Call my dealer, the sales told me no one reported this problem yet. He asked me to try CLR, the stuff to take out hard water spots. Man! did I try everything, "ShowerShine" (the stuff use for wiping out water marks on shower doors), alcohol, gasoline, soap, .... Nothing worked. These spots are "permanent" on the windows. I'm going to the dealers... One question though, I purchased my Pilot from a Honda dealer far away, is there problem if I take to the nearby dealer for service?
No, they're not lined up at all. They looked just like "water spots" from certain angles. If I scrape on them, the surface is not even/smooth, and they are on the outside of the windows, especially severe on the front one. I think I noticed them after I'd washed my car under the sun in 90 degree temperature, wondering if it could be caused by water spots became hot and "burned" into the thin coating on the windows, if there is coating on the windows (I didn't add any option of protective coating).
The problems I mentioned, especially the rattles etc are intermittent. What is awesome about the Pilot is the driving and ride. I'm sure the rest of the details will be taken care of on my next visit to the dealer. I am just waiting until it is time for the first oil change, next week, so that I do not have to be without a car more than a day.
With my significant mileage, I purchase a new car every two years. All of my SUV's have had problems out of the gate. The worst is that each car has had something that significantly affects the driving like an accelerator that sticks, alignment that won't stay aligned, brake problems, electrical issues that cause the battery to suddenly drain without warning, rear windshield wipers that don't cover the rear window, strut problems. These are issues that affect the safety and reliability of the car. I can definitely continue to live a few weeks with a few rattles. Because they do not occur all the time, they do not drive me too crazy. However, I still can't figure out the weird sound that comes from under the driver's floor. My friend who owns an Odyssey described the noise perfectly... it sounds like someone is clicking their finger against a license plate. Fortunately, it doesn't happen very often, primarily late in the day.
All in all, the Pilot is a great vehicle, and despite my complaint list I am very happy with my purchase. Also keep in mind... in one month I have driven the distance that most drive in three to four months. I am bound to run into problems first. My only issue is that with a new design, it takes longer to diagnose the annoyances. I have faith, they will be corrected.
As you have mentioned the water spot problem showing on the tinted windows, I suspect it's a defective window tinting work from the factory. If the film was not applied correctly, it will leave a lot of bubble kind of spots in between the glass and the film. The Honda Pilot EX comes with factory-installed window tinting, but not the LX model.
You might want to check with the dealer to see if this is the problem. Since this is a newly applied tinted films, it is not hard for them to strip the old films and apply new ones.
My Pilot is #12454. I still don't see any difference in color and I have looked several times in varying light. So maybe if there was an issue, it has been resolved.
The rattle you describe sounds like a problem that I had read about on the Odyssey, Pilot and MDX. This problem is due to an overweld at the top of the strut tower that is causing the strut to make a rattle. It seems to come and go with varying temperatures. If this is the problem you have, the dealer can remove the strut, and grind the weld smooth.
We are shopping for a new vehicle that will be kept for a long time. Our first choice is either the 2003 Honda Pilot EX-Nav or the 2002/2003 Acura MDX Touring-Nav. Still in the running are 2003 Toyotas (4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia).
Q1-2003 Honda Pilot Transmission Selector:
The 2002 Acura MDX transmission selector is 1-only, 2-only, D3, D4, and D5 where D3, for example, automatically shifts among gears 1 to 3. For me, this is an optimum selector.
The 2003 Honda Pilot transmission selector is 1-only, 2-only, D3, and D (actually D5). There is no D4, which is bizarre, and for me, a major flaw. Do any of you have any thoughts how I could tap into the electricals/computer and control "D" so that by a toggle switch I can select between D (D5) and the missing D4 (or alternatively 4-only)?
Q2-LOL-What does this mean? All I can think of is Little Old Lady, but such a comment never seems appropriate for the topic being discussed.
I bought my Silver Honda Pilot LX (first batch) at earliest June. I did notice that I had the same clicking noise problem on the driver side at the beginning weeks. However, that clicking noise mysteriously went away in the last couple of weeks ( od around 600 miles now). I did not do anything with it. Could this be just a break-in period thing?
I also did not notice any color problem on my silver LX either.
