The Alpine changer that goes under the seat is 10x6x2.5 accoring to Circuit City's website. What's nice about it is it will work with the current CD player and not require a wired controller. The JVC one I mentioned in my post was 10x7x3.5 but would require a radio/cassette player to be added in place of the current radio/cassette to work.
I still haven't heard back from my dealer on in-dash version pricing yet but will post that info once I receive it.
The space under the seat measures 14" wide, 10" deep, and 3" high so the Circuit City unit should fit. Raising the seat does not, I found, increase the height of the opening as that part is fixed. I discovered a feature while checking this out though. If you leave a door open, after a couple of minutes the courtesy lights shut off. Had to close the door and reopen to get some light!
I sat in the 1st pilot my local dealer got in and I though well it is ok, but for the price I'll get either a new QX4 or an MDX and actually get a car with a factory sunroof and with an interior that looks more stylish and less GMish, what was Honda thinking, a 35k vehicle w/ no sunroof and lots of cheap looking plastic.
If you are looking to buy the cross-members (crossbars) for the EX roof rack, check out www.thule.com . You can certainly buy the Honda accessory cross-members, but as a long time Thule user, I'd first consider the Thule 751 Rapid Railing Carrier.
They're about $20-$30 more than the one's quoted on the Honda site, but in my experience, the Thule racks hold more weight than mfr. branded ones. Plus they come with locks and may well fit on your next vehicle or other vehicles.
New to the board. Is the Pilot really selling for 35k? I thought it would be more like 27-28k. I was considering one for my wife, she currently is in an Outback Limited wagon, but 35K will put the brakes on that thought.
In the flesh it reminds me of the old Mazda MPV. It is all mini-van with AWD and no sliding doors.
Not a bad vehicle and it will definitely satisfy the markets need for these type vehicles. Most people don't need trucks and Honda capitalized on this with this crossover. I may try to testdrive one tonight if I can.
People are able to find Pilots for MSRP. You just have to try a bunch of dealers. The MSRP on an EX is $29,730 (transportation included) and an LX is $27,360.
I think it depends on the location. I know in my area all the dealers are rather small. None of those huge dealerships with the glass facade like you see in commercials. And because they're so small, they only get a few of the hot selling models (which means 0 S2000, 1 or 2 Odysseys, CR-Vs, and now, probably just 1 Pilot). Which basically means MSRP or more for a Pilot.
Thank you. That certainly is more palatable than 35k. We test drove a MDX while looking for my current vehicle (Sequoia), but found it to be too small for our needs. Now that we have the Sequoia (love it), I'd like to have something smaller than the Sequoia but bigger than the Outback for my wife and for the two to four person trips that we take. The MDX would fill that need/want but I am unwilling to give up the kind of money that Acura wants for this size/type of vehicle.
I was just catching up on a couple days post and I saw your remark about RI, trust me Massachussetts is worst.(LOL). I went to Herb Chambers Honda in Seekonk this weekend and saw several Pilots on the lot. I actually sat in a Redrock-EX (didn't have time for test drive), and found I like the cloth over the leather and that I actually do have plenty of legroom(dealer also said that they could install a heater in the drivers seat but not passengers, for the leather, very odd to me). I know I said before Black or White were my colors of choice, but after further review, Redrock definitely is a knockout......
at the MDX! Please people tell me i"ve lost my mine. Help me decided what to do. I have never driven the MDX or seen one up close although I did see one from a distance. Caught my eye and really slobbered over the thought of such a nice looking car from the exterior only. As for the Pilot still yet to see it. Suppose to be here tomorrow. Yeah right! Okay so I called a dealer 100 miles away and here's my two deals. Advise is appreicated:
Pilot-EX-L RES BK/GRY: Mspr -$80 (Just to help my feelings) Trade in my Ody 00 at 1,000 eq. over payoff. Trade in another car at pay off only. Out the door 32,900.00 Delivery tomorrow (maybe)LOL
Over the phone buyers order in hand- MDX BK/Bk with Nav. (Base): Roof Rail, Sunroof ect... 00Ody 3,000 over payoff, other car 800.00 over payoff Net out the door 34,200. 10 day deliver time
Having not one close up or drive exp with either what would you car people do that are in the know choose. BTW/ the MDX guy has a Havasu blue w/ Bk interior on the lot with roof rails (he's telling me that's an add on for the base)for 32,900 out the door.
