Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

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Comments

  • sjwsmwsjwsmw Member Posts: 131
    I see a new discussion, 'Honda Pilot-Prices Paid' has been started.
    THAT should be very interesting reading.
  • redlensesredlenses Member Posts: 36
    I to am considering the Sequoia and the Pilot for a future purchase. I have asembled a detailed data base with multiple SUV's and Mini van specifications and actual field measurements. Comparing the interior people/cargo space of the Sequoia and the MDX (representing the Pilot) the difference is not that great. Both vehicles do have their advantages as stated in previous posts but the Pilot makes better use of interior and exterior size over the Sequoia. I think the advantage here goes to the Pilot. Once the Pilot comes out of hiding I will be able to document similar specifications.

    73
  • bengelkingbengelking Member Posts: 59
    Pardon my ignorance, but why would anyone pay over MSRP? Even if you live where there is only one dealer or in a region where virtually every dealer is over MSRP why not buy elsewhere?

    As I said about 20 posts ago, we have four dealers in the area. Three are at MSRP and one is $1,000 over. Why even think about going to the one dealer over MSRP?

    Even in Southern CA where it sounds like every dealer is thousands over MSRP, why not fly to a city outside of California, but it for MSRP and have a great road trip home in your new Pilot?

    I don't get it.
  • gregfockergregfocker Member Posts: 39
    Sit inside the MDX and then sit inside the Sequoia. There is much more space inside the Sequoia. As for the Pilot, I think it closes the gap a little more but is still not as big inside as the Sequoia (or any other full-size SUV).

    The MDX and Pilot are not in the full-size SUV category and do not match size-wise. I can understand why people will cross shop them (as I have done) but there is really a big difference size-wise between these SUV's.

    I went with the Sequoia since I have two children with another on the way and can use all the room I can get. Besides, I can't justify paying MSRP (or higher) on any vehicle. IMO dealers don't add $5,000 worth of value on a vehicle. Besides, I got my Sequoia for only $200 over invoice!!!
  • g_huskyg_husky Member Posts: 32
    Anybody have any experience towing with the Ody? With same engine and trans as Pilot, I suppose this may be as close to a comparison as I will get. Have not seen whether the gear ratios are the same but would guess they are. The front wheel drive layout may not be ideal but trailer and gear are no more than 1600lb or so and I think that range falls within what most FWD minivans can handle. Also, I saw mention of Pilot suspension being softer than MDX, would this make it more comparable to the Ody?
  • bill01923bill01923 Member Posts: 57
    I have a Pilot on order EXL with NAV Haveau Blue (Est. delivery June 16th)at MSRP no mandatory options.

    The built in NAV is expensive and must stay with the vehicle it's in.

    I'm on the road quite a bit and need a navigation system of some type.

    I'm currently using a Palm based package with a GPS. But it's very limited (can't remap, no detours, small, but portable).

    Is the Built in NAV the way to go or would a portable device like the Garmin Street Pilot III(for my Pilot)be a better choice?

    I would have to reorder and begin the wait all over.
  • minuteman26minuteman26 Member Posts: 70
    I was about to buy an MDX a year ago out of love for the nav system. However, the seats were uncomfortable, so I shopped Sequoia and fell in love with it, even though at the time it seemed too big. Now I have 22k very happy miles, and a Garmin GPS V with turn-by-turn directions propped on the dash. The GPS V goes with me on business trips and has sat on my Hertz and Avis dashboards. The only drawback is the screen has only the basics, being rather small. A compensating feature is the whole unit fits in one of the pockets of my Lands End tote bag.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    The Sequoia is a very good vehicle. Nice full-sized SUV, Toyota reliability, nice safety measures in it. True truck construction with the benefits.

    However, despite the relative largeness of the Pilot for a mid-sized SUV, you can't get away from the fact that the Sequoia is a full-sized SUV. Obviously if someone needs the space, it may be one of the best alternatives out there. For those who don't need quite that much room, the Pilot is easier to handle, to park, etc.

    Sure the Pilot is wide, and the Seq handles fairly well for a truck-based, full-sized SUV. But you can't get around (literally and figuratively) a turning circle of over 42 feet, and a vehicle that's nearly a foot and a half longer, several inches higher, and nearly a half-ton heavier.

