Lots of sport and a bit of utility as well

I had an Acura RL (2005) that was coming off lease and it was time for a new car.  I decided to buy this time, as my wife's car ('01 Minivan) will be going away within 3 years or so.  I looked at lots of cars and trucks, and ended up with the RDX.  I actually wanted an MDX, but it's too expensive, too big and ponderous.  The '08 RDX was a tremendous bargain at the end of the 2008 model year.  I scored a Tech Model at the end of July and paid just over $31K for it.  That's quite a lot of car for the price - it includes a nav system, bluetooth for cell phones, dual zone climate control system, a killer soundsystem, rear view camera for backing up and a whole lot more.  So how did it work it out so far?

I love the car with some qualifications.  It's sporty to drive, handles great, very comfortable inside, with all the right features.  Compared to the 2005 RL, there's actually more rear seat room for my kids, which is great.  I always got upset that I had to move the front seat up on my RL with the kids in the back.  That car should have had enough room to accomodate the kids and my 6 foot frame. 

Most of the time I am driving alone, and the car does great in that mission.  The heat works well and comes up quick (it's getting to be winter here) and the heated seats appear to be more than up to the task of keeping our butts warm.  My commute is mostly highway miles and the RDX does a mostly great job of tackling that challenge.  The motor has tons of torque, it's relatively quiet and it's quick.  The stereo is unbelievably good for an OEM unit.  Steering and braking is spot on.  The ride is very firm - it handles extremely well, but there is a fair amount of impact harshness which I could do without.  Braking is normally very good, but sometimes the pedal feel is just OK.  Similarly, acceleration is fantastic, but occasionally the tranny will lug around in 4th or 5th in the name of economy.  The tidy size of this car/ute is really good - the car is very tidy for in town and highway driving.  I am very happy that I went for this car, and my wife likes it as well.