Then the question begs, if there is nothing wrong with the 2001/2002 transmission, why a new one for 2003? I find it unusual that any auto manufacturer would change transmissions so soon after introduction - unless of course there are problems.
That question is being debated in a number of different forums.
One thing to consider is that it takes time to redesign a transmission. Thus, the design for the new ones probably started a while ago, perhaps last year.
There are two schools of thought ...
1) That Honda knew there was a durability problem and was working on one for a while.
Aside: It could be that the Pilot and MDX have a "toughened" version and thus their failure rate/mileage is going to be different, which is why Honda has not listed the Pilot and MDX as being affected. On another system, we are comparing diagrams and parts lists between a 2002 CL and a 2002 MDX, and trying to identify the differences. Thus far, it looks like the transmission housing has some differences, but the third gear clutch diagram looks identical between the two (which is where Honda claims most of the 5-speed problems are originating). However, it looks as if the third gear clutches between the CL and MDX only share some parts, and not all, and that the MDX (and thus the Pilot, which has the same transmission as the MDX) is different in this regard.
2) That the new transmission has been in the works for a long time, for all Honda/Acura vehicles. New design, lighter weight, different gearing, etc.
Diploid, I can fix lots of things, but don't have the knack for car stuff. But if I did, I'd buy used and never visit the dealer for run of the mill stuff. Save them or "real" mechanics for the tranny rebuilds or whatever. I wish all the circuit board stuff was on boards like on PCs. I can play computer tech and swap stuff around the slots all day long, and I've only blown up one power supply :-).
I take off for 4 days and there's only a dozen or so new messages in here - what's the deal, are there no new Pilot owners out there? Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Uhhmmmm... are you saying there is a problem and Honda is covering it?
One might claim that it is "unusual" for a base SUV to share pretty much the same drivetrain with its luxury brother. In which case, the need for an upgrade (regardless of fixes) becomes fairly reasonable.
No offense. I agree that it is unusual, but I think you're going to need more than that to support any allegations about there being a mechanical problem behind the change. That appears to be what you are suggesting.
"are you saying there is a problem and Honda is covering it"? I'm not saying spit, piker. If you took the time to follow the thread, you would see others raised the question.
"One might claim that it is "unusual" for a base SUV to share pretty much the same drivetrain with its luxury brother". Ever hear of the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX300? "....In which case, the need for an upgrade (regardless of fixes) becomes fairly reasonable". And if you had been listening at home, you would have noticed that someone already has stated that the Pilot transmission is not being upgraded, only the MDX.
I'll say it again since you seem to be having problems following along - "Whatever spin you throw at it, a new tranny after a year or two of production seems unusual".
This might seem like a superfluous message but I have owned the Pilot for 1 month and 1500 miles and have to say I haven't experienced any of the problems described in the forum except for the sound of the gasoline when the tank is half full.(not that big a deal)
This forum is great for gaining knowledge about all the issues/problems that could happen. I just never see any posts that say everything turned out well and I am really happy with the vehicle (so far)
Now that's what I want to hear! Any other info you can provide about your one month experience would be great as well. Does the car handle, accelerate, as quiet, etc. as you remember during your test drive? I know you have had it only a short time, but any info about your early experience would be great!
What is the purpose of Honda's existance? Besides manufacturing products, it's to make money. Engine and drivetrain components usually have a lifecycle that outlast the plaforms themselves, ranging anywhere from 8 to 10 years. In general, there are NO major changes during this period, so that cost recovery over an 8-year-period is appropriate. So what? It's all about profits my friend.
I cannot think of ANY vehicle other than a 1960's vintage Checker that has had drivetrain components not undergo changes in 2-3 years cycles.
Between changes in displacement, fuel injection changes, and transmision enhancements even historically long lived designs from Volvo, BMW and others get refreshed far more frequently than 8-10 years. Heck even formerly glacial movement in the medium duty truck transmission design has seen much more rapid changes as the offering of high output turbo diesels and electronic transmission controls have become widespread.
While I do agree that Acura has choosen to be more vocal about changes to the 03 MDX's tranny, I know that MANY manufacturers do in fact ENHANCE transmissions to coincide with increases in power AND/OR in anticipation of even larger future gains in power...