    As it is, some people will be hard-pressed to fit a Pilot in the garage, let alone a Sequoia.

    Again, both are excellent vehicles, and I'm sure some folks will cross-shop them, just as I'm sure some folks won't bother.
  • dervishdervish Member Posts: 19
    I saw quite a few of them today at Terminal 6 in Portland, OR, near where I work. Actually, they were here for the last few days but I could not recognize them from afar until some Odysseys were moved next to them. I thought they were CRVs! Anyway, they are nice and quite large compared to the Odysseys. Well not quite as big but still these are substantial vehicles.

    I've been following this group here for the last few months and would like to get one when things have settled down. I mean when I can buy one at the MSRP or less to replace my 2001 Subaru Outback.

    I just hope that all of us here would restrain ourself and wait instead of giving the dealers the opportunity to inflate the price because of high demand.
  • chayachaya Member Posts: 18
    I'm serious - try carsdirect.com. Ask for Robert Cunningham. He got me less than MSRP for the CR-V when there were none to be had. Or trying calling Penske Honda in Ontario directly.

    Since the Pilot is so new though ... it's hard to know what your experience will be.

    csj
  • opus5opus5 Member Posts: 16
    The Honda Pilot homepage at http://pilot.honda.com now has two Pilot commercials for your viewing pleasure.
  • hondaman01hondaman01 Member Posts: 163
    Last night I tried the new Pilot and let me tell you......IT WAS GREAT! What a fantastic car! Get one if you can!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    We need a longer review than that :-)

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • mr_physicsmr_physics Member Posts: 14
    I drove by the local Honda dealership here in Ottawa and they had two new Pilots in stock. I test-drove one (a silver EX). They had arrived around 4 h earlier and one was already sold.
    Overall impressions.. lots of room, like the MDX. Feels like an Explorer, size-wise. Not very nimble at all. Lots of body roll on curves. Good acceleration, but not great (I have been driving a rental Ford Focus BdeM (french expression describing the quality of the vehicle.. a box of..) so anything would feel peppy. Great interior appointments, tons of little bins, boxes, etc.
    Interior was grey leather, next to grey plastic. Very reminiscent of a police car interior. Not very stylish at all. Column shifter is wretched, as is the little LED-lit indicator crescent to show you what gear you are in. Totally non-intuitive.
    This is a BIG vehicle folks.
    Lots of the typical Japanese car touches.. steering column stereo controls, bins, etc. Very nice, but NOT luxurious in any sense. Clearly they want the MDX to draw the Lexus/MB crowd.
    By chance, I was on the way to drive a Highlander. Not as many features, but much nicer to drive, and smaller (a plus in my book, as our kids are gone)
    Pricing is $41K for the EX, $43K for the EX L. Could have bought it if I had wanted it. Gonna buy a Highlander instead, though it was a close call.
    Pilot is probably a better buy than the Highlander, if space and feature set is a major consideration. If more car-like handling and a less ponderous feel are more important to you, look elsewhere. I drive a BMW 328, so you know where I am coming from.
  • mredden1mredden1 Member Posts: 32
    Now I gotta drive buy my local Honda dealer just in case their first Pilot has arrived early.

    P.S. Also considered the HL. Nice vehicle but need that 3rd seat.
  • h1vch1vc Member Posts: 295
    Did you sit in the 3rd row? How was leg room and how tall are you? Thanks.
  • rx300_99rx300_99 Member Posts: 5
    is for younger kids only. my kids are 9 & 11, we don't expect them to fit back there 3 years from now at lease end.
  • mr_physicsmr_physics Member Posts: 14
    No, I did not sit in the third row. The salesman sort of scoffed when I suggested it. (I am 130 kg and 1.90 m tall, but have the torso for a person much taller so I was not about to argue.) His comment "only for kids, and little ones at that".

    Drivers Headroom.. as I say, I take up more than the average, and there was AT LEAST the width of my hand between my head and the headliner (on my 328 with sunroof, there is the width of the button on the top of my baseball cap) so it seemed really roomy to me. You'd have to be pretty tall to run out of headroom. I can't assess legroom 'cause my legs are short for my height.