Also do you know if you move to a Luxury type car will the Banks Loan for 72 mths? (Just trying to figure payments here)
Well I finally got a price from my dealership on the In-Dash CD Changer. He quoted me $487 for the changer (which was matching the price on the Hondaacuraworld.com site versus the dealership price of $599) in addition they said an attachment was required though my salesman wasn't sure what it was and said that added $71 (probably a cable of some sort I'm guessing - he said he'd get back to me). Finally labor was $102 for a grand total of $660.
Call me crazy, but that seems like a lot of money for a 6-CD changer. I think I'll go with the Alpine changer under the seat and save myself $270.
RMS41 - Thanks for giving me those under seat dimensions, I think that under seat system should fit fine in there.
Are you saying your cost difference because of better trade ins between the MDX and Pilot is only $1300? Did I read that right? If that's your difference, I'd be signing the paperwork for the MDX tomorrow if I were you. The price diffence for the Moonroof alone is probably worth close to $1000 plus the Acura is definitely more plush looking inside....
That's what I'm saying. 34,200 mdx with nav or 32,900 for one with out or Pilot. Do you have a Mdx? How is the exp been if you do? Are you buying the Pilot? Just trying to compare the two. Do you know if that's true on banks lending longer on the lux. suv? I can't believe he gave me those prices. I figured-okay women on the phone out of state even he'd blow me outta the water. Nope, I was ready to hop in my car and go!!!! I called him back and asked him to put both cars in writing on a buyers guide for me to take to my bank in the a.m and he said here's my cell # call me and let me if you'd like either of them. Well, in after 30 min's two phone calls and 1 fax later I have in hand a helluva (excuse me) deal. Atleast it seems. I'm thinking the sunroof and nav alone more than make up with 1300 diff. On the other hand when do they get new 03 models. Do you think maybe that's why I'm getting a fair shake? Thanks for the pat on the back.
No I don't have an MDX though I almost bought one last year until the dealer tried to take me to the cleaners on my trade in. I did think it looked much nicer inside then the Pilot and it had a firmer ride. I'm picking up my Black EX-L Pilot this week. I wouldn't sweat the '03 MDXs if you like this years model and the deal is right then I'd go for it, it sounds like a winner.
I can't comment on the loan duration as I'm just borrowing $8K on for my vehicle with a short term loan duration.
Well my "reserved" EX-L Pilot was unloaded yesterday and we got to test drive it tonight. I would concur with several others who commented positively on the ride, quiteness, braking, solid road feel, and spaciousness of the cabin. First impressions on these attributes were very positive to me.
I had prioritized a sun-roof but wanted to do a test drive to see if the vehicle would win me over without being able to get sun on my thinning hairline.
The positives were about to swing me until I road in the middle seats. IMO they were unbelievably uncomfortable - I was really shocked - and very disappointed. The middle seat in the second row was unbearable and the outside seats were very uncomfortable - after just 20 miles.
That really surprised me given that the two front seats were extremely comfortable. Since I want to be able to drive comfortably with at least four adults - it was a deal breaker.
I walked away from the deal and will get my $ 500 deposit back. The deal was at MSRP with NO add-ons and I believe I would be driving now instead of typing if I hadn't noticed this shortcoming on my "needs" list.
I have purchased two Honda's with this dealer before and will undoubtedly buy another one in the future - but, I am sorry to say, it won't be a Pilot until the seating is improved. --
I appreciate all the other updates and experiences that so many have shared. Good driving to you all
Shaq2kobe - Actually, I was hatched in RI. I'm a Mass resident by transplant.
The dealer won't install a heater on the passenger's side because of the airbag sensors. (Those devices which detect if the passenger is too small or has moved into the path of the airbag.) Even with the OEM seat heaters in my TL, there is only a heat pad on the cushion, not the seat back.
