I got 20 mpg on my first tank and a lot of that was rush hour driving. The current tank has more "freeway fun" driving on it so we'll see when it's empty. I had three gallons left in the tank when the low fuel light came on.
Just installed a Hidden Hitch as well. Went on in about 10 minutes with six bolts. Piece of cake. The receiver is flush with the rear bumper.
I would love matching Redrock door handles, but the black looks fine IMHO.
Noticed some discussion re: insurance rates for the 2003 Pilot and felt the numbers quoted were high. Called my State Farm Agent (Carlsbad - San Diego County) today and was quoted $442 (6 months premium) for $100000/$300000/$50000 coverage, $100 Comp Deduct, $500 Collision Deduct, and Uninsured Motorist $30000/$60000. The point is that if you have an excellant driving record with no recent claims, then the rate for the Pilot is very reasonable. I was quoted $448 for the 2002 MDX. Pays to shop around. The insurance is low, but I can't find a Pilot for MSRP down here ....
I finally ordered my Pilot EX in Havasu Blue yesterday. Will be a while before it gets shipped over here to Germany courtesy of http://www.mcs-autoexchange.com. Anyone looked at the tire chain requirements? Do not need them locally, but when you are skiing in the Alps - they are required if it's snowing. Heavy fines for getting stuck and not having any. My Jeep Cherokee did not allow them (per the manual) due to the tire size and ended up buying two sets of low profile Z chains from http://www.jcwhitney.com/ just in case. Fortunately I never had to use them. Anyone check their book yet on tire chains? Due to AWD does it recommend 2 sets instead of 1? Does it make any recommendations due to the alloy wheels possibly getting scratched from chains? Thanks.
The pilot is primarily FWD. I imagine the manual says you cannot use chains, but I think you would only be restricted to the same issues anyone with a FWD car has with chains.
Has anybody heard of Honda offering a rear window which opens independently from the rear gate. After 2 pathfinders and a blazer I really hate to give up that feature. It makes those trips to home depot for lumber really easy. Also lets you load packages without muscling up and down the whole tailgate. my wife doesnt want to give it up. She says even the CRV does it, why not the pilot?
An article I read recently stated that Honda has no intention of offering a window that opens separately from the gate in the Pilot. Apparently someone at Honda's research team spent a few hours at a local parking lot and noticed that no one (or very few people) used that, so they decided not to include it.
The operational rear window is a sad omission, indeed. I use it all the time on my wifes Explorer. Handy to not open the big entire gate. But like the sunroof, it probably got cut to keep it 'under the MDX'. I imagine both of these features will appear with the first model refresh. Toyota seems to have to coolest with the motorized/disappearing window.
Got the Pilot Sat 22 June. On the spot 2 defects: 1/ As somepost, the rear A/C vent on the passenger side camee loose, they just force it back. 2/ The trim piece at the top of the tailgate glass, inside the car, came loose. They drive back into the shop and put back.
After we got home 2 defects; 1/ On the way home, we have a very consistent rattle from the front lower driver side. It seems inside the car, just at the left foot well area. I got down under the driver seat and look towards the front wheel direction. Cannot find any losse wire, as all wires are exposed. Look outside under the front spoiler, no loose stuff, but find the plastic black molding behind the bumper is very filmise and loose. You can use your hand to shake it to virbate. Has to go back to dealer later.
2/ Cargo net comes with, one of the thread is broken leaving a big hole on the net.
Yes, it draws a lot of attendion on the road (in Toronto), everyone is watching you and talking about your car (maybe my blue color is new to Honda). When I parking the car for swimming lesson (my kids). Most parents stay in the parking lot and talked about my car, comparing the MDX parked across mind. I act like a Honda saleman to show them all the config.
For Canadian owner, the homelink may cause a little more time to config.,because of the 2 seconds transmission laws. I have a rolling code garage opener, I messed/easered all my original remote controls, because I hold the training button of my garager opener, instead of(you should)just press every 2 seconds.
