Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

pichula99

I forgot to add the link to the government's rollover test results:

http://www.safercar.gov/RollRatings.cfm

wmquan

You have to take the NHTSA rollover ratings with a grain of salt. There are two components to the test: a dynamic test that actually tests a moving vehicle, but the score is only pass/fail, and a purely static measurement of the height of the center of gravity which produces those percentages.

In the dynamic test, the vehicle is put through some maneuvers to see if it will tip its swheels. The test is done at specific speeds and is a pass/fail, based on whether the vehicle tips or not. It isn't done at progressively higher speeds to see if one vehicle is more likely to tip sooner than the other.

In the static test, the height of the center of gravity is measured versus the width of the vehicle's track. From this, the percentage probability of rollover is computed.

The Pilot benefits from having a very wide track, which does help stability and, on paper, helps reduce rollovers. I believe the Outback suffers because it has even higher ground clearance than the Pilot and is significantly narrower.

The problem with the NHTSA test is that with just a pass/fail test with a moving vehicle, it doesn't factor in enough of vehicle dynamics. E.g. in the pass/fail maneuver, one vehicle could well have been precariously close to tipping but just made it, while the other vehicle was rock-solid and could have been going 20 mph faster without a tip.

Nevertheless, the Pilot and its MDX brother both do very well in these tests.

soon2havepilot

Does anyone have the 2005 Pilot Steel Blue Metallic? I am debating on the Steel Blue, verses the Billet Silver. I am wondering if the Steel Blue shows much dirt, it will be parked outside, in the rainy state of Washington. Every where I look I see the Billet Silver, I haven't seen the Steel Blue, they will have to order it.
Thanks!

pichula99

Thank you for your reply, hope you don't mind but I posted your response (without your name of course) in the Subaru Outback and Forester message boards because they may also be interested.

Pablo

mark156

Just a quick note about back up sensors. I have them on my 2002 Mercedes ML500 and when backing into my garage one day, I started getting really odd readings and hit a wood box that was in the garage. I took the SUV back to the dealer telling them my situation. They said the sensor were working perfectly.

Come to find out, I had put a "zapper" in the garage to deter bugs/spiders/mice and it was causing my backup sensors to go crazy. I told the service writer what I had discovered so he could let others know just in case someone else came in with the same problem.

Mark

pilot seeker

yet another tow question....but I've yet to get a DEFINITIVE answer anywhere (to include the 'Honda people')..so here goes; the tow harness has a 4 prong flat connector...I just purchased a boat and trailer...the trailer has a 5 prong flat connector (the extra wire is 'blue' and needs to be connected to the brake lights in order to turn off the brake actuator so the disc/surge brakes won't engage when 'backing up'.........I looked online at the installation instructions for the wire harness..it shows the 'other end' of the harness to be a '6 prong connector'(?)...my question; what is the BEST and easiest way to 'add' the blue wire....can I obtain a 6 prong harness (or even a 7 prong with an adapter?..again, even Honda gave me the runaround...no one could give me a definitive answer...I don't want to (or at least would prefer not too) hack or splice into my brakes lights in order to add the 5th wire......I'd appreciate any input......(I even called U-Haul, and the 'trailer hitch' mechanic was unsure...said he'd have to 'look at it'1)

las

I just walked out of the Honda dealer with a signature for a Pilot EX-L RES. Anything I should be afraid of, or should we look forward to a problem-free lease? :confuse: ">

johnnyrf

We have the steel blue Honda Pilot for approx. 2 months now in New England. We drove it in 2 snowstorms and it doesn't seem to show dirt any worse than the silver pilot. Nice thing is there aren't many blue pilots out there. It is a sharp color and stands out. Most pilots I see are either the dark green or silver.

egold

Anyone know what the latest software version of the navigation system might be? According to my dealer it is 2.11C, which came with my '05 Pilot in February. An Alpine order taker said the latest version is 2.2. I wonder if these 2 are equivalent, or if in fact there is a difference. Or, if they are both wrong. In any event there seems to be some uncertainty. Thanks

alexasha

Hi, I plan to move to MN and strongly considering purchase of 05 pilot. Any experience with car handling in snow.
Thanks

carguy1234

I'm in MN, and while I don't have a Pilot yet, I can tell you that snow is the least of your worries. Unless you are going to be up off Lake Superior, we don't really get that much snow here (Twin Cities).

Black Ice, and general slick conditions are a far bigger problem, once the temp gets down to 5 below and lower. Drivers think they are smarter than physics. They can't hold the corners that"appear" to be dry pavement, but are actually ice you can't see. I see them lose it just going straight on the interstate also (driving too fast).

The Pilot EX-L with stability control will help. When I get mine, I plan to swap out the tires for some good Nokians. We do a fair amount of driving up north, and those tires give a lot of extra security. I like the Nokians since I don't have to change them spring and fall, I just leave them on all year.

mond

The Pilot's problem is that it starts as front wheel drive until it senses slip. What they don't tell you is how slowly it reacts to slip. You will be able to correct faster than the Pilot. The problem is that when you correct for the massive understeer, the Pilot then throws power to the rear wheels. This makes you go from corrected understeer to massive oversteer. We have a Pilot and an X3. The X3 is light years ahead when it comes to snow and handling. The X3's reaction time is faster than the drivers, the Pilot's reaction time is far slower. That's a serious problem. When driving the Pilot on snow and ice you can feel it slip and then eventually correct. With the X3 the correction is so fast there is no sensation of slip.

srl99

I don't have much experience with the Pilot in snow (next winter for sure!). If you
know you are starting out on a really slippery road you can always lock the Pilot's
AWD with the push button (locked until 18MPH??).

Glad you like the BMW - we're quite happy with the space and cost of ownership
of the Pilot.

I'm reminded of something my uncle (a long time car dealer) once said about
BMW's "whenever you see a BMW with the hood up - there's one thing you know:
It's going to be EXPENSIVE".

las

Believe it or not, the Pilot L-EX RES was a few thousand more expensive than the BWM equavalent that we were looking at (don't recall the model).

ukko

Greetings alexasha,

I have experienced no problems with the Pilot in Northern Minnesota. We live in Duluth, a hill city near lake Superior, and when the storms arrive the Pilot has driven through the snow with out any problems. That is considering activities that are off the main roads. In short, NO SWEAT.

Cheers

mond

"whenever you see a BMW with the hood up - there's one thing you know:
It's going to be EXPENSIVE".

You're correct. Because I always lease, BMW is an option for me. BMWs out of warranty can be financially "dangerous".

Regarding the Pilot, the problem is they only allow full for wheel drive at low speeds. This can be a very dangerous and expensive compromise.

mond

I'm glad you had no problems in the snow with the Pilot. All I'm saying is that having both a Pilot and an X3, if I had to go out in a snow storm I would choose the X3 without hesitation. The difference between the two in snow and slippery conditions is huge.

Think of it this way, if locking the Pilot into 4 wheel drive wasn't an advantage in poor conditions, that switch wouldn't be on your dashboard. (Unless you think the switch is a sales gimmick.) Then understand they made a safety compromise by only allowing you to lock it up to about 20 mph versus being in 4 wheel drive at highway speeds. Finally, even with the Pilot locked in 4 wheel drive, the X3 is far superior in poor conditions.

jay_24

I agree. Snow isn't much of an issue. Its the ice that puts people in the ditch. AWD is over rated and builds over confidence in too many people. AWD or 4x4 doesn't help you stop.
Drive a bit slower and leave some space between cars, and just about any car/truck/SUV will get you to where your going.
The northern States have lots of snow removal trucks, so the roads are kept pretty clean even during the bigger storms.
Of course I own a subaru and a Chevy Tahoe (4x4), but its more for the back roads and farm roads that I have the AWD/4x4.