Stubl - What was the problem with the rear seat? I can understand not liking the middle position, but I didn't have any trouble with the outboard seats.
Another reason why the dealer might not install seat heaters in the front passenger seat is that it is not a power seat. Most likely he will tap into the power for the drivers seat to heat it.
I've been waiting and getting really excited about the Pilot. I took my 2 yr old along for a ride as he will be in there as much as I am, and sorry to say, it isn't the SUV for us. We placed him in the 3rd row, because that is where the kids are gonna ride when the inlaws come to stay, and he was so uncomfortable. His feet, albeit, small feet they are, were squished between the back of the 2nd row and the seat itself. I can't imagine who is sopposed to sit back there. My six year old definately would be howling 20 minutes into the road trip because there's NO foot room.
Honda, are you listening. The second row of seats need to have the option of sliding forward in order to give the back row some room. That shouldn't be too hard as the seats already to slide forward for access to the rear. So, some type of "click in place" mechanism would be the selling point that would have put us in this Pilot today.
Otherwise, the ride was very smooth, transmission that was the smoothest I've ever driven. The plastic interior leaves something to be desired, but what the heck, plastic cleans up easily.
My dealer in Natick said they have not recieved the Certific. of Origin yet so I can't take delivery. Anyone else in Mass. or New England for that matter take delivery yet?
Another note I found was that the 2nd row of seats was too close to the floor to be comfy, it was like you were sitting on the floor! I'm only 5'10" but I can't imagine that a taller person could be comfy. On another note it was nice and wide which would make it great for 3 passengers if only the 2nd row had about 2"-3" more height in the seat bottom.
For those checking into after market and/or dealer installed Seat heaters, have any of you gotten a quote yet on how much they cost?
Also, it seems like only RMS41 and I are the only ones interested in CD Changers on this board. Has any of the folks that have actually taken delivery on their Pilots opted for a CD changer and if so what did they pay??
Isn't this the exact same issues in the MDX? Let me know. I have also leaned toward the MDX but still a lot more $$$. Are the seats 2/3 rows the exact MDX ones?
While shopping...before we got our MDX, we also looked at the TL vs. loaded accord. We found the same thing, a somewhat "cheaper" feel in the accord and seat comfort was not as good as in the Acura. The MDX rear seats are not the best, but I wouldn't say uncomfortable. It sounds like there may be the same differences between TL/accord and MDX/Pilot?
I also bought from the dealer in Natick. Same problem. They told me the title should be there today.
I should comment that the dealer has been good. No pressure for accessories, and they stuck with MSRP as promised. Something funny going on with the next batch though. Sales guy told me a few things. Weren't taking any more orders. Weren't selling any more right now (I'm sure that'll change in a day or so). Honda is pressuring them to only sell loaded Pilots going forward. Hinted that there was pressure not to sell the initial batch for the price I got.
All the above could be just general confusion and/or their attempt at overcoming buyers remorse. In any event, delay aside, they've done well by me (course, I haven't actually picked it up yet).
I think your dealer is full of it about honda pressuring them to sell "loaded" models...Forcing accessories is a great way for the dealer to make a huge profit (they double or triple the price of the option)...They are all dealer installed options and honda doesnt share in that pillaging. Your dealer wants to play the "market" price game, that is all.
Cause they don't tell consumers how much those "DIOs" cost the dealer to buy. Every other manufacturer has the invoice price of PIOs and DIOs listed, Honda does not, so you can't tell how much profit the dealer is making on these products. That always annoyed me about Honda cause you could never get an accurite dealer cost on a vehicle.
Going in, I wasn't sure that I would like the appearance. When I got there, I was quite impressed with the looks of the vehicle (Saw a black, red, silver, and white EX-L with RES). Mainly looked at the silver and I must say it looked very sharp. Not as good as the MDX, but good. Much better looks (exterior and interior) than the Odyssey (and I like the Odyssey very much). Maybe the '04 redesigned Ody will update interior looks and add Pilot's front bucket seats.
Middle seat in middle row is quite uncomfortable as people have noted. Kids may not care as much, but probably will notice during long trips. Adults definitely can't ride there without uncomfort. Both sides of the middle row were very comfortable and roomy for me. I'm 5'10" 195 and thought it was great. Front seats were very comfortable as well. More comfortable and form fitting than the Odyssey. I do wish they included auto seat adjustment for the passenger front seat as well. The dash, even though a bit complex (with RES, i.e. lots of turn knobs), looked very good and well thought out. The area bin between the two seats can be useful. I did however notice that the sides of the bin where maps where designed to go will accumulate lots of dirt, etc. over time and will be a hassle to clean. ....lots of cup holders, etc = more difficult to clean
Leather seats in the Ody are much more comfortable than the cloth, however, still less comfortable than the Pilot.
Back seat is basically a bonus seat. Anyone looking to used this seat all the time needs to look at the Odyssey. It would be bearable to sit back there but uncomfortable. You basically give up all of your storage space if you use this seat. I tried to fit my 14 mo. old's stroller in the back behind this seat and could not do so. We had to put down half of the back seat to fit it in. If you carry any stuff at all, you will need to put down the back seat and use only the middle seat. Both vehicles are about the same height and width inside, but the Odyssey is about a foot lower to the ground yielding much more storage space. You definitely can feel this difference in the seating as well. The distance from the the front seats of the Pilot to the rear was about the distance of my arms stretched out to my sides. The Odyssey was that plus about 4 more feet.
Both vehicles drove very nice. The Pilot was more loose than the Odyssey. We drive an Acura Integra now and the Odyssey definitely is tighter like the Acura. The Pilot was slightly quieter than the Ody. Vision for lane changes was slightly better in the Pilot. Front vision was about the same. First impressions were that I felt a little more in control in the Ody. Both drive very nicely.
Can't beat being able to move from the front seat to the back without stopping in the Ody, especially if you have kids or need to get stuff in the back. Sliding doors are a plus, with children and in tight spaces with the Ody. The EX Ody is about $2520 less than the EX Pilot. I told my wife that if they cost the same, the Ody still would probably win out. And with the price difference the Ody looks to be the winner for me. I'm banking on a dark blue Ody with beige leather interior either in '03 or '04(redesigned).
the other day. I could not take a test drive, since the models on the lot were already sold. However, I did get to sit in two of them. The exterior looks okay I guess. I did think that the tires were small and I wish Honda would use the same tailpipe as on the MDX. For some reason though I felt that the MDX offered more driver side legroom than the Pilot. I am 6'6" so you can see my situation. Did anyone else feel this way. Maybe MDX offers more seat control positions than the Pilot. I also felt that the leather seats were very hard and unsupportive. Also the interior plastic looked cheap and uninviting. Maybe if I took a test drive I may see things differently. I along with many others also can not figure purchasing a vehicle without a sunroof.
To satisfy my curiousity, i went to an Acura dealer to sit in the MDX. For some reason, I guess I felt more comfortable in the MDX than the Pilot. The rich interior of the MDX would probably make me feel better that the $34K went toward something worthwhile. And it had a sunroof.
Overall, I feel that I should wait until the new 2003 4-runner, Khia Soorento,, and Nissan Murano arrive in dealers to make a final decision. The Honda/Acura's have not won me over yet. The party is just getting started!!!!
Enough of the Pilot bashing... If it's not for you move on! I wrecked a Volvo in December and have waited months for this. It is everything I anticipated and more. This vehicle is awesome!
THE LOSER LIST I drove a rental INFINITY QX4 for two months--too truck like--wife hated climbing in. Test drove LEXUS RX300--too womanly and egglike and very thin doors like a Toyota truck. All the off lease luxury dealers said stay clear because of the sludge issue before Toyota ever admitted it. Even Lexus finance would quietly buy them back from dealers within 72 hours of auction if sludge was found. Thus the unappealing TOYOTA NoStylander with the same sludge prone V6 was eliminated from the list. LAND ROVER Disco II was way too rugged and a gas hog. TOYOTA SEQUOIA V8 gas hog was too much vehicle for daily driving. Rented a JEEP Grand Cherokee for Vacation--pitiful handling--Good thing most parts can be recycled. ACURA MDX was the next to the last stop. Nice vehicle but the interior seemed small and the seats were so stiff they jabbed my kidneys. The black interior was also a turn off. The exterior lacks any creativity and was a little too smooth and feminine. With it now due for an update values will soon drop. It is not the luxurious vehicle so many of you believe it to be. At 30k miles plus per year driven the premium gas difference is a waste of hundreds of dollars per year.
THE WINNER The pilot I picked up rocks! Great stereo! Excellent handling in last night's thunder and hail storm(pea-sized). Dusted a new Exploder at the traffic light. Lot's of smiles and looks! Styling is good and the Silver looks great. Interior is much more refreshing than the MDX. I love the column shifter since the console now fits my laplop perfectly for working and rolling in my mobile office. Without a clutch and manual transmission the center shifter is only good for hanging a grocery/trash bag on so get over it. Will only use the third seat with guests. We have a nine year old daughter and a 9 pound Shi Tzu who will love the middle seat and RES with plenty of room to pack the gear for weekending. Daily sales work requires occasional product running to keep the customers happy so the cavernous cargo hold is great. Price was not an issue though I paid MSRP plus a flexible package of add-ons of mud guards, cargo tray roof rails and a trailer hitch since aftermarket has not yet been engineered and would have been months of waiting. Marty Hammerman at Ed Voyles Honda in Marietta and David Senft the sales manager were excellent-- more than fair and extremely accommodating. 770-951-2211.
This vehicle was well worth the wait and is a great value for the price. It will soon win many awards for best all around vehicle. Happy PILOTING!
The other day, I could only take one up the side street for a very short drive. Last night I was able to take one on a normal test drive. Comments:
• It was a very nice drive on the highway, much nicer than my '98 Explorer.
• Some people have complained about sitting in the middle of the second row, as being uncomfortable. They are absolutely correct.
• I had no problems with the height of the middle row seats.
• I also wish that middle row "activity" tray was higher, so that it could be used as an armrest too.
• The "4x4 Lock" can only be activated if the tranny is in 1 or 2. It cannot be activated in D. This all makes sense, because it won't work above 18 mph, anyhow.
• Still wish the ambient temperature gauge and trip meters could be visible at the same time.
I didn't sit in the middle of the second row, but I can understand why that position would be uncomfortable. However, I didn't have any trouble with the outboard seats. Height, legroom, and cushion were all perfectly acceptable. I have to wonder if some folks are forgetting to adjust the seatback. Each time, I've gotten into one, I've had to tilt it one notch back.
I'm with foodsalesguy on the column shifter issue.
is uncomfortable since the activity tray has very thin padding over it and is flat as a board in the upright position not allowing your back to sink into the seat back. The seat cushion also feels too 'firm' possibly to prevent the activity tray from moving too much(??) when drinks are in the cup holders. Def. not the most comfortable. I did find the outboard middle-row seats to be fine, and I'm 6.4" Was seated for about 1/2 hour on an extended test drive.
Bob - By "middle seat" I assume you mean the second row, right?
If so, then yes. The second row can be adjusted back and forth using the latch on the top of the seat back. It's next to the headrests. As Paisan noted, the middle seat (on the hump) will adjust along with the 60% section.
The latch on the side of the seat is the one that allows it to slide forward for access to the third row. That confused me the first time I saw it. I was expecting one latch to do both functions. (I know you didn't ask about that, but I thought I'd mention it while we're on the subject.)
an adjustable backrest rake? All Pilots have a 60/40 middle and rear seat split.
One thing I wished Honda had done with the middle seat is to give it a sliding feature like the front seats, so that you can position the middle seat a bit further forward, so as to to increase rear seat legroom. The new RAV4 and Suzuki XL-7 have this feature.
I know the middle seat slides forward to access the rear seat, so adding a locking feature shouldn't be that difficult.
Comments
http://www.hondapartsforyou.com/
http://www.handa-accessories.com/
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/
http://www.hondacuraworld.com/
The Alpine changer that goes under the seat is 10x6x2.5 accoring to Circuit City's website. What's nice about it is it will work with the current CD player and not require a wired controller. The JVC one I mentioned in my post was 10x7x3.5 but would require a radio/cassette player to be added in place of the current radio/cassette to work.
I still haven't heard back from my dealer on in-dash version pricing yet but will post that info once I receive it.
JMHO
They're about $20-$30 more than the one's quoted on the Honda site, but in my experience, the Thule racks hold more weight than mfr. branded ones. Plus they come with locks and may well fit on your next vehicle or other vehicles.
Not a bad vehicle and it will definitely satisfy the markets need for these type vehicles. Most people don't need trucks and Honda capitalized on this with this crossover. I may try to testdrive one tonight if I can.
-mike
Pilot-EX-L RES BK/GRY: Mspr -$80 (Just to help my feelings) Trade in my Ody 00 at 1,000 eq. over payoff. Trade in another car at pay off only. Out the door 32,900.00 Delivery tomorrow (maybe)LOL
Over the phone buyers order in hand-
MDX BK/Bk with Nav. (Base): Roof Rail, Sunroof ect... 00Ody 3,000 over payoff, other car 800.00 over payoff Net out the door 34,200. 10 day deliver time
Having not one close up or drive exp with either what would you car people do that are in the know choose.
BTW/ the MDX guy has a Havasu blue w/ Bk interior on the lot with roof rails (he's telling me that's an add on for the base)for 32,900 out the door.
Also do you know if you move to a Luxury type car will the Banks Loan for 72 mths? (Just trying to figure payments here)
Call me crazy, but that seems like a lot of money for a 6-CD changer. I think I'll go with the Alpine changer under the seat and save myself $270.
RMS41 - Thanks for giving me those under seat dimensions, I think that under seat system should fit fine in there.
Are you saying your cost difference because of better trade ins between the MDX and Pilot is only $1300? Did I read that right? If that's your difference, I'd be signing the paperwork for the MDX tomorrow if I were you. The price diffence for the Moonroof alone is probably worth close to $1000 plus the Acura is definitely more plush looking inside....
Enjoy your Acura!!
The extras you get on the MDX over the Pilot are more than worth the difference
No I don't have an MDX though I almost bought one last year until the dealer tried to take me to the cleaners on my trade in. I did think it looked much nicer inside then the Pilot and it had a firmer ride. I'm picking up my Black EX-L Pilot this week. I wouldn't sweat the '03 MDXs if you like this years model and the deal is right then I'd go for it, it sounds like a winner.
I can't comment on the loan duration as I'm just borrowing $8K on for my vehicle with a short term loan duration.
Best of luck on your decision.
I had prioritized a sun-roof but wanted to do a test drive to see if the vehicle would win me over without being able to get sun on my thinning hairline.
The positives were about to swing me until I road in the middle seats. IMO they were unbelievably uncomfortable - I was really shocked - and very disappointed. The middle seat in the second row was unbearable and the outside seats were very uncomfortable - after just 20 miles.
That really surprised me given that the two front seats were extremely comfortable. Since I want to be able to drive comfortably with at least four adults - it was a deal breaker.
I walked away from the deal and will get my $ 500 deposit back. The deal was at MSRP with NO add-ons and I believe I would be driving now instead of typing if I hadn't noticed this shortcoming on my "needs" list.
I have purchased two Honda's with this dealer before and will undoubtedly buy another one in the future - but, I am sorry to say, it won't be a Pilot until the seating is improved. --
I appreciate all the other updates and experiences that so many have shared. Good driving to you all
The dealer won't install a heater on the passenger's side because of the airbag sensors. (Those devices which detect if the passenger is too small or has moved into the path of the airbag.) Even with the OEM seat heaters in my TL, there is only a heat pad on the cushion, not the seat back.
Stubl - What was the problem with the rear seat? I can understand not liking the middle position, but I didn't have any trouble with the outboard seats.
