Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

mrkn · October 2003

Has anyone purchased a Sandstone color Pilot with tan leather. I'd like to know how it looks. Can't seem to find any pictures of the interior. I am a fan of tan leather interiors but I am not sure how the rest of the dashboard looks. The tan interior in the Highlander looks great, although I am not interested in that vehicle.

Also, I have heard that some of the dealers in Ohio give better discounts than dealers in other areas. Is there any reason for that? If anyone knows any dealers in Ohio that are nice to deal with please let me know.

stever · October 2003

One theory is that people in the heartland tend to buy domestic vehicles so the foreign makes move fewer cars than on the coasts.

Or maybe the cost of doing business is cheaper there...

I suppose you could experiment with our TMV numbers with zipcodes in Ohio and elsewhere and see if there's a trend.

Steve, Host

ang35 · October 2003

I live in Columbus and I wouldn't expect the prices to be any lower. And people certainly buy plenty of Honda and other imports around here so I wouldn't guess the demand is low (vs. domestic).

Honda has multiple plants producing Honda and Acura vehicles just outside of Columbus area so perhaps that has something to do with the rumor?

sjwsmw · October 2003

I waited until it came out before I decided and really like it. I got the cloth, but the dash etc is the same as the leather models. There are a couple of shades of tan going on besides the black and brushed nickel look. Some have said it is too busy, I think it all works fine.
I really like the look of a black(always wanted a black car) Pilot but didn't want a black interior. I plan to keep the Pilot for the long run and when it's time to repaint, I think I will go for black. Especially sweet with a tan interior.

stever · October 2003

Here's a sampling - go West for better deals, at least as far west as Akron:

2004 Honda Pilot
EX AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
MSRP is $29,930

TMVs:

San Fran $29,698
Akron $29,668
Providence $29,741
Boise $29,774

Even better, go to Biloxi and get one for $29,430. Hit the casinos and then drive over to New Orleans for some po'boys in your new Pilot.

Steve, Host

my3kids · October 2003

The OH deal is not a myth. I bought one there for about $3000 under MSRP. All done by email. I paid less for an EXL RES than the TMVs above for just an EX......about $350 above the invoice.

dlake1963 · October 2003

I bought a Sandstone Pilot (04) with tan leather interior. I think it looks good. What I really wanted was that dark green color with tan leather, but apparently, Honda doesn't make it. I live in S. Arizona, so it's HOT 6-8 months per yr-- and sunny almost all the time. Tan interiors dont' get as hot as darker interiors. Sometimes when you're driving around in the summer, you can feel the heat radiating off the dash. I wanted to minimize that. Anyway, the top of the dash under the windshield is a little darker tan (for reflection probs at night?) and the door armrests/handholds are darker tan leather. The brushed silver accents really look sharp with the tan. The leather seats are REALLY comfortable. The lighter tan leather doesn't show every mark or scuff. Our ML320 has light tan leather, and it shows EVERY mark. The tan leather in the pilot is much better at hiding marks and scuffs.

benjamin_ng · October 2003

Hi,

Where can I get Canada Version of DVD for 03 Pilot with Navi ?

Thanks.

dako_tian · October 2003

Tout the mismatched darker color on some dash tops as the special "anti-reflective surface for night driving" feature.

sjwsmw · October 2003

Yes, it's too bad more models don't have that color interior option.
A dark exterior with a tan interior is a great look and, as you say, better suited for hot weather.

hairong · October 2003

Honda has issued a recall on some '03 Pilots (mine included) on airbag deployment issues (too slow to pop in some frontal accidents). In the letter I received, Honda says dealer will do a software flash to the control unit.

Please check with your dealer to see if your vehicle is included.

qbrozen · October 2003

I wouldn't say its a "recall". Its more of a "courtesy upgrade". I just think the term recall usually gives people images of a poor safety/quality forced issue. The airbags did just fine in testing, but Honda felt they were a little slower than they should be. It applies to all '03 Pilots, so if you have one, then you should have it done on your next visit.

bbug1 · October 2003

Honda is calling it a Safety Improvement Campaign". I would consider it more of a recall than a "courtesy upgrade". To make the air bags deploy at the proper timing should not be considered an upgrade.
Either way, I'm glad that Honda is on top of this.

qbrozen · October 2003

but they didn't HAVE to do anything about it. Recalls tend to be out of necessity. This isn't. That's all I'm trying to point out. More of a tactic on my part to keep folks from panicing. The airbags deploy within an acceptable range to perform as they should in an accident, but they just aren't close enough to perfect for Honda's personal taste.

shawnski · October 2003

We recently traded my wifes' '01 CR-V in on a 03 Mountaineer. Although the CR-V is a well-made product, we never quite bonded with its sterile personality (me), "SUV wannabe" (wife).

