I frequently find myself doing amusing things in this role. Sometimes it’s making a Costco trip in a supercar to check if a pack of toilet paper fits in the front trunk, and other times it’s piloting a vintage SUV on an IndyCar street circuit. That’s what I experienced last weekend during the Grand Prix of Long Beach as part of Acura’s commemoration of its 40th year in America. As it happens, a 2003 Acura MDX remains just as enjoyable to drive today as it was when it first arrived.
To start, it’s hard to accept that a 2003 model is almost a classic now, but if you round it up, that’s nearly 25 years. I’m getting old! But just look at it. It represents such a stark contrast to what Acura (or any brand) creates today in terms of aesthetics—though I do genuinely appreciate the current MDX, particularly the Type S. This first-generation version is significantly more compact than today’s SUVs in its category. It’s also sleeker, less intricate, and rides on 17-inch wheels. Remember when SUVs didn’t aspire to be sports cars?
Check out that interior; it’s so minimalist, and the design is so neat. It’s all about function over aesthetics, yet the design is still visually appealing. Tons of buttons, cupholders, storage compartments, and no awkwardly positioned screens or wireless chargers. The HVAC controls feature what, six buttons? Nowadays, there’d be a dozen or more, all residing on a screen. That said, I did find their placement a bit odd, sitting atop the infotainment screen and nestled between two air vents. And that simply styled analog clock? It really amuses me that we once lived in an era when a $0.89 clock could be found on the dashboard of a $42,000 luxury SUV.
Before I recount my driving experience—which, honestly, was just a riot—I’ll explain how I got behind the wheel of the MDX in the first place. It all began when Acura arranged a pre-race parade lap around the Long Beach GP street course to celebrate its anniversary. The event showcased over 40 Acuras of various ages, shapes, and sizes, including some race cars, vintage Integra Type Rs, NSXs from all eras, and my personal favorite: the No. 48 Comptech Integra we recently covered.
With so many thrilling vehicles available for the track lap, most would have opted for something sporty and low. Not me, though. I chose the Certified Dad Ride and grabbed the keys to the MDX. As a middle-aged dad, my priority is comfort above all else. What can I say?
Track Time
Reality hit me hard when I got into the MDX, and with the keys in my pocket, I reached for the side of the wheel, searching for a start button. Oops! Old-school key ignition here. After that little mix-up, I heard the classic 3.5-liter V6 roar to life with nearly the same smoothness it would have exhibited back in 2003. This specific unit, now in Acura’s possession, has just 72,000 miles and was indeed purchased from a private seller rather than being taken directly off the assembly line. This greatly attests to its remarkable condition. While 72,000 miles isn’t excessive for a vehicle of this vintage, it’s certainly not insignificant.
Watching the aged vehicle pull out of the pits and join the lineup to go on track alongside a host of sports cars and race vehicles was a sight to see, and I noticed more than a few folks pointing and chuckling. Rude! But that’s fine, I was confident in my choice.
When you think “parade lap,” you generally envision slow, close-quarter driving. This parade lap was anything but. Since everyone else was in something sporty and rapid, they all took off right away, and suddenly I had a quarter-mile gap to the car in front. My 260 horsepower wasn’t much of a competitor, but it didn’t matter, because I was cruising at about 75 mph down the main straight where GTP and Indy cars typically reach around 200 mph. I was driving on the same asphalt where legends like Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr., Alex Zanardi, Juan Pablo Montoya, Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon, and Alex Palou have fought for victories in the past.
Then came the first turn, a fairly tight left-hander where you must carefully maneuver the vehicle between two concrete barriers. I eased off the throttle quite early and delicately started applying the brakes. I wasn’t about to overheat the pads on a 23-year-old SUV, nor cause a red flag by slamming the thing into the wall. I can easily imagine it in my head: “IndyCar race halted because some fool crashed an old SUV on the track minutes before the green flag.”
I gently turned left and allowed the MDX to glide through the corner to assess how much grip the tires provided. It wasn’t much. Moreover, they were squealing like crazy. I maneuvered through the next several corners, including the famous fountain, and I definitely felt pretty cool, though I also couldn’t hold back my laughter. Earlier that weekend, I’d enjoyed a hot lap as a passenger in an Integra Type S, and while I wasn’t going nearly as fast now, I didn’t mind because I was having way more fun. Driving always surpasses riding.
