Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

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Comments

  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    SUV's are about hauling trailers, boats, heavy loads, and climbing hills.

    I would assume that if you want a minivan, then maybe this would fit the bill.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    So you don't take SUVs to freeways? Huh! And which SUVs are you talking about anyway?

    Honda usually benchmarks 3000 rpm for around town use as well. Even their 8000+ rpm engines are tuned to deliver great torque near 3000 rpm. Want an example? Click Here.
    The crank dyno is that of the new Integra Type-R engine that redlines at 8500 rpm. Although it develops peak torque at 7000 rpm, it has another peak (and close to the highest peak) somewhere between 2500 and 3000 rpm. There is only 5-7% variation in torque delivery from 2500 rpm to 8000 rpm, just pick the range you are comfortable with.
  • SpyponderSpyponder Member Posts: 128
    SUV's are about hauling trailers, boats, heavy loads, and climbing hills?

    What planet are you living on?

    I guess if someone had four obese passengers on their way to the mall, that would qualify under your "heavy loads" criteria, but that's about it...
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Just to let you know Isuzu is rated #2 in reliability behind Toyota in JD Power and in Consumer Reports, and CR HATES isuzu.

    I don't see a whole lot of MDXs being sold in the rugged areas of Africa, Australia, etc. I see TLCs, Jackaroos (Troopers), Patrols, Pajeros(monteros) etc. In these parts of the world reliability is key to not being devoured by wild animals if you break down.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Just an FYI, Isuzu Diesel Technology is probably one of the most respected in the world. Med-duty TRUCKS are and always has been the core business of Isuzu. Toyota will be using their Diesel Engines in their Pickups and SUVs in 04. Isuzu builds TRUCKS, not bloated mini-vans and they don't require Diffy fluid changes ever-other oil change :)

    -mike
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Paisan - I thought you were from Jersey? What's all this stuff about Africa?

    Interestingly enough, VTM4 was designed by Borg-Warner. The same guys who designed TOD for Isuzu.

    With respect to the Trooper, it is a reliable vehicle. That's one of the things that set it apart from the rest of the crowd, back when it was introduced.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Well if it's reliable enough for Africa and Australia, then it's rugged enough for NYC and NJ. There are a number of places I travel that I wouldn't want to be stuck in for sure. Been to Newark lately?

    -mike
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    So, MDX is not sold in Africa? It isn't sold in Europe or Asia either!

    As far as reliability goes, click here to see reliability index for SUVs. Trooper is almost on top, but Rodeo/Passport have got it in red.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    And that is because they aren't reliable/rugged/capable enough for those environments. Why would they not market these "fine" vehicles there if they were the best SUV since sliced bread?

    That link is to some cheesey charts put up by some no-name guy and no where can I find the critera for the information/charts given. In 1998 the Rodeo did suffer some problems as it was a re-designed vehicle, but previous to that (and in 1992 and 1993 was the highest volume foreign SUV sold in the US)

    -mike
  • rms41rms41 Member Posts: 80
    When you go to the cheesey charts just scroll down to the bottom and click on the methodology link. The criteria are fully explained there.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    It is 100% based on Consumer Reports Data. And it doesn't list the actual categories it used for this reliability factoring. For instance in my book a transmission failure and complete overhall would not be on the same level as say a blown fuse for the transmission, but would show up as a repair just the same, no matter how catastrophic or trivial it is.

    -mike
  • guy44guy44 Member Posts: 67
    Any chance of actually discussing the Pilot again on this board? Maybe the Isuzu debate and Microsoft OS discussion could be taken off line and done via email so the rest of us don't have to fallen asleep reading about it.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Paisan - Wanna guess which vehicle is Australia's #1 selling SUV? It's not the rough and tumble beasts like the Trooper, Pajero, and others on your list.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Oops. Sorry guy. You snuck in under my last post.

    Last night I spoke with a friend from another forum. He's seen the Pilot up close and personal. We are both looking at replacing our CR-Vs with one. His impression was similar to others, but he described the cockpit as being rather simple. No shocker there. I like what I've see in the pictures, but will reserve judgement until I see one in person. Can anyone who has seen it elaborate on the interior?
  • indymomindymom Member Posts: 7
    "Nice thing about my job is that I get to test drive the new Honda product before roll out. I am set to test the Pilot May 15th in DC. I am really looking forward to this! Jerry"

    Jerry,
    Bet you thought your announcement got lost in the Isuzu/Windows shuffle, huh? When you do that test drive just be sure and report back to those of us who can't get any closer than a photo right now!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Is the Toyota Land Cruiser IIRC. Another fine SUV.

