[onewhippedpuppy]

Sounds like you drove a lemon. If you believe the reviews, the new MDX is much sportier than the old one. I would go drive another, they look to be very nice SUVs.

I just picked up a 2004 Cadillac SRX V8 AWD, and really love it. The Northstar V8 is a great motor, excellent power and nice noises. Handles well, great standard features, and seems very well built. You can pick up new ones with some nice discounts right now, or get an '06 after the initial depreciation hit. We replaced our '03 4Runner after we found that a child seat and baby seat took up the entire rear row. With the SRX, we have room for both seats in the second row, one adult, and still have the 3rd row. It also has more legroom (by far) than the 4Runner, and my wife can easily sit in the 3rd row.

Other good mid/large options with the 3rd row are the Honda Pilot, new bodystyle MB M-class, new bodystyle BMW X5, Audi Q7, Saturn Outlook/Buick Outclave/GMC Acadia (take your pick), and Mazda CX-9. MB, Audi, and BMW may be more than you want to spend though, since you really can't find the new-gen ones used.