I'm pretty sure the owner's manual in our '05 Pilot says 86 octane (but I'm away from the vehicle and can't check right now). Here in Denver, regular gas is 85 octane (lower octane works at high altitude). Our dealer said it's fine to use 85 here, which is what we've been doing. Using a higher octane than necessary is just a waste of $.
It doesn't bother me in the least. Even the best publishing houses in the world with the top editors in the world make typos and printing mistakes. I count on Honda's engineering, not their proofreading.
If you are joking, good one! I could almost see folks around here chastising a car company for something so silly.
'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
Errrrrr, a typing error is not the same as the wrong word. Unleaded, plus, and premium are different words. I correct the _typing_ error. Thank you for pointing it out.
Does it worry anyone that a company that's given the credibility Honda is makes "printing errors"?
Nope - there's often a big lead time in printing materials and stuff gets printed up wrong now and then (or delayed, as happened to new Land Rover owners who didn't get their manuals for a month or two after purchase of their LR3's). Happens to the best of companies. I mentioned the TSB because I've seen them issued by manufacturers as a way to correct errors in the owners manuals
Hmmm, should owners have an apostrophe in that last sentence?
Then it must be marginal whether the engine needs Plus instead of Regular. They wouldn't have redesigned the engine parts within the lead time for the manuals to have been sent out to the printers.
Could be - when the new Odyssey first came out in '99, Honda said you could use either but premium would yield better performance (better meaning about 5 or 10 extra horses).
wow. this has gone on for more posts than i could have imagined. good thing they made that printing error so they could overshadow something so tragic as nonlit steering wheel buttons.
'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
40/20/40 or similar folding 2nd row seat - The new Pathfinder has this and it would make access to the third row easier for my oldest child, when my youngest two are in fixed child seats in the outer positions. As a bonus, it would be great if the 2nd row would fold down completely flat.
Side Curtain Air Bags - These should be added as the MDX has them now. Hopefully these will be available on all models, not just the EXL+ versions.
Stability Control - Put this on all models, not just the EXL+
Minor Styling Revisions - I generally like the Pilot now. I am hoping the styling update will be like the '05 CR-V updates (i.e. subtle). I would not be happy if the Pilot took on Ridgeline attributes.
New wheels - I really don't like the alloys on the '03-'05's. I am sure there are many out there that like them. They just never looked good to me.
VCM - I am mixed on this one. I like the idea that VCM could enhance mileage, but it seems likely that it would be offered only on EXL+ models, which (to me) defeats its economical advantages. Plus I have read reports that real world results are very mixed.
Other Items I'd like to see, however, since I have the 05 model, it wouldn't do me much good to see them.
1. The rear window - would like to see it open without having ot lift the entire door. 2. The reas side windows, would like to have them open electronically, not up down, but the flip out syle like the rear windows on the Odyssey. 3. A better way to store the hanging, banging, third row seatbelts. 4. A rearview mirroe that's maybe another inch wider. 5. Electric passenger seat adjustments would be nice. 6. Electric seat lumbar in both front seats. 7. Driver position memory buttons - 2 or 3 drivers.
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch taem at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Such a cdonition is arppoiately cllaed Typoglycemia - Amzanig huh? Yaeh, and yuo awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt!
I have read a few threads here regarding 'when' to do a first oil change......bottom line; 3500 miiles? I have 3100 on my '05 EX-L..some have said to wait as long as 7000....
We are looking at getting a Honda Pilot, have looked at several used ones in our area (2003s, 1 EX, & 1 EXL). My question is with the rear air control. It didn't seem as though you could adjust the fan speed, even on the "manual" mode. This was the case on both of the Pilots we looked at. Does anyone know why this is?
so you turned on the "rear AC manual" button on the dash and tried using the rear controls? that should have worked. Then again, I think it depends on what you are doing with the front controls. The rear is still somewhat dependent on the front. For instance, from what I've experienced, I believe you can't turn on the AC in the rear if its not on in the front.
'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 bought a '05 pilot with Navi in Mar. I also got the disk version 2.11C. I found another website that listed the 2.11C was released in Feb 2004 and the 2.2 released in Feb 2005. I assume there are differences but don't know if substantive.
Hello good folks! I'm looking to see if anyone has any knowledge about Honda using its Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) engine currently in the 05 Odyssey or the IMA system currently in the 05 Hybrid Accord, into the Pilot for 2006. Anyone heard any scuttlebut? Toyota Highlander has got a hybrid...is Honda staying competitive?
The only folks with such knowledge work for Honda and they aren't talking, at least not yet.
The scuttlebutt (internet gossip, rumor, and speculation) is that the '06 Pilot may well have VCM, at least on the high end model. A hybrid model next year doesn't seem to be in the cards.
Thanks carguy...very useful information. Let's see if manufacturing follows corporate on this one. VCM seems a nice half way point between hybrid - with expensive batteries, maintenance etcetera - and continued gas guzzling. If introduced this fall, at least Honda will have almost one year of experience with the system. Anyone heard about problems with VCM? May be premature to assess?
Just curious on what anyone thinks of Pilot and whether it is roomy. From what I have heard people say that it has more room on inside than what it looks from outside. We have a GMC Yukon, we can't afford to keep it, as far as monthly payment, gas and it has given us nothing but trouble in it's short year of life. However we have 3 kids under the age of almost 11 and we sometimes bring our dog on vacation. Only 1 is in a booster seat. So can't decide if I want to go back to a minivan (not crazy about it but am afraid of making another mistake, usually keep cars for many years). We realize we will lose out on GMC but just want to get out of it so it would help to hear from other families on how they like it. Thx.
Despite my hatred for american vehicles, i was going to buy a yukon. What stopped me was my neighbor bought a pilot and invited me for a test drive. I was immeadiately impressed, especially with the acceleration and carlike handling. This plus the fact the the pilot, even with the optional nav system is over 5 grand cheaper,costs less to fill up, and is cheaper to insure made me buy a pilot instead the next day. My girlfriend has 3 kids,with 1 in a booster and its fits all of us fine,even with the rear seat folded down. Let me recommend the divider accesory for the dog though, and also the rubber protector for the cargo area
Purchased in Aug. 2004, 11000 miles on it. Very happy with vehicle in every respect except one. Comfort great, roominess great, gas mileage great(23 on highway), seats great, functionality great, ride great. Problem is a variety of rattles and noises from center dash reminiscent of a 1970's general motors car. Dealer has offered to fix but there are so many different ones(3 or4) I felt I should live with it rather than constantly taking the car apart.
Based upon what I have read of Ody owners, the VCM doesn't do much for the gas mileage. Go look at the EPA estimates for an EX and compare to an EX-L. Considering the compalints for Ody people and the fact that it is the same three cylinders that shut off (creating an imbalance of wear) and the complexity, I hope they don't put it on. I may consider going ahead and getting an 05 even if it means not getting the non-perforated leather seats.
I read that the 2006 Pilot EX models will have XM Satellite standard. I'm not that familiar with XM satellite. Could someone please explain exactly what it is, whether it's worth it, and how much extra monthly fees, if any, there would be to have it. Thanks.
I'm in a similar scenario esp with vacationing dog and kids who want to sit next to the dog. My short list remains pilot/Freestyle/Sequoia. The first two similar on price, the last two similar on space. Pilots a great drive but I think a little cramped for all the bags and backpacks that kids and their sports/coaching generates. Freestyle all the room, drives slower than but much like a Volvo xc70, and does it all for a much lower price and lower TCO . But does the lower price offset the reliability confidence premium provided by the Toyota? Taking the TCO and replacing depreciation with cost to buy shows that the Freestyle is $12,000 less expensive to own in first 5 years than the sequoia. I am hesitant about the Freestyle, esp with the new transmission, but thats a big chunk of change to kiss goodbye to for a feeling.....
Over the weekend, I read the a lot of the Odyssey P&S board and it scares me to hear about all the tranny problems that have been encountered. I have helped at least 8-9 people in the last 2 years buy an Odyssey. Of all of them only one has reported a problem with his tranny. The one that reported a tranny problem is on his third (I believe) and is trying to have HONDA buy it back under the CA lemon law.
I was told that Honda is having a problem with the tranny with all V6 engines (Accords, Odyssey, Pilot, Acura TL, Acura MDX). Not sure if this is accurate. I also read that Honda extended the powertrain warranty on some 600,000 vehicles (don't know what models they include or year). Maybe someone in the knowledge can clarify.
We looked at Sequoia (too big), Armada (truck like, too bulky), Minivan (wife doesn't like the concept of driving one, as it is even longer than the Pilot.
As I am considering a Pilot (as it seems to suit our needs the best), I was wondering if there has been any or a lot of instances where Pilot owners have reported issues with the Tranny as is the case with Odyssey and Accord. Any other vehicles affected? Also what kind of odometer mileage readings have been reported on the SUV's when the tranny problems were encountered?
