I liked your last line saying if the "Pilot could put a smile on your face at the end of a hard day" which I truly think it could but I am trying to be realistic too. If we kept the yukon and my husband drove that(he has a very minimal commute) than getting the pilot would be no big deal because then I could take the bigger one if I knew I needed it that day. I don't think though he is going to want to get rid of a Toyota Tundra truck. After driving Windstar and an earlier Odyessy model van for a combo of 9 years I feel like I am done with the van thing, I just have to convince myself that I don't need it. What do you think of the Sequoia? I am seeing more and more moms around here starting to drive them??
I think that hubby might want to keep the Tundra. I'd love to have one but the size and manuverability keeps it out of my garage. Look at your situation this way- how much longer will you need the minivan "true versatility"? If you can "suffer" through 2-3 more years then I say go for the SUV. If you see the SUV being a hinderance, then you're back at square one. I think from your posts you want the SUV, but are trying to be practical. Hey, you only go around once. Like I say, I don't laugh at the soccer mom-wanna be cool thing. Your husband didn't buy a Ford Ranger for a reason, right? As far as the Sequoia thing, my aunt bought hers after a 9-year run with a 4Runner. She loves the thing. I just have a tough time choking down that much gas. She makes the money so it really doesn't bother her. She also doesn't drive that much. As far as comparing the Pilot to the Sequoia, I think you're solving the size problem and if you're used to the Yukons mpg the Toyota isn't going to give you culture shock. I think it also gets you into the SUV instead of the minivan;)
We just drove our new Pilot from Denver to Grand Lake and back, twice going over Berthoud Pass at 11,315 feet. It ran great, no problems, never came anywhere close to feeling underpowered.
Just returned from a 1,500 mile trip to Keystone CO for skiing. This was the first year for the Pilot on this trip. Previously we had a Hyundai Sante Fe. The power of the Pilot was not at issue. We were loaded to the gills and there were 4 passengers. We did fine in pretty heavy mountain traffic. Power was not the issue. BRAKES are the issue! Denver to Keystone is about 70 miles. Traffic was bumper to bumper for a good deal of that 70 miles. The last part of the trip from the Eisenhower tunnel was stop and go all the way. Well, in the last few miles the brakes gave out. Luckily we were at our first stop (Q4U BBQ in Frisco, great BBQ by the way) when the brakes started shuddering badly. We were pulling on to the off ramp when it really got bad and I nursed it to the parking lot. After it sat for a while it was fine and we never had any trouble again. But, I only drove one real trip while we were there. The rest of the time it sat in a garage. Coming off the mountain at 4am there was no traffic and I did not have to ride the brakes very much. (Downshifting into D3 would not work while moving). Anyway, the brakes are very much an issue in traffic at altitude. We would have had to pull over and stop if our trip had not been at an end. Not a very good sign for mountain driving. We only take this trip once a year and this is the first year I have ever had that much traffic on the way up the mountain. So the chances of it happening to us again are slim and I now know the brakes won't hold up so I would drive it differently. But, if you live in the mountains, it might be a big issue.
We didn't have any brake problems, but traffic wasn't terrible on our trip. Coming down Berthoud Pass, we were in a line of cars, and some of the ones ahead were riding their brakes quite a bit. I didn't have to do that, and I was guessing that the "Grade Logic Control" in the Pilot transmission really works. I always try to downshift if necessary when descending mountains (didn't need to this time in the Pilot), as prolonged brake usage will be a severe brake test for any vehicle. I will have to try putting it into D3 while moving. I would expect that to work.
I cannot shift into D3 while moving. I just went out and tried it. I had never had the need to try to do that before, I just assumed it would shift. Anyone else tried this? Are we all just assuming you can downshift on the fly.
Disregard all the stuff I said about downshifting. I went back out and messed with it and discovered that I was pulling when I should have been pushing. It is kind of a strange motion at first. So ignore all the downshifting discussion.
Finally got wife to free up time to go look at Pilot and Ody. Wanted her to see so we could discuss different aspects. Didn't have time to test drive either. (BTW, she drove my 2001 Impala with 78,000 miles and agree it was making far too many pops and groans and needs replacing.)
