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The first time we viewed Acura ZDX working its way through a high-end retail shopping center, we weren’t quite sure what we were looking at; an upsized Chrysler Crossfire, BMW X6, Volvo XC60 re-do? We’d previously encountered the soon to be outgoing Honda Crosstour, and while ZDX does sport a distant cousin similarity to Crosstour, ZDX design takes the quirky organic, hard body line, fat rear-end design attributes of Crosstour and Acura-izes them.
ZDX is big and bold by Acura measures; excessively opulent and socially puffy bordering on the grandiose; think MDX SUV crossed with TL, throw in a hatchback and angle chop drop the rear roof line; that’s ZDX; don’t forget the glass roof.
Cadillac CTS wagon had nothing on this beast; what was it? ZDX is that full figured gal down the street with the pretty face; tough to dismiss, impossible to ignore. Perhaps ZDX was under marketed, or the U.S. just wasn't ready for this exceptional looking sports- hatchback with true off road capabilities.
Interestingly enough when introduced at the 2009 New York International Auto Show as a 2010 model, ZDX was not referred to as a Crossover. Concept designer Michelle Christian had labeled the groundbreaking automotive departure as a “4-door sports coupe” while Acura PR stated ZDX “blurs the distinction between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle;” it still does. You won’t find anything else like ZDX on the road today.
An Acura of many firsts
The First Acura design to come out of Honda’s Torrance studio is just different enough to separate the ZDX driver from the sport-crossover crowd. While originally directed at the premium U.S. crossover market, caught in the doldrums of a then floundering U.S. recovery, ZDX didn’t sell well.
Designed by Acura’s first women designer, ZDX exterior lines are stunning. A meld of organic body curve meets hard chine side line works the eye. With interior accommodations sporting hand stitched leather seats, panoramic glass roof with removable sun shades, high grade hard and soft material finished surfaces; ZDX shouts Acura-grade quality with just a touch of understated elegance. The Acura grill, you’ll either like it or you won’t.
Tech? Yes, it has it all: Available in 3 trim variants, ZDX can take you from a decent stereo and Bluetooth connectability to state of the art Acura/ELS Surround premium audio as found in 2015 TLX with voice command navigation; but, it doesn’t come cheap.
Built on the Honda Pilot, Acura MDX platform, ZDX features SH-AWD for exceptional sure footed on and off-road traction and handling. ZDX was the first Acura to feature a 6 speed automatic transmission. Coupled with the maker’s mechanically bullitproof 300 horsepower 3.7 liter V6 this midsize crossover is fun to drive and mechanically reliable.
MSRP and fuel economy killed ZDX sales
Unfortunately for Acura ZDX $2 gasoline arrived a year or two too late. A stated MPG of 16 city/22 highway slowed ZDX sales to a crawl in a day of $4 per gallon gasoline. And, for those not concerned with the price of gasoline, a beginning MSRP of $45,495 to $57,995(2010) drove would-be ZDX buyers to competing brands.
Looking to recall records we discovered ZDX to be one of Acura’s most reliable offerings. With only one initial side airbag recall, manufactured quality is not the issue as to low volume ZDX sales.
Why Acura ZDX is destined to be a collector car
Introduced in April of 2009 as a 2010 model, ZDX production ended in 2013. Looking to the numbers: We find ZDX to be the rarest of U.S. manufactured Acura offerings. With a total of 7191 vehicles produced and sold in North America, exceptional styling and several Acura firsts, ZDX is destined for car collections the world over.
We look to initial 2009 sales(81) and the last year of production(2013)to be the “go to year” for serious Acura collectors. With a mere 410 ZDX of all trim variants sold in North America for 2013, resale prices are holding with $24,000 to $27,500 being paid for low mileage 2010 Acura ZDX; the only units(3) we find available for sale on the West Coast of the U.S..
Photo attributions: Mayres/Youtube.Com
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Comments
Good day Parks. Yep, I think
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Good day Parks. Yep, I think you nailed it, I think the MSRP was the killer, (not that it wasn't worth it), but wasn't exactly the, "Bargain" Honda/Acura is generally known for. I almost bit. Hindsight being 20/20, should have. As far as the ZDX design, I find it to be killer and will remain so for some time to come. Design wise, the Crosstour for me somehow misses the boat, looks like a pumped up Accord, which is not entirely a bad thing, (too conservative for my taste), just not nearly as, "Groundbreaking" as the ZDX design. I'm kinda surprised that you don't see more on the road, (almost never see one). When they first came out I thought Acura had a HUGE hit on their hands. The market is so fickle, go figure. The numbers you site as being sold is a shocker to me.
Yes JeffS, I too was
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In reply to Good day Parks. Yep, I think by JeffS (not verified)
Yes JeffS, I too was surprised as to the low production volume. Knowing that the average development cost of a new model runs well into the high 9 figures,(TLX was $ 800 million,) ZDX was a big financial hit for Acura. Take care.
I was gonna say, based on
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I was gonna say, based on sales, it sounds like they didn't even cover the cost of the tooling. Wonder if they sold overseas? At the time was a pretty good chunk of change, I remember thinking, if it was only 5000.00 less I would've jumped. Be Well.
Built in the U.S. I find no
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In reply to I was gonna say, based on by JeffS (not verified)
Built in the U.S. I find no record of export.
The ZDX was only ever built
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In reply to Built in the U.S. I find no by Parks McCants
The ZDX was only ever built in Alliston Ontario Canada. It was originally intended for mid-life crisis, empty nesters who dont really need to put people in the back seat.
