2009 Acura RDX Review, Walkaround, Exhaust, & Test Drive
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- A potent engine, agile handling, and a spacious cabin were the highlights of Acura's first entry into the compact luxury crossover field. Despite strong praise from enthusiasts, sales fell short of goals from it's noisy cabin, stiff ride, and below average fuel efficiency. Buyers who want a luxury crossover with more sport and less refinement will find plenty to like with this vehicle, while more traditional buyers will most likely prefer the current model.
I'm in love with my 09 RDX with technology package, every review video says it has premium sound but seem to leave out the 10in sub in the back. It has just enough turbo noise to make the inner child of mine happy every time I step on the gas
why are we always yelling I’m in the market for a RDX and I am curious about the Technology package. I’m looking at approx an 08-12 model. I would want to install an aftermarket head unit with Apple Car Play. My concern is that the Technology package would be nearly impossible to add an aftermarket head unit... is that the case? I was thinking about getting a base model simply so that I can setup the entertainment system the way that I want with modern features. What do you think?
@@djmattplay I just bought this exact one from the video and I’m trying to put apple CarPlay in it
@@rasheedmustapha6721 cool congrats on the purchase… lmk if you are able to get it done.. good luck
I LOVE the first gen RDX. it has so much more personality than the 2nd.
3rd gen is best lol
@@RaY_77W we all have our opinions
I love the old gps
The Acura I missed out on. Driving currently a 2010 Honda Accord EX, and you're right: the earlier generations of Honda and Acura rule! Younger fans of the later/current generation Acuras don't know what they're missing - like a place to put a CD!
First gen is very sporty, something that Acura has been known for quite a while, so I can see why people really love it. I love the design of the 3rd gen better of course.
I have driven a variety BMW's and Mercedes but I have to say this is the most fun car I have ever driven. It takes off from a stop and takes curves really well.
I own a 09 rdx with the tech pack and I LOVE IT TOO DEATH.........when I was looking for a crossover at a used car lot I drove every other car and didn't like it but the moment I press the gas pedal sat in this car I just instantly fell in love so I went to the Acura dealership to buy one and won't trade in for the world!!!!!
How has the turbo engine held up? I had an X3 that I gave to my mother when I moved cross country but am thinking about one of these or another X3
@@shanet7511 turbo does fine
If this SUV was sold in this first generation today, I would 100% buy it ~ looks very fun to drive and wow 240 HP for a 4 cylinder is still quite good.
I love my RDX. I came from driving an Audi A4 Sports Package and a 2006 Acura MDX Touring, which are two cars I still have. This is a happy medium for me. It gives you the room of an SUV with the feel of a sports car. If you throttle hard, then the engine can seem a bit choppy. But if you accelerate at a normal speed, its smooth as can be. I was looking for a newer MDX, but surprisingly with the 3rd row seating of the MDX, the RDX backseats have more leg room. Of course you don't get the 3rd row seating, which I rarely used it anyways and have used it maybe 5 times since owning the car for 8 years. The MPG is in that 20 range, which isn't horrible but its far from good. With a smallish tank, you'll be spending lots of time at the gas pumps. All in all, its a great car. It could be better but can't everything be?
2023 I am still driving my 2007 I love it best SUV I have ever driven. So quick on the freeway surprises a ton of vehicles once turbo then Vtec kicks in look out. Winter is fun with traction control off super handling AWD so much control.
It looks slow as heck in the video
My wife happens to drive a RDX first generation and she loves it. Loves the power and the SH-AWD. I am always amazed when i drive it by the way it can take corners. She never once complained about the "sporty suspension" and her previous car was a Murano so there is a big difference in the two. I personally drive a MK6 GTI and don't mind driving the wife's car when i have to, which usually isn't the case for most men.
I purchased the exact same one in your video, I was in the market for a small SUV and the RDX was actually cheaper then the CR-V's and Rav 4's. The interior is not up to par with my 09 TSX, but the RDX handles very well in any weather and is a blast to drive. I hear many complaints about the bumpy ride, but I feel it's is on par with even the current Rav 4. To me, this model RDX is your best bang for your buck, if you're in the used car market. It's distinct, fast, and SH-AWD is just amazing.