Impressions: Her - Pilot was more comfortable, especially the drivers right armrest. I was puzzled at first but when we went back to Pilot, I saw it has the large leather padded console while the Ody has a very thin and not too padded right side armrest for the driver. (Same for the passenger on the left side of course.)
She was impressed with the back part of the Ody more. More room, more comfort. Overall she said the backseat people are better off in the Ody but for the front seat people, she felt the Pilot was better.
My thoughts - I had not told her about the Ody seat problems as I wanted an unbiased opinion. She didn't notice anything in the time we sat in the Ody. I went back and checked the seat again knowing what to look for. Seat was ok until I moved the lumbar support forward and then back. Very uncomfortable when moved forward. When I moved it back, it didn't seem to go all the way back and the seat was not as comfortable. My imagination?
The Pilot was more comfortable for the driver.
Ody gets better mileage - a plus. Ody has lots of room - a plus. Ody is very comfortable for passengers - A plus for them. Ody is having "teething problems with wind noise, rattles, and seats - a Minus.
Pilot is more comfortable where my wife and I will sit - A plus. Pilot is harder to get in and out of the third row seat - Not sure how much it will be needed or used. - Neutral. Pilot has AWD - Neutral. Don't need it really and it runs the cost up unnecessarily but I don't mind it. Since it is only AWD at slow speeds - Neutral. Pilot looks better, don't like the nose of the Ody. A Plus. Pilot can tow more. We move a lot. - A Plus.
Situation: Daughter is in college. Son is junior in HS. Not hauling kids anymore. Primarily me and the wife but occasionally the two kids and my two beagles. Light duty hauling like a mattress for new bed, new Christmas tree that barely fit Impala and hung out the back a lot, etc.
Don't want a truck based vehicle. Just got rid of Chevy Astro, tired of the "tank". Don't want American - Chevy, Dodge, Ford - ready for quality. Highlander too small. Sienna too soft a ride. Sequoia to big a gas guzzler and a truck.
What do I want? A Pilot with FWD instead of AWD, (AKA Highlander) and the rear part of the Ody welded on and the mileage of the Ody. (yeah, I know, dream on.)
Leaning toward Pilot (again) but with gas going up (again!) do I want a Pilot? Wife did like both but she is undecided also. Comments?
Forgot to mention - Seats of Ody felt like they provided no support for top of back and shoulders. Adjusting seat didn't seem to make a difference. Need to try again. Pilot seats fit fine with no problem.
We have both models. Based on what you've said, my advice is to spend some time (several hours) in the Odyssey seats. If they are ok, go with the van - it is more practical. Unless you are tempted by a high end model, it will be cheaper to buy (and drive too).
I am looking at purchasing an 05' Pilot with EX-L Navi. I would like to add an aftermarket DVD player but understand there may be problems due to the sunroof. Has anyone else purchased the 05'EX-L Navi and added a DVD player aftermarket?
Wonder how many of you bought a Pilot and wished you and bought an Ody later? Have been trying to make a critical assessment of actual needs and not the once in a blue moon scenarios. I think the Pilot is going to win. Really like the blue ext and grey int.
What Tires come with the Pilot. Went by the local dealer today and they had Goodyears which I am not a fan of. Thought I remembered some coming with Michelins but maybe that was the Odys.
Yes, it is the Odysseys that have the Michelins. Some Pilots are equipped with Goodyears while others have Dunlops. It runs in my mind that when I was looking in '04 it seemed as though the tires were matched to trim level. The two EX-Ls my wife has had ('04 and '05) both came with Goodyears. Others have said that it appears arbitrary as to which brand is installed.
You said "...Pilot has AWD - Neutral. Don't need it really and it runs the cost up unnecessarily but I don't mind it. Since it is only AWD at slow speeds - Neutral...."
The Pilot's AWD system is able to engage at all speeds if front wheel slippage is detected. And unlike many other car based SUVs it provides has a very advanced* electronic locking rear differential. This can mean the difference between getting out of a nasty patch of mud or snow and not.