Just an FYI.
-mike
Honda, are you listening. The second row of seats need to have the option of sliding forward in order to give the back row some room. That shouldn't be too hard as the seats already to slide forward for access to the rear. So, some type of "click in place" mechanism would be the selling point that would have put us in this Pilot today.
Otherwise, the ride was very smooth, transmission that was the smoothest I've ever driven. The plastic interior leaves something to be desired, but what the heck, plastic cleans up easily.
-mike
Also, it seems like only RMS41 and I are the only ones interested in CD Changers on this board. Has any of the folks that have actually taken delivery on their Pilots opted for a CD changer and if so what did they pay??
Thanks
I should comment that the dealer has been good. No pressure for accessories, and they stuck with MSRP as promised. Something funny going on with the next batch though. Sales guy told me a few things. Weren't taking any more orders. Weren't selling any more right now (I'm sure that'll change in a day or so). Honda is pressuring them to only sell loaded Pilots going forward. Hinted that there was pressure not to sell the initial batch for the price I got.
All the above could be just general confusion and/or their attempt at overcoming buyers remorse. In any event, delay aside, they've done well by me (course, I haven't actually picked it up yet).
-mike
Middle seat in middle row is quite uncomfortable as people have noted. Kids may not care as much, but probably will notice during long trips. Adults definitely can't ride there without uncomfort. Both sides of the middle row were very comfortable and roomy for me. I'm 5'10" 195 and thought it was great. Front seats were very comfortable as well. More comfortable and form fitting than the Odyssey. I do wish they included auto seat adjustment for the passenger front seat as well. The dash, even though a bit complex (with RES, i.e. lots of turn knobs), looked very good and well thought out. The area bin between the two seats can be useful. I did however notice that the sides of the bin where maps where designed to go will accumulate lots of dirt, etc. over time and will be a hassle to clean. ....lots of cup holders, etc = more difficult to clean
Leather seats in the Ody are much more comfortable than the cloth, however, still less comfortable than the Pilot.
Back seat is basically a bonus seat. Anyone looking to used this seat all the time needs to look at the Odyssey. It would be bearable to sit back there but uncomfortable. You basically give up all of your storage space if you use this seat. I tried to fit my 14 mo. old's stroller in the back behind this seat and could not do so. We had to put down half of the back seat to fit it in. If you carry any stuff at all, you will need to put down the back seat and use only the middle seat. Both vehicles are about the same height and width inside, but the Odyssey is about a foot lower to the ground yielding much more storage space. You definitely can feel this difference in the seating as well. The distance from the the front seats of the Pilot to the rear was about the distance of my arms stretched out to my sides. The Odyssey was that plus about 4 more feet.
Both vehicles drove very nice. The Pilot was more loose than the Odyssey. We drive an Acura Integra now and the Odyssey definitely is tighter like the Acura. The Pilot was slightly quieter than the Ody. Vision for lane changes was slightly better in the Pilot. Front vision was about the same. First impressions were that I felt a little more in control in the Ody. Both drive very nicely.
Can't beat being able to move from the front seat to the back without stopping in the Ody, especially if you have kids or need to get stuff in the back. Sliding doors are a plus, with children and in tight spaces with the Ody. The EX Ody is about $2520 less than the EX Pilot. I told my wife that if they cost the same, the Ody still would probably win out. And with the price difference the Ody looks to be the winner for me. I'm banking on a dark blue Ody with beige leather interior either in '03 or '04(redesigned).
To satisfy my curiousity, i went to an Acura dealer to sit in the MDX. For some reason, I guess I felt more comfortable in the MDX than the Pilot. The rich interior of the MDX would probably make me feel better that the $34K went toward something worthwhile. And it had a sunroof.
Overall, I feel that I should wait until the new 2003 4-runner, Khia Soorento,, and Nissan Murano arrive in dealers to make a final decision. The Honda/Acura's have not won me over yet. The party is just getting started!!!!