I have yet to see a Pilot LX, and I've been to several dealers, a number of times. Nothing but EXs in my neck of the woods. Anybody else find this to be true?
Had the towing package with trailer hitch installed on my Pilot yesterday. Upon examining it at home, I discovered that the hitch is crooked. It seems that the hitch receiver was welded crooked on the hitch frame. It does not leave the frame at a 90 degree angle. It is unbelievable that Honda would let such junk leave the factory and that the dealer would not notice this before installing it. Well back to the shop on Monday.
Try BON-AMI powder cleaner. I found it to be an amazing cleaner that will not scratch, even though it is a powder. It is kind of disconcerting when you first use it, because you will equate it with powder cleaners like Ajax which are very abrasive. I learned about this product from a professional window cleaner who uses it all the time. I think you'll find it will clean glass better than any other method.
Went to the dealer today and they had many mnay Pilots in stock. I was initially underwhelmed when the first photos came out of the Pilot, but it does look very nice in "person". Nice quiet ride. Engine is smooth and the odd layout from the pictures is much more refined (I drove an EX-L). I would have bought one on the spot were it not for the fact that the seats are only about 14 inches long. Why is it that car makers have finally begun to add headroom but now they are shortening teh seats. There is no way I could sit in either of the front seats for more than a 15 minute ride. My 5' tall wife found the seat quite comfortable.
We bought our EX-L-Nav at Mistlin Honda in Modesto and paid $995 over MSRP (with no forced DIOs). We'd been on a waiting list at Mel Rapton since May (for MSRP), and we'd been next in line for a month, but they kept telling us they had no idea what was coming and when. After talking to lots of other dealers (Elk Grove, Davis, Vacaville, Fairfield, Reno), we found out that dealers DO know what's coming and when. All the other dealers actually had VIN #s, so we figured Mel Rapton was just playing a game. We started calling around in the outlying areas (since Elk Grove wanted $6000 over MSRP and Roseville wanted $3500 over MSRP), and we found the one we wanted in Modesto. We only paid the $995 over because they gave us a better deal on our trade and retail for the options we wanted. The salesman was sleezy IMO, and I probably wouldn't buy from them again, but we got what we wanted out of the deal. We've still yet to hear from Mel Rapton - we're wondering how long it will take for them to call us with news of our Pilot coming in (we're not going to call them to remove our name from their list). Oh, and if you're interested, Stockton wanted $1000 over MSRP, and Lodi wanted $3000 over.
I have had my Pilot for about 2 weeks and I have noticed that the steering feels much different than my Odyssey. I feel more secure with the Odyssey steering as the Pilot seems to take more "adjustments" on the wheel to keep it on road. I noticed the exact same feel in the MDX.
I feel like steering the Pilot is similar to steering a speed boat. It is fairly loose at low speeds, but firms up nicely at higher speeds. I find that the "looseness" makes it easier to maneuver at low speeds around the parking lot and such.
For those with first time drive steering concerns... my Pilot came off the lot with a serious alignment problem. I guess it is fairly common for the vehicle to be knocked around a bit during transport, sometimes causing the alignment to get out of whack. After an adjustment, it is steering just fine.
My only negative steering comment is that the Pilot is much more difficult to drive "hands-free" than the Mountaineer. I find that the knee placement at the bottom of the steering wheel is not nearly as stable.
anyone notice how they considered the Acura MDX's V-6 engine "powerful" and a 'pro', yet then review the Honda Pilot V-6 (same engine, with improvements so it generates the same horsepower without the need for premium fuel) and consider it a 'con' and call it "smallish" and "unable to compete with more powerful engines in it's class". OK. Which one should we believe?
Sounds like a "con" because, as you say, the Pilot's competitors have bigger engines? Let me direct you to our Feedback Form where you can be sure that the editors will learn what you think:-) Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Hi, I went to the Schaumburg Honda Dealership on Sat. What I found out is that you guys are a bunch of crooks and nothing else. Just greedy people. This is what happened: I had called the dealership on Fri. inquiring about the Honda Pilot. I spoke with Ted Saras. He told me that they had some Pilot's coming end of this month and if I wanted one I would have to go down there and pay a deposit of $2000. Other dealers are charging a deposit of $500. I asked him that I wanted an EXL without any Dealer installed options. He told me that its not a problem and I could get it whichever way I wanted. I went there Sat. morning to do the paper work. When I went over there to my surprise he pulled put a Honda Pilot Menu and told me that the way they were selling the new Pilot's was that I have to buy one option from the List 1 (which had three different Rust proofing packages) and two options from List 2(which had a bunch other options like running boards, deflectors, neon lamps etc.). This meant that I had to pay at least $1200 in DIO if I wanted the car. I asked him that why did he not tell me about this when I had asked him on Friday. He just totally ignored that question. This dealership is involved in a highly unethical business practices. They are nothing but a bunch of crooks.
Actually I saw 2 Pilots, one Silver and one Black. I can only say that I thought they were very generic at 1st I didn't realize they were Pilots until careful studying of the exterior. I have to admit it looked shorter than I thought it would, probably because of it's width.
I saw the profile of the Silver one 1st and I thought it was a Jeep Grand Cherokee, then I saw the rear end as it turned left and I realized it was a Pilot. Anyway this crossover looks about as much like an SUV as a crossover can. One thing I noticed is that it looked like it could use larger wheels and tires. I don't know maybe not, but they just didn't look very truck-like.
Does anyone know if the chrome exhaust extension that comes with the MDX will fit the Pilot? I think that they would look great on the Pilot. Or maybe there are chrome exhaust extensions that are made for the Pilot that I don't know about. Thanks for your help.
I have driven all three cars; YES, the MDX does FEEL like it has more power. Even though both engines are rated for almost the same amount of HP and torque, the torque curves are shaped different.
The difference is the MDX engine is tuned for better torque response at a LOWER RPM! The cost for this is premimum fuel; put regular gas in it and the timing advance will be retarded and it will drive just like the Pilot. The same thing happens on my V6 Passat - the nice low rpm torque goes away with regular gas.
Incidently; the Pilot and the MDX has a 10:1 compression, the Passat has 10.8:1. All high compression engines run better with higher octane fuel.
To compensate, the Pilot's transmission is programmed to down shift earlier. Step on the gas and the Pilot drops to 4th immediately whereas the MDX stays in 5th longer. I've driven the Pilot with premimum and it does improve the low end torque response - but not as crisply as the MDX where Pilot will add timing advance more cautiously. To really get power out of the Pilot/Odyssey engine, you still need to rev the motor over 3,000 rpms.
All new owner's clubs are still on hold for a while. I had forgotten about the profiles - will report that soonest. The TCO info for the Pilot should go live the 3rd week of August or so. Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
The end of Pilot exhaust pipes tilt downward, and cut with an angle. The chrome exhaust extension are not the extension, but wrap over the existing metal pipes. Because of these, I don't think you can add the chrome exhaust extension. What do you all think?
Thanks everyone for the steering related responses. I felt the loose and unstable steering as soon as I went on the road. When I raised the issue to the assistant Sales manager who was soliciting my opinion after the test-drive, he tried to ignore my remark and then said "We have been told by Honda that the Pilot rides like a car". Thats all he had to stay about that. It seemed that he was aware of the issue. What more could I say.
I am going to stay away from this shabby steering until this issue is fixed by Honda. In my experience, you have to live with such issues for the life of the car. Other wise, I think that this is a good effort by Honda.
I don't know about other Pilots than my own, but I had some first hand experience with my steering when a blind old lady pulled right out in front of me from a 2 way stop that she should have made. I had to brake hard and swerve right to avoid her, and I would have thought that with the weight of the vehicle that there wouldn't be much steering to it. Thank goodness that wasn't true, it wasn't sports car handling by any means, but I was able to keep the vehicle composed and make quite a sharp turn considering the speed I was going, at least enough to avoid a collision. I've never noticed any problem with sloppy steering compared to other vans, minivans, SUV's and trucks I've driven. It definetly doesn't have the tight steering of a sports sedan, or even my CR-V, but for the size of vehicle it is, I've had no problems. Hopefully if some are getting out with poor steering that Honda takes care of it.
Build dates have been given to the dealers, mid-August. Orders are "constrained" until mid-September, then the dealers will be able to ask for the entire order in one color if they want.
The dealers in Dayton Ohio have Pilot sitting on lots. No kidding 3 of the 4 dealers put $2500 to 3k worth of crap on the cars and they have the models from June 1st (One has a Havasu Blue LX that they've added pieces to bring it up to EX standards and sticker for 31k---still on the lot since I laughed June 1st). But the dealer we are purchasing from has no mark-up and they have 6 on the lot, all different levels. I saw a Black LX and it got us thinking since the side-molding is Black. Do I really need cheap Leather with no Heaters? No Heated leather seats on a car over 30k---sad story.
After reading the article I felt compelled to write a letter to the writer of the review. I found many mistakes that the writer seemed to be completely unaware of, or just didn't research. I believe the writer to be reasonably intelligent just maybe a little uninformed. Here's what I wrote.
"Nice review I just found a few mistakes, you might want to correct these mistakes because they make the Pilot look like something it’s not and it’s somewhat misleading. First mistake is a direct comparison of the Trailblazer to the Pilot, these 2 vehicles aren’t really comparable and GM doesn’t want people cross-shopping their SUV line with Honda’s crossover line. Also you stated that the Trailblazers cargo hold is rated at 81 cubic feet, if you are making a comparison of the Pilot to the Trailblazer you should consider the EXT version it’s only real competition, which is actually rated at 86.3 cubic feet. Another comment “It pummels the rude and rickety Explorer in any comparison you'd care to make”, this is probably your most misleading comment of the review. I don’t see the Pilot pummeling the Explorer in price, towing, or off-road capability, especially with dealers asking above MSRP for the Pilot. Also the Pilot isn’t cheaper, you should check your pricing, use Edmunds TMV tool.
I think you missed the boat on the Pilot’s real GM competition. If you are going to compare a crossover with something from GM you should at least compare it with one of GM’s crossover vehicles. An SUV is going to have real truck like abilities, something the Pilot isn’t going to be able to replicate. Another statement “The Pilot's minivan genetic code means you're awarded the segment's most interior cargo volume: 90.3 cu. ft. (2,557L) vs. 81.3 (2,302L) for Explorer and 80.1 (2,268L) for TrailBlazer. Toyota Motor Corp.'s Highlander, also a player but one that doesn't offer as much ruggedness potential, rings in with 81.4 cu. ft. (2,305L). Pilot's two rear seat rows fold flat into the floor — following the slickest formula we've yet seen to do so — and the cargo bay that awaits gobbles the vaunted 4X8 sheet of building material. Forget that trick with any competitor.” Yet another misleading and incorrect statement. The Pilot’s meager 90.3 cubic feet of cargo space is simply dwarfed by GM’s Buick Rendevous which is rated at 108 cubic feet, it actually doesn’t even beat the smaller competitor the Aztek which is rated at 93.5 cubic feet. Also the 4x8 sheet of plywood is a trick that either the Rendevous or the smaller Aztek can accomplish with ease.
Also you should check www.Edmunds.com town hall feature, there are many Pilot owners who are complaining about the lack of fit and finish of their Pilots. They are already complaining of creaks, rattles, and excessive wind noise caused by poorly fitting plastic in the interior, and poor placement of the weatherstripping around the door."
Opinions aside, the guy was mistaken about the 4x8 sheet of plywood. Based on the measurements used by C&D, the Pilot will only hold a 4X6 sheet.
I also agree that the RDV is a better comparison, but I suspect that Buick would rather be compared with the MDX. Marketing drives these comparisons as much as reason.
The EXT comparison takes things a bit too far. Even if the cargo capacity is closer to a even match, every other dimension is out of balance.
I think the Durango has ~ 90 cu.ft. as well. I guess the author was sticking with those models that are selling in large quantities (the well-known players in the field).
That wasn't meant as a jibe against the Trooper or you, Mike. I meant that the author was using the big names as a way of bolstering his claims that the Pilot will be a segment buster. In other words, he was stretching the comparison to make a point.
Picked up my LX Saturday (White/Fern) and I'm very pleased with it overall!! I got the towing pkg, Cassette; Rear Splash Guards and complete roof rack!! My reason for the LX search was the middle seat being useable (comfortable) and I like the different color of the moulding along the sides and roof deflector!! (color me crazy) Not to mention a $2400. price differential! It seems LX's are not in lmuch demand, the EX NAV's and RES's are HOT items!!