I suspect that Honda has been devoting more effort to tranny design/development ever since coming out with the redesigned Oddy. Although those who tow are a minority, they are vocal and often are a great window into larger, more powerful vehicle usage. It would make sense that they want to expand the "family" of Heavy Duty transmissions in their SUV & minivan offering to capture more of the profitable 'larger vehicle' sales...
i've had my emerald green Pilot Ex-L for over 3 mos and 6400 trouble free miles. Took it from NJ to Fla in August, got @22 MPG and cruised at 78 MPH. This Pilot is a joy to drive, very comfortable, powerful, manuverable and spaceous. I added the roof rack cross bars, splash guards and cargo cover. I had a rattle which turned out to be a loose cross rail which I tightened with a tork wrench. The sound system is terrific and I have no problem with reception. I also have no problem with gas tank noise, spot weld distractions, or the transmission. I paid $30,500 for my Pilot, MSRP, from Price Honda in Stroudsburg Pa. I live in NJ and wasn't playing over MSRP games with the price gouging dealers in this price gouging state. I researched vehicles for 2 years before buying the Pilot and am very happy with my selection. IMHO there is nothing close to this vehicle within this price range.
The Trooper has had the same Transmission for 10 years. Heck almost the whole vehicle has been the same except for minor body tweaks in '98, and engine change in '98. The 4L30 tranny is probably one of the best around.
Do you not have a problem with the noise or you don't have it? I think it is impossible not to hear it - we all hear it - all models are the same. To me this is a major flaw with the vehicle.
I definetly hear the gas tank but only when it is around a half tank. Definetly annoying and should be fixed but not so bad that it keeps me up at night.
I didn't notice any additional wind noise with the cross bars I put in. Gas milage is 15 city and 20 highway with low grade gas going 80 on the highway with air conditioning going.
All in all a great vehicle, love it, haven't taken it offroad yet.
Urch - I never heard the tank during any test drives, but I'm sure that living with the vehicle would give me time to find it. It would seem that you are simply not sensitive to that sort of thing. I've done the drive to Florida (from Boston) and it is a good way to get to know your car. Enjoy.
love_mazda - Now it's money? Just so you understand my confusion... I didn't see the link to money when you wrote, "while their correcting flaws, may as well provide enhancements, eh?" Thanks for clearing that up.
As for transmissions, I think that both sides are correct to a certain degree. Basic tranny designs do last a while. However, they are updated, upgraded, and tweaked on a regular basis. I've always assumed that the tranny in the MDX was "based" on the same one in the Ody, which was probably "based" on the RL. So it may very well be an older design. Does anyone know for certain?
I had wind noise after installing cross bars. I repositioned them and the noise diminished to the point where I don't notice it. I have the radio or a CD playing usually all the time so this probably distracts me from focusing on the wind noise. I also drove a 1991 Merc Colony Wagon for 11 years before getting my Pilot. I guess it's all relative. All the above is probably relevant concerning gas tank noise as well.
Have had our black EXL since 9/9. Love it. It had only 5 miles on it when we picked it up. Averaged 17.7 miles/gal on the first tank of gas. To be exact: 265 miles to 15 gal, assuming the dealer filled the car up. About 100 miles on highway and the rest in local stop-and-go traffic.
Have noticed only two problems so far. The first is that one side of the audio unit is a bit more "out" than the other. Don't know how to take the panel off to reach the screws inside for alignment, so we called the dealer. He told me to send the car in to get it fixed anytime.
The second is a bit of a mystery and we haven't told the dealer about it yet: there is one set of self-sticking black Velcro, 1 sqare inch in size, left stuck on the lower edge of the panel below the steering wheel opposite where the driver's right knee would be. The hook part of the Velcro is on the outside of the panel and the velvet part on the inside. They are just there; serving apparently no purpose. I wonder if they are meant for some part in the car and the dealer forgot to install it as designed, or maybe the dealer stuck them there for a temporary purpose but then forgot to take them off. I will ask the dealer about them, but would be very grateful if anyone here can shed some light on this mystery.
By the way, my dealer seems to have rushed his job: he even forgot to install one side of the sticker sign which indicates the location of the lever for sliding the second row of seat forward.
Yes, it is indeed a mistake to say that the MDX tranmission is two years old. On another forum, we've been going through schematic diagrams and parts lists, and it's clear the MDX transmission is highly similar to the TL/CL transmissions, with some differences.
The same schematics show that the 2001/2002 MDX transmission is identical to the 2003 Pilot transmission.
Basically, what it appears like is that Honda took the older TL/CL 5-speed transmission, changed some smaller items, and gave it "beefier" parts to handle AWD and towing. As such, it's a variant but not a new transmission design.