The Canadian Pilot (I think the same as USA) do not have alarm system. They are just remote key fobs to lock/unlock doors with panic button. If you break the glass and unlock the door, there is no horns/flashing. The horns and flash light is to confirm you locked the doors, after you press LOCK twice. The insurance company taken the immoblizer into consideration and lower the price. As I ask them extra alarm system will not help futher in price (Honda dealer install Honda alarm)
I thought it has the body color door handles too, written somewhere in some offical Honda site. But check all the photos from web sites, I think they drop the plan. All door handles are black.
The backup sensor work great, the dealer said, different beep tones for object from the corner senor than the object form the center sensor.
Black EX-L. And I like it better than even thought I would. I went from a Honda Prelude to a Pilot so that was a big jump! But I really like the "size". And the ride is more comfortable than I anticipated. In my earlier post (3062) I told how the dealer jacked up the price with options. That was Darrel Waltrip Honda in Franklin, TN (DW doesn't own it anymore). I called Gary Force Honda in Bowling Green, KY and he got me a car in a week. Since I have bought cars from him previously (and Acura in Nashville), I asked him for a deal and he gave me some options at cost - I mean the true cost. They were a pleasure to deal with. Don't let dealers "gouge" you with jacked-up options.
I am picking up my Pilot this week and I am debating whether to purchase HondaCare from the dealer at $1,295. It extends the warranty to 7yr/100K and seems to cover quite a few components. With all of the electronics, sensors, switches, etc., a few repairs could quickly approach the $1295... Does anyone have any experience w.HondaCare? Do you think that it is worth the extra $??
Check on the Honda site to see about their warranty service. Remember that for this you are schedules to pay $300.00 a year for the extra 3 years on a new car. Now $200 sounds a lot better to me.
What is the current warranty on the engine and transmission for a Pilot?
Congratulations on the new ride. Hope you can get those minor defects taken care of. Rattles can be especially annoying. I am glad you confirmed that the Canadian Pilot does not have an alarm. I noticed that during my test drive but, up until you confirmed it, no one here seems to know about it. (I think US version has the alarm though). I thought that was misleading on Honda's part because they actually have the flashing LED light on the door with the word "security".
Even the sales manager does not know it is without alarm. I knew that when I put down the offer for the Pilot,try to put Honda alarmas the option to lower the car insurance primum. As Cnadians should know that the car insurance jack up after 1 June 2002. As an accident free customer for more than 10 years, they honor my policy from my Volvo, ie I'm paying old policy rate. Jump from Volvo $1400 to Pilot $2200, then called the agent up, they confirm because Pilot is so new (they even cannot purge in the Pilot # into the data base for my quote) it is just to protect them to jack the rate close to MDX. But after a day they call me back and said honor my old policy, then back down to $1950 till Oct 2002 my old policy expire. Then they will have a better ideal will it be higher (or lower). The leather is very thin/not high graded.Only after 3 days,the sitting area already shows sign of stretch and winkled.Both me and my wife weights less than 110lbs. PChiu
I live in the Toronto suburbs also and was quoted around $1400-1600 for a midsize SUV like a Pathfinder/ Trailblazer 2 months ago. Your insurance company is taking you for a ride.
> "What is the current warranty on the engine and transmission for a Pilot? "
The Honda warranty on the drivetrain is 3yrs/36K miles. HondaCare therefore adds on 4yrs./64K miles.
The only HondaCare exclusions seem to be items like tires, exhaust, glass, upholstery, brake pads (stuff that you wouldn't expect to be covered). Items that are covered (in addition to drivetrain) include shocks, struts, fuel pump, injectors, brake calipers&wheel cylinders, ABS parts, power windows, security system, all electric motors, sensors,a/c compressor, radiator, thermostat, etc... In addition, you get roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement thrown in....
