Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

qbrozen

well, if you just want the headlights to come on with the ignition, that's easy. Leave the switch on all the time.

jfavour

I have a 2002 CR-V and 3 kids in car seats. They all fit, although it is tight. I have been thinking about moving up to a Pilot because of the slightly larger back seat space. I drove one late in the summer and attached my 3 car seats in the 2nd row and they all fit with a bit of room to spare. The odd thing about it was it was only slightly more roomy than my CR-V. I can not sit between 2 car seats in my V but I could in the Pilot (but just barely).

 

If you don't need the 3rd row seat, what about the new Honda Ridgeline? It appears to have as wide a back seat as the Pilot, plus it still has a trunk (although smaller) and it can haul and tow way more than a Pilot. It is suppose to be available this spring and it will have side curtain airbags. If I didn't have three kids and a desire for the extra utility the 3rd row offered, I would be thinking Ridgeline right now (even though it is slightly ugly).

sportymonk

Yeah but the Ridgeline cargo area cannot be covered whereas the Pilot protects its cargo. (True the Ridgeline has the "Soprano Trunk" (Big enough for 3 golf bags or one body!) If the Ridgeline had a way to enclose the cargo area ..... Then again the gas mileage is worse than the Pilot!!

mickjazz

I went to a dealer to see how the seats fold down but he could only get the 3rd row seats to fold completely flat. the second row was at an angle, not good if you have some cargo that needs a flat surface.

 

Is this really the case or did the salesman not know how to work the seats

 

thx

 

mick

cccompson

The second row does not fold absolutely flat (or flush) like the third row.

qbrozen

Maybe I just haven't seen the right ones, but I've never owned, been in, or test driven a vehicle where the seats really did fold completely flat EXCEPT in a couple where you first flip the seat bottom up towards the front seats and then fold down the seat backs, BUT then you are faced with the issue of objects not being able to extend a bit into the front area because they are stopped by the folded-up seat bottoms.

 

In any case, yes, I have had issues with being able to fit things in the back of the pilot's cargo area, then finding I can't slide them all the way forward because the cargo area height gets shorter towards the front. thankfully we have the roof rack.

cccompson

Agreed - and that is the way it is with my Avalanche, the rear seat of which do fold flat. Unfortunately, the price to be paid is that the front seats cannot be all the way back to do so (bad for my 6-4 size).

 

I do wish the Pilot had a opening rear window so long objects could be carried.

allison5

For the last few months I have been thinking about getting an Odyessy or Sienna minivan (I have 3 kids under age of 10 1/2). However I have had the Odyessy, (had a 2001 and for some reason that one as well as new one were not comfortable for my back, I had an injury years ago)and the Sienna does not have good thigh support. So here I am now looking at the Pilot, it is very comfortable and I am wanting to know what people who have kids think of it. It is the roomiest SUV I think even better than MDX. Right now I own a Yukon and it just is too expensive to keep (monthly payments and gas price and many, many problems) I drive all over the place. I also want to know whether people think it's as comfy as it looks.Thanks in advance. I also realize everyone has different opinions and I am the only one that can decide but after making this Yukon mistake I am very cautious.

jay_24

Don't expect to save much $$. Problems will most likely go down, but a pilot isn't much cheaper than a Yukon (given big cash rebates and that GM products sell at invoice or near it). We could have had a new Tahoe for the same price as a Pilot given we tow a camper and the pilot's towing option is like $1300. Also Pilots were at or above MSRP at the time. I think that has changed.

   

Gas milage isn't much different expect to save maybe $150-200 a year if you drive about 12k a year. SUV milage stinks. Don't buy based on that. If you really want to save gas money buy a car or van.

 

Size wise, you will loose about 6 inches in width on the second row. 56 vs 62 if memory is correct.

With three kids you want all the room you can get. I have three also with the oldest almost 8.

 

I'd say go Sienna with the 3 seats in the second row. That way the third row can be optional and gives more storage space for trips. But if the seats aren't comforatable....Pilot is an option, but I don't think you will save much $$.

 

--jay

qbrozen

and also on that "saving money" aspect, I think the odds are you will find the Yukon's trade-in to be horrible and you might be upside-down (i'm guessing, based on your supposed high payments, that you didn't put alot down when you bought it).

hoppy2

Will the 03 have a problem towing a 3500lb boat, trailer, motor? Noticed the transmission threads are they durable enough to rely on for towing long term?

cccompson

My wife drives a Pilot and loves it. Just traded an '04 in on an '05 (a much improved product). It is comfortable for both of us (and we are both large people). Our two kids are teenagers (and rarely in the vehicle at the same time!) and both like its comfort.

salamon

I have read several posts regarding a vibration/resonance heard or felt mostly when traveling around 70mph.