It _appears_ that the MDX/Pilot transmission are escaping the well-publicized problems that the TL/CL transmissions have had, quite possibly because of the beefed up parts, or some of the smaller differences (e.g. the TL/CL use a different cooler for the transmission than the MDX, and, presumably, the Pilot).
Whether or not the "beef up" just means that the same problems will happen at longer mileage intervals and in lower percentages, I don't think we'll know for a while.
I've seen the schematics of the new 5-speed and it is way different, not just a variant.
Wmquan - Thanks for info! Have you also checked the Ody and RL trannies (or are their schematics harder to come by)? I would have expected that the other 3.5L engines would all share the same basic gearbox.
The poster who uploaded the schematics did send an '01 Odyssey transmission housing diagram, as well as the '99 TL and an '01 Accord/Prelude and '99 TL.
To my untrained eye, the '01 Odyssey transmission was more different than the newer TL and 01/02 MDX transmissions (the newer TL and 01/02 MDX transmissions being closer).
I've had my new pilot for about 4 weeks now and no matter what kind of driving I do (city or highway) I am getting right around 14 miles per gallon of 87 octane gas. This is no where near the 19 city 22 highway that Honda advertises on the sticker. I know that those numbers are often optimistic, but 5 mpg off seems excessive (that's nearly 100 miles per tank). The dealership is trying to tell me that this is just the break in period and that it will get better, but I can't believe it will get THAT much better. Frankly, if I had known it was going to get 14 mpg I never would have bought it. Other than that, I LOVE the Pilot and have no other complaints. Anybody else have a similar experience??? Thanks.
How many miles so far? Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 thousand miles for the mpg to start creeping up. My MV got ~15 mpg for the first 3,000, then took another 7,000 miles to hit it's predicted ~20 mpg. Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
The MPG figures on the sticker are determined by the EPA under simulated ideal conditions.
Many things affect mpg including oxygentated gas, your driving style, weather, traffice conditions and miles. I've been told not to worry about gas mileage until at least 5000 miles - that's how long the engine takes to fully break in.
Keep measuring but wait a while before getting upset.
Only time will tell if the 2003 Pilot trans is cut from the same cloth as those having problems (a rather small percentage if the 1.6% is accurate figure). But I would think that if the production cost of the new MDX trans is generally the same as the existing ones, the Pilot and new Ody on the way should all have the new MDX trans come 2004. I base this on the common engine used, same approx. vehicle weight, common production facilities they are built in, and the fact that this would be financially best for Honda.
I got my Sage Brush Pearl EX about 5 weeks ago and have driven about 2500 miles. I love my pilot! I like it cold, and the A/C does a pretty good job of keeping it chilly. I have been getting about 18 - 19 mpg when I do mixed highway/city driving, and about 16 - 17 mpg when doing city driving.
I do hear the gas tank sloshing noise from time to time, but it doesn't really bother me. I can tune it out most of the time. I also have the occaisional driver side window flutter/rattling noise. But I can tune that out as well.Plus, when I have music playing (which is most of the time) it drowns out the noises. I don't hear much to any road/tire noise. At least nothing more that I was used to in my accord.
When decelerating, at around 40 - 50 mph I can feel the car slightly lurch, kind of like something is kicking in to slow the car down. I wonder if it is (a problem with) the transmission or the vtm-4 kicking in.
None of the above problems make me regret, even for a moment, my decision to get the pilot. The only decision I regret is not getting leather (although the fabric is very comfortable and not ugly)...and maybe the Nav system. But there's always the next car...
Mileage since new has been about 18.5 mpg overall. I've got just over 5K now. If I drive all city driving it's still over 16 mpg. I have had vehicles that the mileage is low until the engine and drivetrain loosen up. 14 mpg sounds like my Mountaineer.
The vehicle lurch at about 40 to 50 is the grade logic feature of the transmission. It's a little unsettling until you get used to it.
My main issue is with the AWD system. It doesn't apply enough torque to the rear wheels when needed. There are a number of little things that I'll get fixed at the first service.
Does Honda have a web site where you can check inventory on dealer lots (like gmbuypower.com)? I don't want to waste time driving to dealer lots looking for the Pilot with the options I want.
I couldn't find one when I was looking. I was cross shopping Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander also. Both companies had dealer inventory searches. The lists show everything the dealers get. Most if not all are presold.
look up local dealers in a web directory. Most have inventory online I know three in my are do.
I have received an offer of 625 under MSRP. Is that a good deal? I also got one for $200 under. I am in Houston, TX and the dealers seem eager to deal.
