Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

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Comments

  • millsk1millsk1 Member Posts: 24
    If you plan to keep your cars until the wheels fall off, super-accessorizing it is great. However, an LX dressed like an EX is still an LX. You will not get anything for all that money you spent if you trade it within three or four years. If you trade often, always go for the higher model if you like the equipment.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    He's right. You get very little back on trade-ins for accessories added to the vehicle, as compared to what you get back for a higher trim level. That said, what you get back for the higher trim level will probably still not be as good a percentage as the overall vehicle. Such is life ...
  • leep2leep2 Member Posts: 2
    Considering the Pilot and Mdx are very similar to each other and most dealers are still selling at MSRP for both. Mdx w/ touring package $37,800. Pilot EX-L at $30,980. Difference of $6,820. Why would anyone want a Mdx considering how much you save and how similar they are?
  • guy44guy44 Member Posts: 67
    Spfotey,

    I have a Black EXL Pilot. I'd say both the MDX and ML both have a firmer ride then the Pilot. The ML was definitely a nice ride and handled well in the snow but in my opinion is a bit over rated. It's fit and finish weren't up to MB standards and lacked some creature comforts that the Pilot has such as basic placement of cup holders. It sounds trivial, but the cup holders on the ML were ridiculous.

    I also love the fact that the Pilot has the shifter on the dash. So much as been said about not having the shifter on the floor, but the storage are this creates is phenomenal. On my ML, I always had stuff sitting on the passenger seat which ended up on the floor when that seat was occupied. With my Pilot I can keep all my goodies in the middle storage area. I see that as a big plus over the ML and MDX though the style hounds will disagree with pragmatists like myself.

    Much has also been said about the "cheap" looking plastic on the Pilot. Again, it's in the eye of the beholder and after I guess having my expectations lowered by this board, I was pleasantly surprised by the interior. I thought it looked fine. To be honest it looks better then my '99 ML which was quite bland to say the least. I do have to say that I like the interior look of the MDX better then the Pilot, but again the shifter location for me makes the Pilot more useful.

    Good luck on your decision.
  • ssmintonssminton Member Posts: 155
    Agree with the storage. I love the center console tray area. I, too, spent many hours chasing my Palm Pilot as it slithered across the passenger seat during maneuvering. I like that things stay contained now.

    I find the Pilot to be more quiet on the road than the MDX. It seems to have less road and wind noise? I was very pleasantly surprised.

    I agree that there may be a problem with the production of silver Pilots. Although I own a silver one, thankfully, I have seen only one other than the one that I have. I remember prior to the release, word being put out that nearly 50% of Pilot's produced would be silver? It appears to be less than 10%.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    How are you finding it? Does is work?
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    Where is the LED light for the alarm? Is it on top of the door like the MDX, or has it been moved to the dash? Also, is the parking brake the "push on/push off" type or does it have a separate release handle?
  • ssmintonssminton Member Posts: 155
    I now have my hands free unit installed, but I used the cubby for the first few days. I found it to be a great place to hold the phone but a bit cumbersome to pull in and out of the storage with the charging cord attached. Also, you need to move the drink holder tray to the forward position when using the cell holder in the open position (I prefer more forward position for drinks anyway).
  • ssmintonssminton Member Posts: 155
    Not positive about the security light... think on dash, currently travelling on business so I cannot verify. I miss my Pilot:( The emergency brake is very easy to use and is a push on/ push off foot pedal. One warning on the braking... keep the foot on the brake when in drive on a hill. The Pilot tends to roll backwards "earlier" than other vehicles.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    "Considering the Pilot and Mdx are very similar to each other and most dealers are still selling at MSRP for both. Mdx w/ touring package $37,800. Pilot EX-L at $30,980. Difference of $6,820. Why would anyone want a Mdx considering how much you save and how similar they are?"

