Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

brian125

akinca

A quick question for all of you . . . how many of you compared the Honda Pilot with the Highlander? I'm in the market for a new car and have narrowed my choices to these two suv's. What was the ultimate decision maker in choosing the Pilot? I would love any input you have. Thanks!

stever

There's a comparision topic in the archives you may want to browse:

Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot

Steve, Host

markjenn

These two vehicles are directly comparable and should certainly be cross-shopped.

I recall either Road and Track or Car and Driver recently had a comparo between this class of SUVs.

I'll throw in my $0.02. If you'd prefer the Camry to the Accord, then you'll probably like the Highlander over the Pilot. The Highlander is a bit more luxurious, a bit smoother and quieter, but the Honda has a little sportier personality and more room inside.

Both are good SUVs and I'd bet equally reliable, so the test drive and a check of which features appeal to you personally should be the deciding factor.

- Mark

stever

We've reopened the comparison discussion so feel free to post in there too. Thanks.

Steve, Host

funkcity

Momo 20" Wheels on Pilot

I saw a silver 03 Pilot with custom wheels.
Killer Setup!!!!

Upon further examination I discovered the use of Momo Quasar 2
Italian wheels shod with Pirelli Scorpion Zero 265/45R 20 tires.

It fills the wheel wells up real nice.

Just a great looking combo and 20s are NOT too big for the Pilot!

Has anyone here done the 20 inch wheel thing with their Pilot??

I found out subsequently that here in suburban Los Angeles, Chatsworth Tire did the job.
The owner reports no vibration, and he's not really sure about the speedo accuracy, though he thinks it's fine. He likes the wheels and tires a lot, says that the ride is fine, though he does sweat pot holes now!!!!

Here's a link to the actual wheel...
Check it out!
http://www.momo.it/Momo/cerchi/grandi/quasar2usa.jpg

brian125

are there any tire web sites that sell this wheel.. not bad at all.. might consider A MOMO on a 255/60/17 FOR MY PILOT..

funkcity

MOMO U.S.A.
Inc. 25471 Arctic Ocean Dr.
Lake Forest,California 92630 U.S.A.
Phone (949)380-7556
Fax (949)380-7256
www.momo.it

brian125

found one site that sells momo quasar mi www.victoriatire.com quasar m1 was $322 EACH.. M2WHEEL STILL LOOKING.

funkcity

Check out this guy's stock versus the new 22s!

http://home.attbi.com/~flpd1357/wheelcomparison.jpg

brian125

sjwsmw

What effect does the larger sized wheels have on the gas mileage? I would think since the wheel is larger in diameter, it would have to turn less often over a stretch.
Or am I stretching it?!

joey2brix

Some of the oversized wheel/tire combinations actually weigh more then stock. A wider tire has more road surface contact. All these things would decrease your miles per gallon. Probably not a concern of some one trying to make a Pimp-mobile out of a Pilot.

dski

I purchase my Pilot last week to replace my '01 Montero for work. It's only 7 days old and I already have 1,500 miles on it... UGH.

I LOVED the Giant sunroof in the Montero but I'm not sure I can put one in the Pilot since I have the Drop down DVD Screen. Has anyone seen an aftermarket Sunroof in a DVD equipped Pilot?

I did see an aftermarket sunroof at one dealer but they also used an aftermarket DVD system with 2 Screens mounted in the back of the front seat headrests instead of a drop down screen.

I'm also looking to upgrade the Horrible Sound system. I have high end sound equipment to switch over from the Montero but I'm a bit nervious about integrating with the unusual Head Unit Honda used with the DVD equipped versions.

Drew

joey2brix

for a wiring diagram of the DVD wiring and where they run it up in the roof. I would think a simple pop-up unit has to fit over the front seats.

dski

I talked with a shop today. They claim they can put in a sunroof with the roof mounted screen but that they will have to re-route some of the wires. Cost estimate was $1,200.

I'm thinking of going for it but first on my agenda will be to get the sound system upgrades.

Drew

my3kids

This link shows photographs of most accessories, either Honda or ones people added after market. On page 4 is a photo of the exterior of a Pilot with a sunroof. I know I've see one with a photo of an interior with the sunroof in front of the DVD screen, but I'm not sure where it is now. Hope this one helps somewhat: http://www.hondapilot.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3- 565&perpage=15&pagenumber=1

dski

The pic of interior w/ sunroof and Video Screen was there, Thank. Looks pretty good. Too bad I can put a Giant one in like my Montero Factory roof has.

Oh well. By the time I get everything done that I want, I could have just gone with the QX4 deal I had. I coulda had that one for $33K with Sunroof and Heated Seats. I just wasn't sure if I could have lived with the smaller cargo space and lack of 3rd seat.

Drew

dorene1

Even without DVD, our dealer refused to put in a sunroof, and said it would invalidate our warranty. Being in California and having a black EXL, I would love to have a sunroof, but this is on hold for us. This seems strange to me, as MDX has both sunroof and DVD; I think that Honda is trying to differentiate the buyers, and keep MDX competitive, so they won't support sunroofs. I'd like to know where people go for sunroofs, and if they install wth DVD's...

We had the Honda factory sensors put in. While the backup function is very good, it makes a shrill high pitched sound every time reverse is engaged. According to the dealer, this is to let the driver know that sensors are engaged. No other sensor system does this that I know of (Mountaineer, Rendezvous, etc...). Since I parallel park freqently, it's been great, but the sound is very annoying. Anyone else have any feedback?

dski

I seriously doubt the story about a sunroof voiding the warranty. The only aftermarket roof I've seen was on the dealers lot on a NEW Pilot for sale.

I don't beleive that Honda can legally void a warranty for such an aftermarket item. I'm sure they could say that any issues with the Roof such as rust on the roof panel etc. would be voided but there's NO way the whole vehicle warranty would be invalid.

Drew

joew5

I have an EX with 8500 miles on it and all in all am generally pleased. Strange thing though, my clock loses about 1.5 minutes a week and while not a major problem is rather annoying having to change it all the time. I was wondering if anyone else had this problem and can it be fixed. Thanks.

calg

We also have 8500 miles on our Pilot and I have noticed that we are also losing time but not at the rate you are. I have adjusted the clock twice since we got the vehicle in October but it was only off by about 5-7 minutes each time. I've never had to adjust the time before in any of our other Hondas (we've had 8) so I don't know what the fix is if it gets worse. I'll probably mention it to the dealer the next time we are in just to see what they say.

ejwint

A squeaky/ringing noise from the mid console, intermittent, somewhat temperature and RPM dependent. Plastic on plastic vs. electronic component in or around radio/navigation system/climate control assembly. Two trips to the dealer and silicone spray did not help. Did anyone else experience this, and if so, what is the solution? Thanks.

kmh

Any word on when the Pilot will have an OEM sunroof as an option?

brian125

just went to the show at the javits center in manhattan. i sat in the 2004 vw toureg, the new lexus 330.. let me say this in my opinion the pilot for the price is a steal, not to mention the room inside the pilot is alot bigger than the other suv's on the market.. Sticker on the lexus was $42,000 S ticker on the vw toureg was $53,000. i barely fit in the 330 and was disapponted with the VW. the kia sorento had more room inside than the other two just mentioned. the chevey's fords, mazda's all have that cheap feel to them.. they have some wild looking concept cars comming soon hope they make it into production.. i left the auto show feeling good about my pilot and the price i paid.. happy piloting everone.

pickerib

I want to second the request for a sunroof as an option for '04 Pilot. I've seen some great pics from links posted here. I hope Honda wises up, like they did with CRV. Does anyone know of dealers installing sunroofs in the Central NJ (Middlesex County) area? Anyone have info on 04 changes yet? Heated seats would be nice too, but at that point maybe the base MDX is a better choice? Thoughts anyone...

qbrozen

I don't have any experience with the install shops first hand. But you can go to the sunroof manufacturers websites and find authorized installers. I found one in Monmouth county through Webasto.com and will pay them a visit when I can afford to get the work done.

stever

Long-Term Test: 2003 Honda Pilot EX (April's update)

Steve, Host

porknbeans

Well the pilot has caught the attention of my wife. We were almost ready to pull the trigger on an Accord when she began to rethink the whole thing. We are looking at the LX and were wondering about pricing. Have people been having good luck yet getting Pilots for under MSRP or even invoice? Am I too optimistic to be thinking in these terms? We have owned Hondas in the past and I'm looking forward to owning another. Any comments would be appreciated.

qbrozen

check the other message board Pilot Owners: What did you pay?

dski

I got mine discounted $1,000. I have no idea if that's good or not. I didn't haggle too much really. I went in with little interest at first and when they noticed I was gaining interest they tried to close the deal with a discount. It worked obviously.

Good Luck
Drew

melanjian

I WONDER IF THE PILOT IS GOING TO RECEIVE THE MDX CURRENT 260HP ENGINE AS AN UPGRADE NEXT YEAR SINCE
THE VEHICLES ARE CLONES FOR MANY OF THE PARTS.
DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY INSIGHT ON THIS???

rerenov8r

Last year the changes for the MDX where only released a few DAYS before the brochures were in the mail to dealers. Expect the same for the Pilot.

The additional cost of the integrated catalysts (which allow the higher output) may mean the Pilot never gets the same engine as the MDX. Similarly, the memory seat, sunroof and other MDX nicities may be used by AHMC to always segrete the two...

qbrozen

unless they upgrade the MDX power, the Honda will not get that bump in power. They have to justify that price difference somehow and a few gadgets is not enough. The MDX will most likely always stay ahead of the Pilot in the power department.

dski

>>They have to justify that price difference somehow and a few gadgets is not enough.<<

It'd be nice if one of those "gadgets" was Real Wood Trim. The Fake stuff they use looks AWFUL and way below the trim level expected at the rediculous price they charge.

Cheap looking wood trim has always been a pet peive of mine... LOL.. sorry for venting.

Drew

ssminton

Hard to believe my Pilot is almost a year old! Overall I have been satisfied with the Pilot. However, I have experienced more problems than I anticipated. The most annoying is that my tires seem to get themselves out of alignment almost continually. Every other month, I am getting them re aligned. When I first took delivery of the vehicle last June, the alignment was way off, tremendous pull to the left with the steering wheel off center. Although the dealer initially fixed the problem, the symptom returns continually. Any thoughts on how to overcome this issue once and for all? Could it be related to the tires themselves?

With 30K miles, the tires are beginning to get that familiar Good Year cup to them and associated road noise that I remember well from my Explorer days. I plan to replace the tires before next winter. Has anyone tried the Michelin CrossTerrain's on the Pilot? I have always been a fan of the Michelin LTX series, but I feel the Pilot needs more of a crossover tire.

I appreciate your comments.

stever

I remember when you were shopping! It is hard to believe a year has gone by. Weren't you cross-shopping a Rendezvous (or was it the Highlander) last year?

Wish I had some advice on the pulling - sure sounds like an alignment problem still, especially with the tires cupping.

I never had much luck with original equipment tires going beyond 30 or 35 thousand miles, so new ones could be justified. A trip to a good independent alignment shop for a second opinion wouldn't hurt either.

Steve, Host

silverpilot03

I did crossterrains as new car takeoffs. I only test drove the Duelers and the Goodyears, but I noticed a difference. I can say that they are VERY quiet. I hear NO tire noise. I expect they will also handle better. They do have a 60000 mile wearout warrany. The LTXs do not have any warranty and I spoke to Michelin directly. The tech service rep recommended the xterrains over the LTXs for this vehicle.. Look at Michelin.com for a comparison. Tirerack. com also has a user survery and the Crossterrains rate the best.

ssminton

Glad to see that you are still taking care of the boards. When looking for a car last year to replace my Mountaineer, I looked at all the hybrids, mid-size SUV's, and AWD wagons. I have been very satisfied with my Pilot purchase. I moved from CA to PA mid-winter. The AWD certainly got a workout this year. It performed great in the constant winter snow.

porknbeans

when the 2004 will be coming out? I know this was asked awhile back, but don't remember a response. IIRC, the only changes will be some minor electrical upgrades/modifications, correct?

bowke28

are you referring to the charge for wood trim applique? or the price for the pilot?

dski

Tires getting out of alignment? Guess I'm being picky but.. you mean Wheel alignment not tire.

I was curious about the issue of tire cupping that you raised. How often are you rotating your tires? I've had this problem with tires before as well but not so much when I rotate every 5K. I do seem to recall Goodyears being more prone to this though. I'll make sure to rotate and balance every 5,000 and keep my fingers crossed. I hate replacing tires!

Drew

dski

I was referring to the CHEAP Fake Wood on the dash that Acura uses in the MDX. Actually, I noticed that they use it in some of their other models as well. The use of such cheap materials is dissapointing to me. I'd never pay close to 40 Grand for a vehicle that uses such sub par materials. In that price range, most of their competitors are paying much better attention to such details.

Just my opinion.
Drew

needacruiser

The 2004 Pilots should be out any time--anybody have a ballpark date? I'm going between a 4Runner(they are selling at or below invoice),last of the RX300's(invoice), Sequoia(500 over invoice), or a 2004 pilot for my wife. Any comments/suggestions?

ssminton

I may have the answer to the alignment problem I have experienced for nearly a year. Despite regular tire rotation, the problems have continued. When I took my car in for an oil change earlier this week, I mentioned the problem again to the dealer. When I picked up my car later that day, I was told that there was a problem with the right front bearings. With only 30K miles on the car, the service consultant felt that the problem existed since delivery. Also, the bearing problem seems to have caused destruction of the related brake rotor. Anyway... new parts are on order. Hopefully the Pilot will final drive straight!

This is not the first build issue I have experienced with the Pilot. I purchased the pilot to avoid the endless problems I had experienced as a 10 year owner of multiple Ford Explorer products. In the first year of life my Pilot has experienced the following build issues:
1) Every interior panel has been re seated - During the first few months of ownership, interior panels dislodged during regular operation.
2) Continual alignment issues - Looks like it is a bad bearing pack that has caused the problems and now damaged the brake system.
3) Several computer chip failures - The most notable was the "fast idle valve". This failure resulted in my pilot becoming possessed and accelerating on its own while driving.
4) Warm weather axle rubbing problem - I have not tried to fix this one. It is only a noticeable annoyance in hot weather.

Unlike the Explorers, all the problem are able to be resolved, which I have been very thankful for. However, the issues I have experienced are significant and not what I would expect from Honda.

joey2brix

The 4runner's are '04 models because of the re styling this year and they're not changing anything in '04. I doubt you'll see an '04 Pilot until before the fall. I'm just starting to see Pilots in number for the first time on the roads.
Since they're built in Canada just for the N. America Market, I don't think the Pilots will have the quality control of other Honda models.

toca

what vehicle's use anything but the fake stuff these days? Only vehicle I know of that stil uses real wood is Jaguar. Was in a Mercedes the other day and it too had fake wood.

sjwsmw

I thought I read Eucalyptus wood being used in certain Lincoln models like the Aviator and/or LS. Maybe this will spur a trend to real woods.
But, as far as fakes go, there are many 'degrees of fakeness'. Some are certainly better executed than others. I agree, the Acura version leaves room for improvement.

cmcardle

I'll be in the market for a new vehicle very soon to replace my wife's car, and am starting to do my research. Haven't been to the dealership yet, but I can't see anything on the Honda website about the radio antenna. Is there an external one, is it built into one of the windows (like my Highlander), or something else?

Thanks.

qbrozen

there is no external one. That's about all I can tell you. I haven't bothered to find out where it actually is.