Honda Pilot 2006

aspesisteve

re: "If you want "normal" mileage without all these outlyers, just ignore everybody and use the EPA numbers. That's exactly why the cars are tested and the numbers are reported - to provide a scientifically accurate estimate of what you can expect in city and highway driving. "

and subtract 10%
there is nothing accurate about EPA estimates unless you drive in a perfect world.

aspesisteve

anyone convert from the Oddysey to the Pilot?
can you comment on road noise?

I currently drive an '02 Oddysey and think the biggest drawback is road noise in the cabin. Does the Pilot do a better job at quieting the ride? I feel there's alot of driving fatigue to be had from driving a noisy car.

I'm guessing the Hylander/Sienna does a better job insulating the cabin.

dtos01

Where can I find the service intervals for my new Pilot? I know it has the "maintenance minder" but is it written anywhere that at 5k miles, do this, 10k this, etc.?

markjenn

There are a few services that have fixed mileage or time intervals when in "severe" service (see the OM pg. 235), but in general, the maintenance minder system is designed to completely replaced mileage- or time-based servicing - you just take it in when the lights tell you.

- Mark

pilot3rd

I din't convert, but still drive a '03 Ody and have a '06 Pilot.
Yes, the Ody can be noisy - that's a lot more interior volume than the Pilot. I put eDead in all doors and spare wheel well in the Ody and that helped.
But the Pilot is a whole lot quieter overall. I get the impression there must be a lot more sound deadner they added in the '06, based on complaints of '05 and earlier owners.
My biggest complaint about the Ody right now is the caliper rattle you hear from the front driving over rough, broken up asphalt city streets.
I've never had driver fatigue with the Ody from road noise, and that's driving 14+ hrs. some days on trips.

sportutes

I liked the headlights of the 2006 Pilot. I have the 2003 Honda Pilot which I repalced a bluish white headlight bulb. I'm planning to trade in my 2003 Pilot for a 2006 Pilot. I just want to know what type of bulb the 2006 Pilot uses. Is it the same with the 2003?

master1

The 06 Pilot has projector lights. So I don't think it has the same type of bulb as the 03.

06rrpilot

Anyone out there know of any good windshield repair companies in and around Old Bridge, NJ?

stever

Check with your insurance company - many work with national networks to fix chips since a repair saves the company money vs. replacing the whole windshield.

I had a chip fixed back in '00 through my car insurance and the repair was done at my house, and it's still holding up fine.

Steve, Host

imidazol97

I second the chip repairs that work. If they're not in the main line of sight, you'll not notice them.

golic

I really enjoy my new Pilot, but was wondering if Honda has plans to get into the larger SUV market to compete with the Sequioa's and Expeditions of sort?

quantjoq

CTG,

Did you ever get a response on this one? I just took delivery of the same car (w/o 4WD) and the problem is worse. I can't even enter an address into the system. It freezes and sometimes reboots on its own...

Any ideas??? Thanks...

QuantJoQ

master1

Honda has not said anything, and they are not going to do that. Gas mileage. In about five or seven years from now, SUVS wont even exist any more because of gas mileage. Maybe there still will be cross-overs, but no more Pilot sized SUVS, and Expeditions. Currently, there aren't many people buying SUVS.

ajwx3

When you find out about the silicone I'd like to know. I am having the same problem

tmalik

I don't know about people not buying SUV's 5 or 7 years from now, and there are still quite a few people buying SUVs and the Pilot would classify as a crossover, so I'ld have to disagree with most of those statements. But I would agree that there's no large SUV in Honda's plans for the next 3 or 4 years. Honda's publicly said many times that its not interested in building a V-8, which is why even the top of the line Acura RL still gets by with a V6. Without a V8 Honda probably couldn't move into the Expedition category. By the way, I don't think the interior of a Sequoia is that much bigger than a Pilot.

golic

If people are still buying SUVs today, my guess is they will be around forever.

I have 4 kids and a minivan and I needed our other car to accomodate the kids. And I thought the Pilot was the best all around choice.

Pilot works great, the booster seats on the 40% bench are little tricky to buckle in, but I am wondering in 3 years when the lease is up we just bite the bullet and become a 2-minivan family. *sigh*

humbug1

Ok, I guess you have a crystal ball since you can predict what people want in 5-7 years. I'd wish people would just post facts instead of coming here to inject baseless claims. There aren't too many choices for a family with 3 or more kids - either minivan, suv w/3rd row or a bus. Are you claiming that people will procreate less in 5-7 years or are you suggesting that everyone with these needs will buy a minivan.
A minivan is the sensible choice, but not all come with awd for winter driving. The only one I know of is the toyota sienna. It's only offered in the le trim and costs 2k more than the '06 lx 4wd I purchased. As for the gas mileage, I don't care. I just fill up and go. I've got bigger things to worry about - like college tuition ;-).
BTW, do you even own a pilot?

tsy

Having owned a Sequoia (and a Suburban) and now with a Pilot, I will tell you the Sequioa does have significantly more room than the Pilot, and the Suburban significantly more room than the Sequioa! I've been gradually downsizing to find out something that's perfect and the Pilot does work for now.