I went and spoke to Dave at NANUET HONDA in Rockland County
They are selling at MSRP with no add-ons
Just to let you know
-Tom
THE LOSER LIST
I drove a rental INFINITY QX4 for two months--too truck like--wife hated climbing in. Test drove LEXUS RX300--too womanly and egglike and very thin doors like a Toyota truck. All the off lease luxury dealers said stay clear because of the sludge issue before Toyota ever admitted it. Even Lexus finance would quietly buy them back from dealers within 72 hours of auction if sludge was found. Thus the unappealing TOYOTA NoStylander with the same sludge prone V6 was eliminated from the list. LAND ROVER Disco II was way too rugged and a gas hog.
TOYOTA SEQUOIA V8 gas hog was too much vehicle for daily driving. Rented a JEEP Grand Cherokee for Vacation--pitiful handling--Good thing most parts can be recycled. ACURA MDX was the next to the last stop. Nice vehicle but the interior seemed small and the seats were so stiff they jabbed my kidneys. The black interior was also a turn off. The exterior lacks any creativity and was a little too smooth and feminine. With it now due for an update values will soon drop. It is not the luxurious vehicle so many of you believe it to be. At 30k miles plus per year driven the premium gas difference is a waste of hundreds of dollars per year.
THE WINNER
The pilot I picked up rocks! Great stereo! Excellent handling in last night's thunder and hail storm(pea-sized). Dusted a new Exploder at the traffic light. Lot's of smiles and looks! Styling is good and the Silver looks great. Interior is much more refreshing than the MDX. I love the column shifter since the console now fits my laplop perfectly for working and rolling in my mobile office. Without a clutch and manual transmission the center shifter is only good for hanging a grocery/trash bag on so get over it. Will only use the third seat with guests. We have a nine year old daughter and a 9 pound Shi Tzu who will love the middle seat and RES with plenty of room to pack the gear for weekending. Daily sales work requires occasional product running to keep the customers happy so the cavernous cargo hold is great. Price was not an issue though I paid MSRP plus a flexible package of add-ons of mud guards, cargo tray roof rails and a trailer hitch since aftermarket has not yet been engineered and would have been months of waiting. Marty Hammerman at Ed Voyles Honda in Marietta and David Senft the sales manager were excellent-- more than fair and extremely accommodating. 770-951-2211.
This vehicle was well worth the wait and is a great value for the price. It will soon win many awards for best all around vehicle. Happy PILOTING!
-mike
• It was a very nice drive on the highway, much nicer than my '98 Explorer.
• Some people have complained about sitting in the middle of the second row, as being uncomfortable. They are absolutely correct.
• I had no problems with the height of the middle row seats.
• I also wish that middle row "activity" tray was higher, so that it could be used as an armrest too.
• The "4x4 Lock" can only be activated if the tranny is in 1 or 2. It cannot be activated in D. This all makes sense, because it won't work above 18 mph, anyhow.
• Still wish the ambient temperature gauge and trip meters could be visible at the same time.
Bob
I'm with foodsalesguy on the column shifter issue.
Does the middle seat have a back rest angle/rake adjustment? If so, I wasn't aware of that.
I agree, I found the outboard position of the middle seat to be quite comfortable.
Bob
-mike
Def. not the most comfortable. I did find the outboard middle-row seats to be fine, and I'm 6.4" Was seated for about 1/2 hour on an extended test drive.
If so, then yes. The second row can be adjusted back and forth using the latch on the top of the seat back. It's next to the headrests. As Paisan noted, the middle seat (on the hump) will adjust along with the 60% section.
The latch on the side of the seat is the one that allows it to slide forward for access to the third row. That confused me the first time I saw it. I was expecting one latch to do both functions. (I know you didn't ask about that, but I thought I'd mention it while we're on the subject.)
One thing I wished Honda had done with the middle seat is to give it a sliding feature like the front seats, so that you can position the middle seat a bit further forward, so as to to increase rear seat legroom. The new RAV4 and Suzuki XL-7 have this feature.
I know the middle seat slides forward to access the rear seat, so adding a locking feature shouldn't be that difficult.
Bob
Bob