    Huge cargo area with seat folded down, though. Honda claims that a full size sheet of plywood will fit. I'd be tempted to remove the seat entirely and make a carpeted cover for the well, with a lockbox for cameras, cellphone, laptop, GPS etc. hidden below.
  • h1vch1vc Member Posts: 295
  • hondaman01hondaman01 Member Posts: 163
    Sorry Steve, by the time I read your comment everybody else explained it for me. My thoughts are that it is typical Honda quality and style. Very quiet and powerful but not too agressive with its power. Feels very tight and the plastics were great quality. I really want one as I believe this was one of the best I have ever driven.

    Lots of cargo room and not a bad third seat but I am 240 pounds and it is a little tight! Fold it down and BAMMM! cargo city!
  • mark189mark189 Member Posts: 107
    I saw a Havasu Blue MDX and it is....not right. Too light, or too much of this color for a big vehicle, or too something.


    At any rate, the Sagebrush Green displayed on the website looks like the Granite Green used on the MDX.

    http://pilot.honda.com/gallery.asp?Section=Exterior

    This is in the gallery, not the color section, which is pretty worthless.


    Can anybody confirm that they are similar?

  • davisdogdavisdog Member Posts: 99
    I agree about the Havasu (folks either love it or hate it..there doesnt seem to be a middle ground)

    I believe (it's actually just a guess based on the different pics honda has released) that the Sagebrush is darker than the Granite Green (which actually is no longer available as a MDX color (but I liked it))

    I have an order in for an Sagebrush Pilot for myself...I don't know yet whether they will be available in August or just start being built in August (and at dealers in Sept). The sooner the better...although it will be good to have folks driving them for a couple months before I pay for mine (too get real feedback)
  • mark189mark189 Member Posts: 107
    The salesman I talked to told me that color would be available in early July. I should have known not to believe him.

    This clown has pulled that on me before (promising an early delivery date on an Odyssey which I cancelled when he failed to deliver on time) and I only went back to him because he's getting delivery next week on some Pilots (not the colors I wanted).

    I'm going to confirm the August date and get my deposit back, just on principle.
  • johnnyb84johnnyb84 Member Posts: 8
    Mr. Physics, please e mail me which dealer in Ottawa you test drove the pilot.

    I have had a deposit on a pilot with a dealer in Ottawa since Feb, and have had VERY LITTLE info from them, let alone an invitation to test drive one.

    Thanks
  • mhenderson1mhenderson1 Member Posts: 164
    has an article about the Honda Pilot. You can see it on the web in the MONEY section. The article gave so, so reviews.
  • mark189mark189 Member Posts: 107
    Yes, Mr. Healey does have some complaints, but here's his bottom line, from the article in today's USA Today:

    "In fact, Pilot is such an extraordinary package that it could be the best all-around vehicle, SUV or otherwise."

    And:
    "If you hate SUVs, Pilot's good enough to remove your blinders. If you love them and just bought one, Pilot's good enough to make you consider trading."
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The reviews in USA Today especially in the MONEY section as a true review, is definitely a Honda buyer and not a car person. :)

    -mike
  • woodard1woodard1 Member Posts: 37
    I want my car already! Anyone??? Have you guys spotted dealerships in the states that have there demos yet? Mine is coming in with my dealers demo's so I'm waiting to hear word. Can anyone update me? My excitement runth over.
  • mark189mark189 Member Posts: 107
    True, and I'll take that as a compliment.

    Honda's are reliable, safe, and a good value. "The Ulimate Driving Machine" they are not.

    You may lust for a BMW, as for me....maybe Faith Hill:)
  • hlzhlz Member Posts: 13
    woodward1: We stopped by our dealer (in PA) last night and got info that the first Pilot is due to arrive today for demos along w/ pricing info on orders- so we can test it tonight. Makes sense if sales begin Monday. We got a VIN # on our EX-navi and even a freebie stainless steel Pilot coffee mug. We'll see what pans out....and whether the dealer will try to get more than the msrp they quoted....
  • tom_stom_s Member Posts: 23
    Hi I'm pretty new to your discussion here.
    But I was wondering if anyone drove the pilot and the mdx and could you compare the ride? I have 3 young kids and the wife doesn't like the minivan.
    Thanks in advance
    -Tom
  • sjwsmwsjwsmw Member Posts: 131
    John, I too am interested in the Sagebrush. Did you see the picture in the brochure of it? That seems to be the closest I have seen of the color.