I'm new to the world of Honda (I'm a long-time Toyota diehard), so I'm not sure how good/bad HondaCare program is...Maybe I'm getting swept up by the hype in the HondaCare brochure.?? Any feedback/advice is appreciated...
by getting a real quote for a 2003 Pilot ! You cannot always compare your ornage to an apple. The reality is, I'm now driving a Pilot (not Pathfinder) living in Toronto with car insurance company Co-operator. If you can help us out as to get your agent to quote you for the Pilot, easy just call him/her up and say you want to buy a Honda Pilot, it is free quote. Then give me thier office # to confirm, maybe I will move to your area and drive 2 hours to work in my Honda Pilot. Would you like to help ? PChiu
Hope you all aren't tired of me talking about the leather, but I still have the chance to change to cloth and am still wondering what to do. I have now read another complaint (by Pchiu) stating that the leather is "thin" and "not high graded" and that after only a few days, the leather is stretched and wrinkly. I said in an earlier post that my 96 accord leather is visibly much thicker, and still looks great after 45k miles (i know, not many miles for a 96!). Anyway, who out there has had the leather for a while and is it holding up OK? Thanks.
You just had to do me one better, didn't you paisan? Didn't ya?!
Anyways, with good experience with 3 Hondas in our family, the 3yr warranty is essentially useless. With the CR-V, we haven't used it yet. With the Accord, the accelerator pedal would get stuck after starting the engine, and that was fixed, so we used the warranty once. With the Civic, only used the warranty to fix the chrome trimming that kept popping.
So if Pilot owners want peace of mind( because it's a 1st year model), they should shoot for the extended warranty, since problems would most likely come after the standard warranty expires.
If I were you I would take a look at the cloth version. If the US one is anything like the Canadian one, then I think it's worth considering. I like leather too, but I found the cloth in the Pilot very attractive and high-quality. Besides, I wouldn't want 1/3 of the interior to be vinyl!
Diploid, what was wrong with your stuck pedal? Our truck has a similiar problem. I know it might not be the same problem but the dealer can't find anything wrong and I'm trying to get all the help I can. Thanks.
h1vc- Over the phone, the service guy (I'm not making this up) first asked us to make sure that the carpet was not somehow tucked/rolled underneath the accelerator pedal! Helloooo...I'm no mechanic, but come on...
Our problem: We would put the car into drive, press down on the accelerator only to find that it wouldn't move unless you really press down. It only happens after the car is started. After that, everything would be fine until the next time you have to start the car again.
The mechanic said that there was a problem with the electrical components and the transmission (it's an automatic). My brother, who drives it the majority of the time, doesn't hold down the accelerator like normal folks. He taps it when driving (he's the type of person who, at a red light, is inching slowly into the street). Apparently, his constant tapping of the accelerator had confused the system, so it would take longer than usual for the computer to recognize that the car was in drive (hence the stuck pedal). They just reset the electrical components to run back to normal again. Hope this helps.
i have had a front driver's side rattle (more of a clicking...) too. took it to the dealer last week & they couldn't figure it out (although they have been extremely helpful about it & offered a courtesy car if the problem persists). however, since the pilot was with them, i haven't had the problem. maybe they fixed it on accident. will definitely have dh get under the car & check out behind the bumper. thanks for the tip.
i have only had my (silver) pilot for 2.5 weeks, but have had no problems with the leather. looks fine, hasn't wrinkled etc. my last vehicle was a '99 volvo & the husband drives an exploder with leather, and neither of us took much notice of the leather being poor quality when we picked up the car (& after reading this board, i was looking). also, hubby & i both weigh OVER 110 lbs. (i'm expecting a baby & he's just a big guy), so we're giving it a workout!
The US model EX does have an Alarm and the Coded key, the manual doesn't differentiate US from Canadian models on the topic. I agree the flashing security light without an alarm is deceiving.
There is a website with low Hondacare warranty prices. www.hondawarranty.com It has a lot of info about the warranty. I'm thinking about buying one from them. Pricing is on the web $920 5/100, $1105 6/100 both with $0 deductible they emailed me an act now discount for $75 more off (sounds too low). Does anyone have any experience with them?
Did your dealer tell you anything about the dealer-installed alarm? Such as how much $, does it hook up with the factory key-fob remotes, does it use the existing flashing LED or do they install another LED?
My Pilot's front and passenger door rattles. All four shocks squeak and sometimes there is a clunking noise. Anybody else have this problem? Great vehicle, I just wished it didn't make so much noise. Dealer is telling me this is normal.