--jay

qbrozen

We've been through 2 pretty harsh winters now with the Pilot and I can tell you, even with the supposedly crappy stock tires, its been great. I might get flamed about this from Subie owners, but the Forester we traded in on the Pilot was much less stable in the slick stuff. Sure, tires make a big difference, etc. But I'm just stating our personal experience with the 2 vehicles. I really doubted what the Pilot may be able to handle, but it has proved me wrong.

If you think about it, though, I'm not putting the Subie down for its AWD capabilities. There are just those occasions where the added weight of the Pilot is helpful. Ruts or snowbanks that would push our Subie around have little to no affect on the far heavier Pilot.

amiret

Dealer fixed my backup sensor (bad center sensor) and it now works about six on a scale of ten. The center sensors work fine, but the side sensor announcer (higher frequency) is so muted that one can only hear it when ear is adjacent to rt rear panel on the inside of vehicle. Side monitor not of any value from drivers seat. How is the volume of yours?

mtbdad

I can hear the high frequency corner sensors very well from the drivers seat.

tscull

how is the gas mileage on 2005 pilots? some of the reports in the winter were around 15 mpg.
any improvement with warmer weather? it becomes a factor at 2.35 per gallon.

qbrozen

my wife just reported 21 mpg on her last fillup. very mixed driving. maybe 40% highway.

durability05

We just converted our Pilot lease to a buy, our May 04 Pilot (No recalls) had performed trouble free so far and had improved its fuel economy from 15mpg when new to 17 mpg presently. It is driven mostly around town, it can get 23 mpg highway. As for the Honda transmission, the best we can do is to have it serviced at the dealer at the recommended intervals and hope it would be trouble free. So far I observed that Pilot tranny problems are either factory defects off new vehicles or high mileage 60K to 70K on the older 03 and early pre April Pilots of 04. Decided against towing or packages, just going to enjoy this vehicle on its strenghts, like refinement and economy compared to the truck base SUVs. Also we are going to end up saving money compared to the lease.

kidtopia

I have had two Pilots (03 and 04) and I have had an 04' Odyssey and now have the 05' Odyssey. The VCM is questionable. I thought I would have incredible milage with the VCM and I don't. My old Odyssey got much better milage, my new Odyssey is faster, but I haven't changed my driving style. So if they do put the VCM in the 06' Pilots, expect to filling up more, as it will affect the milage in a negative way. If I didn't have toddlers, I would have a Pilot again. The Pilot is the most comfortable car to drive around and the milage I used to get was great. The Odyssey is great only because of the sliding doors, if you don't need sliding doors, get a Pilot! The 05 Odyssey is a big improvement over the old one, the EX is very sporty, the Touring is mushier to drive.

amiret

We have a '05 with 3000 miles, new Jan 2. Around MPLS freeway/town did 13.5 to 16.5 MPG. Just took a trip pulling a small trailer with slight tail wind and averaged 24.5 MPG for 180 miles at 55. ---- Word of caution when checking mileage. When is tank full? When nozzle auto shuts off, can still put in 6 gallons. Last 4 takes about four minutes. This is till can't put in any more. (Only do this when driving for 25 miles right after fill) Any one else have trouble filling tank? Also, waited till low fuel warnng light came on once and drove ONE block to station and put in 22 gallons. Tank capacity on '05 is 20.34 gal according to page VII in manual. Have filled with 18.8 and 19.2 gal with NO warning light. Not much cush for warning light eh? What does yours do?

carguy1234

What is your "driving style"? From what I can gather, it seems that people driving over 70 or so get worse milage with VCM. Those driving 55-60 get better milage. But there are reports of those with the Ody Touring getting great milage, and others with worse milage than the lower trims get.

I wish I could get a definitive answer on this, since I'm one of those on the fence waiting for the '06 with VCM Vs just getting an '05.

CR did say that the Chrysler 300 (with their version of VCM) did not get the milage improvement Chrysler advertises.

rsharp

Just went in for a tire rotation/oil change and at 1 year and 1 month, with 23,000 miles I had to replace two of the Bridgestone Duelers. They were falling apart! I have done no "off-roading" or other abusive things to these tires, they are simply crap tires and Honda should be ashamed to put them on a $30K auto. Very disappointed that after a year I already have to replace tires.

isellhondas

Don't do that!!