I have to say, _OUR_ dog (a 100+ lb Giant Schnauzer) _absolutely_ _LOVES_ the pilot. If she sits in the back seat she can have the A/C vent blowing against her nose...
We don't have kids (did I tell you about our 100 lb SPOILED lap dog?), but I am about to buy a roof basket for those odd occasions when the luggage overwhelms the interior. A good dealer should not be shocked by the request to make sure the whole family fits (including the four pawed kid) - bring the pup and try it out!
One pleasant surprise - the 100lb dog has not broken the console by stepping on it. Not that I recommend this, but we are pleasantly surprised.
A note about the luggage separation net - there's really nothing to hold the top of it from moving forward, so our dog manages to get from the back to the front when we are out of the car. [Dog lovers be calm - cool temperatures, always parked in the shade and windows/sunroof open.] We often find the light in the passenger grab handle on after this houdini trick. [I am about to try cable clamps on the grab bars to try to keep the net in place, and the dog in the far rear.]
We did think about the Ford Escape last year, but as we drive over the mountains in the winter - we need a car we can trust.
Lumber I want to ask you about a non-room-but-dog-no-kids-question.
We are empty nesters with an American Eskimo (20 lbs) and a small poodle (10 lbs).
Had thought about the separation net for them, but now have concerns. Do you have leather? The eskie sheds 15 to 20 lbs of hair an hour and the poodle tries to dig a nest before he lays down. I traded my junker for this pilot so no longer have a car that I do not care about being torn up. Expiernce with claws on leather? Dog hair on leather?
My pilot is a week old and only 241 miles. No, it can't be new forever, but---- :confuse:
Have you tested driven the Volvo XC70, that is one car that I was looking at as well but have not driven it yet. One thing I am not crazy about with it is that it's lower to the ground and I like just being able to slide into a vehicle. Another thing is that a friend had the XC70 a few years ago and had sooooo many problems with it, I realize Volvo's can have problems and can be expensive to fix. (Though would get extended warranty). I do like Volvo XC90 but even smaller than pilot. I have not test driven the Freestyle, but am kind of curious. I had a 96 Windstar before my 2001 Odyessy and it was great for comfort but had terrible transmissions problems. Today I went and looked at Pilot, Odyessy and Sienna, the 2 vans were not comfortable on my back at all (have back problems) but the Pilot was very comfortable.At the moment am leading towards pilot and would have to have a basket put on top for luggage etc. Hopefully our lab would fit ok. I did like the Sequoia but then I am back at the predicament with big payments and gas guzzler on top of a very big price tag. I really need to make a decision soon and buying a car has never been so hard to decide as this time.
OK, well, my take on it is that there are a very few number of vehicles affected compared to the total number on the road. I'd have to think that what you are seeing on the boards is simply the few yelling louder than the many. As is the case with all similar message boards, you'll hear much more from those with problems than from those who are quietly enjoying their trouble-free cars.
As far as some of the info you've heard, I believe its a bit mixed up. There was an extension of some powertrain warranties, but it wasn't on 600K vehicles. The 600K vehicles is the total number that Honda recalled last year so that they could inspect the 2nd gear in the transmissions and assess if a full replacement was needed or the addition of an extra oil jet for better lubrication. According to Honda, they have had less than a 1% failure rate in those vehicles affected (this was a report also filed last year).
In any case, we planned on buying the extended warranty from the getgo, and I'm glad we did just by some slim chance we are in the small number of vehicles that will experience tranny problems.
'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
The automatic transmission problems that have plagued Honda and Acura are dissapointing to say the least. While there is much debate as to the exact percentage of vehicles affected (or worse, will be affected over the next 5+ years), if you are one of the unlucky ones, it's not pleasant. I have three friends who have had replacements - one who had two replacements. One friend's transmission (2003 Acura TL) went out at night when his wife was 50 miles from home.
Having never owned an automatic transmission in 25+ years since buying my first new car, I wasn't affected by this dilemma until we needed a new SUV a few months ago. We decided to go with a 2005 MDX. Many reasons we chose the MDX over the Pilot, but at least one factor was the fact that the MDX has a completely new transmission developed after the problems surfaced. For whatever reason, I believe the 2005 Pilot has the same transmission (with some factory modifications) as the earlier model. However, our friend on his second transmission replacement was told that his first replacement had the same factory modification that is on the new Pilots. He intends to sell the vehicle before he goes in for another "change the transmission and check the oil" service. All of this occurred in less than 35,000 miles.