Owned one for a year and 10 months. Just traded it in a month ago. Exact same year and color, but the base model. PROS: Drives VERY car-like, great mid-range acceleration, no fuss reliability, and roomy back seats. CONS: This thing chugs gas like it was it's only purpose. Rated at 17city/22hwy, the best I got was 23 mixed. And that's semi-hypermilling it. Front passenger seat leg room is tight. Leather isn't supple like Lexus or post '08 Acuras. And as mentioned, just too much hard touch plastics for my taste.
normaspirated I was thinking of buying one with about 98000 miles for about 8k what do you think I should look out for in the vehicle
I love my Lexus leather 😩
I think the refreshed e83 x3 is a better buy in terms of performance, mpg, and luxury
@@mannyj5862 My 06 E83 X3 was nice, pretty reliable too but the seats sucked
I used to know somebody that has a 2007 RDX. I got to ride in it once and was in the middle seat in the back and it was pretty comfy and wasn't even awkward like it usually is
yup! i just had 5 people (200+ pounds a piece, all over 6 foot tall) and it was comfy.
I have a 2008 Acura RDX and I’m loving it with 196,180 Kms now 200,111 Km
I'd love a first gen rdx but hate the face lifted ones. I also think that k23 would have been an awesome engine for a lot of the Honda/Acura at the time. Imagine if they made a tsx with that engine back in the day
If I have the money I would get a tax and swap with these k23🔥🔥
I don't know why this guy criticised 1st gen. I personally know some guys and my friends as well who are always poking kijiji to find 1st gen Acura rdx top model 4cyl with little rust. I think these engines with awd were the best and they are still going good on highways.
I hear they are reliable
I purchased an used 08 RDX tech in 2010 with 30,000 miles and added Hondata reflash, ETS intercooler, Eibach lowering springs, and progress RSB. It is still on the road today with +200,000 miles (handed it down to my daughter back in 2019).
I use too want one of these.. back in the day.. the engine was so unique
Yeah it took Acura over a decade to implement another turbo 4 since this first Gen RDX, which is the current one in the new TLX and RDX.
The arm rests always do that in Honda’s and Acura’s they need to update their leather for sure.
Problem is that it was not even leather. It was a leather-like vinyl. And they tear down over time and start to shred -- same issue in CR-Vs with leather, the arm rests on the seats and the door panels both break down and tear away the leather-like vinyl covering. Good thing for all cases though, there are leather replacement pieces you can find on Amazon/eBay that allow you to recover these panels and they are genuine leather!
7:00 I definitely feel that turbo lag. I thought something was wrong with it for a long time.
This car is really fun to drive and drives a tank in bad weather condition. Drive from Seattle to Denver. No issues. Turbo surge is very addictive. I'm sure second gen is good for family, but first gen is fun for daily drive. MPG is pretty bad in the city but HWY mpg is better than projected. Absolutely no steering feedback, but it is precise.
I own one as well. I’ve only done city driving daily with so much stop and turn…so far dash shows roughly 11 mpg. Is it normal? Does better on the highways though.
I like the RDX, especially the new one. It is the least expensive luxury SUV on the market, costing just $40,515 fully loaded. A GMC Terrain Denali fully loaded costs the same price pretty much, with similar options. For the money, I would opt for the Acura RDX. I am not crazy about Japanese cars, but I appreciate a nice bargain.
Love the rdx
Don't complain about a "stiff" suspension if you want exceptional performance! Just bought a 2007 w/Technology Package with 43,990 miles and my one and only complaint is merely 20 mpg.
+Miles Coulson If you want exceptional performance buy a sport car. I, like most buyers in this segment, want comfort out of my crossover.
+nman2563 Why not want more? SH-AWD makes these cars handle like sports cars... That is the whole point of a "Crossover" if you want comfort get an SUV.
You can't have it all - if you want better cornering, ride comfort has to be sacrificed. Maybe you want more but the majority of crossover buyers don't need performance, they would rather have the comfort.
skirmich The point of a crossover is to give the SUV look without the weight and poor handling and poor economy of body-on-frame SUVs. They are not trying to make SUVs with the handling of sports cars, they are trying to make SUVs with the handling of sedans. Just because Acura uses SH-AWD to improve performance does not mean they are aiming for sports car handling. SH-AWD benefits all drivers.
nman2563 Tell that to the Porsche Cayman S which is trying to be the fastest Crossover on the market.
I own the The 07 Tech package.Got It Fix at the Dealership and offered me the 2018 rdx for the meantime ride.18 rdx rides quiet .speakers sounds better interior the same just more updated version well dur.Softer ride and new looks on headlight.I liked it but..When i got my 07 back i mean horse power more torque just takes it away and yes stiffer ride but its a funner ride.and with the older version u can upgrade ur parts get an Ets intercooler 800 intake 300 new rims change ur headlight roof racks etc and u still save more than getting the new rdx.I love my 07 rdx.all around.Just gatta add some stuff to satisfy u.U not the dealership.
I'm imagining that engine in a RSX type S or a civic Si! Think of a civic Si sedan with the turbo 4 and super handling all wheel drive! That would really bring competition to the EVO and STi
If they put this sytem on a RSX or even TSX -- K23A1 with SH-AWD and 6-speed -- it would change the fucking landscape for what cars are sought after. They would be sooo desirable!
Very good older Review buddy because I just actually really enjoyed it and I'm definitely getting myself one of those things at some point in time here people because you did a very good job on it bud as you always do on every Review that you do about vehicles I have always liked your reviews on cars buddy
I'll take this version
I own one! I absolutely love it 🤩
thinking about buying one ...how does it hold up with gas usage?
@@cornerpocket7077 I'm averaging right now 22.7 miles per gallon, I only use 93 octane. I don't drive it hard at all. It's a absolute fantastic SUV. If you are considering one get one with the tech package, and you'll be very happy.
I’m thinking on purchasing one 09 93k for 8k. How reliable and is that a good price for them? Tnx
@@cornerpocket7077 gas mileage is low but that shouldn’t be the only thing you look for in vehicle. This vehicle has so much potential and technically if you were on a highway for long enough on cruise control you can get up to 50 mpg
@@McDzy very reliable. I haven’t had any major issues.
The only thing I don´t like about this one is the front end but That power and driving Characteristics are pretty understated.. This thing will handle way WAAAAYYY Better than a BMW X3 or an Audi Q5... If only the front wasn´t that ugly.
It's an honest to your follow-up car. A good car. People cling very beauty and brand but forget the cost and benefit
dah fuq did you just say?
Great overview. Detailed and informative as usual. Thanks.
You should try to do a review on a Honda Accord coupe V6 and manual.
could you slap that turbo said on a k24? with the intercooler and stuff sorta wanna see what it'll do with my accord
Awesome Review Of 2009 Acura RDX. 😀
I love the old style gps
Plz can u do a review of a toyota matrix XRS or XR, 5 speed or 6 speed
I'm gonna try an get one of these
Honestly I would have bought one of these over a BMW X3. This 4 cylinder motor is quite smooth, not as smooth as an I6 but good nonetheless.
are these RDX inexpensive to maintain like the rav4's?
are the 2014 Transit Connects arriving at the dealership yet?
I totaled mine lol. I miss it like hell. No one was hurt though. I have an MDX now so I'm forced to drive slow haha
What happened? Why could it not be repaired
@@jayasmrmore3687 I was driving too fast to put it simply. I forgot that I turned traction control off for a trail I was previously driving on....
Later I was driving on the road and was going downhill, through a slight curve where there was loose gravel. I slid, lost control, couldn’t regain it because traction control was off, then put it into a steep ditch.
All airbags deployed, front bumper destroyed, hood destroyed, right fender destroyed, steering block damaged, etc etc. like 9k USD in damages so my insurance totaled it out.
@@motorhead_jt21 $9000? Doesn’t totaling mean repairs have to cost more than getting a new vehicle? $9000 cannot get you another similar vehicle.
@@jayasmrmore3687 The car was only worth about $14k at the time. Damages were too high for the value of the car.
@@motorhead_jt21 oh okay that makes sense. Now that I think about it repair bills have to be more than 1/2 cost of the vehicle not more than cost.
Id compare this to the 2013 dodge durango crew and also the 2014 dodge durango limited and sxt plus. They have the options like leather, power liftgate, etc and priced near $36000
The engine, in my opinion, lack refinement mostly because it was a little too much turbo lag. I prefer the new V6 although I miss the torque from the old turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
This was definitely the sportiest RDX 👍👍
Looks nicer black
It's so wired that the 1st gen is better than the 2nd😐😐
yeah thats "wired" for sure...
Yes
Well nowadays it’s all about cutting costs unfortunately
u doind sick in this vid
I absolutely hate the way this vehicle looks but I'm sure it is pretty fun and handles well.
I love the video it was amazing well-informed you are an amazing car interviewer
lol interviewer
Typical SUV fashion means low step-in height?
the new one also sounds way better
The new one rides so much softer.. this one is a sports car compared to new one... new one just became too soft...
I'd like to find a decent used one for under 15k but I cant. I dont care what year. Just less than 100k miles and a solid proven dealership service record
Just bought an 09 with 71k for $13k, one owner.
Buying 1 for $13K at 85K miles. What part of the country are you in?
Make sure you get one with sh-awd. The 10-12 fwd models had an issue of front drive shaft failing.
How about a review of the Pontiac Solstice that your dealer has.