    -mike
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    OK, back to the Pilot now, please.

    (you too Mkaye)

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • jmurman42jmurman42 Member Posts: 675
    I sure will...hopefully we wil have some of the new colors too.

    Jerry
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Paisan - Nah, even the RAV4 sells more units that the TLC (though it is a fine truck)


    http://www.autoweb.com.au/start_/showall_/id_HON/doc_hnd0202112/article.html


    So if the other Honda SUV is good enough for the Aussies, I don't see why the Pilot will fare any worse here in the states.

  • mkayemkaye Member Posts: 184
    He started it!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    lol, whatever. The non-Isuzu crowd was grumbling, so .... Carry on.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • carbuff25carbuff25 Member Posts: 4
    My local Honda dealer provided me with a brochure today for the Honda Pilot. It doesn't say much that hasn't already been discussed on this forum. It does however have a nice picture of the car, sideview and also the interior. It does state 90.3 cubic ft of storage with the 2nd and 3rd seats folded. Definately no fog lights shown.

    There has been some discussion about 16" wheels. I have read that there is 8" of ground clearance, which is the same as the MDX, which has 17" wheels. Therefore, I am of the opinion that the Pilot must also have 17" wheels. Does anyone else know anything different?
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Carbuff - I'm told driving lights will be a dealer installed option. I'm sure they'll be available through most aftermarket resources, but the install will be difficult. Cutting the bumper is required.

    The 16" measure refers to the size of the rims. Many folks have done an upgrade they call, "plus one" Increasing the size of the rim and decreasing the profile of the rubber. The end result is a tire that is the same diameter.
  • bamacarbamacar Member Posts: 749
    Does the brochure list the dimensions for height, length, width, wheelbase, and legroom for each of the three rows? If so, could you post?
  • jmurman42jmurman42 Member Posts: 675
    I have the same brochure. Do you like how the shift lights are surrounding the speedometer? I think that is a cool touch.

    Jerry
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I picked up a Pilot "teaser" brochure at the NY auto show. It really doesn't tell you a whole lot. I'm assuming this is the same brochure that is mentioned above.

    When the Pilot actually arrives, I'm sure a more detailed brochure will accompany its debut.

    Bob
  • carbuff25carbuff25 Member Posts: 4
    The brochure does not give the dimensions for height, length etc. At least it is a start, hopefully more info is soon to come.

    The shift lites are in a "neat" location on the edge of the speedometer. They will be easy to see at a glance.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Ground clearance for 16" and 17" wheels can be the same. The tire size changes. So it is entirely possible that the MDX, which has 235/65 and 17" wheels, would provide the same height as 255/65 on 16" wheels. Final drive, transmission and gear ratios could be different than the MDX, which could mean a smaller wheel and tire too? The odyssey uses 225/60 on 16", if the pilot's transmission is similar to the odysseys as is the engine, it would be more likely that it has the same size as it? If its transmission and drivetrain are similar to the MDX, I would bet either 235/65 or 255/65 depending on rim.
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    It wasn't me.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Both Pilots there were wearing 235/70x16 tires, not 235/65x17 as is used on the MDX.

    Bob
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    This one (look behind the CR-V) was wearing Goodyear Integrity in sizes 235/70/16.

    image
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    What is the stock tire size? What is the diameter?

    Are 31X10.5 15 inch tires available?

    Any larger? Is there a "sport" package which has these?

    Anybody know?
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    are much taller than the 235 tires. Not only that, but they are 100% truck tires.

    Why would you even consider such an "off-road" tire size? If you're planning to do any serious off-road work, there are a number of much better off-road vehicles than the Pilot to choose from, and they all have 2-speed transfer cases, which the Pilot doesn't have.

    Bob
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    In addition to the Goodyear Integrity tires, some of the Pilots I saw were fitted with Bridgestone Dueler HLs.


    Line of Pilots


    It just so happens that the LX models were wearing the Bridgestone's. Didn't check all of them.
  • h1vch1vc Member Posts: 295
    Where is this at? Can you go back with a tape measure and get some rough dimensions? How did the third row leg room look? Were there any stickers on the windows? Thanks.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    The vehicles were not for sale. No stickers. In fact, they hadn't even been hooked up completely. Some power features didn't have power. I was not allowed to drive it, but did get to play inside and push all the buttons.

