Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

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Comments

  • tocatoca Member Posts: 147
    When you say the Sandstone turned out different than you expected, what do you mean? You say you like it, but what were you expecting? The reason I ask, is I have that color ordered as well.
  • tocatoca Member Posts: 147
    Never mine how cold it is in your garage in the morning, how about getting in your car after work at 5:00PM in the middle of January?
  • mdmomamdmoma Member Posts: 8
    Can't believe that Honda is not offering a seat heater in the Pilot..as it does in it's other products, Accord, MDX etc. Has anyone investigated a After market Seat Heater?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Aftermarket Heated Seats


    Anyone ever added heat to those leather seats?



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  • pchiupchiu Member Posts: 72
    Well if you want to have a look at the other forum, and if the Host permits this link, go for it.


    The seat is $300 installed per seat.


    http://www.honda-pilot.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1470

  • sjwsmwsjwsmw Member Posts: 131
    Toca-
    Just that the brochure does not represent the color very well at all. I expected and initially disliked the Sandstone based on the color chip. But in reality, it's pretty nice. I would say it is not the traditional 'champagne' beige that is very common out there but deeper in color and more on the taupe side rather than yellow. Sandstone is on the dealer lots for the '03 Accord and Ody as well as is a Acura color.
    If you know the '02 Mesa Beige of the CRV, it is in that color family only lighter.

    Good luck!
  • njeverestnjeverest Member Posts: 12
    Anybody with experience of the rear sensor? Does that work well? helpful? I know Pilot is wide, how difficult to park that without the rear backup sensors?

    What about running boards? It looks to me without a running board, Pilot looks uglier. All the Pilots I saw at dealer's place have it.
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    The reversing aid is kinda handy, it beeps in a different pitch to let you know is something is straight back or to the side.Thought eh Pilot has very good rearward visibility to compared to many SUVs or minivans. To help judge distance to obstacle, the beep rate increases as you get closer. Easy to order on-line and self install, templates included. Honda retail price is about $480, online discounters will knock that down by about $120..

    The running boards are a very easy, if time consuming installation. Just tighten a row of bolts. Honda retail is about $550, discounters will undercut by about $125. Very similar in function, but more sporty apperance are the tubular side steps, retail about $500, discounters will save you about $110.

    Dealers put these DIO options on to RAISE their profits -- I would be SHOCKED if the "additional equipment" sticker had this listed withing even 20% of what I've posted. Sure, they might claim that they are charging for installation, but these are straightforward for DIY. Now if you want the towing package with coolers for power steering fluid & transmission, there is much more work involved and professional installation might make sense for those without good skills.
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    Pilot owners should be pleasantly surprised with the latest Consumer Reports issue...
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Why surprised? If it's Japanese, they love it. If it's Honda or Toyota, they love it even more!
  • olizerolizer Member Posts: 38
    Ditto that about CR. For example, in the Pilot test on a side bar, CR lists various SUVs in order of its appraisal. Can someone explain to me how a Suburban can be 7 th and a Tahoe 12 th. They are both identical with about 18 inches of sheet metal added to the Suburban.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Free Vehicle Inspections For Honda Customer Appreciation Day



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  • jfeirouzjfeirouz Member Posts: 5
    In response to comment 4107: I just purchases a Pilot with Heated Leather Seats. To be honest with you it was not an option that I was looking for but living in MA I was not disappointed that it had it.

    I also have a moon roof. The moon roof looks awesome, however, when we open it the cavational pressure is fairly strong. We do have an air-breaker (visor) but I do not think it is not helping much. Any recommendations?
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Try opening a rear window about 3-4 inches - that'll allow the air to flow in and then right back out.

    Good Luck.
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    As in the title, what is the incentive to choose a Pilot so equipped vs the MDX?

    Even if the sticker on the Pilot was the $30,980, those Dealer added aftermarket options must have added $3000 and the MDX was $34,700.

    Is the Pilot being more deeply discounted in your neck of the woods?
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Pilot w/options vs MDX - perhaps looks. I personally am not very fond of the MDX's nose.
  • jfeirouzjfeirouz Member Posts: 5
    Good call on the $3000 in options. The car was 34,300. In fact, it was an EX converted to an EX-L. If I were to rationalize why to go with the package I got vs the MDX:

    1. The Moon roof is suppose to be a much better than the MDX...For the MDX I believe they call it a sun roof. On the pilot the moon roof is oversized and power, to include power-tilt which is nice. Most importantly, this moon roof does not reduce the head room.

    2. Leather on the 3rd row. I do not believe the MDX has leather on the 3rd row.

    Note the term I used "rationalize"...I am still trying to convince myself that I made the right choice. Well actually I know I made the right choice on the car now it is just a question on price.
  • jfeirouzjfeirouz Member Posts: 5
    I just called my wife and had her drive with the rear window and the moon roof opened to reduce the cavitational pressure and she said it was much better. Thanks for the tip!
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    No problem - glad to be of help.
  • njeverestnjeverest Member Posts: 12
    Thanks for the help, rerenov8r. Are you saying we can install both without the dealer help? Never did such things before. Does that require some fancy tools?

    I know roughly the difference between a running board and side-step, however, is that possible to slip on the side-step, it has an open edge.
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    For the running boards or side steps all you need are a 13 mm socket wrench & a 13mm combination/open end wrench. A torque wrench is recommended to prevent over/under tightening.

    There isn't much chance of slipping off, there is rubber tread, and it is flatened on top. The vehicle would have to be encrusted in thick ice and on quite an incline before it would be tricky...

    As to the reverse aid, your have to be able to use the template and then make the holes in your bumper cover, not particularly difficult, but perhaps not the best choice for a first time DIY project-- OTOH if you've ever wallpaper a bathroom or sewn something from a pattern, this should be no problem. You will need "20mm & 26mm hole saws" which are generally found in US hardware stores by their english equivlant...
  • mphdadmphdad Member Posts: 2
    I ordered a Sagebrush Pearl EX-L, with DVD 4 weeks ago. There was no mention of heated seats or a moonroof. Sounds like everyone is talking about aftermarket? Let me know, as I am curious. Also, my dealer doesn't have a production date yet, but expects my vehicle to be ready in about 6 more weeks. Does this sound reasonable? Look forward to your reponses.
  • pileitpileit Member Posts: 8
    1. Increase the leg and foot room for the third row seat. If you are older than 3 or 4, the seat is extremely cramped. In addition, make the third row seat more substantial and comfortable. Ford Explorer and Expedition both have more room and a better 3rd row seat.


    2. Make a 2 wheel drive version. I don't drive off road and most others don't either. Without the back differential, Honda could increase the cargo room in the back, make room for a better 3rd seat as noted above, and decrease maintenance and fuel costs for those who don't need 4 wheel drive. And Honda could save a lot of the cost of the vehicle. Most other auto manufacturers give customers that option.


    3. Find some better colors. The selection is limited and consists presently of basic or uninspiring choices. And make the car 2 tone as shown in this picture of a Pilot http://en.carpoint.msn.ca/cias2002/gallery_cat.asp#

    It looks a lot better.


    4. Stop worrying about trying to differentiate the Pilot from the MDX by decreasing options on the Pilot (e.g., no sunroof). Better to make 2 good cars. There's room enough on the market for both cars if they are made well.


    Thank you Santa

  • sjwsmwsjwsmw Member Posts: 131
    Add an operational rear window to that list!!
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    I have no problem with "wish lists" for their entertainment value, but, when I see one like that, I have to point out the obvious.


    I can't help with everything on that list, but here's a start... No 4WD (not going off-road), more cargo space, better third row, and a sun roof. All can be found in this neat and tidy little package.


    image


    The custom two-tone paint job would cost extra, but the total price would probably be in the same range as the Pilot EX.

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    ...except the factory hole in roof.

    Maybe 04.
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    I doubt that Honda will offer any 2wd Pilots, this is counter to their limited production option mindset. Goes along with the small number of exterior & interior colors and the direction they have moved with CR-V to clearly set it apart from Civic.

    The nice thing about the VTM unit itself and the independant rear suspension is the very small amount of room it takes up, elimination of the VTM would free up virtually no additional room. For that, they would need to redesign spare tire, fuel tank and the floor pan itself -- NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! Heck even the 2WD Highlander/RX300 and such have no additional room compared to 4WD...

    The Expedition is in a whole different league as far a SIZE, but I do agree that Honda did skrimp a bit on the Pilot's third seat construction. Seems to me they went with ease of installation/opening/closing over maxium padding. Best hope is that Honda can find a different type of cushion that is made of different densities of foam all sandwiched together, as they will not bother with a total redesign until the Pilot is overhauled -- 2006 time frame...
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Ford's Expedition SUV snubbed by Consumer Reports


    Should you care? Well, see what CR didn't snub....



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  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Robr - Doh, how'd that get in there. I stand corrected, sir. =)
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    "Doh, how'd that get in there. I stand corrected, sir. =)"

    Sir, Sir???!!! Who you callin' sir???

    How'd that get in there? You are probably like me - mind going to mush due to all the cocktail party fodder stuck in there. I can remember the rate of acceleration due to gravity and the circumfrence of the world, but last year's sales numbers??
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    I stand corrected, ma'am?

    =)
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    You're pushing it!!

    What I meant is that my father is sir, the local constable who recently asked for my license and registration is sir, anyone I'm asking for a favor from is sir. I don't feel old enough to be a sir. And last time I checked, I'm not equipped to be a ma'am!!
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    LOL! I know what you meant. I was just having a bit of fun with you.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    No foul taken!! :-)
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Just so you can rest easy:

    (a) 9.8 m/s2

    (b) 40,000 km

    :-)

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    ...that's the stuff I can remember (although back in my physics days, it was 9.7m/s2 - global warming be the culprit here I guess). But can you help me out with last year's sales numbers for my company?

    Getting this back on topic, if you were to drop a Pilot from the top of a 640' tall building, how long would it take to hit the ground and at what speed would it do so?

    Extra credit - would the 5 star safety rating be of any benefit to the occupants under such a crash?
  • skbnskbn Member Posts: 1
    Any NJ dealer offers PILOT at or below the MSRP?
  • stuartcstuartc Member Posts: 33
    Got my Pilot a few weeks ago and it now needs a wash. This is my first SUV size vehicle so I was wondering if I can take it thru my local auto car wash ? I guess my biggest worry is that the wheel tracks at the car wash might cause the alignment to go out. Anyone had any problems running your Pilot thru the car wash ?

    BTW, I got the Sage Brush Pearl and it's darker than I expected (as others have also observed). However, I like it better than the lighter color shown in the brochure.
  • opus5opus5 Member Posts: 16
    Just another reason why the Honda Pilot is one of the best-made vehicles out there!


    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/announce/press/pressdisplay.cfm?year=2002&filename=pr65-02.html

  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Yes it can. I have no problems with my MDX. I don't remove the antenna or anything. The tracks are fine...one problem I find with the MDX in general that I don't have with my Isuzu is knowing where the tires are...i.e. since the driving position is further back, more like a car, you lose track of exactly where the front wheels are (this might be different in the pilot?). So be careful to line the car up while pulling into the tracks.

    Also...you should be careful of car washes in general. SUV or car...there are bad car washes...I try to stick with soft cloth washes, and ones that are recommended by people I know with premium cars and are fanatical about keeping them clean.
  • skihiker723skihiker723 Member Posts: 6
    I am thinking about ordering a Pilot due to the low finance rates but wonder if next year would be better. I am leary of buying a first time out vehicle although I am a proud Honda Accord owner and am confident of Honda quality.
    So what do you think. is the Pilot going to be all that it is saying? Should I buy now or wait till it is tweaked some?
  • cgphil1cgphil1 Member Posts: 29
    It was announced today that the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX are the only Midsize SUVs to achieve all-around "Five Star" safety in NHTSA front and side impact tests.


    http://hondanews.com/Forms/corp/*ws4d-db-query-Show.ws4d?*ws4d-db-query-Show***003730***-wieck_media***-***corp(directory)***.ws4d?corp/results(r)_text.html


    Clive

  • davisdogdavisdog Member Posts: 99
    skihiker,
    If you need a new SUV, I wouldnt hesitate to get a pilot now. I also expect almost no change in the 2004 version (due ~10/03). Honda doesnt have a history of making change in the first model year (demostrated in almost no changes 2001-2002 MDX and some minor updates in 2003 to further differentiate it from the Pilot). It's been out several months and 30,000 happy owners. I just replaced an accord with one and happy to say it has the same Honda Quality you'd expect (I love it, and tons better than the Grand Cherokee we are also getting rid of)
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    LOL "30,000 happy owners"

    I guess you polled all of them, no problems yet, huh? Anyways, do you think Honda will add digital radios for the '04 model? There are some radio stations in Dallas that are supposed to roll it out in the next 90 days.
  • leokadia1leokadia1 Member Posts: 94
    I picked my Pilot EX-L in Kaye Honda in Eatontown of Exit 105 on the Garden State Parkway on August 28th @ MSRP.
  • davisdogdavisdog Member Posts: 99
    I've only survey'd 30000 of the 35,000 (and you werent one of them...maybe cause you dont have one?)

    anyway...some makers are targeting digital(HD) compatible radios as an option in 2004 model year (at an extra cost of course)...Digital radio is supposed to have a limited rollout in ~6 markets be the end of 2002. Dallas is not on that list though, they are on the 2nd rollout list (probably early 2003)...Digital radios arent commercially available yet anyway, they are slated to be first shown by manufactures at the CES show in Jan 2003...assuming the schedule doesnt keep slipping
  • slamjammerslamjammer Member Posts: 2
    Just took delivery of my Black Pilot with Navigation about 10 days ago...621 miles so far. In this short period of time, there are some "features" which IMHO are shortcomings. The headlights are very poor; almost dangerous, and fail to properly illuminate the road ahead. The clutter on the steering column is just plain dumb. I actually like the shift lever on the column, as it frees up space in the console. However, I can't tell you how many times I have reached for the shift lever and grabbed the windshield wipers by mistake. Why not put the headlight switch on the dash, move the wiper lever to the left, and unclutter the column? And why are the lights not "dusk-sensing"? This is the first car I've owned since 1984 that didn't have the feature. The actual switch costs about $20...a small price on a $33,000 vehicle. The readouts for climate control, radio and clock are difficult to read in daylight..impossible if you wear sunglasses. The contrast in the LCD display is much too weak. The image on the Navigation screen is poor, and difficult to read with gray background. A black background (like the Neverlost system at Hertz) is much easier to read.
    The seats are uncomfortable. I have a 40-minute drive to work each day. By the time I get there, the backs of my legs are sore. Adjusting the seat makes no difference. The transmission is very busy, and always seems to be shifting, for no apparent reason. A real irritation. The buttons for the garage door opener are very small, and can't be seen in the dark. You have to lean far forward and feel around for them.

    I'm not as negative as I sound. I actually like the car (so for)... these are just dumb little design flaws that should have been corrected before going to market.

    I'll post again in 30 days.

    Larry Roberts
    Indianapolis
  • 01r101r1 Member Posts: 280
    Why do some Pilots have the normal front bumper, as presented in Honda's literature, and some have a funny looking black add-on "bumper-ette"?
  • smihalchicksmihalchick Member Posts: 4
    I've had my Black EX for six weeks and almost 2,000, and think its a great vehicle. I had trouble missing the shift and grabbing the wiper lever for a few days. And I'd like automatic lights. But we've found the seats to be very comfortable on trips of up to two hours. (I've got cloth). My milage has been 18 mpg in mixed driving and now seems to be going up. I know this sounds silly, but the only I really miss at this point is a decent place to hang shirts. I can't find a hook by the back doors. You can use the grab bars, but they hang sideways.

    I do plan to add a cd changer, but haven't seen any recent messages on after-market changers. Should I put in the Honda one?
  • davisdogdavisdog Member Posts: 99
    01r1,
    What you are seeing is pictures of the Pilot with the Optional (Dealer Installed) "lower body trim"...You can get it at the dealer for $500 or so (not sure of the exact price)...I'm not a fan, especially given the price.

    smihalchick,
    I've heard of some folks putting in alpines from Circuit city etc... (that's the OEM for honda's)...other's are just buying the honda one from some of the online honda accessory stores (~$400) and installing it themselves.

    ps...no major shortcomings or annoyances on my pilot (at least so far)
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