2001 Acura MDX Photos, engines & full specs

Developed from the ground up as a separate, premium model for the Acura brand, the MDX established a new direction in the automaker's approach to the market.

In 2000, Honda introduced the MDX with no correspondent in Honda's lineup. Even though it was based on the same mid-size platform used by the Japanese automaker for the Accord and Odyssey, it looked completely different. In addition, it boasted premium materials and Honda's best engine from those times, the durable 3.5-liter V6 known as the J35.

The car's exterior featured an SUV styling but with a touch of sportiness. Thus, the front fascia didn't look like it wanted to conquer any mountain but to look good in front of the local schools. Its angular headlights swept-back on the sides included the turn signals on the corners. The lower bumper featured a wide horizontal gap that helped to cool the engine and sported fog lamps on its outer sides. From its profile, the flared wheel arches and the raked-forward C-pillars and tailgate created a dynamic shape for Acura's crossover.

Inside, the wide interior was comfortable and suitable for five adult-sized passengers. At the front, the two bolstered bucket seats were separated by a tall center console fitted with an armrest and a storage compartment. Inside the instrument cluster, the speedometer took center stage and was flanked by the tachometer on the left and the two main gauges for fuel and temperature on the right. On the center stack, the automaker installed the infotainment system, which was available with sat-nav capabilities. In the back, the split-folding bench offered enough room for three adults. As an option, Acura provided two more jump seats in the trunk, yet those were suitable only for brief jaunts.

Under the hood, the MDX was fitted with only one powertrain option, a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Power went in all corners as standard for all trim levels.