    Third row was what I expected. About the same as the MDX. I have a pic of me sitting in the backseat. The vehicle is about the same size exterior-wise. Send me a message and I'll give more details.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Are they steel or alloy? My guess is steel...

    In any case, they look good in the photo.

    Bob
  • jdlynch2jdlynch2 Member Posts: 20
    I think I speak for all of us here when I say thank you for the photographs. Posts like that are the reason I visit this site several times a day. I just can't get enough information on the Pilot.

    I am curious for your opinion on which color looks best on the Pilot. On the MDX, the silver is rather plain, sometimes washed out looking. I assume it is the same silver on the Pilot. How does it look on the Pilot? Also, did you see a white one? How does it look?

    In your opinion, in what color does the Pilot look its best?

    Thanks again
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Bob - Looked like steel to me.


    Jdlynch2 - I'm a fan of the silver. Looking at the Line of Pilots picture, you see almost the full range. From left to right:


    Greenish/Silver (only see the nose)

    Plain Silver

    Two Reds (I liked the red, too)

    Another Silver

    Two Blacks

    Another Greenish/Silver


    Look way in the background, against the building, and you'll the back of a white one. That's the vehicle I got to climb around in. It looks good.


    I assume that the greenish silver is the color called "sage". I'm not big fan of that one. You can see it contrasted in the other picture where the black LX is parked in front of it.


    One general remark. The EX with body colored cladding looks much better than the LX with matt black. The rub strips are rather wide and divide the upper and lower door panels.

  • dave210dave210 Member Posts: 242
    I was going to say that very light blue/silver color looked more like the new Havesu Blue that is coming out soon. It at least matches the color chip that the MDX and Odyssey show in their brochures and on the website.
  • davisdogdavisdog Member Posts: 99
    I agree that looks like the Havesu Blue (I never did like it)...The sagebrush remains a mystery...and not coming out until august (I've seen some speculation that its more of a darker granite)...I hope we get a paintchip soon...I'm leaning towards silver, but want to see sagebrush first.
  • sjwsmwsjwsmw Member Posts: 131
    I gave my name to a dealer for more information on the Pilot when available. He mentioned the 'flyer' that others talked about, and also says that the dealership is getting two Pilots, a silver LX and a white EX on June 10. I am in San Diego, so I guess it will be around that time or before for other dealers around the country.
  • jkpricejkprice Member Posts: 6
    Varmint...I too would like to thank you for the pics. Info like that is why I visit this board.

    Windows: I couldn't help but notice that the LX models pictured did not have tinted windows. Do the EX's? Is this a standard difference between trim levels or an option? It's very important to me since I have kids. Thanks for any info.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    I'm working on an article that lists all the details, includes more pictures, and sums up my impression. I'll post when it's ready.

    ps. You're probably right about the Havesu Blue. It just looked more like a green to me.
  • filodfilod Member Posts: 189
    Varmint, thank you for the Pilot pictures! If sometime you have some more can you kindly post one that has the third seat configuration and the alloy wheels for the EX... I will send you an email jut in case you prefer it that way.. You are now unfolding the answers to our questions posted for a lot of months now!
  • jessdjessd Member Posts: 10
    I think I remember reading that the Pilot would tow up to 3500 lbs, or 4500 lbs if it were pulling a boat. This isn't a huge issue for us, but we were speculating why it could pull more boat than something else. The best we came up with was a different profile (aerodynamics).

    So if my memory about the stats is correct, does anyone have a better explanation?

    And another thanks to varmit for the pics...
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Since the chassis is essentially a car chassis, it can't handle the tugging by the wind of a larger profile (camper, box-trailer) type item. Also make sure to get the tranny cooler and oil cooler as these vehicles are known for tranny issues.

    -mike
  • low_ball_88low_ball_88 Member Posts: 171
    Just received a call from the local Honda dealer informing me that the Pilot brochure is in and to come by and pick it up.
  • guy44guy44 Member Posts: 67
    I just received a call from my dealer telling me that my vehicle was being built the week of May 5th and that it would be in four or five weeks after that (by mid-June). It seems as if we're getting really close now...
  • pilotmanpilotman Member Posts: 22
    Low Ball
    Are you sure it is not the simple promotional one everyone already has? Does not tell you much.
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