By the time I got to turns five and six, I felt more at ease carrying a bit more speed and aimed for the apex. I made sure to avoid the harsh curbing; I didn’t wish to trigger an airbag!
The slightly downhill stretch from Turn 6 into Turn 7 was just fantastic, and that’s the corner where I maintained the most speed. The tires were screeching, and I had the wheel fixed at three o’clock, just targeting the corner while monitoring the barrier. The drive down the back straight was a blast, although I’d prefer not to disclose my speed. I’d like an invitation again, you know?
Unfortunately, due to how the parade route was structured, I had to head into the pits right after Turn 9, so I didn’t get the chance to tackle the iconic hairpin.
Nonetheless, driving a 2003 Acura MDX on a street circuit is precisely the type of amusing activity I get to enjoy in this role, all for the purpose of sharing it with you. In this instance, it served as a wonderful reminder that you don’t need to be in a super-powerful sports car to have a blast, even on a track. Sometimes driving pleasure can be found in something as simple as an old SUV, as long as you concentrate on the positives. Social media tries to convince us that only cars like Porsche GT3 RSs can fill our enjoyment needs, but that’s quite misleading. Regardless of what you drive, what truly matters is that it brings you joy.
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**Experiencing a 2003 Acura MDX on a Track: An Out-of-the-Ordinary Adventure with No Regrets**
The 2003 Acura MDX, a mid-size luxury SUV, is commonly praised for its comfort, dependability, and family-oriented features. Yet, taking this vehicle onto a racetrack might seem unorthodox to many. This article delves into the experience of piloting a 2003 Acura MDX on a track, emphasizing the distinct elements of this undertaking and the insights gained along the way.
**Performance Overview**
The 2003 Acura MDX is fitted with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 240 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. While it’s not a sports car, the MDX boasts a five-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, allowing for satisfactory acceleration and handling for an SUV. On the track, the MDX’s performance can be unexpectedly impressive, as it delivers a smooth ride and responsive steering, permitting a different kind of driving experience.
**Handling and Dynamics**
One of the most significant features of driving the MDX on a track is its handling. The vehicle’s all-wheel-drive system provides great traction, particularly in turns. Although the MDX isn’t built for high-speed racing, it can traverse the track with a surprising degree of agility. The suspension, while designed for comfort, absorbs jolts and irregularities, contributing to a stable driving experience.
**Braking Performance**
The braking system of the 2003 Acura MDX stands out as another area where the vehicle performs commendably. Equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, the MDX provides dependable stopping power. On the track, the brakes may exhibit some fade with extended usage, but they usually hold up well, giving drivers the confidence to push the vehicle’s boundaries.
**Driving Experience**
Operating the MDX on a track is a thrilling experience that starkly contrasts with its usual function as a family automobile. The sense of liberation and excitement derived from maneuvering a racecourse is palpable. The spacious interior, while not fashioned for racing, offers a comfortable atmosphere for both driver and passengers, making it an enjoyable experience.
**Lessons Learned**
1. **Acknowledging Limitations**: While the MDX can navigate track conditions better than anticipated, it’s crucial to be aware of its limitations. It is not a performance-oriented vehicle, and excessive pushing can result in overheating or mechanical problems.
2. **Valuing Versatility**: The experience underscores the MDX’s versatility. It can do more than just daily commuting and family journeys, showcasing that it can also offer a fun and engaging driving experience.
3. **Community and Camaraderie**: Involvement in track events fosters a sense of community among car enthusiasts. Sharing the experience with others who appreciate the unconventional application of a family SUV creates enduring memories.
4. **Skill Development**: Driving on a track allows for the cultivation of driving skills that might not be refined in typical driving circumstances. Learning to control the vehicle in a regulated setting can enhance overall driving proficiency.
**Conclusion**
Taking a 2003 Acura MDX on a track may not be the foremost choice for many enthusiasts, but it provides a unique and fulfilling experience. The combination of performance, handling, and the thrill of the racetrack presents an unconventional yet unforgettable outing. For those ready to think outside the box, the MDX proves it can offer excitement and enjoyment, leaving drivers with no regrets.