However, you can also force the rear to lock up at very low speeds should you find your self in very deep mud, sand, or snow. Most drivers will NEVER need to use this option but it is there.
-D
*If you want to see the full expression of electronic locking diffs review the tech. specs of the new Jeep GC /w the top end 4WD system. It can move nearly 100% of power to any one wheel as needed. I think they copied the Pilot's rear diff design
We have an 04 EX-L Nav. I was riding with someone who had an 05 Accord with intergrated satellite radio. I don't recall this being an option when we bought the Pilot but I'm now intrigued now that I saw one in an Accord.
Has anyone added this aftermarket (through kit or new head unit?) in their Pilot. What's been your experience? Any issues with using it with the Nav?
FYI normkol. Don't know if I would downplay the VTM-Low feature as we've used it a couple of times in deep sand.
Does anyone know if there is a manufacturer who makes a permanent cargo/pet barrier for the Pilot? I'm looking for something which requires drilling into the frame/floor of the vehicle, and not just the compression-fit barriers that I've seen in pet stores and advertised on the internet. The barrier should be made out of a steel mesh in a 2" x 2" grid pattern (not the nylon mesh net that Honda sells as an accessory).
Finally got my wife's schedule and mine together so we could test drive a Pilot and an Ody. Looks like the Ody is out. Wife didn't like the armrests - too uncomfortable after being in Pilot with center padded console. I never got comfortable with steering wheel (see post in Ody 2005+).
Liked the Pilot. Wife said she liked it but she said she could tell there was something I didn't like. Wasn't sure myself. Had driven both vehicles down twisty side streets and then back on divided four land at 70 mph. No noticeable defects or excess wind noise but Pilot did seem to have some wind noise.
What was the problem? Drove it again and realized that it sat high like my old Astro (but rode infinitely better!) and when I went into turns, I had to noticeably slow down and THEN turn. In contrast, in my Impala, which is lower and wider with wider tire, I can go deep into turns and accelerate out in a more spirited fashion. With the Pilot I had to drive differently. I will have to drive differently slowing down before I get into the turn and then turning. My wife commented its a good thing it has the VSA stuff.
Bottom line? For an SUV/Truck etc, it is a terrific riding vehicle. It is very comfortable and car like, but it is different than what I am used to.
Loved the vehicle but not sure it is what I want. What I want is a Pilot with the rear room and more comfort of an Ody and the handling of my Impala. (Everybody can laugh now). What will I do? Not sure. I like the Highlander but its too small in every direction. I like the Mazda6 Sports wagon but its too small also. The Volvo V70 is too low (and too expensive). Pilot seems like my best choice, I guess I wasn't prepared for a vehicle that sat so high and handled so differently than what I am used to. Will go back for another test drive this week end.
BTW Salesperson in Raleigh area was nice but was real new. Name wasn't on card. Sales person at test drive site forgot to get my phone number, may call him and give it too him, he was nice.
Like the Pilot, much nicer that Ody IMHO but I wasn't prepared for the difference. And with gas at 1.999 and climbing for the summer, do I want 17 mpg leaving an Impala getting 24/29 (but with 78,500 miles and strange onimous sounds from front end)? Need to get something and still like the Pilot very much. Need some time to think and have a second test drive.
We actually do not have a large pet, but are concerned with creating an enclosed cargo area. When we had our carseat checked at the police station, the officer told us that in an accident (mainly rollover type) an object from the rear of the vehicle could easily be projected at a high velocity towards the front of the vehicle (and its occupants) since there is no barrier between the storage area and passenger compartment.
Good thought. Never occurred to me. Makes me wonder about all the suitcases and stuff we put in the back. Might be worth it to have at least something there on vehicles with the back storage open to the front. Thanks.
Flying projectiles are a real concern in an accident, especially with more people carrying laptops, portable DVD players and spare tires in their cars. Even groceries can be a concern (flying melons sounds a bit Monty Pythonish, but I wouldn't want to be clunked with a gallon jug of milk).
