Honda Pilot 2006

tsy

Changing the tires will reduce road noise (if you change to quieter tires!). You can put Dynamat in the doors and on the floor- I'm thinking about putting it over the tire wells especially. All this stuff isn't going to give you a Lexus of course. But I think the car is reasonably quiet. I just rode in a friend's new Avalon and didn't find it much more quiet.

tom

master1

I just want to say thanks for responding so quickly and answering my questions. I am test driving the Pilot this Saturday. Once again, thanks for answering my questions. I appreciate it.

alexasha

Well, it does not

nivekfalk

Regarding the rattle near the driver side window, it is the plastic flap that covers the area above the adjustable seatbet on the B-Pillar. I haven't yet looked to see what can be done to stop the rattle, but two that I test drove and the one that I bought all do it. Buy one anyway, they are fantastic vehicles.

bogiejim

I hear a rattle too when going over bumps. It seems to be behind me on the drivers side and up. Is the "B" pillar the one just behind the second row seats? I'd like to solve the problem as I'm in my 50's now and can only stand Led Zeppelin so loud to cover it up!

master1

If you're still having problems with the settings of your nav, CALL THE AMERICAN HONDA HEADQUARTERS, or VISIT THE DEALESHIP.

khoa

Hmm ... I thought the announcement was a partnership between Apple and Honda for the iPod. College Hills Honda has the installation instructions (music link instructions).

From the instructions, the music link harness does look like an iPod harness. Still can't tell if iPod shuffle would work.

Will have to wait until December I guess.

whampa65

I've only had my '06 Pilot for a week and tonite I just got home from driving in a blinding Snowstorm in upstate N.Y. Let me tell you, the Pilot never faultered once. It was amazing how this vehicle just stayed glued to the rode. Man I was thankful for having this type of vehicle. I heard it was good but I experienced it firsthand and it couldn't have been better.

alexasha

Do you have OEM tires? DO you have 4WD?

whampa65

Yes I have 4WD with OEM tires.

tagman

Honda faxed me the information bulletin with step by step installation and part numbers for the music link. Recently I posted all the official part numbers for the entire installation. The problem seems to be that Honda (at that time) would not officially tell me that it was meant to work with the iPod. Instead, Honda was answering the question about the future use of the right-side AUX button on the NAV unit (NAV units WITH satellite radio). In other words, Honda said that the AUX button (on the nav units with satellite radio) is for the music link. And the music link is designed for Honda accessories, such as the upcoming Honda mp3 player. The final question is simply whether or not the music link cable will also attach to an iPod and integrate the iPod into the audio system. Hopefully, that final question should be answered VERY soon.

alexasha

Actually the solution was simple. I needed to turn down brighness of panel of instruments. That fixed it. Thanks

controltestguy

We'll be getting our new Pilot within two-three weeks. I value this forum and would appreciate additional comment.

Here's what we're getting:

2006 Pilot 4WD EX-L with NAV in Billet Silver. Some questions:

Does anyone have the Backup Sensors? I feel my wife needs these. What are the best tires for this vehicle. It looks like it's going to come with Goodyear or maybe Bridgestone. But probably Goodyear. I want the best tires for rain/snow/quiet(is that possible?) . I'm in NJ.

What's the latest on the IPOD? What's Honda waiting for? Can't believe the Pilot is not 'IPOD READY' I've been following Tagman's thread. Very helpful. Is ITRIP FM the only option. What about ICRUZE? Sorry if I don't have all the info right. That's why I joined this forum.

I'm disappointed in the towing numbers. I read where owners are taking out the trans towing the full rated boat load. Do you think I could tow 2500 lbs 100 miles (50 each way-flatland boat towing)on a weekly basis with the recommended tow package. How come Honda doesn't specify an engine oil cooler as part of the tow package?

Anyway...I have a 99 Honda EX Accord V6 we bought new. And love it. So...I appreciate any input.

Thanks,

CTG

alexasha

Nav have build it rear view camera. I think it is enough to avoid any problems.
Michelin Crossterrain have very high marks on tirerack.com (8-9), OEM tires have only around 5. On the other hand there was a post that OEM tires handled snow quite well.
I am also eager to get my Ipod working. FM transmitters do not work. I just through testing new Griffin Itip with dock connector on 87.9 FM and it had a lot of static.
Can not comment on towing. I got towing package to 995 including installation but have not tried it yet.

coloron

I took a much anticipated test drive in an 06 Pilot over the weekend. After reading the many glowing comments on the Pilot in this forum, my expectations may have been too high. I was a little disappointed.