Your owner's manual specifically says NOT to top off your gas tank! yopu can damage your emission system by doing this!

"Last four takes about four minutes"

Yeah, I think I got stuck in line last week behind you!

amiret

Understand -- You will note that I said that I then drove for 25 miles after fill. The over fill warning is to avoid hydraulic action caused by expansion of the fuel. If you drive 25 miles, you will at least purge one gallon from the system to avoid the expansion problem. This is what I have been told by engine engineers in Detroit. My concern is: a) checking gas mileage accurately, b) getting most distance between fills. I drive in Canada for six months and am 360 miles between gas stations and don't want to carry a spare gas can for obvious reasons. and c) checking the fuel warning light. The gas gage is a joke. 3/4 full takes 12 gallons. The dealer said all Hondas are like that.

cccompson

Despite being heavier, my VCM equipped Odyssey Touring (with less than 3500 miles on it) is getting slightly better mileage than did a previously owned '99 Odyssey. It is true that speed plays a significant role in mpg with this vehicle. There is no way it will hit its EPA highway estimate of 28 mpg unless it is kept to 70 mph or less. Running it at 80 will drop the mileage into the lower 20s.

Tourings have PAX tires which may slightly help mileage - supposedly they have less rolling resistance than conventional tires.

And you are, of course, right - driving style has a tremendous effect on mileage. It would have been more helpful if kidtopia had provided some specific mileage figures rather than broad generalities.

normkol

You seem to have a problem with your fuel system. Your fill figures don't relate to the gauge and low fuel light mesages you are getting.

I would insist the Honda dealer check it out. I have an '05 EXL and the fuel system acts very normally. The one time I let the light come on it took about 18 gallons. For a 20.5 gallon tank, that's about right.

alexasha

Any word on 06 PIlots. Any improvements and when should we expect them.
Thanks

dep

I think you misunderstand the VTM-4 system a bit.

While you can only lock the rear clutch packs to the drive line at low speeds the Pilot's computer systems will automatically route power F/R and L/R (rear) at all speeds when there is a loss of wheel grip. So, it is AWD at all speeds.

The manual locking feature is there strictly to allow you to lock up the rear wheels if you are starting from a stop in heavy mud, snow, or up a steep inclie while towing. Under normal driving in poor conditions the computer systems do the locking and power distribution for you.

-D

sportymonk

One factor that can't be helped or changed but must be factored in is the fact that some pumps at some stations cut off more easily than at other pumps at other stations. The trick would be to try and use the same pump at your local station for a while to help consistency.

isellhondas

I don't bother checking my gas mileage very often. I just don't care. I figure it's going to get whatever it gets.

sportymonk

I kept log books for every gas, OFL etc I have purchased on every vehicle I have owned.

isellhondas

I've taken in used cars and I've even bought cars myself where the previous owner did this. I've seen detailed log books, line by line, where someone has carefully logged each and every tank of gas and every penny spent on the car.

I guess this may be a good thing but for me, a waste of time.

What is of utmost importance to some people is a waste of time for others.

stever

I enjoy keeping track of my gas too, and have for 30 years. btw Isell, not only are people trading SUVs in for cars due to high gas prices, around here building permits are way up for in fill housing close to downtown because fewer people want to build out in the county where they have a long commute.