Try SEMA's consumer pages for cargo barriers and netting.
After writing in these forums many times we are getting closer to making a decision about which car to get but have not finalized it. We are the ones that have 3 kids under age of 10 and I am in the car ALOT!! We drive up to Lake Tahoe in the summer quite a bit and bring bikes, just wanting to know if the pilot would hold 5 bikes 3 of which would be kids. Actually one of them would be the kind of bike (can't remember name) that attaches to the main bike and a younger child can ride on that. Anyway I have heard most cars can hold several bikes on a bike rack but I question that. Please advice if anyone knows this information, the other car I am leaning towards is Odyessy and Sequoia. The problem with Odyessy is I have a bad back and seating is not great and can't adjust steering wheel correctly. Sequoia is not bad but is expensive and gas prices here in CA are not good.THx in advance
With three kids, your going to want a class II trailer hitch. With it, you can buy a tow hitch mounted bike rack that will hold 4 bikes pretty easily.
The problem with bikes on the roof of an SUV or mini-van for that matter is they are up so high that your wind resistance increases and they are very challenging to get up there and down from there at all.
The trailer mounted bike racks can be locked up securely and there are models that swing away from the back of the vehicle to allow you to get in the back compartment.
Just a thought, Subaru Tribeca? Its not out until later this spring. Reports have said 25mpg (top end) and very sporty handling for an suv. It will be slightly smaller than the Pilot but a 7 seater is available.
I've read its going to be pretty pricey, though (not too much more than a Pilot, but they claim to be competing with luxury models, so I wouldn't expect anything near a bargain).
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I have recently purchased an 05 Pilot EX-L with towing package several weeks ago. Since then we have had up to 6 people riding for up to 1 hour trips, several in the third seat. The ride/handling was exceptional. We have found the third seat very useful when our kids want to take their friends along.
We compared the Pilot with a Mecury Mountaineer and found the Pilot to be better and more refined in every aspect. After test driving both vehicles back to back, my wife and myself commented on how anyone would want a Mountaineer when the quoted bottom line prices were within a few hundred dollars of each other.
I have not checked gas milage yet, but plan to do so shortly.
Dealers that I checked with seemed to have an ample supply here in Northeast and are willing to deal!
We purchased a 2005 pilot in the fall of 04. Unlike our other SUV's our Honda has a hesitation/jerk when reducing speed to round a corner. This only occurs when we do not come to a complete stop before turning the corner. We have been to 2 different dealers, and both indicate this is normal for the Pilot. Is this normal? Would like to hear your comments. thanks.
I don't know if this is normal but both my wife's '05 Pilot and my '05 Odyssey will sometimes do this when coming out of a slow speed (suburban side street) turn. It's almost as though the transmission is trying to decide which gear to be in.
I haven't driven either vehicle enough miles to draw any firm conclusion about this but it is a bit irritating.
Ody is out unless something strange happens. Did manage to finally get comfortable relation between steering wheel, myself and pedals but had to work at it. Lower back area felt very firm and not what I would want for long periods of time.
With mindset of driving a Pilot and not my old Impala, - WOW its great. Handled great; no rattles, not negatives. Didn't realize the sunroof slid back into the roof and didn't stick up in the air when glass may be damaged. (Salesperson pointed that out when I asked why sunroof comes down when closing and then goes back up at the last second. That's when the glass aligns with the roof.
Seats were great. Handled on twisty road great. Everything is great.
Thanks for the recommendations for BMW and Subaru but BMW is out of my price range and I think I will pass on a first year vehicle. besides, I want Honda quality.
Still looking at money (for what dealer offered see post in prices.) Have pretty much made up mind to go with Pilot EX-L in Steel Metallic Blue with Tow package added. Hope to purchase soon (wish honda made a dark green exterior (No I don't think Sage Brush Pearl is green).
My new Pilot is four weeks old and has had a hesitation on conering since delivery. I test drove a Pilot EX (cloth interior) and did not notice this. It may be from the stability assist feature. Mine has app 2 second delay upon accelerating around a corner. It is more noticeable in my neighborhood taking turns slowly. I will have dealer check shortly to also verify if this is "normal". Mine is the EX-L model. Nice to know I am not the only one who noticed this.