Anyway we looked at:

'03 Envoy-Nice looking exterior, busy boxy dash (GM...) and compared to the Merc it was $1000 more and lacked the room (of course there is the ungainly XL version) plus the Merc had the V8 and DVD (kids). Yes the Envoy has more HP but less torque and a flat engine note (the Merc's all aluminum 4.6 sounds very sweet) plus the overall room is really no larger than the CR-V.

'04 Toyota 4-Runner. I really wanted to like this because of its no-nonsense 4x4 approach and sporty looks. After test driving it perhaps we would have seriously considered it if we had no kids, as it just did not have the convenience features and versatility the Merc had.

'04 Honda Pilot-the fact that these are hard to find meant no test drive. I did talk with an acquaintance that did purchase one and he sounded kind of like me about the CR-V; well-made yes, but lacks the luxuries we take for grated with American Iron. Beside its looks like a large CR-V, and from what I read it handles soft and overall not very responsive (again like our loyal and cold CR-V).

'03-'04 Explorer-virtually the same as the Mountaineer less the lower end models. Would have looked at an EB V8 had ther been any...

The Merc was not aforgone conclusion; first of all I don't think the current Explorer/Mountaineer are very exciting to look at-very boxy and unimaginative, and I was prepared to (god forgive me) to buy (ugh) a GM product if it proved superior. However the execution of the Envoy was so typical of GM, big ugly dash, but on the floor driving position, and cramped back seat. Oh they will sell you a preposterous XL version that gives you a third row seat, but the second row still seemed cramped to me.

Now the Merc SUV is a heck of a buy IMO. In addition to giving a high commanding sense of the road seating position, precise steering with a firm ride, smooth and powerful V8/5-speed, the best seats I have every sat in a Ford product, nice interior textures/colors, roomy second seat and 3rd seat if needed all wrapped up in a reasonably sized (if boxy) body.

It is no wonder the Explorer remains the best selling SUV, it simply provides a great package, just make sure you look at the underrated Mountaineer as it has an extra dash of class.

qbrozen · October 2003

AWD V8 Luxury Mountaineer with rear seat DVD has a TMV of $34,4. Pilot with leather and DVD is $32,6. So not a huge difference in price. But I wouldn't want to be faced with that gas mileage or 31% first year depreciation hit (looking at edmunds TCO) the mountaineer suffers from.

FYI, the Envoy XL is larger than the Moutaineer in every way in that "cramped" back seat (so if the envoy is cramped, the mountaineer must be downright unbearable). Plus a whopping 30% more cargo capacity overall.

ndboomer · October 2003

I am ready to dispose of my Odyssey as I no longer need a vehicle quite that large. For some reason, I have always liked the Pathfinder, although I am guessing the Pilot would be a safer choice.

Any feedback from the group?

ndboomer · October 2003

Follow up to the above, I have three offers on leases that look attractive. All are leases with 12k miles per year. Looking for anyone's two cents:

Option 1: Pathfinder SE with popular package, sunroof package, hitch, microfilter, mats, etc. ($32K sticker) Offer: $0 down, $346/month, 39 months.

Option 2: Demo Pathfinder LE (4,500 miles, loaded, $35K sticker)Offer:$1,500 down, $359/month, 39 months.

Option 3: Pilot EX-L ($31K sticker) Offer: $0 down, $399 month, 48 months.

qbrozen · October 2003

well, for obvious reasons, if I'm leasing, I'm going for the cheapest out of pocket deal. So the first seems the way to go if that vehicle fits your needs and desires.

HOWEVER, I think those Pilot numbers may be wrong. I'm not a lease wiz or anything, but I do believe Honda is giving a 54% residual rate on the Pilot after 48 months. If I am doing this correctly, (31K x .46 = 14,260 plus say $500 and taxes, divided by 48 months) I come up with a $346 payment. BUT I do think the taxes are on the payment and not on the total, and that would make it $325. Maybe I'm way off on this??? In any case, doing the math the other way, you'd be paying over $19K on a $31K truck. That definitely sounds wrong to me.

As far as going to a smaller vehicle, the Pilot is taller and wider than the Odyssey while only being about a foot shorter. I don't see that as a significant difference at all. The Pathfinder, on the other hand, is an additional 6 inches shorter.

truckdude · October 2003

The Pilot lease looks accurate to me...I've been seeing anywhere from $399 - $420 a month for 48, depending on final negotiated price and credit rating.

gbrozen - you are not accounting for the finance charge. If I could lease vehicles at 0% finance charge I would be in heaven! ;-)

BTW, if you want to check your lease number on the Pilot, go to Honda's website, build your vehicle, and then select "payment estimator" - it will calculate both finance and lease payments.

qbrozen · October 2003

Yes, i knew I had to be missing something.

well, if that's the case, than the Pathfinder looks like a screaming deal to me. Am I missing something there?

ndboomer · October 2003

The Nissan deal is so good because they have a subsidized lease that equates to about 1.9% financing for 39 months. That, combined with 2500 off the top in incentive, plus deep discounts, equates to the value.

On the Pathfinder LE, the total payments on the lease (including finance charge) plus the residual buyout is $29,900. Not too bad for an SUV listed at $35K.

clpurnell · October 2003

will be completely redone next year. I would either get the pilot, wait or get a murano.

qbrozen · October 2003

if he's leasing, who cares if the pathfinder will be all new? A lease is just a long term rental. Take the best deal, get your use out of it, and get out. No muss no fuss.

cpintucson · October 2003

Has anyone had a problem with the Pilot anti-lock brakes?

I have an '03, and three times have attempted to stop only to have the brakes go "dead" with the pedal going to floor and me and my Pilot going through an intersection.

Twice while stopping at the end of a freeway off-ramp, rain, and a cattle guard near the end of the ramp, twenty feet from the stop sign. Once upon the cattle guard, the brakes just stopped working until I let off of the brake pedal and started pumping them. Should you have to pump this braking system? I don't think so.

This same scenario happened again while stopping with two sets of railroad tracks near the stop sign. Same thing, ended up in the intersection. Luckily all three times there were no cars coming in the crossing directions.

thepaw · October 2003

I have experienced the same problem with my 2003
Pilot' brake's as cpintuscon (see also entry number 4744 in this chat room). I have had no problems this past summer but numerous times last winter the anti-lock brakes would come on and the vehicle felt as though it had lost most of its braking power. The stopping distances were significantly longer than normal. In one instance, I felt I had plenty of distance to stop, and ended up sliding right up beside the vehicle in front of me by steering into an unoccupied bus lane to my right. I know that anti-lock brakes make it possible to steer when your tires would otherwise be locked up, however these anti-lock brakes are very dangerous. The conditions were not glare ice but below freezing slick roads. The slickness comes from the salt they put on the roads melting the snow/slush. In any other vehicle stopping is no problem on this type of surface.
I talked to the Service Manager at my dealership who blamed the Goodyear Integrity tires as being awful in winter conditions. So I purchased Michelin Arctic Alpins on new rims. The Pilot's anti-lock brakes still acted up. In fact the Service Manager admitted that it had happened to him on a gravel road and that he has spoken to Honda Canada about the brakes. Although I don't know the inner workings of a sophisticated anti-lock braking system, the problem feels like one (or all) of the following:
1. The anti-lock system activates too soon;
2. The on/off cycling of the system doesn't brake enough when it is cycling on (each milisecond);
3. If one wheel loses traction, that wheel is supposed to get the antilock treatment (four channel anti-lock brakes), yet perhaps all the wheels go into the anti-lock mode.
We are nearing another winter and I am extremely apprehensive about the brakes in the Pilot. Although I drive very carefully (lots of space between me and the car ahead) there are times when you need to stop fairly quickly. The insurance company probably would find fault with the driver even though I know I could have stopped if I had been in another vehicle. I have owned numerous other vehicles with anti-lock brakes and have had no problems like this. One suggestion given in an earlier message is to have the dealer check for fault codes in the anti-lock braking system. I plan to have this done soon as possible because I received my "Safety Improvement Campaign" letter regarding the airbags and "Product Update" letter regarding the timing belt auto tensioner on Friday. Before I opened the letter I secretly hoped it was a campaign to reprogram the anti-lock brakes to prevent the problems a number of us are having.
Other than that I like the Pilot.

mrkn · October 2003

I have read on some posts that the Pilots are noisy on the road. Have they got any quieter for 04. Is the noise only on certain road surfaces.

Anyway, I test drove a Pilot back to back against a Toyota Highlander. I did not notice objectionable road noise on the Pilot - perhaps I did not drive it enough. Both the Pilot and Highlander have a nice ride, but the Pilot felt a little tighter on the road. I have driven or been driven in most SUVs and these two seem to have the nicest ride. They ride as well as some cars costing much more. I was kind of surprised. The passenger volume of the Pilot seems much bigger, in fact, I would say it is more comparable in size to my sister's 02 Toyota Landcruiser. The Highlander did not feel much different from my Camry, which would be ok if I wanted another Camry. Even if I did not need more room than what the Highlander offers it still seems silly to pay more for less. I wish there were more choices out there so that I can have more barganing power, but unfortunately there does not seem to be anything competative in a car based SUV for under 40K to the Pilot.

tidester · October 2003

Is the noise only on certain road surfaces.

I don't know about the Pilot but you did mention you have a Camry. I had occasion to drive one recently (I used to own one!) and noticed that on some roads the noise was quite excessive. If road noise in your Camry doesn't bother you then I would guess it wouldn't be a concern in a Pilot.

tidester, host

dklanecky · October 2003

The Nissan Murano is based on the Nissan Altima. It will come in well under the 40k you mentioned with every option on the list.

I also think the Murano compares very favorably with eith the Highlander or the Pilot.

I drove all three extensively and decided the Murano fit my needs best.

rlonn · October 2003

My wife and I both agree that the Pilot is quieter then her V-6 EX-L Honda Accord. This was a big surprise to both of us. I think it has to do with SIZE. The Engine compartment of the Pilot is larger. The engine sits further away from the firewall in the Pilot but the Accord is closer to the ground. I think the Pilot size just dissipates noise better. Anyone have any other ideas???

sbcooke · October 2003

I have a 2002 MDX which is supposed to be very mechanically similar to the 2003 Pilot. I have no braking problems. When the ABS engages, I press harder as you are supposed to and the ABS engages. By pumping the brakes I think I could "feel" like I was stopping faster, however the ABS seems to work like it should in my MDX.

Your brakes shouldn't fail like that. I think that sounds like a potential recall. I would drop if off at the dealer, demand a loaner until they can resolve the safety issue. It is easy to say that, but not many dealers would comply, however I wouldn't drive it if the brakes were failing, you life is worth more than a $35K vehicle.

Perhaps you have a bad slip sensor? I would think that would be the first place to start. If you pull the ABS fuse, can you just have "regular" braking, that might be safer?

pilot04 · October 2003

Any news on the long awaited updates to the NAV mapping database for Honda vehicles such as the Pilot? Their message on the toll free number for ordering the updated dvd still says Nov but wanted to see if anyone has gotten confirmation from Honda/Alpine.

jlitterer · October 2003

Does anyone know what the current interest rate is from American Honda Finance for a 60 month loan? What did some of you other buyers pay?
Thanks!

mrkn · October 2003

I agree that Murano is a nice vehicle. I like the way it looks for an SUV, although my wife hates it. However, in my opinion, there is no point in getting an SUV if you can't carry more passengers than you could in a sedan. I find that most 5 passenger SUV's have less leg room in the rear than a good size sedan. And, you get noticeably worse gas mileage. So I really don't see the point of the so called "cross over vehicles". They don't seem to offer much more than an all wheel drive sedan, but usually have much higher ownership cost. Obviously most people don't feel the way I do.

qbrozen · October 2003

And continuing on that post by mrkn, the Murano doesn't "compare favorably" with the Pilot or Highlander in passenger or cargo space. I think that is a major consideration for most shoppers of this vehicle. If it weren't for the 3rd row of seating in the Pilot, my list would have been more like Murano, Forester XT, CRV, Tribute, FX35, Freelander, RX300/330. All those smaller utes.