    A more realistic comparison is the Pilot EX-L and the MDX Base (Premium). The difference there is $4,220.
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    That's still a large chunk of dough, though. At least for me, anyway.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Oh, I didn't say it wasn't a large chunk of dough. But I think the previous larger chunk of dough was overstated.
  • bill01923bill01923 Member Posts: 57
    The security LED is on the door (same as the MDX)

    I wanted an MDX since they first came out but I didn't consider an MDX without the touring pkg a full MDX. I once had an SHO without it's touring pkg (most had it) and it cost me big time in resale.
    I use my vehicle as an office on wheels so I need lots of space for stuff (it's plastic but not bad IMO). The MDX has a very nice dash but no place for stuff. The MDX ride is much stiffer than the Pilot. This is better for handling but not comfort. The Pilots lack of a moonroof really got me. I decided on the Pilot over the MDX (premium) mainly because of price and availability. I looked at most everything else out there and it came down to the MDX, Pilot and a Highlander Limited (also no place for stuff and much smaler).
    We already have a Highlander Limited and love it (out of the three I'd rather drive the HL, very nimble) but I felt it was to small for my needs (it's my wife's).
  • puppycarmenpuppycarmen Member Posts: 13
    ssminton - Where did you find your hands-free cell phone unit? I have been looking for one but have not seen anything advertised. I heard that it links into the Pilot's existing speaker system. Any truth to that?

    Thanks!
  • ssmintonssminton Member Posts: 155
    I use a Nokia hands free kit that fits a variety of Nokia phones. The kit includes phone cradle, speaker, and microphone. The kit should be installed by a professional such as mobile electronics dealer, for the wires must be run under the panelling for a finished look. They will add a pedestal for the cradle and powered antenna based on your vehicle type and desired location for the unit. The system performs great and is about $350 installed ($200 for kit and $150 for installation). This level of hands free integration is required by my company. I could not imagine going back to a headset.

    The complete hands free kits such as the one for the Nokia phones are only available for standard (common) handsets such as these Nokia types. I actually use both my business phone (AT&T Nokia 6160) and personal phone (Verizon Nokia 3285) in the hands free unit.

    I would stay away from any of the non integrated hands free units. They may be less expensive but do not work as well.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    Just received my Pilot brouchure in the mail last night. It doesn't list the following features as standard equipment even in the top-of-the-line EX-L and I'm wondering if the brouchure is inaccurate or if those features are indeed not included:

    - security system (keyless entry and immobilizer are listed)
    - outside temperature gauge
    - automatic climate control
    - power seat (driver and/or passenger)

    I thought those items are standard fares nowadays in this class of vehicle.

    One other thing. The EX-L only includes leather-trimmed seats for the front and 2nd row seats, which means you get vinyl for the 3rd row. Looks to me like the non-leather version would then be more desireable. And you save a couple of thousand Canadian bucks.
  • mredden1mredden1 Member Posts: 32
    To my knowledge the EX-L includes all of those features. I know about the last 3 for sure since I have test driven the vehicle and used those features. Never tested the alarm system though.

    As far as the vinyl third seat, this is standard to all leather Pilots and is also used in the MDX. The logic is that the seat will be down alot anyway and when used it is likely to occupied by kids. The quality is excellent and I would describe it as 90% leather like anyway. It shouldn't be a problem.

    My Black EX-L is on a truck and should be here no later than Monday. I paid full MSRP but got running boards and few other dealer installed options added at dealer cost.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    Thanks for the info and congrats on the new wheels. What part of Canada are you in?
  • mredden1mredden1 Member Posts: 32
    I'm in SW Ontario about 3 hours from the Alliston plant.

    Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed to drive up there to pick up my Pilot and save the $850 Cdn freight.

    On the other hand I was glad that my dealer was able to trade an Odyssey with the RES to another dealer to get the Pilot that I wanted. His Pilot allocation is one per month (he is a small dealer) and he sold 3 in the first week. So, if you are interested be sure to get down to your local dealer ASAP.
  • pchiupchiu Member Posts: 72
    I'm getting mine this Sat 22 June. I'm not sure about the outside temp. gauge, but the rest of the list is standard. Power seat is for the driver only with manual lumber support. I'm surprise the EX (without leather) also has power driver clothe seat !
    Bascially, I paid full price, Cad$43,000. With extra options I added by my resquest; backup sensor, cargo cover, all weather mats, rear splash guard. Rust & Scotch guard and paint protection. Add all the PDI...$100 air tax, $400 gas tax, $250 Admin (including etching serial no. which is an extra $2,000 bonus if stolen). End up paying inculding 15% tax Cad$53,325.
    It is the Blue color,under the kids advice, I do not like the grey leather interior, but no choice. I like the saddle leather interior, but wife do not like the Red color (we trade-in our corel red 850 Volvo wagon with 3rd seat).
    If you need the backup sensor, better let the dealer do it, as checked the web site installation, you have to take down the bumper, right quater panel and part of the 3rd seat.
    I want to put in 50 watts halogen backup light, as too dark when backup through the tinted dark window. But dealer do not recomend, will melt socket. Also to headlights, blue cool they sell for $30 each, they don't recomend too (even they sell in the dealer for other Honda). They say Pilot is too new to be sure.
    Agree the the 2nd middle is too hard for me. The 3rd seat is too tight for me too, especially on the driver side, as no toe room under the back of 2nd row, but on the passenger side the 3rd seat has a liitle bit of toe room as nothing under the 2nd row back. Check it out yourself.
    I check with Acura dealer, they do not have any discount, base $48,000. Although you get your money worth better for the MDX, but I do not want to stretch more, just me. And I cannot wait for July prodution date for both Pilot and MDX. As friends and relatives start to pour in at mid July.
    Sorry for long post. Hope this help.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    C$53,000?? Now that is sticker shock!!

    I can't believe the cost of buying a Pilot. Probably get a decent Pathfinder or Trailblazer for C$7-10K less.
  • pchiupchiu Member Posts: 72
    I'm still in shock too, as you are.
    But if wife say yes write the cheque (certified), you cannot say no.
    If you want a Honda Pilot now, that is what I pay.
    Good luck.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I wish I could write a check for $53K. Did that once when I bought our HOUSE.

    Honda is making some good coin on these babies. I think I will buy some Honda stock instead of the Pilot.

    ;-)
  • ilikespaceilikespace Member Posts: 6
    Until recently, I drove an 86 Suburban, and my wife drove her 83 Volvo. In March, I got a new 2002 Suburban. On June 8, my wife replaced her Volvo with a silver Pilot with leather. After a week long face off, the dealer finally met our price with the gentle understanding that we would not go bragging to others about the deal.
    I love my Suburban, but the Pilot is really, really nice to drive. The Pilot is my favorite for cruising around town, in part because it is just so "cool". My wife has been driving Volvos since 1974 and does not like driving big vehicles. However, her test drive in the Pilot ended her love affair with the Volvo brand. She is very pleased with the Pilot. As a piano professor, the music system is important to her. She especially likes the sound system controls on the steering wheel.
    The cavernous center console space is a winning feature. Strong acceleration, passenger comfort, a feeling of safety, excellent handling, and relatively good fuel economy were also strong buying considerations.
    So far, we have two minor criticisms: 1) The third row seat is only comfortable for two children. Three kids would be cramped. 2) A weird phenomenon occurs at 40 mph plus, if the front windows are closed and the rear windows are open-- then an air concussion inside the vehicle makes all passengers feel like their heads will explode. Crack a front window, and the feeling goes away. I wonder if all Pilots do this, or just ours. Otherwise, it is a marvelous vehicle and we love it.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    They've finally done it - the ultimate hands free phone!

    image

    This is from the BBC

    Yes, that is a model of a tooth! I just don't see how you dial it!

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    mredden: I'm on the Wetcoast in Vancouver. Honda dealers in Ontario must make more than dealers in BC since they all charge the same freight ($850) but the transport is substantially farther to BC. Is the RES an option for the Pilot?

    pchiu: So auto climate control is also included with the base Pilot? I'm glad there's a power seat even for the cloth version. I wonder what's up with the brouchure with the incomplete information? I too would buy the backup sensor if I buy the Pilot.

    dindak: I think a decent Pathfinder would cost about the same as a Pilot. The Chilkook Edition is a good deal but it lacks a few options.

    ilikespace: How does your wife find the width of the Pilot when she's piloting it around town? That's the one thing I have some reservation about. The width is almost the same as your Suburban but the Sub is in a whole different size class.
  • bill01923bill01923 Member Posts: 57
    I read an earlier post reffering to this as punishment for children.
    Mine does the same thing, if you think that's something try it with only one rear window open.
    This isn't unlike opening up a sunroof all the way.

    The tooth phone must be voice activated.
    How else would you dial a tooth phone.
    I'm not looking for a keypad.
  • kw_carmankw_carman Member Posts: 114
    Maybe you can "think" the number. "Brain, please dial 555-2151."
  • pchiupchiu Member Posts: 72
    That's one thing I want to say, there is the PDI+Frieght add ups to $1050 (Can't recall details, but not only $850).
    Pretty sure the EX Cad$41,000 has the atuo climate and the 2nd row separate control, as I was test driven the cloth model, and seat at the 2nd row. You can go to Honda.ca, exactly the description there.
    My wife is just 5' and worry about the width and rear view. But she say she can drive the Pilot better than our (going to trade-in) Volvo 850 wagon, as the front is shorter (kind of), and sit higher.
    You know, if you like it, nothing can stop you. But the backup view is a problem, so the backup sensor is a must, if not Pilot has this snesor as option, we would look for something else.
    At least for now, we do not have the RES model.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    MSRP might be not far off, but Nissan will negotiate big time and has preferred interest rates, Honda doesn't. You pay through the nose for a Pilot, there is no doubt. To some, money is not an issue. For those on a budget (all the rest of us), Pilot is too expensive. Pilot seems to be a good vehicle, but there are lots of those in this class.
  • pchiupchiu Member Posts: 72
    that was what my friend did, they got the highest model of Pathfinder and negotiate, I think from $43,000 down to $39,000 and they took the low interest rate, and no payment for 3 months (or 2).
    The Nissan is a nice car.
    If it has 3rd row seat and this good price, I will switch in no time.
  • ilikespaceilikespace Member Posts: 6
    Regarding my previous post, you wondered how my wife found the width of the Pilot. Funny you should ask. I had wondered the same question since she had profoundly stated her dislike for driving large vehicles, and did not like driving SUV's because they felt as though they might tip over. She says the Pilot does not feel big to drive, but would not like it if it was longer. She likes the width because it makes her feel like it won't tip over in a fast hard curve which is how she likes to take them. She says the Pilot feels very maneuverable in parking lots. However, I have not yet seen her fit it into a tight parking space. The verdict is still out on that.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    For Canadians, I'm just wondering how many of you seriously considered the MDX. There is a $5K difference but you get a whole host of goodies on the MDX -- moonroof, BOSE stereo, 2 power seats with memory, tilt-down feature on passenger-side mirror, trip computer, fog lights, rubber external antenna. Plus the subjective advantages of a more luxurious interior, more exciting styling and Acura service. Wouldn't all that be worth $5K?
  • pchiupchiu Member Posts: 72
    As I said I check out the Acura dealer, just to find out "we never have any discount on MDX". The supply is not much beeter than Pilot (in Toronto).

    What we miss is the moonroof,upgrade leather, tilt-down mirrow. The rest we can pass.
    The moon roof alone may cost close to $1,800 already. And we like the Gold color. With no discount and no car till July production date, we regretfully passed it on.
    A reminder $5,000 + 15% tax = $5,750, and most Acura parts are more expensive than Honda parts (?).
    If you have the spare $, and time to wait, MDX is my choice.
  • terry07terry07 Member Posts: 15
    I've been on a waiting list for a Silver EX that was to arrive late July/early August. The dealer called me and said one should be arriving tomorrow or Sat. and is mine if I want. I have two more payments on a current lease ($259x2) but am tempted to get the Pilot now and let the lease sit in my driveway for a month (or make the two payments and send it back). I'm afraid if I don't take this one, I could be waiting for a while. This is for MSRP, no add-ons, no dealer fees. What would you do? Is the wait going to get longer as the Pilot's publicity increases?
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Up to you and your priorities for your vehicle and your money.

    Canadians get a superior deal to what we in the U.S. get. Here, the difference between a Pilot EX-L and an MDX Base is US$4,220. To go to the MDX Touring is another US$2,600.

    Contrast that to the Canadian market where only MDX Tourings are sold (though without nav), and your price difference favors the MDX more, IMHO.

    By the way, MDX Tourings also have better tires than the MDX Base/Pilot (Michelin Cross Terrains, really excellent tires for crossover vehicles).

    Canadian Pilots also get heated seats that we don't get here.
  • mredden1mredden1 Member Posts: 32
    I understand that the freight charge is the same all across Canada. The money goes to Honda Canada, not the dealer and is non-negotiable.

    While it might seem unfair to charge someone close to the Alliston plant the same as someone on either coast, it is probably offset by the fact that cars imported from Japan which go through Vancouver and cars imported from Europe which go through Halifax bear identical freight charges from one end of the country to the other. While no one likes to pay more for their vehicle than necessary, I can understand the logic of Honda's policy.
  • mredden1mredden1 Member Posts: 32
    Yeah but $53,000 Cdn all in price is still less than $34,500 U.S. which is not a bad bottom line price for a Pilot in the U.S.
  • mredden1mredden1 Member Posts: 32
    You have to read the manual to find it as it is sort of hidden.

    Push the tripometer button a couple times and there it is. I ended up showing my dealer where it was when I took my test drive.
  • larry114larry114 Member Posts: 19
    Yikes, that's the first I've heard that one!!! I have a black EXL on order (Sept/Oct) and nobody ever told me that one before!!! Heck, I SAT in the back seat and didn't even notice. So you're telling me that ALL EXL's have VINYL third rows?? Man, maybe I should consider cloth. I like leather, so I ordered it without much consideration. What is the price difference for leather anyway? (No, I'm not loaded...I am still trying to figure out how I am gonna make payments on this baby, but I am hoping resale value will be awesome).
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    ...are actually set by the company that handles the logistics of transporting/storing the vehicles and their union if there is one.

    One standardized price is so much easier. The logistics company comes up with a price that I'm sure allows it to make a profit.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Yes, all Pilots (and MDX's) have vinyl third rows. Cost-reduction/price-reduction move. Theory is that the seats are primarily for kids anyway and vinyl will work better for them anyway (easier to clean).
  • nofeernofeer Member Posts: 381
    don't you guys get red with saddle interior????
    I hope they offer that in the "colonies" that's what my wife wants.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Maybe you can "think" the number. "Brain, please dial 555-2151."

    Interesting idea! But then, if you had those mental capabilities you might not need a phone to begin with! ;-)

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    Reminds me of the rat with a computer chip connected to its brain a few weeks ago. *shudder*
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    diploid,

    I wish you hadn't said that! (Reminds me of the rat with a computer chip connected to its brain...)

    Now I have this vision of wires running out of a driver's skull and connected with a trailing extension cord to the shrink's office! <GASP!>

    Good thing we're close to the weekend!

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    How could I NOT say that? It was the first thing that popped into my head when I read the article!

    I thought, from the picture, it was a STAND that was shaped like a tooth and a normal sized phone was lodged in the middle for decoration.
  • rms41rms41 Member Posts: 80
    Leather adds $1300. I was going to get leather but decided against it. The EX cloth seats are very nice. My wife's TL has leather and they are hot in the summer and cold in the winter (but at least they come with seat warmers). The leather is also fairly thin. We had to have the driver's seat leather replaced as it was fraying in spots and the car only has 30k on it. At least Acura did it under warranty and so it didn't cost us. I suspect the leather in a Pilot won't be any better than the TL. Cloth may not clean up as easy but you can buy a lot of spot remover for $1300.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Another thought occured to me - if I'm talking to someone using their incisor phone, do I really want to hear every gurgle, gnash, and gulp amplified? Some things really should be kept private!

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
  • spartanman2spartanman2 Member Posts: 61
    I expect to take delivery of my EX-L in about a week. Has anyone (especially those with kids) added the OEM Running Boards?. If so, do the running boards help or are they more just to look at?. I know the step up into the vehicle is not as bad as say a Sequoia or Expedition. But with a 5 ft 1 inch spouse, 2 boys under the age of 5 and 1 on the way, wondering if those running boards might be useful. Thanks.
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