I'm currently trying to decide between leather and cloth (saddle interior). njpilot1 - just curious why you regret not getting leather? I had a similar colored leather interior on a previously owned car, but it was a fairly cheap grade that seemed to scuff and mark easily. Also, leather can be cold in the winter months. If the pilot came with heated seats I would probably be leaning towards leather, but I'm on the fence right now.
I am also trying to decide between leather and cloth on a red pilot. The dealer doesn't have any cloth pilot, so I don't know what it looks like, feels like. However, the leather interior is not high grade. njpilot1, can you let me know how the fabric interior is on the EX? Also, my understanding is the EX model doesn't have leather wrapped steering wheel either, is that true? how's that? hard plastic?
I've seen/driven a Pilot EX on three different occasions and believe the cloth is fine. The leather seems to be middle of the road - although IMO, the perforation gives it a more upscale look and should help somewhat on cold mornings.
njpilot1 - Is your color look like charcoal or does it have some green in it. I only saw one at night and it appeared charcoal. The dealer has none to see.
We decided to go with cloth seats instead of leather, but could not decide between Sage Brush or Redrock. Our salesman called us to come look at a Sage Brush that had just come in but was presold. It was a cloudy day, but we were still surprised at how dark the color was. It did not look like the brochure picture to us... it looked like a charcoal grey. We now have a Redrock Pearl EX with cloth seats on order for Nov./Dec. delivery.
The fabric in the EX is nice - a lot nicer than what I was used to in my Accord. I am happy with the feel of the fabric. The EX fabric seems soft, esp. when compared to fabrics in other cars (even other Honda's, like my old Accord or my old-old Accord). The steering wheel is not leather wrapped in the regular EX.
My main concern with fabric is ease of cleaning (or lack thereof). The fern interior is lighter than I thought it would be, and I am concerned about the interior looking old & dingy before its time. My 92 Accord (the car my Pilot replaced) had light tan fabric and looked 10 years old 4 years ago. With leather, all it takes, pretty much, is a quick wipe and it's clean. But if the Pilot leather is only mid-grade leather, I guess I'd be concerned with tears and stuff like that. I wouldn't mind the cool seat in the winter - my garage is heated.
In my case, the dealer didn't have any leather interiors on the lot, so I couldn't really judge what the leather was like. If it's mid-level quality at best, perhaps I made the right choice in fabric.
As for the color Sage Brush Pearl, I'd say that it definitely has some green in it. I thought it would have been greener, but am very happy with the color. Depending on the light and where you are standing, I would describe the color as blue-grey-green-steel-charcoal. I'll try and post a few pictures to my website and will post the address once they're up.
"The EX fabric seems soft....." That's the way I described it to me wife. Very comfortable. Also seemed to make the middle, back seat (where the tray is stored) more tolerable.
njpilot1 - I have had a light colored fabric interior for two years. I sprayed a fabric protectant on the cloth within the first week and did it a year later. Occasionally I had what I thought were soda/coffee or grease stains, but cleaned it up quickly with a few sprays of fabric cleaner w/ the plastic brush on top of can. Fabric looks pretty good today.
Thanks, toco and njpilot1, I probably will go with cloth. As for cold morning, without heated seats, my 1998 Accord leather feels quite cold in the garage.
I saw the Sage Brush and it is not as green as you would expect. It seemed to have a lot of blue/grey to it with only a hint of green. Personally I was dissapointed as I was hoping it was more like the brochure. I ended up putting a deposit on the Sandstone which turned out a bit different in person, but I liked it. But, judge for yourself. Good luck!
I have had my Pilot, also my first Honda, for almost a month now. Since the first day I notice the steering wheel points a little bit to the passenger side when the vehicle is going straight so want to take it to a dealer for this problem to be looked at. The vehicle does appear to go straight and gas mileage is normal according to the other postings on the board (~18-20mpg in mixed traffic).
Wondering if people from the SF south bay area can share their experience with the local Honda dealers in terms of service and maintenance?
Comments
One thing to consider is that it takes time to redesign a transmission. Thus, the design for the new ones probably started a while ago, perhaps last year.
There are two schools of thought ...
1) That Honda knew there was a durability problem and was working on one for a while.
Aside: It could be that the Pilot and MDX have a "toughened" version and thus their failure rate/mileage is going to be different, which is why Honda has not listed the Pilot and MDX as being affected. On another system, we are comparing diagrams and parts lists between a 2002 CL and a 2002 MDX, and trying to identify the differences. Thus far, it looks like the transmission housing has some differences, but the third gear clutch diagram looks identical between the two (which is where Honda claims most of the 5-speed problems are originating). However, it looks as if the third gear clutches between the CL and MDX only share some parts, and not all, and that the MDX (and thus the Pilot, which has the same transmission as the MDX) is different in this regard.