I know there is not alot of information out about the '06 model but was wondering if anyone had heard anything about Honda moving the gear selector from the column to the floor between the front seats like most SUVs. I find the column gear selector to be in an awkward location. Also, anyone know about what month this fall will the '06 model start to arrive?
The only "problem" I had with the Pilot on my second test drive was when I stopped and tried to put in it in 1st or 2nd. Wouldn't shift at first (someone reported being unable to downshift, this may shed some light). Then I quit pulling back all the way on the level and it shifted into the lower gears. It seems you have to only pull the lever partially back. Not a real problem but I would hate to have to try to remember to calmly pull the lever partially back to downshift. I assume I would be in an urgent situation and I doubt I would be able to do it. Other than that I love the Pilot. Recommend they adjust the column shifter. (I vote leave it there so you trip over it on the way to the back.)
Interesting - we are picking the Pilot partly because of where the gear selector is located in the 2005's. The Pilot has a ton of storage space in between the front seats that most other vehicles lack. In particular, the Pilot has way more room than an MDX does, mainly because the shifter takes up all that space in the MDX. I'm afraid this will change in 2006 to be like the MDX, so we are going to buy a 2005.
I believe 2006's will arrive in mid to late September. I guess this by looking back on these discussions, and seeing when people were able to order and take delivery on past years models. MDX was a little later, like October last year.
I doubt if Honda would bother with a design change to move the shifter from the column to the floor. It probably isn't hurting sales overall, and any change costs money. A lot of buyers like the extra storage between the seats by losing the floor shifter. Some folks don't consider a column shifter "macho" enough, but it's an automatic transmission without a manumatic mode so there's not much practicality to putting it on the floor.
Then again, the MDX has a floor-mounted shifter, go figure.
I'm afraid this will change in 2006 to be like the MDX, so we are going to buy a 2005.
What indications are there that the shifter might move to the floor in the 2006 model?
There's probably better than a 50-50 chance that the 2006 Pilot will have side curtain airbags, so it'll be worth waiting for the 2006's if one can do it.
No indications - just worried that they will change it to keep up with the lemmings....seems like everybody else has changed to floor mounted shifters. I doubt they will though, since a redesign is probably due in a couple years.
I keep going back and forth on the whole side curtain air bag thing.... contradictory reports abound. Seems like some sources claim they are better for adults but worse for kids. I saw one report on the auto channel where kids sustained neck injuries due to the side impact of the air bags.
T-bone accidents are bad. I think luck is just as much of a factor for surviving than any safety feature.
I keep going back and forth on the whole side curtain air bag thing.... contradictory reports abound. Seems like some sources claim they are better for adults but worse for kids. I saw one report on the auto channel where kids sustained neck injuries due to the side impact of the air bags.
I didn't see that report. Was it on side curtain airbags to cushion the head, or on conventional thoraxic (around the chest) side air bags? Some German vehicles have rear thoraxic side air bags either as standard (most MB's) or optional (BMW and Audi).
I haven't seen any reputable source prove that side curtains are dangerous to children, but perhaps I've missed a report.
I do think that some side curtains in some vehicles may be ineffective for children. That's because the actual cushioning of many units tends to be where an adult's head will be. Thus it'll vary with the vehicle, the side curtains, the height of the child's carseat/booster, and the seated height of the child.
Personally, I'd rarher have them than not have them, and I've got a 4 year old and an almost 2-year-old. OTOH they sit in childseats with some degree of shielding around the head. Britax, specifically, has car seats with "wings" to help protect the head on some infant, cnvertible, booster, and youth seats. Having that extra protection between the child's head and a side curtain should be a plus.
T-bone accidents are bad. I think luck is just as much of a factor for surviving than any safety feature.
My philosophy is that while luck always plays a factor, you can't control luck. But you can control whether the vehicle you're purchasing has important safety features.