I live in Lake Tahoe and had to drive home from Sausalito, up I-80 with some of the WORST pavement problems in CA!! I was somewhat disappointed with tire and road noise and I too think an overdrive lockout would go a long ways toward improving tranny life!! I have no complaints about horsepower, I had to get down to D3 once and it came out of the hole flying around a 60' diesel line rig!! I did't realize just HOW WIDE the beast was, until I put away in the garage and I have a 27' wide garage with two stalls and no work bench!! If you have a 20 footer and a workbench, you're down to ONE vehicle for sure!!! (See my article under towing 41) Happy motoring!!!!!
The only thing I had to do was drive a Trailblazer EXT to convince me that I really wanted a Pilot. It's awful. I would've kept my 98 Mountaineer first. Anyone complaining about the Pilot's fit and finish or handling should drive one too. The Explorer even with discounts is in the low 30s. The Trailbazer EXT list was $38K (maybe 32 with discount?), both are still higher than a Pilot (even at list). I had a rental 02 Mountaineer for over a week, I didn't like it either (Ford needs a better idea). The Buick is a large Aztek, which is a small AWD minivan (I can't get past the looks of either). Though a closer comparison it's still not accurate. The Pilot doesn't pretend to be all things to all people. It's just most things to most people. Some people seem hell bent on tearing down the Pilot for all the things it isn't but it still has a lot more than most.
Comments
Man! did I try everything, "ShowerShine" (the stuff use for wiping out water marks on shower doors), alcohol, gasoline, soap, .... Nothing worked. These spots are "permanent" on the windows. I'm going to the dealers...
One question though, I purchased my Pilot from a Honda dealer far away, is there problem if I take to the nearby dealer for service?
They looked just like "water spots" from certain angles. If I scrape on them, the surface is not even/smooth, and they are on the outside of the windows, especially severe on the front one.
I think I noticed them after I'd washed my car under the sun in 90 degree temperature, wondering if it could be caused by water spots became hot and "burned" into the thin coating on the windows, if there is coating on the windows (I didn't add any option of protective coating).
With my significant mileage, I purchase a new car every two years. All of my SUV's have had problems out of the gate. The worst is that each car has had something that significantly affects the driving like an accelerator that sticks, alignment that won't stay aligned, brake problems, electrical issues that cause the battery to suddenly drain without warning, rear windshield wipers that don't cover the rear window, strut problems. These are issues that affect the safety and reliability of the car. I can definitely continue to live a few weeks with a few rattles. Because they do not occur all the time, they do not drive me too crazy. However, I still can't figure out the weird sound that comes from under the driver's floor. My friend who owns an Odyssey described the noise perfectly... it sounds like someone is clicking their finger against a license plate. Fortunately, it doesn't happen very often, primarily late in the day.
All in all, the Pilot is a great vehicle, and despite my complaint list I am very happy with my purchase. Also keep in mind... in one month I have driven the distance that most drive in three to four months. I am bound to run into problems first. My only issue is that with a new design, it takes longer to diagnose the annoyances. I have faith, they will be corrected.
You might want to check with the dealer to see if this is the problem. Since this is a newly applied tinted films, it is not hard for them to strip the old films and apply new ones.
Q1-2003 Honda Pilot Transmission Selector:
The 2002 Acura MDX transmission selector is 1-only, 2-only, D3, D4, and D5 where D3, for example, automatically shifts among gears 1 to 3. For me, this is an optimum selector.
The 2003 Honda Pilot transmission selector is 1-only, 2-only, D3, and D (actually D5). There is no D4, which is bizarre, and for me, a major flaw. Do any of you have any thoughts how I could tap into the electricals/computer and control "D" so that by a toggle switch I can select between D (D5) and the missing D4 (or alternatively 4-only)?
Q2-LOL-What does this mean? All I can think of is Little Old Lady, but such a comment never seems appropriate for the topic being discussed.
Thanks. Jack
Could it be that the Pilots we tested had a problem, or does the Pilot in general just not have very crisp steering?
Does this bother anyone else?
Enjoy!
-- Jim
I also did not notice any color problem on my silver LX either.