Pontiac is a vehicle I will never buy. I literally don’t mind anything else
Could you do one on a 06 acura rl
tempted to trade my v6 rav4 for this gen rdx
Or just have 2 vehicles
@@jayasmrmore3687 awwwwww snap
hard touch plastic on the doors in the back? wtf lol its a luxury suv
That's just the beginning. The engine is a gem, would be sweet in a Civic Si, but not a 4000lb tank. Excessive turbo lag, more hassle when servicing, vibrations, noise, and a gas guzzler. When hitting the gas you have to wait a moment before the power comes on, which I understand is normal, but they could have cut down on the lag by using twin turbos. The engine sounds tired when you rev it, reluctant to provide power. I averaged 11.3 mpg in local, suburban driving and 20mpg highway. V8 fuel economy for V5.5 power.
This car has an identity crisis. It wants to be a sporty SUV, but the engine and high center of gravity let it down. Cornering does not inspire much confidence. It wants to be a luxury SUV, but the noise, vibration, and low quality interior materials and finish (poorly fitting panels, rough surfaces) let it down there. The interior controls are an utter clusterfuck, from audio to climate control. Climate settings should be usable without taking your eyes off the road, but that's not the case for this car.
+nigahiga6400 lol what a fuck??? twin turbos on a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder... yea im sure that would reduce lag
+nigahiga6400 lol what a fuck??? twin turbos on a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder... yea im sure that would reduce lag
nigahiga6400
4 years later. You’re still dumb as shit. 😂
Bro I want this car
Service due now!
Nice
I want this SUV
No rear AC vents? This is a fricken luxury suv!! So CRV!
VarunLikesCurry based on the CR-V isn't?
@@Fadic4 No its based off the Accord Platform
I'm actually definitely going to be buying myself one of these cars at some point in time in my not so distant future people because I'm definitely planning on making it the world's fastest RDX on planet earth people but wow will definitely that be very expensive for myself here people because having the world's fastest RDX won't be cheap but do I really care hell no because I have the world's fastest RDX in the world so Haha
That engine should be in the Civic Si
Are this car soft?
The 1st Gen RDX was a hammer and it loved to eat nails with its turbo engine, sporty suspension, and sh-awd. There was a lot of aftermarket support to push the factory 240hp/260tq to the 290-340 hp/tq range, suspension upgrades, and brake upgrades. The great thing about aftermarket engine tunes was mpg improved when you added ECU reflash, downpipe, exhaust, heatshield gaskets, and larger top mounted intercooler. Some saw mpgs jump from high teens/low 20s to solid mid 20s as they added more engine tuning and parts.
The 2nd Gen 13-18 RDX was soft as a wet noodle; but, sold better because that was what people wanted that had the $$$ to buy.
I would probably lower it by at least an inch.
17/22 mpg.. that's worse than the 3L I6 BMW X5, while boosting 310/300 numbers.
Truth Keeper Films Yeah but that's with BMW using a turbocharger on the inline-6 & BMWs are notorious for Bankrupting Many Wallets 😂😂
Truth Keeper Films And they're notorious for being Big Money Wasters for parts, maintenance, & repairs
@@NileshR12 - Of course they are.. Not disagreeing whatsoever. BMW = landfill.
i own 2007 tech turbo. It consumes 13 - 15 L/Km. Pretty high gas consumption but it balances out with the whole comfort provided and power everytime you need it.
Please tell us how HONDA could not put this motor in the new Civic Si lol.
The 1st gen RDX are pure SUV not those other sissy ones
My aunt owns one but gray
2009 model
Not been a horrible person but why always say is hard touch and soft touch
new one is much better in my opinion.
Please do a dodge grand caravan
Just treated myself to a BLK '09,.110k... Always been a jeep peep.. pass pimping now.. lol 😂
the new one is wayyyyy nicer
New one is too soft and no SH AWD... if you want sports car then old one is it...
Okra
The plastics are a joke for a vehicle of the class. My 98 Ford Explorer has a soft touch dash, door panels, and leather wrapped steering wheel. This is not worth the money. And before someone says it's Japanese it will last longer it is all about maintenance. 141230 on the odometer. Still runs like new.
The RDX is a pile of overpriced junk. I owned one before. Not only is the interior sub-par, there is an utter lack of refinement and reliability. I paid thousands to replace the entire power steering system that leaked fluid at 70k miles. It was a recall item but they refused to honor it. The brake lines freeze up in sub zero temperatures, causing extremely poor braking. The damn thing would get stuck in snow and just spin the front tires like crazy. Gas mileage is horrible.