For side-impacts, there's a lot you can do than rely on more than luck. The key is a strong vehicle side structure and head-protection air bags. IIHS's new side-impact test uses an SUV-shaped barrier and the results against vehicles tested are sobering (albeit not mid-sized SUV's). What people don't realize is that if they think the tests aren't real world, the real world is actually worse than the test. IIHS pulled its punch with their side-impact test, using an SUV-sized barrier but without true SUV weight.
Since Pilot sits high above the ground, SCAB is not very necessary(although is useful) comparing to compact cars!
It is true that the value of side curtain airbags isn't as high in a higher-riding vehicle like an SUV. But that doesn't mean there isn't value. Also, Pilot occupants are not quite as high off the ground as they are in more conventional SUV's, so side curtains would help them more.
The Honda Pilot is one of the last vehicles in its class without side curtains. Honda is dragging its feet. They've already said that all of their vehicles will have side curtains already.
my question/dilemma; I just purchased a '05 Honda Pilot with a tow package to include Class 3 hitch, and power steering and auto trans. coolers. 'Honda' rates my (boat) towing max as 4500 lbs/450 tongue weight. I was looking into a Sea Pro 21', but am really interested in a Polar 2100 Walkaround with Yamaha 150 4-stroke....without going into my vehicles 'tow numbers' (GVWR,GCWR,GAWR, etc.) here is my dilemma; boat, motor, and trailer (alum, much lighter), 1/2 tank of fuel and fresh water comes to approx. 5000 lbs.....I know the 'canned' or 'Honda' answer to my question..it's very obvious...but would like to hear a 'real life' answer?..it this 'do-able'? can I go 500 lbs over my max limit?...again, the obvious 'safe' answer is probably no....can anyone give me a 'real life' opinion?...I will be trailering my boat every other weekend or so to Cape Cod (approx 40 miles)..no hills involved, it's a straight shot...50-55 mph will be my 'goal'...help!!!..thanx
Please advise if beeper sounds as soon as you shift into reverse even when nothing is behind the vehicle, or does it start to sound only in reverse when the sensor sweep range is broken and then increases in frequency as you get closer to an object.
Comments
As far as the Sequoia thing, my aunt bought hers after a 9-year run with a 4Runner. She loves the thing. I just have a tough time choking down that much gas. She makes the money so it really doesn't bother her. She also doesn't drive that much. As far as comparing the Pilot to the Sequoia, I think you're solving the size problem and if you're used to the Yukons mpg the Toyota isn't going to give you culture shock. I think it also gets you into the SUV instead of the minivan;)
Impressions: Her - Pilot was more comfortable, especially the drivers right armrest. I was puzzled at first but when we went back to Pilot, I saw it has the large leather padded console while the Ody has a very thin and not too padded right side armrest for the driver. (Same for the passenger on the left side of course.)
She was impressed with the back part of the Ody more. More room, more comfort. Overall she said the backseat people are better off in the Ody but for the front seat people, she felt the Pilot was better.
My thoughts - I had not told her about the Ody seat problems as I wanted an unbiased opinion. She didn't notice anything in the time we sat in the Ody. I went back and checked the seat again knowing what to look for. Seat was ok until I moved the lumbar support forward and then back. Very uncomfortable when moved forward. When I moved it back, it didn't seem to go all the way back and the seat was not as comfortable. My imagination?
The Pilot was more comfortable for the driver.
Ody gets better mileage - a plus.
Ody has lots of room - a plus.
Ody is very comfortable for passengers - A plus for them.
Ody is having "teething problems with wind noise, rattles, and seats - a Minus.
Pilot is more comfortable where my wife and I will sit - A plus.
Pilot is harder to get in and out of the third row seat - Not sure how much it will be needed or used. - Neutral.
Pilot has AWD - Neutral. Don't need it really and it runs the cost up unnecessarily but I don't mind it. Since it is only AWD at slow speeds - Neutral.
Pilot looks better, don't like the nose of the Ody. A Plus.
Pilot can tow more. We move a lot. - A Plus.