Bob
We bought our EX-L-Nav at Mistlin Honda in Modesto and paid $995 over MSRP (with no forced DIOs). We'd been on a waiting list at Mel Rapton since May (for MSRP), and we'd been next in line for a month, but they kept telling us they had no idea what was coming and when. After talking to lots of other dealers (Elk Grove, Davis, Vacaville, Fairfield, Reno), we found out that dealers DO know what's coming and when. All the other dealers actually had VIN #s, so we figured Mel Rapton was just playing a game. We started calling around in the outlying areas (since Elk Grove wanted $6000 over MSRP and Roseville wanted $3500 over MSRP), and we found the one we wanted in Modesto. We only paid the $995 over because they gave us a better deal on our trade and retail for the options we wanted. The salesman was sleezy IMO, and I probably wouldn't buy from them again, but we got what we wanted out of the deal. We've still yet to hear from Mel Rapton - we're wondering how long it will take for them to call us with news of our Pilot coming in (we're not going to call them to remove our name from their list). Oh, and if you're interested, Stockton wanted $1000 over MSRP, and Lodi wanted $3000 over.
if you drove 40 miles further south on I-99 to Merced Honda, they are selling Pilot at MSRP, I don't know how long is their waiting list now.
For those with first time drive steering concerns... my Pilot came off the lot with a serious alignment problem. I guess it is fairly common for the vehicle to be knocked around a bit during transport, sometimes causing the alignment to get out of whack. After an adjustment, it is steering just fine.
My only negative steering comment is that the Pilot is much more difficult to drive "hands-free" than the Mountaineer. I find that the knee placement at the bottom of the steering wheel is not nearly as stable.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I had called the dealership on Fri. inquiring about the Honda Pilot. I spoke with Ted Saras. He told me that they had some Pilot's coming end of this month and if I wanted one I would have to go down there and pay a deposit of $2000. Other dealers are charging a deposit of $500. I asked him that I wanted an EXL without any Dealer installed options. He told me that its not a problem and I could get it whichever way I wanted.
I went there Sat. morning to do the paper work. When I went over there to my surprise he pulled put a Honda Pilot Menu and told me that the way they were selling the new Pilot's was that I have to buy one option from the List 1 (which had three different Rust proofing packages) and two options from List 2(which had a bunch other options like running boards, deflectors, neon lamps etc.).
This meant that I had to pay at least $1200 in DIO if I wanted the car. I asked him that why did he not tell me about this when I had asked him on Friday. He just totally ignored that question.
This dealership is involved in a highly unethical business practices. They are nothing but a bunch of crooks.
Better luck with your next dealer.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I saw the profile of the Silver one 1st and I thought it was a Jeep Grand Cherokee, then I saw the rear end as it turned left and I realized it was a Pilot. Anyway this crossover looks about as much like an SUV as a crossover can. One thing I noticed is that it looked like it could use larger wheels and tires. I don't know maybe not, but they just didn't look very truck-like.
The difference is the MDX engine is tuned for better torque response at a LOWER RPM! The cost for this is premimum fuel; put regular gas in it and the timing advance will be retarded and it will drive just like the Pilot. The same thing happens on my V6 Passat - the nice low rpm torque goes away with regular gas.
Incidently; the Pilot and the MDX has a 10:1 compression, the Passat has 10.8:1. All high compression engines run better with higher octane fuel.
To compensate, the Pilot's transmission is programmed to down shift earlier. Step on the gas and the Pilot drops to 4th immediately whereas the MDX stays in 5th longer. I've driven the Pilot with premimum and it does improve the low end torque response - but not as crisply as the MDX where Pilot will add timing advance more cautiously. To really get power out of the Pilot/Odyssey engine, you still need to rev the motor over 3,000 rpms.
Hope this helps.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
What do you all think?
I am going to stay away from this shabby steering until this issue is fixed by Honda. In my experience, you have to live with such issues for the life of the car. Other wise, I think that this is a good effort by Honda.
The dealers in Dayton Ohio have Pilot sitting on lots. No kidding 3 of the 4 dealers put $2500 to 3k worth of crap on the cars and they have the models from June 1st (One has a Havasu Blue LX that they've added pieces to bring it up to EX standards and sticker for 31k---still on the lot since I laughed June 1st). But the dealer we are purchasing from has no mark-up and they have 6 on the lot, all different levels. I saw a Black LX and it got us thinking since the side-molding is Black. Do I really need cheap Leather with no Heaters? No Heated leather seats on a car over 30k---sad story.