2) That the new transmission has been in the works for a long time, for all Honda/Acura vehicles. New design, lighter weight, different gearing, etc.
Uhhmmm...performance enhancements to increase fuel efficiency, maybe.
I take off for 4 days and there's only a dozen or so new messages in here - what's the deal, are there no new Pilot owners out there?
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Uhhmmmm....while their correcting flaws, may as well provide enhancments, eh?
Whatever spin you throw at it, a new tranny after a year or two of production seems unusual.
One might claim that it is "unusual" for a base SUV to share pretty much the same drivetrain with its luxury brother. In which case, the need for an upgrade (regardless of fixes) becomes fairly reasonable.
No offense. I agree that it is unusual, but I think you're going to need more than that to support any allegations about there being a mechanical problem behind the change. That appears to be what you are suggesting.
I'm not saying spit, piker. If you took the time to follow the thread, you would see others raised the question.
"One might claim that it is "unusual" for a base SUV to share pretty much the same drivetrain with its luxury brother". Ever hear of the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX300?
"....In which case, the need for an upgrade (regardless of fixes) becomes fairly reasonable".
And if you had been listening at home, you would have noticed that someone already has stated that the Pilot transmission is not being upgraded, only the MDX.
I'll say it again since you seem to be having problems following along - "Whatever spin you throw at it, a new tranny after a year or two of production seems unusual".
This forum is great for gaining knowledge about all the issues/problems that could happen. I just never see any posts that say everything turned out well and I am really happy with the vehicle (so far)
Yes, it is unusual. So what?
this period, so that cost recovery over an 8-year-period is appropriate. So what? It's all about profits my friend.
Between changes in displacement, fuel injection changes, and transmision enhancements even historically long lived designs from Volvo, BMW and others get refreshed far more frequently than 8-10 years. Heck even formerly glacial movement in the medium duty truck transmission design has seen much more rapid changes as the offering of high output turbo diesels and electronic transmission controls have become widespread.
While I do agree that Acura has choosen to be more vocal about changes to the 03 MDX's tranny, I know that MANY manufacturers do in fact ENHANCE transmissions to coincide with increases in power AND/OR in anticipation of even larger future gains in power...
I suspect that Honda has been devoting more effort to tranny design/development ever since coming out with the redesigned Oddy. Although those who tow are a minority, they are vocal and often are a great window into larger, more powerful vehicle usage. It would make sense that they want to expand the "family" of Heavy Duty transmissions in their SUV & minivan offering to capture more of the profitable 'larger vehicle' sales...
I researched vehicles for 2 years before buying the Pilot and am very happy with my selection. IMHO there is nothing close to this vehicle within this price range.
-mike
I didn't notice any additional wind noise with the cross bars I put in. Gas milage is 15 city and 20 highway with low grade gas going 80 on the highway with air conditioning going.
All in all a great vehicle, love it, haven't taken it offroad yet.
love_mazda - Now it's money? Just so you understand my confusion... I didn't see the link to money when you wrote, "while their correcting flaws, may as well provide enhancements, eh?" Thanks for clearing that up.
As for transmissions, I think that both sides are correct to a certain degree. Basic tranny designs do last a while. However, they are updated, upgraded, and tweaked on a regular basis. I've always assumed that the tranny in the MDX was "based" on the same one in the Ody, which was probably "based" on the RL. So it may very well be an older design. Does anyone know for certain?
Have noticed only two problems so far. The first is that one side of the audio unit is a bit more "out" than the other. Don't know how to take the panel off to reach the screws inside for alignment, so we called the dealer. He told me to send the car in to get it fixed anytime.
The second is a bit of a mystery and we haven't told the dealer about it yet: there is one set of self-sticking black Velcro, 1 sqare inch in size, left stuck on the lower edge of the panel below the steering wheel opposite where the driver's right knee would be. The hook part of the Velcro is on the outside of the panel and the velvet part on the inside. They are just there; serving apparently no purpose. I wonder if they are meant for some part in the car and the dealer forgot to install it as designed, or maybe the dealer stuck them there for a temporary purpose but then forgot to take them off. I will ask the dealer about them, but would be very grateful if anyone here can shed some light on this mystery.