Situation: Daughter is in college. Son is junior in HS. Not hauling kids anymore. Primarily me and the wife but occasionally the two kids and my two beagles. Light duty hauling like a mattress for new bed, new Christmas tree that barely fit Impala and hung out the back a lot, etc.
Don't want a truck based vehicle. Just got rid of Chevy Astro, tired of the "tank". Don't want American - Chevy, Dodge, Ford - ready for quality. Highlander too small. Sienna too soft a ride. Sequoia to big a gas guzzler and a truck.
What do I want? A Pilot with FWD instead of AWD, (AKA Highlander) and the rear part of the Ody welded on and the mileage of the Ody. (yeah, I know, dream on.)
Leaning toward Pilot (again) but with gas going up (again!) do I want a Pilot? Wife did like both but she is undecided also. Comments?
The Pilot's AWD system is able to engage at all speeds if front wheel slippage is detected. And unlike many other car based SUVs it provides has a very advanced* electronic locking rear differential. This can mean the difference between getting out of a nasty patch of mud or snow and not.
However, you can also force the rear to lock up at very low speeds should you find your self in very deep mud, sand, or snow. Most drivers will NEVER need to use this option but it is there.
-D
*If you want to see the full expression of electronic locking diffs review the tech. specs of the new Jeep GC /w the top end 4WD system. It can move nearly 100% of power to any one wheel as needed. I think they copied the Pilot's rear diff design
Neither are great, personally I would prefer the Bridgestone over the Goodyear, if I had a choice.
Has anyone added this aftermarket (through kit or new head unit?) in their Pilot. What's been your experience? Any issues with using it with the Nav?
FYI normkol. Don't know if I would downplay the VTM-Low feature as we've used it a couple of times in deep sand.
Thanks,
Steve (road2cycle)
Liked the Pilot. Wife said she liked it but she said she could tell there was something I didn't like. Wasn't sure myself. Had driven both vehicles down twisty side streets and then back on divided four land at 70 mph. No noticeable defects or excess wind noise but Pilot did seem to have some wind noise.
What was the problem? Drove it again and realized that it sat high like my old Astro (but rode infinitely better!) and when I went into turns, I had to noticeably slow down and THEN turn. In contrast, in my Impala, which is lower and wider with wider tire, I can go deep into turns and accelerate out in a more spirited fashion. With the Pilot I had to drive differently. I will have to drive differently slowing down before I get into the turn and then turning. My wife commented its a good thing it has the VSA stuff.
Bottom line? For an SUV/Truck etc, it is a terrific riding vehicle. It is very comfortable and car like, but it is different than what I am used to.
Loved the vehicle but not sure it is what I want. What I want is a Pilot with the rear room and more comfort of an Ody and the handling of my Impala. (Everybody can laugh now). What will I do? Not sure. I like the Highlander but its too small in every direction. I like the Mazda6 Sports wagon but its too small also. The Volvo V70 is too low (and too expensive). Pilot seems like my best choice, I guess I wasn't prepared for a vehicle that sat so high and handled so differently than what I am used to. Will go back for another test drive this week end.
BTW Salesperson in Raleigh area was nice but was real new. Name wasn't on card. Sales person at test drive site forgot to get my phone number, may call him and give it too him, he was nice.
Like the Pilot, much nicer that Ody IMHO but I wasn't prepared for the difference. And with gas at 1.999 and climbing for the summer, do I want 17 mpg leaving an Impala getting 24/29 (but with 78,500 miles and strange onimous sounds from front end)? Need to get something and still like the Pilot very much. Need some time to think and have a second test drive.
Try SEMA's consumer pages for cargo barriers and netting.
Steve, Host
The problem with bikes on the roof of an SUV or mini-van for that matter is they are up so high that your wind resistance increases and they are very challenging to get up there and down from there at all.
The trailer mounted bike racks can be locked up securely and there are models that swing away from the back of the vehicle to allow you to get in the back compartment.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
We compared the Pilot with a Mecury Mountaineer and found the Pilot to be better and more refined in every aspect. After test driving both vehicles back to back, my wife and myself commented on how anyone would want a Mountaineer when the quoted bottom line prices were within a few hundred dollars of each other.