This is a good article.
"Nice review I just found a few mistakes, you might want to correct these mistakes because they make the Pilot look like something it’s not and it’s somewhat misleading. First mistake is a direct comparison of the Trailblazer to the Pilot, these 2 vehicles aren’t really comparable and GM doesn’t want people cross-shopping their SUV line with Honda’s crossover line. Also you stated that the Trailblazers cargo hold is rated at 81 cubic feet, if you are making a comparison of the Pilot to the Trailblazer you should consider the EXT version it’s only real competition, which is actually rated at 86.3 cubic feet. Another comment “It pummels the rude and rickety Explorer in any comparison you'd care to make”, this is probably your most misleading comment of the review. I don’t see the Pilot pummeling the Explorer in price, towing, or off-road capability, especially with dealers asking above MSRP for the Pilot. Also the Pilot isn’t cheaper, you should check your pricing, use Edmunds TMV tool.
I think you missed the boat on the Pilot’s real GM competition. If you are going to compare a crossover with something from GM you should at least compare it with one of GM’s crossover vehicles. An SUV is going to have real truck like abilities, something the Pilot isn’t going to be able to replicate. Another statement “The Pilot's minivan genetic code means you're awarded the segment's most interior cargo volume: 90.3 cu. ft. (2,557L) vs. 81.3 (2,302L) for Explorer and 80.1 (2,268L) for TrailBlazer. Toyota Motor Corp.'s Highlander, also a player but one that doesn't offer as much ruggedness potential, rings in with 81.4 cu. ft. (2,305L). Pilot's two rear seat rows fold flat into the floor — following the slickest formula we've yet seen to do so — and the cargo bay that awaits gobbles the vaunted 4X8 sheet of building material. Forget that trick with any competitor.” Yet another misleading and incorrect statement. The Pilot’s meager 90.3 cubic feet of cargo space is simply dwarfed by GM’s Buick Rendevous which is rated at 108 cubic feet, it actually doesn’t even beat the smaller competitor the Aztek which is rated at 93.5 cubic feet. Also the 4x8 sheet of plywood is a trick that either the Rendevous or the smaller Aztek can accomplish with ease.
Also you should check www.Edmunds.com town hall feature, there are many Pilot owners who are complaining about the lack of fit and finish of their Pilots. They are already complaining of creaks, rattles, and excessive wind noise caused by poorly fitting plastic in the interior, and poor placement of the weatherstripping around the door."
I also agree that the RDV is a better comparison, but I suspect that Buick would rather be compared with the MDX. Marketing drives these comparisons as much as reason.
The EXT comparison takes things a bit too far. Even if the cargo capacity is closer to a even match, every other dimension is out of balance.
-mike
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
-mike
-mike
I live in Lake Tahoe and had to drive home from Sausalito, up I-80 with some of the WORST pavement problems in CA!! I was somewhat disappointed with tire and road noise and I too think an overdrive lockout would go a long ways toward improving tranny life!! I have no complaints about horsepower, I had to get down to D3 once and it came out of the hole flying around a 60' diesel line rig!! I did't realize just HOW WIDE the beast was, until I put away in the garage and I have a 27' wide garage with two stalls and no work bench!! If you have a 20 footer and a workbench, you're down to ONE vehicle for sure!!! (See my article under towing 41) Happy motoring!!!!!
Anyone complaining about the Pilot's fit and finish or handling should drive one too. The Explorer even with discounts is in the low 30s. The Trailbazer EXT list was $38K (maybe 32 with discount?), both are still higher than a Pilot (even at list). I had a rental 02 Mountaineer for over a week, I didn't like it either (Ford needs a better idea).
The Buick is a large Aztek, which is a small AWD minivan (I can't get past the looks of either). Though a closer comparison it's still not accurate.
The Pilot doesn't pretend to be all things to all people. It's just most things to most people.
Some people seem hell bent on tearing down the Pilot for all the things it isn't but it still has a lot more than most.
C&D had a pretty bad review of the TB EXT.
bill- I couldn't agree with you more about the Pilot not being everything to everyone.