By the way, my dealer seems to have rushed his job: he even forgot to install one side of the sticker sign which indicates the location of the lever for sliding the second row of seat forward.
The same schematics show that the 2001/2002 MDX transmission is identical to the 2003 Pilot transmission.
Basically, what it appears like is that Honda took the older TL/CL 5-speed transmission, changed some smaller items, and gave it "beefier" parts to handle AWD and towing. As such, it's a variant but not a new transmission design.
It _appears_ that the MDX/Pilot transmission are escaping the well-publicized problems that the TL/CL transmissions have had, quite possibly because of the beefed up parts, or some of the smaller differences (e.g. the TL/CL use a different cooler for the transmission than the MDX, and, presumably, the Pilot).
Whether or not the "beef up" just means that the same problems will happen at longer mileage intervals and in lower percentages, I don't think we'll know for a while.
I've seen the schematics of the new 5-speed and it is way different, not just a variant.
To my untrained eye, the '01 Odyssey transmission was more different than the newer TL and 01/02 MDX transmissions (the newer TL and 01/02 MDX transmissions being closer).
I'm picking up my Black EX-L in a few weeks. Can't wait!
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Many things affect mpg including oxygentated gas, your driving style, weather, traffice conditions and miles. I've been told not to worry about gas mileage until at least 5000 miles - that's how long the engine takes to fully break in.
Keep measuring but wait a while before getting upset.
Honda also changed the gear spacing when they went to the new transmission. It's possible that might help with the relatively tall 5th gear.
I do hear the gas tank sloshing noise from time to time, but it doesn't really bother me. I can tune it out most of the time. I also have the occaisional driver side window flutter/rattling noise. But I can tune that out as well.Plus, when I have music playing (which is most of the time) it drowns out the noises. I don't hear much to any road/tire noise. At least nothing more that I was used to in my accord.
When decelerating, at around 40 - 50 mph I can feel the car slightly lurch, kind of like something is kicking in to slow the car down. I wonder if it is (a problem with) the transmission or the vtm-4 kicking in.
None of the above problems make me regret, even for a moment, my decision to get the pilot. The only decision I regret is not getting leather (although the fabric is very comfortable and not ugly)...and maybe the Nav system. But there's always the next car...
I've got just over 5K now. If I drive all city driving it's still over 16 mpg.
I have had vehicles that the mileage is low until the engine and drivetrain loosen up.
14 mpg sounds like my Mountaineer.
The vehicle lurch at about 40 to 50 is the grade logic feature of the transmission. It's a little unsettling until you get used to it.
My main issue is with the AWD system.
It doesn't apply enough torque to the rear wheels when needed.
There are a number of little things that I'll get fixed at the first service.
I was cross shopping Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander also.
Both companies had dealer inventory searches.
The lists show everything the dealers get.
Most if not all are presold.
I have received an offer of 625 under MSRP. Is that a good deal? I also got one for $200 under. I am in Houston, TX and the dealers seem eager to deal.
These are for any EX models
Any comments one way or the other?
Any comments?
My main concern with fabric is ease of cleaning (or lack thereof). The fern interior is lighter than I thought it would be, and I am concerned about the interior looking old & dingy before its time. My 92 Accord (the car my Pilot replaced) had light tan fabric and looked 10 years old 4 years ago. With leather, all it takes, pretty much, is a quick wipe and it's clean. But if the Pilot leather is only mid-grade leather, I guess I'd be concerned with tears and stuff like that. I wouldn't mind the cool seat in the winter - my garage is heated.
In my case, the dealer didn't have any leather interiors on the lot, so I couldn't really judge what the leather was like. If it's mid-level quality at best, perhaps I made the right choice in fabric.
As for the color Sage Brush Pearl, I'd say that it definitely has some green in it. I thought it would have been greener, but am very happy with the color. Depending on the light and where you are standing, I would describe the color as blue-grey-green-steel-charcoal. I'll try and post a few pictures to my website and will post the address once they're up.
That's the way I described it to me wife. Very comfortable. Also seemed to make the middle, back seat (where the tray is stored) more tolerable.
njpilot1 - I have had a light colored fabric interior for two years. I sprayed a fabric protectant on the cloth within the first week and did it a year later. Occasionally I had what I thought were soda/coffee or grease stains, but cleaned it up quickly with a few sprays of fabric cleaner w/ the plastic brush on top of can. Fabric looks pretty good today.
But, judge for yourself. Good luck!
Wondering if people from the SF south bay area can share their experience with the local Honda dealers in terms of service and maintenance?
Thanks in advance.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards