NHTSA Gives 2011 Acura MDX 5-Star Crash Rating

2011 Acura MDX

The 2011 Acura MDX received an overall rating of five stars in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s new crash-test rating system, the safety agency announced today.
The MDX’s overall composite score is composed of a four-star frontal, four-star rollover and a perfect five-star rating for the combined side pole and barrier tests. The side barrier test is an area where other vehicles have shown weakness with the safety agency’s new testing format. The side pole test simulates a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side.

The MDX does get an asterisk next to its five-star side rating: After the side barrier test, 10.88 ounces of gasoline leaked from the fuel system, which, in a real accident, would have caused a fire.
NHTSA also tested the 2011 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h, and each received an overall rating of four stars — four stars in frontal and rollover, and five stars in side impact. Even though that’s the same score breakdown as the MDX, the Lexus overall score isn’t equal. We've contacted representatives from the NHTSA about the issue and have yet to hear back.

2011 Acura ZDX

 

After being officially revealed for the 2010 model year, the Acura ZDX enters the 2011 model year offering the same level of luxury and performance. The 2011 ZDX will be offered in three trim levels: ZDX ($45,645), ZDX with Technology Package ($50,145), and ZDX with Advance Package ($56,195).

Designed as a competitor for the BMW X6, the ZDX features exquisite design elements consisting of a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles, and bold fender flares. It is powered by a V6 engine that delivers 300 HP and comes standard with a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission.

"The ZDX is like nothing you have ever seen before from Acura," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "It combines the best attributes of a coupe, a sedan and a sport utility – all wrapped in a beautifully sculpted package – that will attract an entirely new luxury customer to the Acura brand."

A look at the 2010 Acura TL

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD Tech HPT

BASE PRICE: $35,105 for base TL; $38,655 for base TL with AWD; $38,835 for TL FWD with technology package; $39,835 for TL FWD with tech package and 18-inch wheels; $42,385 for TL AWD with tech package; $43,385 for TL AWD with tech package and high performance tires.

AS TESTED: $44,195.

TYPE: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, five-passenger, mid-size, luxury sedan.

ENGINE: 3.7-liter, single overhead cam V-6 with VTEC.

MILEAGE: 17 mpg (city), 25 mpg (highway).

TOP SPEED: 134 mph.

LENGTH: 195.5 inches.

WHEELBASE: 109.3 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,975 pounds.

BUILT AT: Marysville, Ohio.

OPTIONS: None.

DESTINATION CHARGE: $810

Acura TL Enhanced With AWD, Stick

Consumer Reports puts the 2010 Acura MDX on top of the rankings for luxury SUVs. Published on their June 2010 offering, the 2010 MDX was given an overall score of “Excellent” with a road test rating of 85.

The Acura SUV was way ahead of its pack as the LR4 from Land Rover was issued with a “Very Good” over all score and road-test score of 73. Down the list of Very Good luxury SUVs were the Lincoln MKT with a grade of 72 and the Audi Q7 which got a 68.

The new MDX has an improved powertrain that gives it better acceleration and fuel efficiency. The Acura MDX is now the best 3-row luxury SUV of Consumer Reports.

2004-2008 Acura TSX Recalled

About 167,000 Acura TSX cars from the 2004 through 2008 model years are being recalled. High temperatures could cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, possibly allowing it to crack and leak power steering fluid, which could cause a fire.

Honda will notify owners when the recall begins in May 2010. Owners may contact Acura at 1-800-382-2238 about Recall Number R35.

Acura Recalling 2010 ZDX for Air Bag Problem

2010 Acura ZDX.

6:00 p.m. | Updated

Acura is recalling about 1,850 of its 2010 ZDXs because the passenger-side air bag might not deploy properly in a crash.

Acura told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the dashboard cover “may not have been properly laser scored” and would not allow the air bag to inflate properly.

The company says it is not aware of any consumers having a problem and learned of the defect from a supplier. The ZDX, which Acura calls a four-door sports coupe, is assembled in Alliston, Canada.

Recall Alert: 2010 Acura ZDX

Honda has issued a recall of about 1,850 Acura ZDX vehicles from the 2010 model year, according to the automaker.

The recall is to inspect the dashboard surface material, which may prevent the passenger-side airbag from deploying during an accident. There have been no reported incidents of this, but a manufacturing quality check found that some vehicles don’t have the proper laser-cut scoring on the underside of the material. Without this scoring, the airbag might not deploy.