I'd like to see Honda/Acura put this issue to bed. They are not handling in a way that is appropraite for their quality image. My former Honda S2000 was the best built car I have ever owned, period. My current TL 6-speed is also an excellent vehicle. Too bad the MDX doesn't come in a 6-speed manual. The only SUV that we tested that does is the BMW X5 3.0i and it is far too short on "utility" for our needs.
I have a 2000 Accord LX-V6 and they extended the transmission warranty on my car. I assume the same is true for all '98-'03 Accord V6 models, plus '99-'03 TL's. That may add up to 600,000. For what it is worth, I haven't had any tranny problems (yet?) on my Accord and it has almost 72,000 miles. I plan to keep it for a long time, partially BECAUSE of the extended transmission warranty. It isn't often you get 100,000 mile coverage on your Honda for "free." My 2002 CR-V is now out of warranty, while my older Accord soldiers on with some factory coverage. I just hope my transmission doesn't blow out and leave me stranded far from home.
Well I can't give you any warm fuzzy feeling on the Pilot, but I'm one of those who had a transmission problem on my '01 Acura CL @36k miles [my 1st and only Honda]. Acura was great in taking care of the problem and extending he warranty. Needless to say it still put a sour taste in my mouth about Honda/Acura, as the problem is still floating around after 4-5 years. After a couple of months, I traded it in on a new '03 Mazda-6 which I've had much better luck, despite what CR reports.
I've considered both the Pilot & Ridgeline, but I'm still very leery of V6 Honda products. Only time will tell. You've got to hand it to Honda PR dept. that it is NOT more widely known about problem. It is known mostly word of mouth, & Internet.
Comments
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
It doesn't bother me in the least. Even the best publishing houses in the world with the top editors in the world make typos and printing mistakes. I count on Honda's engineering, not their proofreading.
If you are joking, good one! I could almost see folks around here chastising a car company for something so silly.
'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
Looks like you do too! Plus questionable grammer (missing comma)
Honda's creditibility is fine with me. As is their credibility.
Does it worry anyone that a company that's given the credibility Honda is makes "printing errors"?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Hmmm, should owners have an apostrophe in that last sentence?
Steve, Host.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Steve, Host
Spell check have would picked that up - "grammar!"
tidester, host
I was going to mention that. Glass houses....
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
'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
40/20/40 or similar folding 2nd row seat - The new Pathfinder has this and it would make access to the third row easier for my oldest child, when my youngest two are in fixed child seats in the outer positions. As a bonus, it would be great if the 2nd row would fold down completely flat.
Side Curtain Air Bags - These should be added as the MDX has them now. Hopefully these will be available on all models, not just the EXL+ versions.
Stability Control - Put this on all models, not just the EXL+
Minor Styling Revisions - I generally like the Pilot now. I am hoping the styling update will be like the '05 CR-V updates (i.e. subtle). I would not be happy if the Pilot took on Ridgeline attributes.
New wheels - I really don't like the alloys on the '03-'05's. I am sure there are many out there that like them. They just never looked good to me.
VCM - I am mixed on this one. I like the idea that VCM could enhance mileage, but it seems likely that it would be offered only on EXL+ models, which (to me) defeats its economical advantages. Plus I have read reports that real world results are very mixed.
Any other items people want to see?
'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
1. The rear window - would like to see it open without having ot lift the entire door.
2. The reas side windows, would like to have them open electronically, not up down, but the flip out syle like the rear windows on the Odyssey.
3. A better way to store the hanging, banging, third row seatbelts.
4. A rearview mirroe that's maybe another inch wider.
5. Electric passenger seat adjustments would be nice.
6. Electric seat lumbar in both front seats.
7. Driver position memory buttons - 2 or 3 drivers.
Well, that's all for now. How did I do?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
We are just going to have to insist that you use the chell specker at the bottom of the page!
tidester, host
'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
tidester, host
Thanks!
The scuttlebutt (internet gossip, rumor, and speculation) is that the '06 Pilot may well have VCM, at least on the high end model. A hybrid model next year doesn't seem to be in the cards.
http://world.honda.com/news/2005/c050111.html
Other than that, the speculation is that it gets side air bags, and will have a mild interior and exterior restyling for 2006.
Steve, Host
XM & Sirius Satellite Radio
Steve, Host
The first two similar on price, the last two similar on space.
Pilots a great drive but I think a little cramped for all the bags and backpacks that kids and their sports/coaching generates.
Freestyle all the room, drives slower than but much like a Volvo xc70, and does it all for a much lower price and lower TCO .
But does the lower price offset the reliability confidence premium provided by the Toyota?
Taking the TCO and replacing depreciation with cost to buy shows that the Freestyle is $12,000 less expensive to own in first 5 years than the sequoia. I am hesitant about the Freestyle, esp with the new transmission, but thats a big chunk of change to kiss goodbye to for a feeling.....
I was told that Honda is having a problem with the tranny with all V6 engines (Accords, Odyssey, Pilot, Acura TL, Acura MDX). Not sure if this is accurate. I also read that Honda extended the powertrain warranty on some 600,000 vehicles (don't know what models they include or year). Maybe someone in the knowledge can clarify.
We looked at Sequoia (too big), Armada (truck like, too bulky), Minivan (wife doesn't like the concept of driving one, as it is even longer than the Pilot.
As I am considering a Pilot (as it seems to suit our needs the best), I was wondering if there has been any or a lot of instances where Pilot owners have reported issues with the Tranny as is the case with Odyssey and Accord. Any other vehicles affected? Also what kind of odometer mileage readings have been reported on the SUV's when the tranny problems were encountered?
TIA,
Spyderred :confuse:
the pilot. If she sits in the back seat she can have the A/C vent blowing against
her nose...
We don't have kids (did I tell you about our 100 lb SPOILED lap dog?), but I am
about to buy a roof basket for those odd occasions when the luggage overwhelms
the interior. A good dealer should not be shocked by the request to make sure
the whole family fits (including the four pawed kid) - bring the pup and try it out!
One pleasant surprise - the 100lb dog has not broken the console by stepping on
it. Not that I recommend this, but we are pleasantly surprised.
A note about the luggage separation net - there's really nothing to hold the top of
it from moving forward, so our dog manages to get from the back to the front when
we are out of the car. [Dog lovers be calm - cool temperatures, always parked in
the shade and windows/sunroof open.] We often find the light in the passenger
grab handle on after this houdini trick. [I am about to try cable clamps on the
grab bars to try to keep the net in place, and the dog in the far rear.]
We did think about the Ford Escape last year, but as we drive over the mountains
in the winter - we need a car we can trust.
Regards,
--SRL
I want to ask you about a non-room-but-dog-no-kids-question.
We are empty nesters with an American Eskimo (20 lbs) and a small poodle (10 lbs).
Had thought about the separation net for them, but now have concerns. Do you have leather? The eskie sheds 15 to 20 lbs of hair an hour and the poodle tries to dig a nest before he lays down. I traded my junker for this pilot so no longer have a car that I do not care about being torn up. Expiernce with claws on leather? Dog hair on leather?
My pilot is a week old and only 241 miles. No, it can't be new forever, but---- :confuse:
As far as some of the info you've heard, I believe its a bit mixed up. There was an extension of some powertrain warranties, but it wasn't on 600K vehicles. The 600K vehicles is the total number that Honda recalled last year so that they could inspect the 2nd gear in the transmissions and assess if a full replacement was needed or the addition of an extra oil jet for better lubrication. According to Honda, they have had less than a 1% failure rate in those vehicles affected (this was a report also filed last year).
In any case, we planned on buying the extended warranty from the getgo, and I'm glad we did just by some slim chance we are in the small number of vehicles that will experience tranny problems.
'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
Having never owned an automatic transmission in 25+ years since buying my first new car, I wasn't affected by this dilemma until we needed a new SUV a few months ago. We decided to go with a 2005 MDX. Many reasons we chose the MDX over the Pilot, but at least one factor was the fact that the MDX has a completely new transmission developed after the problems surfaced. For whatever reason, I believe the 2005 Pilot has the same transmission (with some factory modifications) as the earlier model. However, our friend on his second transmission replacement was told that his first replacement had the same factory modification that is on the new Pilots. He intends to sell the vehicle before he goes in for another "change the transmission and check the oil" service. All of this occurred in less than 35,000 miles.
I'd like to see Honda/Acura put this issue to bed. They are not handling in a way that is appropraite for their quality image. My former Honda S2000 was the best built car I have ever owned, period. My current TL 6-speed is also an excellent vehicle. Too bad the MDX doesn't come in a 6-speed manual. The only SUV that we tested that does is the BMW X5 3.0i and it is far too short on "utility" for our needs.
I've considered both the Pilot & Ridgeline, but I'm still very leery of V6 Honda products. Only time will tell. You've got to hand it to Honda PR dept. that it is NOT more widely known about problem. It is known mostly word of mouth, & Internet.