 I was wondering if anyone has a feel for how prevalent this problem is. Does it effect all Pilots or is it random?

We are considering the Pilot EXL and I know I could not live with such a problem.

qbrozen

definitely not a problem on all pilots.

test drive the one you buy, that's all.

sbcooke

I cannot recall seeing any other posts on this forum about such a problem. I would think it is isolated and probably due to a bad wheel/tire or balancing.

llajumpvid

I did a search and couldn't find anything...anyway a friend just bought a pilot (04 I think) with the factory dvd system. He said the dealer told him that you can only listen to the dvd over the headphones. He couldn't find anything in the owners manual on how to turn it on. I find it very hard to believe this is true. On my Nissan I just hold the rear AV button for 1.5sec. How do you turn the audio on the cabin speakers or is it true you cant?

lumber2

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/vibechart.pdf

qbrozen

well, i was hoping someone with the system could help you out, but since nobody else has replied, I'll TRY to help. I went and searched hondapilot.org and found a particular thread where someone with an '04 asked the same question. apparently, you have to make sure the stereo is set to control the DVD player (turn the RR Ctrl knob clockwise). This will allow it to play the audio through the speakers.

llajumpvid

Thanks, I found a similiar post for the odyssey. I'll pass it on and see if he can get it to work.

03lxv6

I know it is early, but what will Honda do when Pilot gets a redesign around 2008? Do they pull the Acura RL trick and put some bogus 300 HP there?

 

Honda really should develop bigger engine to compete instead of increasing nominal HP year after year by tweaking the engine timing here and there.

qbrozen

bogus 300 hp? You really think its not 300 hp? Or are you trying to say something nonsensical like "its not 300 hp because its not a v8"? Personally, I don't care how many cylinders or how much displacement a vehicle has if its putting down enough power. I certainly wouldn't take a 230hp V8 over a 300hp V6. The WRX 2.0 4-banger blows the doors off of many many larger engines, so does that somehow make it inferior?

jay_24

HP is only half the game. Torque needs to be considered as well. Larger engines tend to have flater HP and torque curves over the range of RPMs. That 230HP v8 might just have 300+ torque at 3000rpm which makes towing a whole lot nicer.

 

Ever rev your Pilot to 5600rpm?

 

Hook a 2000lb trailer to that WRX and lets see how it does. Being fast is one thing hauling and towing is another. (And yes a WRX is rated to tow 200lbs)

 

It would be nice to have a choice of engines if the bigger(v8?) would also increase tow/haul ratings.

 

--jay

enascar3

I recently purchased an 05 Pilot, EX-L. While driving around town yesterday, I noticed the area between the passenger seat and center console was pretty warm, as well as the tray between the cup holders and the console storage, but only the passenger side. It's only the upper portion, between the seat and console to the floor is not warm/hot. Anyone else experiencing this? Is it transmission heat or something else?

 

Thanks in advance.

qbrozen

towing has to do with MANY things beyond the engine. The low tow rating on a WRX has NOTHING to do with its engine.

 

yes, torque is important for acceleration, too, and I thought about that as I was typing my last post, and what I should have said was "all else being equal," but I assumed that would have been apparent. Displacement and cylinders just don't matter if the engine is not putting out its full potential. A well designed V6 can and does outperform a poorly designed V8.

 

The Pilot's low towing has much more to do with its suspension, frame, and tranny. That's why something like a Dodge Dakota with a V6 (210hp/235ft.lbs.) is able to tow more than the Pilot (255hp/250ft.lbs.).

 

And, yes, I've revved my Pilot up to and past 5600, why do you ask?

jay_24

Yes I agree frame, suspension and drive train have much to do about towing capacity. But to get the load moving requires torque.

 

Dodge Durango: v6 215/235 = max towing 3700

                v8 235/300 = max towing 7400

           v8 hemi 335/370 = max towing 8900

    (from Dodge web page)

Toyota 4runner: v6 245/282 = max towing 5000

                v8 270/320 = max towing 7000

 

A good v8 with less or similar HP but more torque can out perform that v6 in towing and hauling because the max HP and toque will be at a broarder and more usable RPM range.

 

If you have hit 5600+ RPM on your Pilot you actually used its peak HP and Torque. However when you start from a stop sign at 1500RPM how much torque and HP do you have? how quick will you have 80% of max? Most people don't drive at normal speeds turning 5600rpm.

 

Bottom line it would be nice if Honda gave Pilot buyers a choice.

erik_h

I think Honda is not trying to compete in the "truck" class with the pilot. Its competing in the crossover class and it is doing well. If you look at most of the good towing vehicles they are "trucks" and have a low range 4wd system available and a true body on frame construction. Honda is not currently set to compete in this class.

 

The improvements I expect on the next generation are better economy, better power, hybrid power, beter interior ammenities/use of space, minor size variance.

qbrozen

According to Dodge, when the Dakota is equipped properly, the V6 max towing is 4700, but it starts lower. Once you add 4wd and change the axle ratio, it gets up to that max.

 

Of course I'm not saying torque has nothing to do with it, BUT, in the case of the Pilot, more than just the engine would have to be changed to up the towing. And I think the current V6 is capable of towing more, but only in the correct vehicle.

 

If you look at the power curves of a Honda V6, you'll see that the torque curve is actually quite impressive.

 

I'm trying to find exact numbers, but having trouble. Best I've got so far is this quote from TruckTrend:

It may sound like you'd need to mash the throttle to get smartly off the line, but the reality is that a large amount of torque is available at lower rpms.

 

I can't argue with you about choices. I'm all for more choices.

jay_24

I think we are all pretty close to agreeing.

 

With the new Honda Ridgeline they are makeing that truck/crossover line pretty grey.

 

A small v8 woiuld be nice.

03lxv6

QB,

 

I agree with all you have said except for the choice of V6 over V8.

 

Considering only the performance, I will happily choose a V8 (for example, last generation 4.7L V8 in Toyota Sequoia, 240HP@4800RPM, 315LB@3400RPM) over the newest V6 in Acura RL (300HP@6200RPM, 260LB@5000RPM).

 

We all know the peak HP number is sales pitch. No average commuter like me drives at 6200RPM. In fact, most probably will stay between 2000-3000RPM. That is where the strength of a bigger engine shows.

 

If you look at the performance technical details of the Acura RL (at www.vtec.net), at 3000RPM, the engine is pretty weak.

 

Honda's major competitors all have bigger engines. Mitsubishi has 3.8LV6, Nissan has 4.0LV6, Toyota has 4.0LV6, even Hyundai is going to put 3.8LV6 in their next Santa Fe.

cccompson

We've had an '04 Pilot and now have an '05. Haven't noticed such heat.

 

As I understand your description, it doesn't really sound as though it would be from the transmission though I would be hard pressed to guess the cause.

qbrozen

now, to be fair, i did later clarify that i do know torque is important (in fact, i think its more important than HP). BUT, let's look at some of these comparisons you mentioned.

 

Now, I'll start out simply by pointing out that the new RL holds its own quite well in the luxo-sport-sedan category. 0-60 in the low 6-sec range is nothing to sneeze at. BUT, as has been pointed out, the competitors do at least offer a v8 option while no such option is available in the RL. Is that a disadvantage? Maybe a slight one. But let's not forget that the competitors sell MORE of their 6-cylinder models. Honda has always been about catering to the majority, hence their limited options.

 

YOu mention the sizes of competitors engines. This brings us back to my original point: displacement means nothing. Hyundai's 3.8? Considering their current 3.5 is nowhere near the Honda's power, maybe the bigger engine will get them a bit closer.

 

Mitsu is a decent example. Would you give up 30 HP in exchange for 5 ft/lbs? Like I said, i think torque is more important, but I don't think its 6 times more important.

 

toyota's 4 liter has good torque, yes, but its not available in the Highlander, which is the Pilot competitor.

 

Nissan seems to have a little powerhouse of an engine on their hands. And that's great, if that's your thing. Personally, I don't know if Honda's image of efficiency could deal with 15 mpg. I've seen plenty of complaints about 17 in the Pilot. And I, for one, would hate getting 15 mpg with a V6. That's what I used to get with my Dodge Dakota V8, and that's exactly the reason I got rid of it after just 2 years.