I have not checked gas milage yet, but plan to do so shortly.
Dealers that I checked with seemed to have an ample supply here in Northeast and are willing to deal!
Ok, back to the Pilot.
Steve, Host
They have their own tradeoffs (price, reliability, space inside), but they may be what you're looking for.
- Mark
That said, my speculation is that the '06 model will have side curtain airbags and VCM.
I haven't driven either vehicle enough miles to draw any firm conclusion about this but it is a bit irritating.
With mindset of driving a Pilot and not my old Impala, - WOW its great. Handled great; no rattles, not negatives. Didn't realize the sunroof slid back into the roof and didn't stick up in the air when glass may be damaged. (Salesperson pointed that out when I asked why sunroof comes down when closing and then goes back up at the last second. That's when the glass aligns with the roof.
Seats were great. Handled on twisty road great. Everything is great.
Thanks for the recommendations for BMW and Subaru but BMW is out of my price range and I think I will pass on a first year vehicle. besides, I want Honda quality.
Still looking at money (for what dealer offered see post in prices.) Have pretty much made up mind to go with Pilot EX-L in Steel Metallic Blue with Tow package added. Hope to purchase soon (wish honda made a dark green exterior (No I don't think Sage Brush Pearl is green).
Thanks!
I believe 2006's will arrive in mid to late September. I guess this by looking back on these discussions, and seeing when people were able to order and take delivery on past years models. MDX was a little later, like October last year.
Then again, the MDX has a floor-mounted shifter, go figure.
What indications are there that the shifter might move to the floor in the 2006 model?
There's probably better than a 50-50 chance that the 2006 Pilot will have side curtain airbags, so it'll be worth waiting for the 2006's if one can do it.
I keep going back and forth on the whole side curtain air bag thing.... contradictory reports abound. Seems like some sources claim they are better for adults but worse for kids. I saw one report on the auto channel where kids sustained neck injuries due to the side impact of the air bags.
T-bone accidents are bad. I think luck is just as much of a factor for surviving than any safety feature.
I didn't see that report. Was it on side curtain airbags to cushion the head, or on conventional thoraxic (around the chest) side air bags? Some German vehicles have rear thoraxic side air bags either as standard (most MB's) or optional (BMW and Audi).
I haven't seen any reputable source prove that side curtains are dangerous to children, but perhaps I've missed a report.
I do think that some side curtains in some vehicles may be ineffective for children. That's because the actual cushioning of many units tends to be where an adult's head will be. Thus it'll vary with the vehicle, the side curtains, the height of the child's carseat/booster, and the seated height of the child.
Personally, I'd rarher have them than not have them, and I've got a 4 year old and an almost 2-year-old. OTOH they sit in childseats with some degree of shielding around the head. Britax, specifically, has car seats with "wings" to help protect the head on some infant, cnvertible, booster, and youth seats. Having that extra protection between the child's head and a side curtain should be a plus.
T-bone accidents are bad. I think luck is just as much of a factor for surviving than any safety feature.
My philosophy is that while luck always plays a factor, you can't control luck. But you can control whether the vehicle you're purchasing has important safety features.
For side-impacts, there's a lot you can do than rely on more than luck. The key is a strong vehicle side structure and head-protection air bags. IIHS's new side-impact test uses an SUV-shaped barrier and the results against vehicles tested are sobering (albeit not mid-sized SUV's). What people don't realize is that if they think the tests aren't real world, the real world is actually worse than the test. IIHS pulled its punch with their side-impact test, using an SUV-sized barrier but without true SUV weight.
Since Pilot sits high above the ground, SCAB is not very necessary(although is useful) comparing to compact cars!
It is true that the value of side curtain airbags isn't as high in a higher-riding vehicle like an SUV. But that doesn't mean there isn't value. Also, Pilot occupants are not quite as high off the ground as they are in more conventional SUV's, so side curtains would help them more.
The Honda Pilot is one of the last vehicles in its class without side curtains. Honda is dragging its feet. They've already said that all of their vehicles will have side curtains already.