I thought Pilot had a very smooth and powerful drive train. The ride was good with maybe a bit more road noise than I'd expected but not really bad. It's not much louder than my friend's MDX if any. It definitely drives like a large SUV but handling was good for this size vehicle. Visibility was fantastic, an important aspect for me since my eyes are not too good.

My problems were with the seat comfort and the cheap plastic parts in the console.

I drove an EX-L which is what I thought I wanted. The leather seats seemed very hard and not at all compliant. I felt like I was sitting "on" the seat and not "in" it. I am 5' 10" and 165 pounds and I felt like I was sliding around in the seat going around corners. The rear seats were even less comfortable. I'd like to hear from anyone who has an 06 with leather on what you think about the seats. Do they "break in" after a time? Maybe I need to look at the EX with the cloth seats. Any opinions on the comfort of the cloth vs. the leather? Does the rear seat back recline? The salesperson we had was a real dud and couldn't answer that question and many others.

My wife took the plastic drink holder out of the console (don't ask me why) and she almost broke it trying to get it back in. The moving parts in the console felt very flimsy and not at all smooth operating. They looked like a source of rattles. Has anyone experienced rattles and/or beakage in the console parts? Maybe they are stronger than they appear.

These are just first impressions and I haven't ruled out buying a Pilot. I'm going to go back and try it again now that I've had time to think about it. I never buy a new car after the first test drive. I just can't commit $30K plus after a 15 minute drive on roads dictated by the sales person. I want to take one out on my own. If they won't let me do that, I'll go to another dealer who will.

Thanks in advance for the input.

pup

There's always the cassette adapter for the iPod.

tsy

I think the seats are preference. I agree they don't necessarily hold you in well around corners, but then again, you probably shouldn't be driving fast around corners in this car. I find the seats comfortable but I'm used to firm seats. The leather is typical for a car in this price range, and will probably break in some over time.

I would say the interior parts are quite good for a car in this price range- you can't really expect to be driving a Lexus. Once again Honda interiors are no frills but of good quality. (I am not a Hondaphile by the way- if you look at the list of cars I've owned there's no real pattern) I've not had mine for long enough to tell you about rattles but it's quite solid. My Sequoia wasn't any better, IMHO.

BTW, you will hear a lot of positive and negatives (maybe more negatives) in these forums (especially the problem threads) Just remember of the thousands and thousands of these sold, most people don't have much in the way of problems. If you're worried, buy an extended warranty. Also remember that Honda's have good resale values in the event you don't like the truck.

Hope this helps. Sorry for the long post.

tom

boating

I have an 05 Pilot EX-L purchased new on 2-05 with towing package after extensive research. Maybe this may help.

Likes and Dislikes after 13,000 miles.

Likes:

8 passanger seating (great when my kids take friends)
comfortable ride and handling
Great in snow even with standard tires (NE Winter)
Fold flat seats (For trips to Home Depot)
Good, commanding view from drivers seat
Heated front seats

Dislikes:

Road noise on highway rides
Leather seats are sagging on drivers side
No lighted steering wheel controls (radio-cruise)
Stereo reception is lousy
Gas milage is averaging 17 (got 16 with Jeep GC)
Towing 3,600 lb boat w/trailer is fine for short
trips-(although 4,500 weight limit is a joke-would
never tow that limit with Pilot)

These are my experiences only that I have encountered! Drove a 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee I-6 before Pilot purchase.

hondafans

My husband and I just bought a 2006 Pilot EXL. It's a long story, but basically the one we were going to buy had dents :sick: when we inspected it, so we refused it. They then agreed to let us take delivery of another Pilot that was identical except that it came with running boards. We really prefer the side steps and we had already ordered them from an Internet site. We plan to remove the running boards and put on the side steps. Has anyone done this installation themselves? It doesn't look hard, but we don't want to damage our new vehicle. Also, the dealer offered to give us $125 for the running boards once we remove them. This seems awfully low considering how much they charge for them. Any other ideas for places where we could sell them?

bov

Try hondapilot.org - lots of people with pilots there. They have a classified section. put an ad there and you'd do a lot better that $125:)

khoa

There's always the cassette adapter for the iPod.

Would be nice if it was that easy. That would cost a $200 add-on for a cassette player.

sas1

I've had my 06 2wdr for a month and 1500 miles now. Since I have received so much help before purchasing from this forum I'd like to give some back.

THIS IS an awesome SUV, more refined, quiet and powerfull than the 05 which I have driven as well. I have had it on the first long trip: Tucson, AZ - Grand canyon and back via Sedona. Fully loaded with 7 people, 800 miles. This is a very quiet and roomy car, handles well but best of all is the fuel economy: Up to about 85mph straight and level it will run on 3 cylinders, my average reading for the entire trip -80% Highway with 6000 ft elevation change- came to 25MPH, in fact on the stretch back from Grand Canyon (elevation drops) I clocked 27MPG. This is in my opinion outstanding for a full loaded SUV !!. During passing and mountanneous driving it exhibits plenty of muscle when needed. We also had it on dirtroad, where it passed the rattle test with flying colors. The shift between 3/6 cyl. are virtually seamless, you can at certain engine speeds sometimes sense a faint vibration through the speeder pedal, however if you set it for cruise control nothing can be felt or heard in the cabin. The cloth seats are comfy and holds you well during cornering, the stereo is not excelent but very good. Steering is precise, although the car at highway speeds shows it weight. Brakes are excelent and very easy to dose. To sum it up: Quiet, powerful refined, and very effecient. Thanks Tom

jay_24

I believe there is a FM modulator one too. If I'm not mistaken it comes with a plug for the 12v "cig lighter". So you charge the iPod and send out a FM signal that the radio can play.

--j

dima1

Can someone tell me if the width measurement of 77.5 inches for 2006 Pilot EXL is with the side view mirrors open?
What is the width with sideview mirrors closed?
I measured my garage door entrance, and it is 77".
Thanks

wbwynn

We need a hard wire option; cassette adapters and FM modulators compromise sound quality to various degrees. I would pay up if they would run an integration through the NAV screen...are you listening Honda??

pup

Is there not a cassette player in the EX-L models? The website lists a cassette player for the EX-L's. I haven't had the time to go out and test drive the new '06's so I was just assuming from the website that the EX-L's have a cassette player (like the previous models). IMHO FM modulators are a pain if you live in the city. On long trips, they're worth it.

bogiejim

I just recently got an '06 EXL/NAV. It came with a six disc cd player, no cassette.

khoa

Honda sure fools me. I saw the cassette on Honda web site too, that is until I show up at the dealer to look at it in person. People like me prefers a cassette player for the audio books on long trips.

kabill

I've been looking at Pilots for a couple of years now and, although they are obviously great vehicles, a couple of issues have kept me from getting serious about buying one. Though it probably will never happen, why doesn't the Pilot have a 2 piece tailgate like any true SUV, like the CRV for instance? Also, though people don't like to hear it, the vinyl cladded bumpers on many SUV's such as the CRV or the Explorer XLT make way more sense than the painted plastic of the Pilot, which looks good for about a year. Bumpers get bumped--especially at the rear loading and unloading. However I could overlook these smaller issues if the Pilot wasn't so loud at highway speeds. Everyone seems to talk about the road noise of Honda's, but I'm talking about the excess WIND noise which kicks in at both the front windshield and the windows at around 60 MPH. The Odyssey has the same problem. Some Pilots are quieter than others (I've driven quite a few) but they all have this issue IMO. Anybody else hear this?

whampa65

I just bought a Pilot a coulple of weeks ago (06) and I haven't noticed any excessive wind noise. I think it's real quiet overall and I highly recommend it.

floatingcloud

What cargo mat did you guys buy? The Honda cargo liner is quite expensive. If I buy some comparable brand, I don't know whether it will fit. Could you guys recommend some the brand/model you guys use? And where did you find them?