My car now is a 2008 Crown Victoria, which has a better interior, and it's the police model! At 109k miles, it still has plenty of life left in it, and so far it never gave me any problems. Despite having RWD, handled snow like it was nothing (thanks to snow tires), the brakes always stopped me every time even in -20F temps, and on top of that it actually gets better gas mileage than the RDX. It's also much more comfortable, and quieter.
I paid over $33k for my 2009 RDX, while the Crown Vic cost me $6000 to buy, $500 to repaint the doors, $600 for a set of snow tires. The Vic is also cheaper to maintain, without the pesky "Service Due NOW" message that pops up every time you drive the RDX. Shame that a luxury SUV got its ass sorely kicked by a 30+ year old design from Ford.
For a similar price there are much better compact SUV's. Mercedes GLK, Range Rover Evoque, etc.
One thing about the Explorer: they're rock solid, my friend has a 98 that has clocked over 200k miles, still running strong.
nigahiga6400 mercedes, range rover evoke would be too expensive compared to this rdx.... and 200k should be given for this rdx... 200k should be given to any vehicles nowadays especially a honda... and I think you had some bad experience with your acura but not all are like yours... to compare ford crown vic and explorer to this is not even laughable but if you like your ford, then more power to you... lol... but this vehicle is a sports car compared to crown vic or explorer. .. suspension and the way it handles is stiff and flat... you may not like it if you want soft comfy ride but if you are in a hurry, you appreciate its sportiness and flat cornering...
Howie ch How can I expect 200k from the RDX when it has power steering leaks at 70k miles? Now with the Takata airbag recall, I'm even more glad I got rid of the RDX. No need to be driving around with a bomb in my face ready to go off. The RDX is too high to corner with confidence, too loud to be refined, too harsh of a ride, and not powerful enough to tow stuff. The brakes freezing up is plainly unacceptable, and it happened every time the temperature dipped below -10F. Above all, the in dash clock was never accurate. Service is expensive too. Tires easily run into $1000 territory.
There is a compromise between comfort and handling. Flat cornering is great, but would you really need it in every day driving? A rough ride gets very tiresome especially on poor road surfaces typical of the Midwest. Same with performance and efficiency. 99% of the time you never go above 3000rpm in normal driving because there's simply no need to, yet most of the turbo engine's power is up there.
nigahiga6400 like I said your acura must be a lemon... if power steering leaked at 70k I'd be upset even if it was a ford let alone a acura... must be a lemon...
Rdx has one of the highest safety rating so you should be ok... RDX is too high to corner with confidence?
"Moreover, the RDX has moves to go with its muscle. We judged its handling as deft as the BMW’s in a shootout with the X3 and the LR2 [“Attack of the Flying Cicada Killers,” July 2007], and it has impressed all of our drivers with its zealous responses-with one reservation."
That was from car and driver... harsh ride comes from taut suspension which helps flat cornering... it's cornering g force was 0.82g which is good for suv... and for tow, obviously you dont buy a four cylinder turbo to be towing stuff... the engine is not as quiet as a v6 but that is the point of this car... you can buy any one oc the new suvs and all have pretty much quiet smooth engines, but this one is unique in that it is responsive and sporty and people buy it for its sportiness amongst suvs... can you name me any other suv that has moves like this one? Maybe infinti FX and BMW X3 which are more expensive than this vehicle...
Most of time you may drive soft but I like to know that when I need that power and acceleration, I would have it... I dont want to go too fast either because gas mileage sucks big time... your explorer probably has similar gas mileage if not better... that is my only major complaint... gas mileage and 5 speed auto, could have used extra gear... but I like its sportiness...
P.s. dont buy those stock michelin tires.. those cost a fortune...
P.s. interior is so much better than your fords right? It has to...
I mean. Cant really compare older cars to newer ones. I think most cars from the 90s and very early 2000's had good quality interior. Hell I think the 98 Corolla also had a sof touch dash lol
Acura is dead, havent seen any new models in my city
really? i see new mdx's every freaking day
Veyronp87
nope. havent seen any new acura models, i only see the early 2000-2005 models
In Toronto, every single Asian (which I estimate to be over 50% of our population) has either an Acura or Mercedes.
I've seen plenty dude. Acura is very much still alive a thriving. I've seen a lot of 2013 MDX's and RDX's.
*****
here in miami its pretty rare to see a newer acura model I guess Florida isnt really a fan of the brand.
Turbo lag killed this car.
After the lag it accelerates very quickly and quietly though
PLEASE DO A BLOOPER END OF YEAR REVIEW