runs as front wheel drive during normal operation.

All models use a 5-speed automatic transmission. In some models, the transmission suffered significant numbers of transmission problems that were similar to the problems with the Acura CL and TL. However, they did not get the benefit of the free extended warranty that the Acura CL and TL received.

The navigation system and DVD entertainment system options were mutually exclusive in the 2002 model. Both could be ordered at the same time since the 2003 model. The navigation option comes with a rear view video camera since the 2003 model. Since 2005 the navigation system featured information from Zagat about restaurants and other points of interest. The 2003 model was rated as Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. EPA estimates 23 mpg highway and 17 mpg city.

In the 2004 model, the engine was improved to produce