Thanks!

bogiejim

I purchased from online-honda.com. They carry all original equipment from Honda. I got the plastic/rubber alloy cargo tray. It fits perfectly with all the tie downs for the cargo nets left exposed, as it is original equipment, like you would get from the dealer. My cost was $65.55 plus shipping. I also purchased the cargo cover, which was $100.05. Shipping (from Ohio) to MA was $13.10, which was the least of the other websites I checked out. Most of them are within a couple of bucks of each other on the actual merchandise. Just google "honda accessories" and you will get several sites to check out.

tsy

I just bought an '06 and have not noticed any excessive wind noise. The road noise is not bad at all (it's not a Lexus) and actually less than the Nissan minivan I traded in. I would suggest test driving one on the freeway and judge for yourself. Try to test drive different cars on the same road. (I test drove the Pilot on a really coarse stretch of freeway and complained about the noise until I drove over the same stretch with a different car and found the other car noisier!)

As for the bumpers, you could just sand the paint off of them. I figure if they get scratched up, I can repaint them. They still look better painted than the grey plastic IMHO. But that's just what I think.

good luck.

tom

nelsoncm

Well, I just test drove my 2nd 06 pilot ex 2wd in two weeks. Same low grade rattle on drivers side, somewhere on door or around door. I don't know if it's a huge deal or not. I did mention it to the dealer, for what it's worth. Didn't get to drive it on freeway today, but that is my final test if I go back. I drove this back to back with an MDX. While the MDX is quiet and I think has better insulation, both have somewhat noisy engines during acceleration. But wind noise, rattles definitely not a factor on the MDX -- and it's a gorgeous vehicle. However, I did not like the tighter steering. It's a personal preference. I like the boatier feel of the Pilot, so it's now in the running against a Highlander. By the way, I currently drive a Saab 9-5 V6 wagon. Tight as a drum, but very noisy, rumbly engine and rumbly tumbly ride. But fun as hell on the freeways. : )

muz

I sincerely need help with this issue. I have been driving a 2003 since I was 27. It was my husband and my first new car. I bought it new and have loved having such a nice, reliable vehicle. I turned 30 in August and no longer feel like driving a minivan. It sounds so fickle and immature, but I just don't want to drive, what I now consider, an uncool vehicle anymore. Many of my friends have begun having children and have opted to buy mid-size or large SUVs. I feel so old now driving my Odyssey. It's totally an image thing, and I really wish I could just drive it and be happy and content. But, I don't.

So, we are on a search for a vehicle that I feel is more "me". I'm considering the Honda Pilot and Toyota Sequoia. I really fear that gas prices will soar again in our uncertain market, so I honestly don't want a full-size SUV.

Can anyone with three children, one eight-year old, one four-year old in a booster, and a newborn in an infant seat, help me with more information on this issue? Do you have enough space for children, gear, groceries, luggage on long trips, etc? I have so much room in my van, and I like that. I'm afraid the "step-down" will make me feel worse than the image issue of driving a minivan.

Any help is appreciated here. Thanks.

sas1

Hi - One of the best ways to get cured from your feeling of inferiority and lack of image that goes with driving a perfectly fine 3 year old reliable, spacy, accomodating and smooth V6 Honda is to visit almost any country outside the US. This will really make you appreciate your fine vehicle and xtraordinary cheap gas - and may indeed cure your luxury problem. Good luck with your many issues! Best regards Tom

kabill

As I mentioned in my original post, I've already test driven many Pilots. I've also driven Odysseys, as well as many other SUV's, and vans of several other makes, all on the same stretch of highway. I'm shopping for a SUV and my wife is looking for a new van, and while the Hondas are our favorite drive and ride, they are also the (wind) noisiest, IOO. I'm grasping at straws because, other than this issue, I am partial to these vehicles, not to mention Hondas in general (have owned one for nine years). So--does anyone know if available accessories such as the front air deflector and the sun visors for the windows help diminish noise?

markjenn

I'm about to get a 06 Pilot and will be doing some trailer towing. It appears that to equip the Pilot for towing, you have to buy four kits: hitch, hitch wiring, AT cooler, and PS cooler. Is this correct? These kits add up to pretty big bucks, about $665 even at online prices. The max I'll tow is perhaps 2K lbs and typically in cool climates, so I wonder if the AT and PS kits are overkill.

Has anyone done the job themselves? It looks straightforward, if time consuming. I could just pop it into the new car deal, but my experience is that they'll bump the price $1K+, so might just be simpler to leave it out of the negotiations.