Maybe it's best to wait until Honda works out the kinks. Seems to be possibility build quality issue. One thing I dread (because they are so difficult to rectify) is rattles and squeaks. They're harmless but they sure take away some of the joy of new car ownership. And they can drive you bonkers.
Mileage on the Pilot has been better than expected. About 21 MPG mixed-driving w/ lots of climbing. My past experience with Honda tells me that mileage should only improve over the next few months. My previous Accords experienced poor mileage the first 10,000-15,000 miles.
My drivers door "rattle" was actually more or a squeak that I couldn't seem to pinpoint the location of. When I was getting the hitch installed, I asked the dealer to take a look. They said it was a coating on the weather-stripping, and cleaned it off. Haven't driven the car since due to business travel, but I will update if the issue is solved when I return. Overall, I have found the Pilot to be very sound on rougher roads.
Your mileage is a pleasant surprise. It didn't look promising after reading the data in the Car & Driver article. Also the pure physics of it had me wondering. I mean, you have a vehicle 1,000 lbs heavier than the Accord with a bigger engine....
OK, now you guys are all getting me worried. I love Honda's - I have ordered my third (a black exl), but I never ordered a "first year model" vehicle. I have read a lot of good things about the Pilot, but it seems that lately, all I read about are rattles, squeaks, noises, loose air conditioning louvers, etc. This does not sound like the "typical" Honda quality to me. Am I worrying too much? Is Honda fixing this stuff NOW so that when my Pilot arrives (Sept.) I won't have these problems. Should I cancel my order and wait a year? Yikes! What to do!!!!????
Larry114, if it's any comfort, I've heard nary a squeak. I did hear a couple of rattles as I was driving 60 mph down a rut covered road! I was running late! I'm not sure if the rattles were coming from the Pilot or me!
Whether you should buy now or later depends on whether you need a new vehicle NOW. If you don't then it never hurts to wait a bit. If nothing else, you would get a better price later. Myself, I'm actually targeting maybe a mid-cycle purchase. I think in a couple of years, there may be a slight power boost plus the Pilot may get a couple of the goodies that are now on the MDX and Oddyssey, such as the tilt-down mirror, Nav and DVD (you guys in the States have the last 2 already).
'This does not sound like the "typical" Honda quality to me.'
What is "typical" Honda quality? I'm afraid that if one is expecting quality to match an Accord or a mature Civic, I think one might be disappointed, and may need to adjust their expectations. Though some obvious issues like rattles shouldn't be there.
Larger, more complex vehicles tend to have more problems. Plus Honda's recent history with such vehicles has not been stellar. E.g. the Odyssey certainly had its share of issues. The MDX is "above average" according to both Consumer Reports and JD Power, but the typical Honda/Acura buyer expects "well above average." A lot of Odyssey and MDX owners have been surprised, expecting Accord-level quality.
I'll bet the Pilot will be better than most of its competition in terms of quality, but not as good as the Toyota vehicles.
I believe that they have instituted cost cutting measures in production over the past few years to make a greater profit, while retaining their sales levels by living off their percieved reputation and their reputation from the 80s and 90s. Just an observation. Any good business knows that if they can reduce costs and retain sales it's a win-win situation for them.
I think Honda has really held the line in terms of MSRP over the last few years. The result is that they have had to cut cost in ways not obvious to the consumer in order to still turn a profit. Unfortunately, one of those cost-cutting measures, I think, is in QC. I think Honda/Acura build quality has decreased. Even the Accord is no longer the benchmark for initial quality.
larry14- if you have no particular reason to get leather, consider the cloth version. As I was test driving the cloth version, it is a very good/high quality. Actually we were trying to save $2000 to get the cloth, but the dealer who has the cloth was playing game on my trade-in, and we need the Pilot quick (before July). So we go to another dealer which is honest with our trade-in and cost of accessory that I want. Even with the leather model, I paid $1200 more, and the other dealer do not have leather (they had but sold within 1 day of arrival, while I was testing driving). The cloth version also has the leather center console arm rest. It looks very....hmm, make you own judgement. g8tor- I feel bad for you about the door rattle, I do not think it is normal, as I'm lucky that my doors close solid. I'm wondering if you have the same grade of leather in your 99 Volvo than my 97 Volvo. The Volvo has a very thick and soft but long lasting leather, sure they are different grade, and also the Honda's is proforated, that may make it stretched more easily. dindak- I know about Bel-Air, it is a great help, I'll see. bodydouble- sorry I didnot go futherafter I found out it will not help with the extra alarm. I knwo it is aroud $300-$400 range. Normal they have all the extra alarm and audio system display in the show room. Check the web site (USA), I think one shows extra alarm for the LX model (only). homerg- I like the way and attitude to due with the rattle. Me too, when I was in a bad time I creat rattle witin myself.