 

So, out of those competitors you listed, only the Nissan currently definitively overpowers the Pilot, and that is at a significant gas penalty.

kennynmd

Does anyone know when Honda usually comes out with new info for their upcoming vehicles? Honda/Acura are usually tight lipped. Really want a Pilot but it doesn't have curtain airbags. Thats the only thing holding me back. Hope it has it for 06

03lxv6

well, let's see,

 

Mitsu Endeavour has 255LB@3750RPM, compared with Pilot's 250LB@4500RPM. That seems more than just 5LB. More than that, Endeavous LS AWD is about 400 LBs lighter (roughly 4000 vs 4400). So I expect Mitsu has more punches during acceleration and passing.

 

Hyundai already has variable timing in their upcoming 3.3LV6 sonata and promises better acceleration than both Accord and Camry. It won't take long for them to enhance their 3.8LV6. At least they have something bigger to work on.

 

Pretty soon larger engine trickles down, I won't be surprised to learn the 4.0LV6 is tucked into HighLander.

 

When the next generation comes, Toyota has 4.3LV8, 4.7LV8. Nissan has 4.5LV8, 5.6LV8. As a loyal HONDA customer (87Accord LXi/92 Acura/03 Accord), I wonder what is in line for HONDA?

 

Finally, a knock on the Acura RL, which probably should be in the other forum. With MSRP around $49K, 6.7 seconds in 0-60, compared with Audi S4, with MSRP around $47K, 5.4 seconds in 0-60. Why is that? 3.5L V6 vs 4.2L V8.

 

Honda may already be quietly developing bigger ones and let's hope so. But please, Honda, I am with kennynmd, please put curtain airbags in Pilot first!

 

Enjoy the ride!

lumber2

the 05s were quite an update with sunroof being added to EXs Don't think that they will do more given that its perhaps only 2 model years away from being replaced. That said if you go to the govt's crash test result website safercar gov you'll see how well it does n actual injury ratings (ignore the stars) v say Volvo xc90,

wtd1

I currently drive the Highlander which I have been very happy with. Unfortunately it's too small for our family now. We have 2 kids ages 7 and 9 and two dogs (springers spaniels about 45 lbs each). I would appreciate anyone's experience fitting kids and dogs in the Pilot! Ultimately we want to be able to go to the cottage with 6 people (4 being kids) and our two dogs.

 

Also, with the highlander I've had AWD with traction and stability control. How do people find the pilot handles in snow, wet etc. without the trac and stability features?

 

Thanks for your input.

jay_24

6 people + 2 dogs. Are the dogs in kennels? If so try a van or suburban?

With 6 people you will need to use the third row. With just 1/2 of that up the rest can be for the dogs, but it would be tight if they are in kennels. Leaving little to no space for the rest. If it was 5 people I think it would work well since you wouldn't have to use the third row.

 

--jay

qbrozen

255 ft/lbs vs 250 ft/lbs is, indeed, a difference of 5 lbs. I assume you are referring to the slight difference in RPMs? Again, you are asking a small difference in torque to overcome a much larger difference in HP. Not an easy task. As far as it being 400 lbs. lighter, well, with no 3rd row seating and a max towing capacity of only 2000 lbs, its obviously not as heavy duty as the pilot.

 

S4 vs. RL? There is an incredible size difference there, that's for sure. If I were to pay nearly $50k for a compact car, it sure as heck better be fast.

wtd1

Thanks for the input. I'm also looking at the odyssey and Sienna but would really like the 4wd of the pilot. Sienna has AWD but the run flats rule it out. If we only had one dog I think the Pilot would do but at this point I think it needs to be a Van. (just have to get my head around it!:)

bajabill1

Hi all,

 

I just got a Pilot, one early question - Im pretty up to date and capable with electronic equipment (my vcr rarely had the flashing clock for months on end) an am suprised with the complexity of the RES. I can follow it adequately but had to read the manual, but it sure seems as if what I consider the average person in this regard will find the system very user unfriendly. I am counting the days till the first call from my wife, frantic with the kids screaming and she cant get the thing to work. For one thing, a menu and enter button at the front unit would have been nice. I think the play will act like the enter though, and why the heck is the dvd play button got "prog" on it as the primary description.

sportymonk

I am in a similar situation. Have a wife, a daughter in college, a son in high school, and two beagles. Want to be able to take trips and occasional light hauling. (For those that think they won't need all that room when the kids leave - guess again! Needed to buy a day bed for when my daughter comes home, then a mattress, then a new Christmas tree, none of which would fit in current vehicle.)

