Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

walleye5 · December 2002

Why does the Pilot not have a D4 position on the shifter like the MDX? Would be great for towing or even just driving in hilly terrain.

Mike

brews1 · December 2002

I bought the EX cloth and find the drivers seat cushion to be very hard and it takes some time to adjust to it. Back support is excellent though. Passenger seat is much more comfortable. I wouldn't say that the drivers seat is very comfortable. It feels like my right leg is resting on a spring in the side of the seat. I will have them check it out when at the first service. As far as towing, I don't recommend towing anything over 1000 lbs without brakes. You can get a good brake controller installed for under $200.

moonkat · December 2002

Walleye5:
My wife has a back problem and I can't get her out of the Pilot......she enjoys it so much.

I find the seats comfortable though I haven't been able to spend much time in them.

You should borrow one for a day long trip then decide. Otherwise the only other vehicle to consider would be Volvo.

walleye5 · December 2002

Thanks brews1 and moonkat,

Odd that the driver's seat would be harder than the passengers. We tried a Pilot out twice for long drives and each time my wife (passenger) was more comfortable than me, but her back is better, so don't know if the driver's seat was harder or not. Will check next time. Tried leather seat with aftermarket heater yesterday and think that might be my answer. Are the leather seats maybe more comfortable for a bad back, or was it just the heat?? Mike/walleye5

olliesdad · December 2002

I've had my Pilot for two months now, and love it. However, I've felt somewhat insecure when backing it up (maybe because this is my first SUV). I had toyed with the idea of the backup camera or sensors when I bought it, but really didn't think they were necessary.

A few nights ago, I backed out of my garage, directly into my wife's friend's car. Now, once again, I'm seriously considering installing one of those two systems. Does anyone have either of them? Anyone have any opinions on which may be more helpful?

thanks-

moonkat · December 2002

Walleye5:
Passenger & driver seats feel fine to me and big improvement over our 99 Ody. Both fabric.

The Pilot forums list dislikes with the leather as "sagging" and tufts of fibre sticking up from the perforations. I have no issues with our 99 Ody EX fabric and like the Pilot's even better. I would avoid anything aftermarket on the seats as that may affect/void SRS side airbags. Pilot should have come with heated leather. Without heat, fabric is obvious choice for me.

Thought of another alternative for you....MDX.
More expensive, but better value than Volvo V90 (or whatever their new suv is).

01r1 · December 2002

Walleye5- I too could not get comfortable in the cloth seats. I spent considerable time trying to adjust the cloth seats, but was not happy in the end. I had the dealer put a cloth and leather model side by side and I matched the two seat settings as close as I could, but the leather version just felt better.

I didn't want to buy the leather model because of the sagging-seat problem, but was forced to because of the comfort difference. I had a back injury about 18 months ago and I had to be perfectly comfortable.

Unfortunately, 1.5 months and 5500 miles later, my leather seats are saggy and look 5+ years old. But, they are comfy! Yesterday, I drove 380 miles in 6 hours without needing to stop. I didn't even realize how long I had been driving until I needed to fill the gas tank, I would have made it a few more hours if it had a bigger tank. This is a big improvement of my CR-V EX that I had, which every 180 miles I'd stop to stretch.

Unrelated to the seats, yesterday's trip home yielded my best gas mileage yet, 25.89 mpg! Between the comfort, mileage, and snow/ice capabilities - I'm very happy with the Pilot.

-Pete

walleye5 · December 2002

Moonkat and Pete,

Thanks to both of you.

Pete, I am going through exactly the same scenario. The leather seems more comfortable on first pass, but I figured it was my imagination and also don't really want leather. I went to a custom seat shop today and talked to the manager (who ironically has a Pilot with factory leather and likes it). He can install seat heaters in both the back and cushion of driver's seat with a high and low setting, either in leather or cloth. I think that might help prevent my back from tightening up on long trips as I have one of those $35 Walmart seat backs in my Saturn with a heater & vibrator. The heat seems to help. I guess my next step is to do some more test driving, leather and cloth both. What a pain, I just have to pray it all turns out good in the end. Let me know if any more advice out there. Thanks, Mike

PS. I checked the Acura MDX and found the leather seat to look almost identical to Pilot except the cushion has an extra seam sewn across it (Pilot has 1 seam, MDX has 2), which I think helps keep it from puckering.

yhgamezj · December 2002

carbuyer123,

I bought a LX too without the remote transmitters.
One question on the rear A/C Unit, mine works in this way:
1) turn the fan dial from OFF to right (RED), not heating air comes out from the rear center vents.
2) turn the fan dial from OFF to left (blue cool), cool air comes out from the vents.