My wife already scratched the Pilot when she load the new bicycle into the cargo area. It is very deep, but inside just next to the latch, the hard plastic area. Keep smiling. PChiu
bodydouble make a very good point, as usual,if you can wait, then wait till the supply is better. Then you do not have to pay full price. And they may have moonroof as option, as there is a blank button on the left side of dash, which is the location of monroof switch in Acoord (or other model). When CR-V first came out, they do not have moonroof, but after that the higher model come with that. Just wait for a little bit longer. My friend tells me that he has ordered a MDX, and should be delivered in mid-June, but it was delated and has a production date of July, ie it may deliver at the end of July, I doubt. The supply may be delated by the Pilot ? But MDX demand is always high in Toronto.I checked before I go to Honda. That is why I keep saying I cannot wait or shop around. PChiu
As a long time owner of an Accord, we were going to wait for the Pilot but decided to go for a Bravada instead as my wife wanted a truck before the launch of Pilot. While I like the Pilot I thought it was very plain and really had very little in the way of luxury. We got a completely loaded Bravada for less than the base EX-L and also got a 3.9% lease rate. The Bravada has a more powerful engine (the new GM In line 6) and more luxury.
Not sure what all the fuss is about the Pilot. The ride was nice, but the luxury, comfort and power of the Bravada make it a better choice in my opinion. I do like the MDX, but the Pilot would not have been worth the wait.
tgo63 - actually, our current exploder has done alright (tire recall not withstanding). prior to this, we had an eddie bauer that was just one hassle after another - thus the "exploder." this one is an xlt v8 & it's been okay, knock wood. dh actually wanted me to consider driving it (i need the room) & he'd take the volvo, but too many safety/reliability issues for me. plus the ride - when the kids are asleep in the car, i don't want them to be jostled awake.
Comments
Just installed a Hidden Hitch as well. Went on in about 10 minutes with six bolts. Piece of cake. The receiver is flush with the rear bumper.
I would love matching Redrock door handles, but the black looks fine IMHO.
-mike
After 2 pathfinders and a blazer I really hate to give up that feature. It makes those trips to home depot for lumber really easy. Also lets you load packages without muscling up and down the whole tailgate. my wife doesnt want to give it up.
She says even the CRV does it, why not the pilot?
Toyota seems to have to coolest with the motorized/disappearing window.
On the spot 2 defects:
1/ As somepost, the rear A/C vent on the passenger side camee loose, they just force it back.
2/ The trim piece at the top of the tailgate glass, inside the car, came loose. They drive back into the shop and put back.
After we got home 2 defects;
1/ On the way home, we have a very consistent rattle from the front lower driver side. It seems inside the car, just at the left foot well area.
I got down under the driver seat and look towards the front wheel direction. Cannot find any losse wire, as all wires are exposed. Look outside under the front spoiler, no loose stuff, but find the plastic black molding behind the bumper is very filmise and loose. You can use your hand to shake it to virbate. Has to go back to dealer later.
2/ Cargo net comes with, one of the thread is broken leaving a big hole on the net.
Yes, it draws a lot of attendion on the road (in Toronto), everyone is watching you and talking about your car (maybe my blue color is new to Honda).
When I parking the car for swimming lesson (my kids). Most parents stay in the parking lot and talked about my car, comparing the MDX parked across mind. I act like a Honda saleman to show them all the config.
For Canadian owner, the homelink may cause a little more time to config.,because of the 2 seconds transmission laws.
I have a rolling code garage opener, I messed/easered all my original remote controls, because I hold the training button of my garager opener, instead of(you should)just press every 2 seconds.
