nhnewbie, in response to your question "Do any other carmakers use the HomeLink technology?", yes, quite a few do. Not on all models, though. In addition to Honda, those who use it include Acura, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrylser, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Infiniti, Izusu, Jaquar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes, Mecury, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Rolls Royce, Saab, Shelby, Toyota, VW, and Volvo.
As you may have already noticed, it can be used for more things than opening the garage door.
Like you, I too am impressed with it, in my case in my Highlander. Information on HomeLink is available at their Web site:
is a huge factor in this segement of the SUV wars.. If the Pilot is going to compete against the likes of the Explorer, Durango, Trailblazer ect.. than can tow up to 7K lbs its going to have to do better. To downplay towing as a factor in this segment is not too smart. Most people I know that have these larger SUV's do tow boats, campers and trailers with them. 4,500 is not a very good towing capacity for a vehicle in this market segment. This is going to be a weak point for the Pilot.
Gee, we're picking up our new Pilot tomorrow and I've never wanted to tow anything. So there are lots of people out there who don't need to tow anything. While you might be able to tow more with an Explorer, Durango, Trailblazer, etc. you also have a much greater chance of being towed with those vehicles :-)
Remember the comment about the lack of availability of Siver Pilots, despite production goals much greater than other colors? It is interesting that all the new Pilot owners posting on the site purchased colors other than silver.
Despite that my V8 Mountaineer could tow well over 5000 lbs, based on the manual. I never towed more than 3500lbs, based on the relatively light vehicle weight. If anyone wants a personal, horrifying story, of what can happen when you tow more or near the vehicle's weight, just ask. Trailer breaks don't help you when your tow tips over and slides off an embankment alongside the highway, dragging your vehicle with it. Also, it doesn't take a great impact to do this. The tow tipped over when the trailer wheels sunk into soft ground along the shoulder as we were trying to control fish tailing brought on by a slight tap alongside from a big rig.
Scape2 - Do those 7K figures take into account cargo and passengers? In many cases the big 2.5 publish their numbers with only the driver's weight. While I'm certain that the vehicles you mentioned can, in fact, tow significantly more than the Pilot, I wonder if the real life difference is a large as you think.
The first Pilot I drove at the dealer was Silver they had an EX and an EXL (I wanted blue). The dealer I bought mine at called me to ask if I knew anybody who wants a Silver EXL w/RES (maybe still available) so they do exist.
I'm very sure the factory alam works on my EX (horn blows and lights flash). Did you drive an LX, it's an option on those? The coded key won't let the vehicle start at all. The coded key and the alarm qualify for 20% off of the comprehensive part of MA auto ins.
<< While you might be able to tow more with an Explorer, Durango, Trailblazer, etc. you also have a much greater chance of being towed with those vehicles >>
My current Explorer has over 98K on it, and has never left me stranded on the highway. To date, it has never needed to be towed.
That's great. Maybe you could post your experience on the Happy Ford Explorer Owners thread (322 posts) instead of on the Perpetual Ford Explorer Woes thread (1424 posts) or on this thread.
My point is...many people who are considering the Pilot are migrating from the mini-van world and could care less about its towing capacity.
Bought my Pilot last Monday. Green EX-L. Beautiful car.
On Tuesday part of my factory installed luggage rack flew off. NO SPARE PARTS. It's embarrassing to show people my new car and have that glaring at them. In fact the excitement of having a new car, a new Honda, is gone.
Every time I accelerate, my left windshield washer dribbles. Not enough to clean the windshield, just enough to stain the hood. THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT CAUSES IT.
The plastic cover for the jack in the back doesn't fit. NO SPARE PARTS, YET.
The gasket around the rear door came with a tear. That they do have a spare, but I'm waiting for the other stuff to come in so I only have to make one trip. One trip? I doubt it....
Hmmm...I'm wondering if perhaps the alarm is standard only in the US version, because honest to God I watched the salesperson locked it and then open the door manually. That should have set off the alarms, shouldn't it? But it didn't.
"While you might be able to tow more with an Explorer, Durango, Trailblazer, etc. you also have a much greater chance of being towed with those vehicles :-)" I actually own a 2000 Accord that has been in the shop 3x... Honda's aren't perfect.. The fact is the majority of people buy these larger SUV's to tow. As much as you want to justify in your mind that the 4,500lb limit of the Pilot is ok.. with the majority of buyers its not going to be. I would really like to see the HP/Torque curve of the Pilot and compare it to the others in this class. HOnda Pilot is on a car frame. No real hard offroading in this vehicle. But, there is always the arguement of how much offroading and how severe offroading are you going to do. I feel all this "offroad ability" is a joke for the average joe. Car based SUV's do just fine on gravel/logging access roads.. probably the most offroading 95% of the population will do... Hi varmit.. what? only the drivers weight? So, does Honda do the same? Face it, the Pilot cannot tow what its competitors can.
If nobody wants the Pilot because of its towing capacity why is it virtually impossible to buy one under MSRP and why is there quickly becoming a waiting list for the Pilot which is as long as the one for the MDX, if not longer.
Honda is targetting those who have owned 2 or 3 mini-vans and now want a different configuration. Those who want to tow something already have their vehicle of choice.
<< Honda is targetting those who have owned 2 or 3 mini-vans and now want a different configuration. >>
As I've said before, Honda is also trying to lure those who are on the fence deciding between a mid-size and full-size SUV. The Pilot is only 1.5" narrower than a full-size Ford Expedition, yet it's roughly 5" wider than a mid-size Ford Explorer. Also, many of the the early reports, prior the the Pilot's introduction, compared it to the full-size Chevy Tahoe in terms of size.
Most folks who buy full-size SUVs buy them because they "need" what those vehicles offer, such as great towing, etc. The fact that you don't tow, and/or aren't interested in towing doesn't mean others who are considering the Pilot aren't.
As to Hondas vs. Fords: I've owned a Honda vehicle every year since 1965, and I've owned a Ford truck and/or SUV every year since 1986. So I don't need you to "inform" me on their respective reliability, or to tell me where to post. My experience with both brands is that they are about equal, with a slight edge going to Honda in terms of reliability. That's been my experience. I can't speak for anyone else.
"While many competitive vehicles feature towing capacity figures boasting a high maximum tow rating, some sacrifice of passengers and cargo may be necessary to suitably accommodate this maximum load. The Pilot's 1588/2041kg rating is calculated to include up to four passengers and their cargo."
The owners manual doesn't show the alarm as being a US only feature (I can't find anything that is a US only feature). It does say EX though. So far list for extra features in Canadian models is; DRL's, Heated leather seats, Heated exterior mirrors, and the all important "Washer fluid Low Light" (I may have missed a few).
I agree, the Pilot is a mini van replacement more than it is a real SUV with off-road and towing capacity. That said, it's probably what 75% of people are looking for anyway. Honda doesn't make trucks and I doubt they ever will.
It's amazing how people get very upset when people say that about Pilots/Crossovers. Even though thes vehicles are VERY USEFUL for what they were built for, people get all defensive about them. I don't understand that myself.
Yep, it's great, so that truck-based ones can go back to duties more suited for them (towing/offroading/etc). Most users were trying to get them to do stuff they weren't cut out for like on-road comfort and handling.
Love my MDX. Call it what you want. Only off-roading/truck duties it will see is in the snow. If you can call that off-road/truck duties? Beats my parents old '70 chrylser wagon hands down. Except I think the old wagon could tow more... :0
Reading all these threads comparing towing capacities, minivan replacements, true SUV qualities, etc. is hilarious. The truth is they are all good vehicles and which is best should depend on the owners lifestyle and priorities. My buddy just got a 03' Expedition and pulls a 25' boston whaler. Too me it is a really nice vehicle that does what he needs. I will not tow anything with my Pilot except for a bike rack so don't need the towing capacity. He complemented the Pilot and thinks it is a really cool vehicle. No "your Ford is crap", or "your Pilot is a minivan" crap ever mentioned.
Just picked up our new silver ex-l on satu rday, paid MSRP. Traded in our second minivan and after 10 years needed something different. We love our new honda. Don't care about towing because I have nothing to tow. This was the first vechicle both my wife and I agreed on.Lot's of room, great ride, great gas mileage for an SUV, what's not to like.
...what a great idea. I recently joked with my DW regarding her venturing into fields and construction sites with our Ody in order to collect boulders/stones for her landscaping projects. Told her she was getting a pickup next time - something like a Sport Trac.
Are you aware of the upcoming 4-door Subaru Baja, which is essentionally a Subaru Outback with a small pickup bed? It's perfect for those who putter around the house with gardening projects. It will be on sale this September.
IMHO the people at Honda blew it. They chopped 13 inches off the Pilot vs. the HO. Now we have a pretty good vehicle that seats 8 with no room for the luggage 38.1 to 16.3
I'm aware of the Baja but have not researched it greatly. That's the kind of vehicle she would love to get but the Ody is only 2 years old and I get the next new car!! The Ody works well for her adventures because the configuration won't allow her to carry too many rocks or travel too far afield!! :-)
If Honda does make something like this it sounds like it'll be a 2006 model - just in time to trade the Ody.
I will admit to being brandwashed (is that a new word?) and love Honda's. I know Subarus are good vehicles but given a choice between Sube and Honda the latter would most likely win. I quickly checked out the Sport Trac - Ford is the only domestic manufacturer I really like - but realize that I don't need a real 4WD system/towing capabilities. The Sube or Honda (or if Ford made a Sport Trac Escape) system would work just fine for us - snow is the only real issue and large rocks in the back.
As for the Pilot, I've checked it out as well as other SUV's. The DW and I have decided that we're not afraid of driving a minivan and have no real desire for an SUV.
Re:Body colored handles. I read that too. I wish it had them, I think they're somewhere on the cutting floor with the 6CD changer and the moonroof. The door handles on all (so far) are black. If they do change them to body color, I for one will consider it reason for a recall.
If you plan to put a class III hitch on and intend to tow anything other than a bike rack...add the coolers. I went through the same dilemma, and was advised by a reputable mechanic to go ahead with the added cooling parts. The biggest issue here may be future warranty claims. Past Honda responses to Odyssey's with transmission problems that had a class III hitch and not additional towing gear was not favorable to the owner, even if they never towed anything. I am also in Southern California and negotiated with my dealer on the price of the hitch kit (all necessary components), using the College Hills Honda site. In the end, additional Honda Parts and installation amounted to about $450 more than the hitch alone, not much for peace of mind.
What kind of real-world gas mileage are owners getting for the Pilot (for city driving). I think the EPA rating has it only 2 mpg better than the Lincoln Navigator (which is kinda scary considering the size of the Lincoln)
Comments
http://english.honda.ca/models/pilot_benefits_description.asp#c12
As you may have already noticed, it can be used for more things than opening the garage door.
Like you, I too am impressed with it, in my case in my Highlander.
Information on HomeLink is available at their Web site:
http://www.homelink.com/home/wheretogo.html
No no no, you're confusing the Pilot with the Suzuki XL-7.
While you might be able to tow more with an Explorer, Durango, Trailblazer, etc. you also have a much greater chance of being towed with those vehicles :-)
The dealer I bought mine at called me to ask if I knew anybody who wants a Silver EXL w/RES (maybe still available) so they do exist.
I'm very sure the factory alam works on my EX (horn blows and lights flash).
Did you drive an LX, it's an option on those?
The coded key won't let the vehicle start at all. The coded key and the alarm qualify for 20% off of the comprehensive part of MA auto ins.
My current Explorer has over 98K on it, and has never left me stranded on the highway. To date, it has never needed to be towed.
Bob
My point is...many people who are considering the Pilot are migrating from the mini-van world and could care less about its towing capacity.
On Tuesday part of my factory installed luggage rack flew off. NO SPARE PARTS. It's embarrassing to show people my new car and have that glaring at them. In fact the excitement of having a new car, a new Honda, is gone.
Every time I accelerate, my left windshield washer dribbles. Not enough to clean the windshield, just enough to stain the hood. THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT CAUSES IT.
The plastic cover for the jack in the back doesn't fit. NO SPARE PARTS, YET.
The gasket around the rear door came with a tear. That they do have a spare, but I'm waiting for the other stuff to come in so I only have to make one trip. One trip? I doubt it....
I actually own a 2000 Accord that has been in the shop 3x... Honda's aren't perfect..
The fact is the majority of people buy these larger SUV's to tow. As much as you want to justify in your mind that the 4,500lb limit of the Pilot is ok.. with the majority of buyers its not going to be.
I would really like to see the HP/Torque curve of the Pilot and compare it to the others in this class. HOnda Pilot is on a car frame. No real hard offroading in this vehicle. But, there is always the arguement of how much offroading and how severe offroading are you going to do. I feel all this "offroad ability" is a joke for the average joe. Car based SUV's do just fine on gravel/logging access roads.. probably the most offroading 95% of the population will do...
Hi varmit.. what? only the drivers weight? So, does Honda do the same? Face it, the Pilot cannot tow what its competitors can.
Honda is targetting those who have owned 2 or 3 mini-vans and now want a different configuration. Those who want to tow something already have their vehicle of choice.
As I've said before, Honda is also trying to lure those who are on the fence deciding between a mid-size and full-size SUV. The Pilot is only 1.5" narrower than a full-size Ford Expedition, yet it's roughly 5" wider than a mid-size Ford Explorer. Also, many of the the early reports, prior the the Pilot's introduction, compared it to the full-size Chevy Tahoe in terms of size.
Most folks who buy full-size SUVs buy them because they "need" what those vehicles offer, such as great towing, etc. The fact that you don't tow, and/or aren't interested in towing doesn't mean others who are considering the Pilot aren't.
As to Hondas vs. Fords: I've owned a Honda vehicle every year since 1965, and I've owned a Ford truck and/or SUV every year since 1986. So I don't need you to "inform" me on their respective reliability, or to tell me where to post. My experience with both brands is that they are about equal, with a slight edge going to Honda in terms of reliability. That's been my experience. I can't speak for anyone else.
Bob
"While many competitive vehicles feature towing capacity figures boasting a high maximum tow rating, some sacrifice of passengers and cargo may be necessary to suitably accommodate this maximum load. The Pilot's 1588/2041kg rating is calculated to include up to four passengers and their cargo."
-mike
It does say EX though.
So far list for extra features in Canadian models is; DRL's, Heated leather seats, Heated exterior mirrors, and the all important "Washer fluid Low Light" (I may have missed a few).
-mike
-mike
So they knew the 2nd/2nd and 3rd row seats were too uncomfortable for anyone to sit in one?
rsholland, you're registered at autonews, most of us aren't? Can you copy/paste them or summarize them? Thanks.
rday, paid MSRP. Traded in our second minivan and after 10 years needed something different.
We love our new honda. Don't care about towing
because I have nothing to tow. This was the first vechicle both my wife and I agreed on.Lot's of room, great ride, great gas mileage for an SUV,
what's not to like.
http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=39783
Honda to offer Sport-Trac like truck, and will not be based on the Pilot platform.
http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=39784
No surprise here: The Lincoln Blackwood will become the Lincoln Deadwood as of August.
http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=39785
Bob
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Bob
Something tells me you don't have permission :-)
But it looks like regisration is free for most of the web stories? (http://www.autonews.com/defaultRegister.cms)
thanks,
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Bob
Bob
Maybe they will get it right with the redesign.
Bob
peter78 "Towing with the Pilot" Jun 24, 2002 8:37am
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
If Honda does make something like this it sounds like it'll be a 2006 model - just in time to trade the Ody.
I will admit to being brandwashed (is that a new word?) and love Honda's. I know Subarus are good vehicles but given a choice between Sube and Honda the latter would most likely win. I quickly checked out the Sport Trac - Ford is the only domestic manufacturer I really like - but realize that I don't need a real 4WD system/towing capabilities. The Sube or Honda (or if Ford made a Sport Trac Escape) system would work just fine for us - snow is the only real issue and large rocks in the back.
As for the Pilot, I've checked it out as well as other SUV's. The DW and I have decided that we're not afraid of driving a minivan and have no real desire for an SUV.
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
It's in the owners manual, under the topic of towing, towards the end of the towing topic, as I recall.
Bob
I read that too. I wish it had them, I think they're somewhere on the cutting floor with the 6CD changer and the moonroof.
The door handles on all (so far) are black.
If they do change them to body color, I for one will consider it reason for a recall.