For those interested in the gas debate and SUVs, check out this thread:

isellhondas, "SUV Sales Slump" #4, 18 Apr 2005 5:30 pm

Steve, Host

mtbdad

Wow, my dad keeps a log of mileage and gas spent for every one of the 45+ cars he has owned over the years. I too, keep a log. Not sure why, but he taught me to do it and I have done it for all of the cars I have owned. Nice to hear of others who do this ritual.

niblick45

I too, keep a log. Not sure why,

No offense intended, but you must have a lot of spare time. I guess I'm one of the "it is what it is" types. I checked milage a few months after purchase so that I would probably recognize a substantial change in milage indicating a problem. Other than that, there are way too many variables involved with accurately measuring fuel consumption by the "miles/fill" method.

scheller

I am looking at buying a used Pilot EX. I need to tow a 2700 pound boat and trailer. Do I need to get the installed tow package with the transmission and ps coolers? Is the rating for the pilot 3500 lb towing as standard and UP TO 4500 pound with the additional coolers added? I cant seem to get a straight answer from anyone one this? Is anyone towing under 3500 pounds with the standard Pilot? Thanks

amiret

Be careful Honda is very sticky about warranty and insists that you have the coolers to protect the PS and tranny. Also, the trailer wiring needs the special hook up to avoid computer/wiring problems They want an arm and leg for their stuff, but you can get a good discount from the dealer in colorado springs.

mtbdad

Yep, talked to my Dad. No real reason. He used to keep track for business reasons. Needed to keep track of mileage for taxes. Don't ask me to explain. Now that he is retired. He does it out of habit.
I, on the other hand have no real reason for doing it besides to check general trends of how often I buy gas and how much I spend, which really makes no difference at all because ya gotta get the gas anyway. Oh, I do check often to see how many miles I drive per month so as to extrapolate when I might "have" to buy a new car. ;-) I figure that at about 100,000 miles, I better start looking. I do it in about 5 years. My wife doesn't do it for her car. When I buy gas for her, I don't do it. I actually could get by with having a little book to note servicing, repairs oil changes etc...
By the way Niblick45, no offense taken.

amiret

Please advise on your 2005 Pilot: a) how many miles can/do you drive after low fuel warning light comes on before you fill, and b) how many gallons do you usually fuel then to fill the tank.

phamj

Hello,

I purchased my 05 Honda Pilot EXL a week ago. This is my first Honda. I have driven the Ford Explorer and BMW sedan prior to this.

The car handles quite well. I like the roominess interior except for the third row seat.
There are some details that I thought Honda overlooked such as audio function buttons and others on the steering wheel are not lit, so using these function at night is a challenge. The channel changing only step forward and not reverse. The glove box is also not lit. The power door lock not activated when vehicle is in motion.

Question regarding fuel. I thought regular unleaded fuel is ok , but the owner manual say to use fuel with 91 octane or higher.

Well, with only 500 miles on the odometer I hope that these are all the short coming I will find with the Pilot.

habitat1

Congrats on your new Pilot.

If it's any consolation, the 2005 MDX doeesn't have lighted steering wheel buttons and only "up" direction on channel selection. Our 2004 TL has an excellent lighted multifunction steering wheel that integrates well with the navigation system. I would have thought that the 2005 MDX and Pilot would have incorporated these advancements.

I did think the Pilot was fine with regular gas, but perhaps with the bump in horsepower for 2005, they went to premium. The MDX engine and exhaust system are tuned differently and requires premium. For what it's worth, I could hardly tell a difference in acceleration between a 240 hp Pilot, 255 hp Pilot or 265hpo MDX. The increased noise in the Pilot under hard acceleration is noticable, but it's not like the Pilot screams like my former S2000.

Again, congrats on your new Pilot. As a two Acura family, I am a big fan. And I have never owned any vehicle that was built to the quality level of my HONDA S2000. So, in spite of wanting the extra goodies that came with the MDX, I have no less respect for or confidence in the build quality of the Pilot.

cccompson

The Pilot owner's manual reference to a 91 octane requirement is a printing error (according to Honda). It runs fine on (the correct octane rating of ) 87.

stever

I'm loathe to recommend against the owner's manual but we say the '05 Pilot runs on regular unleaded fuel too. (link)

I assume that Honda will issue a TSB or send out a sticker for the owner's manual to fix the error. What does the fuel flap say - use unleaded only or regular unleaded?

Steve, Host

qbrozen

This was discussed here (or the other Pilot boards on edmunds, i'm not sure) at an earlier date. Cccompson is correct, according to Honda, its a printing error.