The Canadian Pilot (I think the same as USA) do not have alarm system. They are just remote key fobs to lock/unlock doors with panic button. If you break the glass and unlock the door, there is no horns/flashing. The horns and flash light is to confirm you locked the doors, after you press LOCK twice.
The insurance company taken the immoblizer into consideration and lower the price. As I ask them extra alarm system will not help futher in price (Honda dealer install Honda alarm)
I thought it has the body color door handles too, written somewhere in some offical Honda site. But check all the photos from web sites, I think they drop the plan. All door handles are black.
The backup sensor work great, the dealer said, different beep tones for object from the corner senor than the object form the center sensor.
Sorry for long post. PChiu
Does anyone have any experience w.HondaCare? Do you think that it is worth the extra $??
What is the current warranty on the engine and transmission for a Pilot?
I knew that when I put down the offer for the Pilot,try to put Honda alarmas the option to lower the car insurance primum.
As Cnadians should know that the car insurance jack up after 1 June 2002. As an accident free customer for more than 10 years, they honor my policy from my Volvo, ie I'm paying old policy rate.
Jump from Volvo $1400 to Pilot $2200, then called the agent up, they confirm because Pilot is so new (they even cannot purge in the Pilot # into the data base for my quote) it is just to protect them to jack the rate close to MDX. But after a day they call me back and said honor my old policy, then back down to $1950 till Oct 2002 my old policy expire.
Then they will have a better ideal will it be higher (or lower).
The leather is very thin/not high graded.Only after 3 days,the sitting area already shows sign of stretch and winkled.Both me and my wife weights less than 110lbs. PChiu
I live in the Toronto suburbs also and was quoted around $1400-1600 for a midsize SUV like a Pathfinder/ Trailblazer 2 months ago. Your insurance company is taking you for a ride.
> "What is the current warranty on the engine and transmission for a Pilot? "
The Honda warranty on the drivetrain is 3yrs/36K miles.
HondaCare therefore adds on 4yrs./64K miles.
The only HondaCare exclusions seem to be items like tires, exhaust, glass, upholstery, brake pads (stuff that you wouldn't expect to be covered).
Items that are covered (in addition to drivetrain) include shocks, struts, fuel pump, injectors, brake calipers&wheel cylinders, ABS parts, power windows, security system, all electric motors, sensors,a/c compressor, radiator, thermostat, etc... In addition, you get roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement thrown in....
I'm new to the world of Honda (I'm a long-time Toyota diehard), so I'm not sure how good/bad HondaCare program is...Maybe I'm getting swept up by the hype in the HondaCare brochure.?? Any feedback/advice is appreciated...
You cannot always compare your ornage to an apple.
The reality is, I'm now driving a Pilot (not Pathfinder) living in Toronto with car insurance company Co-operator.
If you can help us out as to get your agent to quote you for the Pilot, easy just call him/her up and say you want to buy a Honda Pilot, it is free quote.
Then give me thier office # to confirm, maybe I will move to your area and drive 2 hours to work in my Honda Pilot.
Would you like to help ? PChiu
And if Chrysler "cared" they could give their loyal subjects a warranty comparable to Hyundai.
So...
and if hyundai cared they'd have one comparable to Isuzu (10/120K on all powertrain items)
-mike
Anyways, with good experience with 3 Hondas in our family, the 3yr warranty is essentially useless. With the CR-V, we haven't used it yet. With the Accord, the accelerator pedal would get stuck after starting the engine, and that was fixed, so we used the warranty once. With the Civic, only used the warranty to fix the chrome trimming that kept popping.
So if Pilot owners want peace of mind( because it's a 1st year model), they should shoot for the extended warranty, since problems would most likely come after the standard warranty expires.
Helloooo...I'm no mechanic, but come on...
Our problem: We would put the car into drive, press down on the accelerator only to find that it wouldn't move unless you really press down. It only happens after the car is started. After that, everything would be fine until the next time you have to start the car again.