    BTW, I see you are in CA, how much over MSRP are you being quoted, if I may ask?
    I have found a dealer at 500 over, but am determined to find one at MSRP.
    thanks.
  • guy44guy44 Member Posts: 67
    I just got a call from my dealer that my Pilot (Black EX-L) arrived today. I'm going to go take it for a ride tomorrow. We'll see how it goes...
  • davisdogdavisdog Member Posts: 99
    I assume you also saw the sagebrush pic(s) on honda's website that Mark189 links two about a dozen posts up...I think that looks nice

    and to answer your other question...I have one ordered at MSRP from Merced Honda (about two hours from my place in the bay area)
  • hlzhlz Member Posts: 13
    Our black ex-navi came in today! Haven't seen it or driven it yet -probably tonight. Now the sticker shock... The price is $34,975 (plus tax & tags). Dealer says they've chosen not to markup, but instead to add an accessory pkg. & our salesman is making it sound mandatory (but I got the impression if we yell about it we may be able to get it w/o). The pkg includes side rails for the roof rack, cargo trays & cargo cover, side steps, splash guards & wheel locks which they say they're adding to all alloy wheels anyway. What would you do? Is this stuff worth $1900? Would this loaded Pilot still cost less than a base MDX?
  • davisdogdavisdog Member Posts: 99
    hlz...

    I'm not sure what sort of prearrangement you had with the deal(did you have something in writing or where you just trusting a salesman)...anyway, that's a practice called "forced" options...Its a not so nice way of marking up a car and getting extra money from you
    If you even wanted all the options you can buy the exact same items online already from several places for <$800 (the sidesteps being 1/2 of that and the only one that needs a little work to install)...The wheel locks are a whooping $35.

    It's certainly not mandatory unless you agree to it (and are willing to walk out on them)

    just my 2cents
  • mr_physicsmr_physics Member Posts: 14
    Comparison, using .65 as an exchange rate:
    Canadian EX CDN$41 000 becomes US$26 650
    Canadian EXL CDN$43 000 becomes US$27 950
    In Ontario, add
    $850 Freight
    $100 Air Tax
    $400 Gas Tax
    $99 Admin (inc registration, I think)

    Plus PST 8% and GST 7% on top. (ouch!)
    There is apparently no Nav option in Canada (we are not seen as rich enough, I guess, or maybe the maps just don't go far enough north. Hard to justify spending $3k on something that will become obsolete so rapidly. Lots of us up here with Scots blood, eh?)
    The dealer claims they should have reasonable supply, but not enough to build stock. Don't know if they will option these up to increase the price (hard to do on an order). At least here in Canada you don't have to pay over MSRP because the traffic will bear it.
  • andrew50andrew50 Member Posts: 2
    Okay so here is the story we have a 2000 Ody and I have a Pilot on order. The Ody can tow but is pretty much bottomed out with most boats and/or trailers. I will be towing a 18ft Boston Whaler with a 70 horse motor. Which is about 2000 pounds without all my fishing gear etc... Do you think I will have the same issue with the Pilot?
  • lxusruleslxusrules Member Posts: 33
    Jab69;

    I've installed it myself. It's a pain in the "" to install because you have to take the bumper cover off. Be careful not to break the plastic pins. Once the bumper cover is off, it's pretty straight forward to install. It took me 3.5 hours, about 2 hours to remove the bumper and put it back on, and 1.5 hours to do the install. Refer tot he installation instruction.
    It's well within the ability of the weekend DIYs.
  • bbnetbbnet Member Posts: 5
    They're Here! My lease pymt options are(incl. 7% tax) 36 537.53
    42 514.99
    48 481.

    12,000mi. 57% Res. $1,300 (standard stuff down) based on $ 33,387 Silver Leather EX RES. these #'s look close , w/in $25 mo. of my lease calculations ANY EXPERT OPINIONS ON THESE #'S ? Thanx
  • mredden1mredden1 Member Posts: 32
    I don't think that enough of our cities, etc. have been mapped for this option to be useful in Canada.