 

How much is the real difference between a Ody and Pilot? Have seen the numbers but numbers don't say it all. Is there a practical significant difference?

qbrozen

well, the most I've done is 4 adults, 2 kids, and 1 dog (30 lb. beagle). Did that with 2 adults in front, 2 adults and 1 kid in 2nd row, and 1 kid in half the 3rd row with the other half of 3rd row folded down for the dog. I think it would be too tight for 2 dogs on such a long trip. Its either cram them into half of the 3rd row area or cram the 4 kids into the 2nd row. either way wouldn't be ideal.

 

as far as no traction and stability control, we're now into our 2nd winter with the Pilot sans these devices. Its been great. I thought we'd at least have to replace the stock tires, but that has not been the case. Even with our recent 12+ inches of snow, the Pilot could not be stopped.

cccompson

Without discussing roof loading (which is the same), we've had both and an Odyssey offers more cargo space that can be configured in more ways. It simply has more utility than a Pilot.

dadoftay

Hey folks, I've been boucing back and forth between a 4Runner and a Pilot. I was wondering about light towing duties(small load of firewood, ATVs, Home Depot trips, etc.). Does anyone have experience actually towing with a Pilot?

 

By the way guys(qbrozen & lxv603), towing capacity is weighted more on the vehicle frame construction and torque output of the engine, not horsepower. Remember, torque is the grunt to move the vehicle from a stopped position, horsepower is what gets you from 65mph to 80mph when passing someone. Look at a diesel truck if you want to see torque numbers vs. horsepower numbers.You can have a 255hp motor that packs 200 lb-ft of torque with a unibody undercarriage and you're not going to load the trailer too heavy.

 

A similar note, the Ridgeline is only going to have a 5,000lb towing capacity. That's the ol' Pilot/MDX/Odessey undercarriage with beefier control arms and axles (retaining AWD) and a little more torque from the V6. My Honda salesman thought my towing querries were a good time to bring up the Ridgeline, hence the info. The key here is capacity-that's the maximum the manufacturer wants you to pull with their vehicle. I'm not looking to tow a Bobcat tractor but if someone out there actually tows, I would appreciate any info.

qbrozen

yeah, we pretty much covered all of that during our discussion.

 

Actually, according to Honda, the Ridgeline platform is heavily modified from the Pilot. IIRC, the exact number was somewhere around 90% new. so its much more than just control arms. The structure has been reinforced in many ways.

dadoftay

I guess that's what I get for listening to salesmen!! Sorry for beating the dead horse about towing.

 

I saw the Honda page with the Pilot towing a ski boat and all that looks great but I know we're all suckers for advertising and I do use a trailer frequently. I liked the Pilot alot but I don't want to get into tearing up something. Just wanted to know how this thing handles with around 2500-3000lbs behind it. Obviously, I don't want to load up 60 bags of woodchips and limp my $35K beauty home only to find I stressed out or broke drivetrain components. Plus the wife would yell at me.

kennynmd

I posted this question earlier but recieved no answers, so I'll try again. Question is, when does honda usually release info for their upcoming vehicles? Really like the Pilot but like to be able to get curtain airbags on it.

sbcooke

Honda has always been tight lipped about future models. When I was shopping for my MDX It wasn't until Nov 01 until they released details about the '02 model if memory serves me. Checking honda forums is a good place to get the most up to date information.

qbrozen

apologies not at all necessary.

 

How much does a ski boat weigh anyway? I really have no clue about these things.

 

Honestly, I think I'd avoid the Pilot if I intended to do any kind towing at or anywhere near its limit on a regular basis. I mean, with the transmission issues, no matter how few and far between the problems are, I wouldn't take the risk. Heck, I'm looking at Accords and the only way I'd get one at this point is with the stick, and my reasoning is that I push my cars very hard.

 

I haul all kinds of garbage in the Pilot. I just tell my wife "hey, then let me go buy a pickup strictly for hauling duties." That usually stops the complaining.

qbrozen

that's the problem. nobody can really answer. as posted, though, it USUALLY is very near its actual production date. They try very hard to keep buyers from waiting out the current model year to get the next best thing. The less shoppers know about NEXT year, the more likely they are to buy THIS year.

stever

"hey, then let me go buy a pickup strictly for hauling duties"

 

Heh, are you softening the DW up for the Honda Ridgeline SUT - 2006?

 

Steve, Host