dklanecky · October 2003

The primary reason(s) I bought the Murano were for the things the Pilot didn't initally offer (and sedans don't offer #4) :

1. Heated Seats, must have in Wisconsin!
2. Sunroof, another must have for when the heated seats aren't being used.
3. I have a family of 4 (and a big yellow lab), so the third row is no big deal for me.
4. The Lab now has her own space in the back, which you can't do in a sedan.
5. The driving experience to me was significantly more enjoyable in the Murano, the Pilot was nice, but very basic transportation.
6. XM satellite direct digital capability.
6. I didn't mean for this to be a comparison thread (there's already one of those) but someone previously listed some comparable SUV's and left out the Murano.

I still read the Pilot boards, because I still like the vehicle and the big brother, the MDX.

thamptonroads · October 2003

CapitalOne.com offered 3.99% currently. If you have a Costco membership you can apply for Capital One loan thru Costco.com for .25% less.

What I did was I applied thru Costco.com for a Capital One loan for 3.74% for 5 years. When I show it to the Honda dealer where I bought a 04 Pilot 10 days ago, and they offered me Honda Finance rate of 3.64% for 60 months. But you need to have an excellent credit score (at least 720) in order to get this rate.

qbrozen · October 2003

oh, I'm not saying you made a bad choice by any means. Its just that the Murano is in a different class, that's all.

my3kids · October 2003

If you had called Cap. One (People First)back, they would have beat the Honda 3.64 rate! They will undercut any rate you are offered.

thamptonroads · October 2003

I agree. But what I did not like about them was that they said there are no fees, nothing and when we received the blank check from them, read at the back and they stated that we have to pay up to $65 for lien filing fee. Honda does not charge for any fees.

qbrozen · October 2003

that's interesting. i used peoplefirst twice and never got charged a fee. Was that after capital one took over? I wonder if that's a new thing or just a "possible fee" that rarely gets charged.

On a side note, now that it is capital one, I'll probably never use them for a purchase again. Just personal vendetta. I don't appreciate being "pre-approved at this ultra-low fixed rate credit card" only to then be rejected and offered, instead, "this ultra-high rate credit card." I have never been rejected for any type of finance or credit card in my life except by those bait-and-switch scam artists. Ok... sorry ... rant over.

dako_tian · October 2003

where it belongs. I specifically skip the "Murano vs. Pilot" discussion because I could not imagine caring any less. Must I wade through it here?!?

And, yes, I am American (Philippines flag above notwithstanding) and so, of course, my interests are more important than anyone else's! ;-)

qbrozen · October 2003

it was 5 posts. relax, lay off the coffee, and enjoy your vehicle.

oh, wait, yours makes it 6 posts... agh! and mine makes it 7!! will the madness never end??!!

dako_tian · October 2003

Can that be done? ;-)

qbrozen · October 2003

no, probably not. yer right.
i gave up smoking with no problems, but could never give up coffee without biting somebody's head off. Go figure.

oh yeah... topic .... ok, folks, don't spill coffee in your Pilot. My wife has done it and that perferated leather does not hold back the tides very well.

imidazol97 · October 2003

I'll be that coffee down in the pores of the seat really smells good when you open the doors in the morning. In my case it would be French Vanilla Cappucino.

dako_tian · October 2003

It's the milk products in there that give off that memorable aroma. And that lasts a long, long, long time. Just ask my friend who had a half gallon of milk dump out onto and then under the back seat. He didn't think to take out the seat and clean up the mess. Whoooowwwweeeeee!!!! He sure looked forward to Winter time! :-O

qbrozen · October 2003

that'll do wonders at trade time. lol.

thanks for the tip, though. good thing we don't use milk in our coffees.

I do have a real Pilot question this time, though. What have folks been paying to get their VTM4 fluid changed? ours has to go end of next week and i'm curious what to expect. thanks.

imidazol97 · October 2003

That's when you pour ammonia solution down where t he milk went. It breaks down the protein instead of letting it "decay."

toca · October 2003

I'll report back after mine gets done tomorrow morning.....

Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

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