Does your pilot LX rear A/C unit work in the same way?

Thanks!

brian125 · December 2002

i had one installed in my 02 dodge sport minivan. my wife loves it. the back up system picks up objects from 6 feet as you get closer to the object the beeps are more steady. overall it was the best 400 dollar investment i made. i just purchased a pilot exl last thursday out of ohio to be ship to new york and i'm considering having honda's system installed on it.

brian125 · December 2002

has anybody in this forum had the camera installed in there pilot. i'm curious to know if it is worth the money.

trevork · December 2002

I am going from a Lexus RX300 (which I think is overated by the way) to a new vehicle towards the mid of 2003 when my lease is up. I am starting to research SUV's. Need to have 3rd row of seats that are convenient to use (need to carpool 3 kids) and do not want to be spending more than $35K, preferably less. I am considering the following:

Acura MDX - seems expensive compared to Pilot
Honda Pilot
Explorer
Trailblazer

Looking for some solid advise on the direction I should take. Have not test driven any yet.

Also thinking about the Odyssey but the "minivan" idea is not well received in my family.

This is a great place for info so any useful advice would be appreciated.

stever · December 2002

Try playing with the Vehicle Comparision Tool while waiting for others to weigh in here - you might be able to rule something out (or in).

Steve, Host

fedlawman · December 2002

It depends on your needs:

What kind of driving do you do? Snow, ice, rain, dirt, gravel, etc.

Do you want all the bells and whistles like moonroof, heated seats, auto-dim mirror, etc.?

How important a factor is depreciation (do you trade your cars every 2 or 3 years or keep them for a long time)?

Do you value on-road comfort and ride (crossover) or off-road ruggedness and ground clearance (truck-based)?

trevork · December 2002

The vehicle is used almost exclusively for in town driving - never offroad. Conditions in the winter include snow, ice, etc. My wife like to sit high - hence the SUV - and does not want a minivan.

We both like the comforts and features (heated seats are a waste in my opinion however) in a vehicle - like navigation system, sound system, leather etc.

I am going to lease so depreciation only a factor in residual value impacting my lease payment.

No need for off road ruggedness - we are not the offroad family. Thats why we have the RX300 now - not a real SUV as my father in law would so often tell me.

avcii2 · December 2002

I live in NYC and though my first choice was the MDX, the $40,000 price tag turned me off as did that of the Lexus. My next choice was the Land Rover Freelander, which was very nice and I was a phone call from buying one, but for the money, I wanted a little more horsepower, room and refinement (all of which was not in the Freelander, in my opinion). I opted to wait for the Pilot, test drove and ordered one in June and picked up my EX-L in October. So far so good...only problem was an emergency break that would not disengage causing a loud screech. Honda fixed it. I loved the way it handled during the last two snow storms here in NYC. The third row seat has not been used yet...and the roominess inside is a winner.

Since it is a new car, it does not lease too well, which is why I bought mine for the additional $100 per month. Maybe leases in NYC have come down to earth, so you may wish to shop around where you are before you decide. Lastly, with my own and my family's experiences with American cars, we do not consider them when we purchase...that is just my own personal opinion. Good Luck.

pbb · December 2002

Does anyone know what the clear sticker on the bottom of the passenger door towards the back bumper is for? The dealership I bought my Pilot from has no idea. Have had my Pilot 1 month now EX cloth and am getting 13 mpg and about 18 mpg on freeway will it get any better?

fedlawman · December 2002

Of the vehicles you listed, the Pilot is clearly your best choice. It is one of the least expensive on your list, and the most car-like of the bunch.

It basically offers all the luxury, comfort, and performance of the MDX...it simply lacks much of the useless "fluff" that makes the MDX so expensive.

The only other 7 passenger SUV that offers what you're looking for is the Buick RDV. It is quieter and more comfortable than the Pilot, and offers a lot more features for the money, but it lacks the strong straight-line acceleration and "traditional" SUV looks of the Honda.

I bought my Buick 18 months ago (before the Pilot was released) and have been thrilled with it. If I were buying today though, I don't know which way I would go.

paulmlac · December 2002

I couldn't agree with Fedlawman more.

I also bought the Buick about 2 months ago. It was a tough decision - I tend to be pro Honda / Toyota. In fact, the RDV shares the garage with a Honda CRV.

The price / value relationship on the Pilot just wasn't there. The two dealers I contacted were selling the Pilot at MSRP and giving zilch for my trade.

With the RDV, dealers were willing to deal. So far, it's great. Lots of goodies that the Pilot doesn't even offer. Extremely comfortable ride. My major concern was / is reliability. The decision finally came down to two things -- 1) feedback from Edmunds Townhall indicated the RDV was reliable and 2) the 3 / 36 warranty covers me while I determine if it is a dog - if so, I can unload it. Another concern was that the crash tests weren't quite as good as the Pilot.

Good luck with your decision.

olliesdad · December 2002

thanks for the input. i think i'm gonna have the backup sensors installed on the pilot.

njswamplands · December 2002

my windstar has a reverse sonar and it is a great feature that has saved many thousands in bumper bashing. i bought a new odyssey which has neither visual nor audible system. i bought a after market reverse sensor with audible warning for about $169 before installation, which i will do myself.

i have tried the video systems and they work great for the initial peek of whats going on behind me. but once i get going my eyes are darting around the windows/mirrors to make sure i am clear. the last thing i wanna do is add an inside component that i must peer down at. i found the audible warning systems gives me that extra definition of how close i am to something whilst looking at the other variables of parking.

varmint · December 2002

Trevork - As I understand it the regular Trailblazer does not offer a third row seat. You'd have to get the extended version (a big honkin' vehicle). It's probably more truck than you really need.

The Explorer is also truck-based (a little rough around the edges), but would be a better bet than the Trailblazer. It's back seat is roomier than that of the Pilot, but the ride is a bit bumpier. As another truck-based vehicle, you'll be giving up ride and comfort for extra off-road and towing abilities (things you don't seem to need).

The Pilot is going to be best for the functions you've named. It does lack some of the features that folks have come to expect, but you can step up to the MDX for those.

I'd agree with others. The Buick RDV is worth taking a look at. It's a minivan in SUV clothing, but that seems like just the thing you're looking for.

rerenov8r · December 2002

...the Pilot stands alone. The MDX takes more out of your pocket (and some would argue that the differences are only for afficandos-- bigger wheels, sunroof, VSC are not the things one finds "Joe Six Pack" caring about).

The Rendy might take a smaller bite out of pocket initially, but the lower residual would mean the lease might sting quite a bit.

Ditto for the VERY trucky lower-end Explorer.

By the time you get a TrailBlazer into EXT size, it is MORE jingle than a Pilot...

If you NEED the seating for 7+ you can cross Chrysler Pacifica off the list, as well as Toyota products save the very pricey V8s: Land Cruiser/LX 470, GX470, Sequoia.

Mazda MPV is probably too far down the minivan spectrum...

Odd how quickly the field gets narrowed.

redline65 · December 2002

The Pilot sounds ideal, but make sure you put your kids back in the third row first and then imagine them back there 3 years from now. They may not fit, as there is only about 4" between the third row and second row seat back. Coming from the RX300 you will probably miss many amenities that aren't available in the Pilot. Have you looked at the Isuzu Ascender or GMC Envoy XL?

jlitterer · December 2002

Have been watching Edmunds for years on various types of vehicles. I am looking to get a Pilot, however I have seen gas mileage posts all over the place on this board. Can more than one owner please post what they have "really" been getting over a period of ownership.

Thanks,
Jeff

01r1 · December 2002

jlitterer- I'm up to about 5500 miles, here's my gas mileage so far:

17.81 city
24.81 hwy
24.33 hwy
19.47 city
24.1 hwy
21.18 city
21.52 city
19.23 city
19.03 city
18.53 city
19.27 city
20.19 city
22.80 hwy
23.09 hwy
25.89 hwy

-Pete

brian125 · December 2002

your gas post are pretty close to my neighbors numbers he claims about 18 city and 23/ 24 highway. those nubers seem alittle high but i could see where he is comming from being mike is up there in age and not driving to agressive.the pilot he owns has 4500 miles on it. HE HAS IT NOW 5 MONTHS AND TELLS ME NOT ONE PROBLEM SO FAR.

walleye5 · December 2002

Pete,

Did you consider buying cloth and having to changed to custom leather by a shop if cloth not comfortable? Since I believe cloth and leather have identical foam base, I don't see why the leather would be more supportive/comfortable.

Also, what color Pilot did you get? We like the black but the factory leather is pretty dark gray, making the whole package awfully darkish.

I have checked a nationwide place call Custom Soft Trim and am considering having them install leather if I buy cloth and don't like. They also install seat heaters and seem to do very nice work (are cognizant of the side air bag issues, etc).

lfan · December 2002

I was wondering if a Pilot owner measure and post the Pilot's width at the side mirrors. I think the clearance between my garage opening and the side mirrors will be tight. My '99 Odyssey clears the garage by about 4 inches each side. The Pilot is listed as ~2 inches wider than the Odyssey; 77.3 vs. 75.6".

davisdog · December 2002

lfan,

I found this info that somebody posted on another forum...hope it helps

-----
Re: Pilot Width and Mirrors
The Pilot measures 86 inches between the outside edges of the side view mirrors. The Honda spec of 77.3 inches refers to the widest part of the body. Guess how I learned this
----

clpurnell · December 2002

I might get shot for this but if you really need to seat 7 people in comfort and need 4wd get a ford expedition a fully loaded eddie bauer can be had for about 33-34k. The pilot is nice but the third row doesn't cut it. I didn't need AWD so I bought a Honda Odyssey because I will be transporting 7 on occasion and have a family of four.

brian125 · December 2002

they tell me im the guy to shoot you cause i'm licensed. you never go outside the honda family. what does this forum think we should do? maybe will'll go easy on him and take one finger.. LOL BRIAN

paisan · December 2002

Seems odd to me doubt it can be had that cheap. You are lucky to get an explorer for that little.

-mike

djdj · December 2002

in either the Pilot or another car?

Intellectually I like the Pilot, but my feelings for the exterior and interior vary being boring and plain.

Its a fine logical choice for an SUV for my wife but I'd like to dress it up a bit and I was wondering if the dealer installed wood trim lasts, or if it peels off after a short time.

crv16 · December 2002

Local dealers in NH are selling '03 XLT 4x4's for $30,495 and '03 EB 4x4's for $36,995.

They're taking up to $8000 off sticker (including rebate).

http://www.portford.com/10p.htm

http://ford.autofair.com/index.cfm?action=InventorySearch

This makes it a tough choice -- when you can buy a Pilot EX-L for $31,000, at MSRP or a Expedition Eddie Bauer for $36,000, when it's $8,000 off sticker.

Those of you that are considering straying from the path of Honda -- DON'T!

I did that - once. Bought a Windstar over an Odyssey - cuz it was $6000 cheaper. I was so fed up with it that I dumped it a year and a half later, at a huge loss.

rerenov8r · December 2002

The bad thing about Expeditions selling at INVOICE is that they WILL fall off in cliff in the used market.

My hunch is that MECHANICALLY they will still be quite drivable in in 3-4 years( the drivetrain is fairly evolved in its lifespan), but the trade-in might burn a 20-25K+ hole into ones wallet.

The Pilot OUGHT to retain much more of its value AND be FAR CHEAPER in fuel costs...

paisan · December 2002

If you are leasing yep get the pilot, if you are gonna keep it for 10 years it might pay to get the ford IF and this is a BIG IF, you can deal with broken window motors, bad trannies etc.

-mike

01r1 · December 2002

Walleye5-

No, I didn't consider getting the cloth and switching to leather later. Looking at the two side by side, the padding looks identical. I went to extra lengths to make sure I had both versions adjusted the same while I was jumping back and forth, but the cloth version seemed to have slightly different padding - almost softer or less dense and it felt like I could feel something hard, like a spring? I tried two different cloth models with the same result, both were new off the truck, no PDI yet, same with the leather version.

If I hadn't felt the difference prior to purchase, I would have bought the cloth version. I still may get the aftermarket seat heaters put in, although I hopped in with the temp in the low teens and the cold leather didn't feel that bad, so that's still up in the air.

Mine is black with gray interior, I like it. Yes, black shows all the dirt, but I preferred the gray interior over the others. Just a personal preference...

BTW, I tried to post pictures to the Pilot Gallery here, but it didn't work right. So here's two links from another board were I have them posted:

http://www.honda-pilot.org/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=29287

http://www.honda-pilot.org/forums/attachment.php?s=a9d184f6819c478fdf2561ff5e879706&postid=29288

-Pete

olliesdad · December 2002

thanks for the info. as neat an idea as the backup camera seems to be, i agree that it would probably be difficult looking over your right shoulder out the back, then forward again to look at the screen, then back, etc. the audible warning's probably a better idea. wish i had known before the last bumper-bash.

trevork · January 2003

I need to now test drive the vehicles but my choices are further limited because of the width of my garage - re expedition, oversize trailblazer, etc. I think when it comes down to it, my options are very limited if I want to stay away from a minivan. I have always been a Honda fan and will probably migrate to this option but I need to check out the others first. If I go the minivan route, its going to be the Odyssey hands down.

This is a great place for info - thanks to all.

clpurnell · January 2003

What kind of garage do you have. My dealer let me bring the expy home to see if it fit. It did fit in my 2 car garage without problem but I only park one car in the garage at a time. The Ody is great I am going on 2 weeks with mine and it has preformed flawlessly.

homerg · January 2003

Trevork,

Check the Pilot in your garage before you buy. It is actually over 2 inches wider than an extended Trailblazer. The Pilot is only 1 inch narrower than an Expedition!

bill01923 · January 2003

I've driven my Pilot 9400 miles so far. Gas mileage is really 18.5 mpg overall (and I'm not easy on the gas). On the Highway (at real highway speeds) I easily get 20 to 22 mpg.

brian125 · January 2003

gearheadd · January 2003

Brian,
What's the status of your Pilot order? Is everything on track and how's it being delivered and at what cost?

brian125 · January 2003

TIM my pilot is due to be del in 2 weeks. but i expect it to be longer i get that feeling. the charge was 500 to del it to new york. but instead of del/ flatbeding it to my house it will be sent to a local dealer. there that dealer will put on my accessories at invoice price. i kind of like scenaro 2 cause any scratches or problems i make sure he takes care of them. atalalay in this forum [ ALEX ] LIVES IN V.A. he tells me shipping is 350 to that state. so the math is good 750/800 over invoice plus shipping. it pays to buy out of state. we have found 1 dealer who is renigging on that 750 over invoice out of ohio. CHESROWM MEDINA he know wants 900. he already lost out on 3 pilot sales plus my buiness. not because of price. they were to slow to accept/ believe i had 4 other dealers in there area willing to sell.his loss. i will keep you posted.

brews1 · January 2003

Bought the Pilot for my wife and she is very happy with it. I don't drive it much but I originally found the driver seat hard and somewhat uncomfortable but it seems to be breaking in because it felt fine the last time I drove it. My wife drives it most of the time and after 2100 miles, she finds it very comfortable and doesn't want to drive anything else. Very sure footed in snow and slush. No real problems and very happy with the Pilot.

brian125 · January 2003

brews1 · January 2003

I don't get too excited about gas mileage and only check it periodically so I can tell if a dramatic change occurs. Kind of like a benchmark of performance. Also, it is my wife's car so I do not usually get the gas in the Pilot. But, the first tank was 17.3 mostly around town during a four day rainstorm and the last at around 1500 miles it was 19.4 mix hwy and around town. I will check again around 2500 miles or so. I am not good at keeping gas mileage records and envy 01r1 for his attention to detail.

walleye5 · January 2003

Pete,

Bought my new Pilot EXL yesteday for $2064 below MSRP ($1000 over invoice). Will be delivered in a few days. Got the leather as afraid of comfort of the cloth based on test drives and your comments. Will have put up with the sagging leather cushion. If you are going to get heaters, I recommend checking with Classic Soft Trim at www.classicsoftrim.com. They will install dual temp controls on both seats for about $475 or less and were very friendly here in Milwaukee. Seem to do quality work at this shop. Maybe they can add a little foam to reduce the sagging too. Mike

Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

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