Thanks for any advice,

- Mark

tsy

I think with Honda's problems with their trannys the tranny cooler is probably a good idea whatever you tow. Add to that Honda may give you a hard time if you have a hitch without the recommended coolers (AT, PS) if you ever have problems.

I just figured I'd pay a few hundred dollars for the extra parts and have the dealer install it. That way there's nothing they can say if I have transmission problems no matter how much I tow.

It is awefully expensive add on just to tow something.

tom

tagman

The Highlander is really tiny inside. You've got to make use of the seat positions very deliberately on the first two rows. The third row seat is a nightmare and does NOT have a split fold down. Very inconvenient. And the interior has a very plastic, very fake looking wood trim, that would be better without. If you are considering the Nav option, Honda (and Acura) has almost EVERYONE beat right now, at ANY price. The MDX will require premium gas, and take a look at the center console. The Pilot's center console (one of the best of ANY vehicle) will make good order of all the nasty stuff that accumulates, but the MDX can do NOTHING with it, by comparison (highlander can't compare in this regard, either). Eight passengers instead of seven can be a plus, and if you only need seven, the Pilot has a split fold down rear seat to add the extra cargo space, even with seven passengers. Simply put, the Pilot is more useful. Another difference, look at the better use of body side moldings on the Pilot. The shape of the Acura doors is a prescription for dings galore. None of the three are genuinely luxurious in the true sense (but ALL can be nicely equipped), so why waste the big price difference on the MDX and get a less useful car for more money? And the '06 Pilot is certainly quiet enough under most road conditions. It gets my vote. Easily.

sas1

RIGHT ON nelsoncm - The Pilot is the best alternative out there. Large size and versatility coupled with very reasonable fuel economy, yet strong strong V6. A car is like a partner in life there will always be compromises - The pilot is right on.

tagman

Hey sas1,
Were you responding to my last thread? If so, take notice of the thread titles. If not, then I apologize in advance. Here's how it goes: The author always shows as "by -----". Parenthesis indicate a previous thread to which the author is replying. For example, even though I am writing this comment, I am replying to YOURS, so YOU will show up in parenthesis, and I will show up "by tagman". Cool? TagMan

floatingcloud

I don't know whether you guys have this problem. When I store the headrests into the small cabinet by sliding into the holes, I feel the headrests are a little bit too high. Of cource these headrests are soft and I can force the lid to close and lock, I just feel this is not quite right. And since the lock point is only at middle, I feel the other two headrests at side are pushing the two sides of the lid up a little bit. Am I doing anything wrong?
Thanks!

bogiejim

Try reversing them and you may solve your problem.

floatingcloud

Thanks. I may need to do that. Just when I tried, I feel it is much easier to do the 'up' way. I guess I am just too lazy.

sas1

Got it thanks - SAS1

pup

Has anyone who has an '06 Pilot w/RES tried hooking up their iPod (or other mp3 player) to the audio in jack behind the center console to play their tunes through the Pilot's main speakers?

kjjerry

I just got my 06 Exl with Nav last week and the gas milage is just about 16 mpg. Mixed city and highway. Maybe is becuase is still in the break in period. :confuse:

Anyway, does any body know if 2006 model year also need to preform the idle learn procedure?

I look at the the installation manual of the most of the accessories for the 2005 model it requires to perform idle learn procedure when ever the better was disconnected.

Don't see any where on the 2006 model year.

Any one got the 2006 pre delivery instruction? :confuse:

ukko

The first trip with the 06 Pilot, on the highway, considering some backup traffic at the beginning, left me with 20 mpg. Honda, as compared with the 2004, and an earlier MDX, has improved the vehicle a lot. The steering, rear view mirror, head lights, tail lights, Moon roof, engine performance, slight interior adjustments, XM radio, and I think, road sound improvements, have made the Pilot a pleasure to drive. Hats off to Honda. Example: A truck, with an extra wide load needed to be passed quickly. with slight pressing on the petal, I was around and going 95 with ease. At 64 years of age I never dreamed I would have such a vehicle. It is nice there is a variety to fit different requirements. This vehicle nails ours.

Appreciate all the other evaluations posted.

mldj98

Did you happen to own a 2004 Pilot? Or perhaps an MDX?
So I would assume your comments are based on comparing the new with the old?
Oh by the way.....I agree with you 100%