    Do any other manufacturers offer a NAV option for their Canadian vehicles?
  • vtec2vtec2 Member Posts: 43
    I just got back from a test drive of a red EX-L and it's very, very nice. It accelerates as good (from seat of pants) as the V8 Explorer I drove yesterday. However, it is much quieter in every area. There was a small bit of tire noise, but there has no engine or wind noise at all. It corners ok (leans a bit) and soaks up the bumps very nicely.

    I did sit in the 3rd row and I did fit at 6'2", however with not much knee room. My knees did touch the back of the 2nd row, but were not uncomfortable. Plenty of head room back there.

    I also thought the stereo sounded very nice, at least for a stock Honda one. The subwoofer is at least an eight inch maybe bigger.

    The Honda Store in Monroe, LA is dealership I went to. They have a RRP EX-L and a TW EX. Both are available for sale to anyone, and both are to be sold at MSRP. The salesman did not mention anything to me about waiting for Monday to start selling them either.
  • sjwsmwsjwsmw Member Posts: 131
    Good for you! Your the first person from CA to confirm an order at MSRP. Any force options?

    I am in San Diego, but if I need to make a road trip to Merced, then so be it!

    Thanks.
  • rj123456rj123456 Member Posts: 140
    Have you checked out the Envoy XL or the Trailblazer EXT? Both of these provide much better legroom in the 3rd seat than the Pilot/MDX, and have virtually the same feature set (no NAV, but rumored to be coming in '03, or u can get directions through Onstar).
  • davisdogdavisdog Member Posts: 99
    sjwsmw,

    no forced options either...

    plan a trip to yosemite and pick it up on the way :)
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    Geez. In our area, (Dayton Ohio) We don't get Pilots until the sale date: 6/3. The TrailBlazer EXT has a fuel thirsty V8. (when optioned) The Envoy XL is too much SUV for me. Maybe I'll hold off and in the meantime lease a loaded Saturn VUE AWD V6 until Pilot frenzy slows down. We did the same thing to our 2002 Odyssey. We bought a 99' Civic and recently, purchased an odyssey. So maybe I already did beat the Pilot program by buying an Odyssey. By the way, Odyssey redesign slated for 2004. Hold your horses!!! CR-Vs are abundant too. I saw 11 CR-Vs at my Honda Dealer and saw 7 Odysseys parked side by side. But I did manage to get a glimpse of the 9 page waiting list for 1 Pilot EX-L with Navigation (dealer says its $33,987) I wonder what acessories they put on.
  • jkpricejkprice Member Posts: 6
    I ordered a red ex about two months ago from a dealer in Western PA. He called today and told me it was in. I could test drive and buy on Monday If I wanted. I asked, "How much?" He quoted MSRP + Tax and Tags to the penny! YEAH! I can't wait.
    RE. USA TODAY
    Has anyone else heard any complaints about the seat belts?
  • beedee1beedee1 Member Posts: 2
    My dealer just called me and my silver EX -L RES is in. I just ordered it a month ago and was told I was in their second allocation due in late June/early July.
    Dealer was pushing me to take delivery tonight, being it was the end of the month. I thought that they couldn't sell them until June 3rd.
    My deal is for MSRP, no forced options. I am in southeastern PA.
  • vtec2vtec2 Member Posts: 43
    Yeah, I have driven a Trailblazer EXT. You are right, it has way more 3rd seat room. But only the kids will be sitting back there. And a comparably equipped 2WD EXT is about $2-3k more than a Pilot EX. The Pilot got up and went better than the TB. I had to give the TB lots of gas to get it going.
  • rms41rms41 Member Posts: 80
    Some comments on topics that appeared in this forum: I thought the front seat was comfortable and I didn't feel the shifter was odd in any way other than it's on the column. The second row can only be fixed in one position, fully back. There are no intermediate positions. The hidden cargo storage area does have slots to hold the third row headrests. The honeycomb plastic on the sides of the front console didn't seem as cheap-looking as someone else said (IMHO). Perhaps based on their comments I was expecting way worse. The middle seat in the 2nd and 3rd rows have seatbelts that are mounted above.

    My price is MSRP with no forced options. I'll pick it up tomorrow but all the paper work will be dated Monday.
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