Update Post: The Acura ZDX, Test-Driven (+ face reveal)

Since this blog was created, it's been on my bucket list to test drive a car featured in one of the original cycle of posts from early 2014 (and preferably not one of the "common" ones like the Saturn, Smart, or Mercedes CLS, but something rarer). Being in Tennessee, that was easier for some cars than others. Many were only sold in foreign markets. Many are not just rare, but EXTREMELY rare. Many are very old and/or unsafe, meaning they would be more difficult to drive and most would have disappeared from use due to attrition. A big shout-out to Gary Force Acura in Brentwood, TN, for letting me come down and test drive this ZDX, which was the first ZDX they had gotten in at least four years (and Gary Force is a sizable dealership, the only one in the Nashville area, and there are no others in a 100 mile radius). I saw this one on CarGurus just after midnight, and set up a test drive as soon as possible: the actual test drive started around 1:25 pm that same day, July 15, 2019. That's me in the green "W" shirt.

Here is the ZDX's original post from February 4, 2014. It's worth a read alongside this one.

With only 7,191 made from 2009 to 2013, the Acura ZDX could definitely be considered "rare". Torque News said in 2015 that it's "destined to be a collector car". It was definitely a niche vehicle: sort of a cross between a sports coupe and an SUV. It sat near the top of Acura's lineup during its production, starting at $45,495 in 2010 (compared to the MDX SUV at $42,230 and the RL luxury sedan at $46,830). Its design is striking, with flush rear door handles to complete the coupelike look. You'll definitely notice this one in a crowded parking lot.

The ZDX shares a platform with the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, but the interior is largely the same as a fully loaded TL of the same vintage; button-filled and high tech, but easy to use. It drives as good as any Acura sedan of the era and doesn't feel like the 4,458 lbs that it weighs. The seats are quite comfortable, and the driving position is good. Despite the coupe-like roof line, I still felt like I had plenty of room, and I'm 6' tall. Also, the one I drove had about 170,000 miles and still drove like it was brand new.

My post in 2014 was right: the ZDX is a thoroughly unique car that's easy to live with. The only issues are visibility, which isn't great from the rear; however, all ZDX's come with a rear view camera, and a blind spot information system is optional.