The mechanic said that there was a problem with the electrical components and the transmission (it's an automatic). My brother, who drives it the majority of the time, doesn't hold down the accelerator like normal folks. He taps it when driving (he's the type of person who, at a red light, is inching slowly into the street). Apparently, his constant tapping of the accelerator had confused the system, so it would take longer than usual for the computer to recognize that the car was in drive (hence the stuck pedal). They just reset the electrical components to run back to normal again. Hope this helps.
will definitely have dh get under the car & check out behind the bumper. thanks for the tip.
also, hubby & i both weigh OVER 110 lbs. (i'm expecting a baby & he's just a big guy), so we're giving it a workout!
-mike
There is a website with low Hondacare warranty prices. www.hondawarranty.com
It has a lot of info about the warranty.
I'm thinking about buying one from them.
Pricing is on the web $920 5/100, $1105 6/100 both with $0 deductible they emailed me an act now discount for $75 more off (sounds too low).
Does anyone have any experience with them?
you mentioned in your post that your husband drives "exploder", does the name has anything to do with the car behaviour? :-)
Tom
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/5best/2002/2002_5best_trucks_honda_pilot.xml
What is "typical" Honda quality? I'm afraid that if one is expecting quality to match an Accord or a mature Civic, I think one might be disappointed, and may need to adjust their expectations. Though some obvious issues like rattles shouldn't be there.
Larger, more complex vehicles tend to have more problems. Plus Honda's recent history with such vehicles has not been stellar. E.g. the Odyssey certainly had its share of issues. The MDX is "above average" according to both Consumer Reports and JD Power, but the typical Honda/Acura buyer expects "well above average." A lot of Odyssey and MDX owners have been surprised, expecting Accord-level quality.
I'll bet the Pilot will be better than most of its competition in terms of quality, but not as good as the Toyota vehicles.
-mike
Actually we were trying to save $2000 to get the cloth, but the dealer who has the cloth was playing game on my trade-in, and we need the Pilot quick (before July). So we go to another dealer which is honest with our trade-in and cost of accessory that I want. Even with the leather model, I paid $1200 more, and the other dealer do not have leather (they had but sold within 1 day of arrival, while I was testing driving).
The cloth version also has the leather center console arm rest. It looks very....hmm, make you own judgement.
g8tor- I feel bad for you about the door rattle, I do not think it is normal, as I'm lucky that my doors close solid.
I'm wondering if you have the same grade of leather in your 99 Volvo than my 97 Volvo. The Volvo has a very thick and soft but long lasting leather, sure they are different grade, and also the Honda's is proforated, that may make it stretched more easily.
dindak- I know about Bel-Air, it is a great help, I'll see.
bodydouble- sorry I didnot go futherafter I found out it will not help with the extra alarm. I knwo it is aroud $300-$400 range. Normal they have all the extra alarm and audio system display in the show room.
Check the web site (USA), I think one shows extra alarm for the LX model (only).
homerg- I like the way and attitude to due with the rattle. Me too, when I was in a bad time I creat rattle witin myself.
My wife already scratched the Pilot when she load the new bicycle into the cargo area. It is very deep, but inside just next to the latch, the hard plastic area.
Keep smiling. PChiu
Then you do not have to pay full price.
And they may have moonroof as option, as there is a blank button on the left side of dash, which is the location of monroof switch in Acoord (or other model).
When CR-V first came out, they do not have moonroof, but after that the higher model come with that.
Just wait for a little bit longer.
My friend tells me that he has ordered a MDX, and should be delivered in mid-June, but it was delated and has a production date of July, ie it may deliver at the end of July, I doubt.
The supply may be delated by the Pilot ? But MDX demand is always high in Toronto.I checked before I go to Honda.
That is why I keep saying I cannot wait or shop around. PChiu
Not sure what all the fuss is about the Pilot. The ride was nice, but the luxury, comfort and power of the Bravada make it a better choice in my opinion. I do like the MDX, but the Pilot would not have been worth the wait.
-mike
this one is an xlt v8 & it's been okay, knock wood. dh actually wanted me to consider driving it (i need the room) & he'd take the volvo, but too many safety/reliability issues for me. plus the ride - when the kids are asleep in the car, i don't want them to be jostled awake.