Thanks Mark. Right you are.
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In reply to The ZDX was only ever built by Mark (not verified)
Thanks Mark. Right you are. nonetheless, a great looking vehicle. Still, don't find any export data for ZDX.
Actually, the 2012 Advance
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Actually, the 2012 Advance model would be the most sought after is the 2013's content was cut-down as a last ditch effort.
Thanks Benson.
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In reply to Actually, the 2012 Advance by Benson (not verified)
Thanks Benson.
I think the 2013 model will
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I think the 2013 model will be the collectors item. Only 362 were made and the front grill was updated to look way better. The 2010-12 all look exactly the same. The small number and different grill should make it more desirable.
Greg, I agree with you. A
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In reply to I think the 2013 model will by Greg (not verified)
Greg, I agree with you. A rare find!
Likewise, I had my eye on the
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Likewise, I had my eye on the zdx before it was still in promotion stages.
Had test drives as a loaner while my mdx car was being repaired.
Loved it but backseat was basically the deal breaker for me.
Right on as a person on mid-life crisis, empty nester/or kids have grown up. Just ready to give myself a reward for all the many years of hard work and family obligations.
As life turns out, lost my income and the càr just became a wishfull dream car.
Now separated, still admire the car. Backseat is now more of a less-of-a-dealbreaker. Getting myself into financial stability; And maybe one day, able to get a good deal on this dream car.
Best of luck William. It
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In reply to Likewise, I had my eye on the by William Gamia (not verified)
Best of luck William. It reads as if we've followed a similar trail. You'll have your car!
I think the ZDXis a cool car
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I think the ZDXis a cool car and rare gem; but it failed because the MDX was bigger and cheaper. Not to mention it's a gas pig that requires premium fuel (double whammy). Your buying an SUV that has a chopped roof... Why not buy a sedan? For $50k and poor fuel economy you can buy a muscle car!
I'm actively on the hunt for
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I'm actively on the hunt for one of these and they are extremely hard to find around here.
Wow, i have one and it's such
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Wow, i have one and it's such a rare beauty, just when i was thinking of getting something else, it's just so hard for me to let go because i think it will truly become a collectors item sometime later....Thanks everyone, the reviews got me loving it once again. It was actually a dream for me to get it, i couldn't sleep for so many months just to get it.
Enjoy your Acura ZDZ Sammie!
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In reply to Wow, i have one and it's such by Sammie (not verified)
Enjoy your Acura ZDZ Sammie! Thanks for dropping in.
Love mine .
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Love mine .
I didn’t know the number production number was 7191 . I have the seats down most of the time as I carry stuff for my sales job .
It bigger then the Crosstour I had better handling .
Any way of finding out what production number men is ?
I’m on the hunt for one of
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I’m on the hunt for one of the last production vehicles of 2013! Actually, I would would prefer a Candian version that has the headlight washers. That would make it even that more rare!
hey lawrence. I am a car
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In reply to I’m on the hunt for one of by Lawrence (not verified)
hey lawrence. I am a car hoarder and luckily i have hoarded a zdx and looking to sell in the near future. You still interested? Alberta Canada here
I’m no longer in the market.
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In reply to hey lawrence. I am a car by Alex (not verified)
I’m no longer in the market. I purchased a 2013 ZDX CPO several months ago with under 35,000 miles.
i am a car collecter(binge on
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i am a car collecter(binge on buying cars) i have a 2013 acura zdx for sale 70k kms still pretty new if you want to buy it off me just email !
I was in the market to get an
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I was in the market to get an Acura RDX or MDX, as I arrived at the ACURA Dealer, a used ACURA (...something) caught my eyes and I wanted to take a closer look. It turned out to be a used ZDX, "A what ? What the heck is a ZDX ?". So I lost all attention on the RDX/MDX that I was there at the dealer for, and was so indulged on the ZDX. It was like something I have never seen before. It has everything that I am looking for: V6, Sporty, MDX frame, Hatchback, Panoramic sunroof, and the list goes on and on.....
- So I searched nationwide for a use ZDX, found it and now own one. It is truly a rare and a future collector car. They don't make this care any more. I get a lot of heads turned as I come to a stop on the road, it feels great to own a rare and unique car - My car is a keeper :)
I'm the proud owner of a 2012
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I'm the proud owner of a 2012 ZDX Advance. I love the car. The surround sound stereo is beyond compare. All my friends are blow away by it. I drove 6 hours to purchase it. With only 32000 miles it was brand new in and out. I only wish it had the running boards which are impossible to find. If you know where I can find some let me know. The only change I'm thinking about doing is a set of summer wheels
and a possible grill swap from a 13. Empty nester here and don't care much about the rear seat room. Its the styling that I love.
Welcome Ross. Yes, I'm also a
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In reply to I'm the proud owner of a 2012 by Ross Arterberry (not verified)
Welcome Ross. Yes, I'm also a fan. Congratulations! The ZDX is one rare Acura. I had the pleasure of speaking with the designer while at the L.A. Auto Show a few years back -- also the design lead for the 2nd generation NSX supercar. My seat time in the ZDX while limited was fun, comfortable enough, and, as you stated, the styling while unique is rather stunning. Enjoy!
Hi! I recently got a 2013 ZDX
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Hi! I recently got a 2013 ZDX and it's beautiful and I love it! But an Acura dealership is trying to get me to trade in and trade up, offering more than I paid for the car for it. I'm torn, if they cut me a great deal on a new RDX they're a bit more practical, but far from as sexy. Do you think in many years time the ZDX will actually gain substantially in value at all?