But I suspect when my kids grow in a few years I will need a larger SUV and will probably end up with another Suburban.

I think SUVs will be around in a few more years, just not as popular as they were a few years ago. Let's face it, they're not as popular right now, and unless gas prices take huge fall again and the government gives huge tax credits again, huge SUVs probably won't have a huge market (unless they make a hybrid version that gets 30mpg! ) Minivans are just more practical, more efficient, and unless you are actually doing some off roading, entirely sufficient.

tom

06rrpilot

thanks steve & imidazo!!!

jay_24

"Minivans are just more practical, more efficient, and unless you are actually doing some off roading, entirely sufficient. "

Add towing to your list where minivans come up short. Our old minivan had problems with our 2500lb camper, gear, bikes and 3 kids.

imidazol97

And if they don't take the windshield out and install a new one you miss the opportunity for leaks or squeaks or even car damage like I had occur when one was changed. They put a dent into the dash pad.

master1

When I say that there wont be any more SUVS in 5-7 years, you know know what I mean and there's no need to be sarcastic in that way about a crystal ball. The sales of SUVS has been dramatically falling now and in 5-7 years from now, there will be very few SUVS like the Pilot's size on the road. Well, you might now worry about gas mileage. But millions of others do. That's why they are selling less SUV's.
In the future, there will be more Highlander sized vehicles, not Pilot sized.

humbug1

Are you kidding? The pilot and the highlander are in the same class. Also, epa mileage rating for the highlander is 18/24 compared to the pilot's 17/22 - not a lot of difference there. Regardless, they're both considered crossovers because they're built on a car chasis. I don't think that segment is going away.
The larger class (suburban, expedition and durango) which averages about 14/19 mpg will more likely be affected.

jay_24

The new 2007 Tahoe is rated for 15/21 and is selling about 2x last years numbers. The big SUVs are needed for a family that also has boats, campers, and similar toys that need to be towed.
The Tahoe is also due to have a hybred version in about a year.

I'll agree sales probably won't hit the late 90's numbers sold again, but they won't go away.

hj708

I guess one deciding factor is where gas prices are headed. Will they be the same in 5 years, less, more? Who knows. If they remain what they are now I think demand for Pilot size SUV's will remain steady. As long as people have kids and the things you have to haul around when you have a family, there will be a market for SUV's. Besides, it's not like the Pilot is a gas guzzler. I get almost 25mph highway in my 06 2WD. Throw the hybrid technology into the Pilot, and 30+ is likely. If gas prices rise, you might be seeing more Pilots on the road. Those who used to go for Tahoes, Expedition, etc, might funnel their money into something like a Pilot instead.

aspesisteve

re: "there wont be any more SUVS in 5-7 years"

maybe sales of SUVs will continue to decline, but to say there won't be any more is just plain wrong.

As long as there is a demand for trucks, and I don't see that going away EVER, there will be SUVs. As long as people want to pull their boat to the lake in the mountains with the kids, bikes and dog, there will be SUVs.

I think you underestimate what people are willing to pay for a gallon of gas and what they want/need to take on their vacation not to mention soccer practice.

golic

I guess as long as there still is a large segment of our society a)who think it is perfectly fine to keep a balance on a credit card that carries a 25.99% interest rate.

b) Who walk into a dealership and negotiate, not price but the "payment"

then the reliance on MPG is truly exagerrated.

If gas and fuel efficiency were truly driving auto sales, then we wouldn't be able to count Hybrid options on one hand. In fact, Toyota had the prius and what was there second hybrid car? A family sedan??? Nope, an SUV.

I think the "cross-over" type vehicle has a better chance of replacing the sedan over the next generation than the SUV.

thegraduate

Having owned a Sequoia (and a Suburban) and now with a Pilot, I will tell you the Sequioa does have significantly more room than the Pilot, and the Suburban significantly more room than the Sequioa! I've been gradually downsizing to find out something that's perfect and the Pilot does work for now.

And the Odyssey more room than the Suburban!

The Odyssey has 147 cu.ft. of cargo capacity, while the Suburban has 132 cu.ft., the Sequoia has 128 cu.ft., and the Pilot has 88 cu.ft.

**(all numbers from behind front seats)**

Due to the Suburban and Sequoia's truck frame, cargo must ride on top of the frame, whereas unibodies have the benefit of cargo that can ride lower in the vehicle, giving a greater benefit to those so equipped.

tsy

True, but in terms of 'functional' space, the Suburban still has more. The Odyssey just has a taller cabin- but try stacking a bunch of stuff behind the 3rd seat to go on a long trip! (It's a pain!)

Once again, there's nothing more functional than a minivan. They are great and practical- it's just they've gotten so big now (dimensions are roughly the same as large SUVs like the Sequoia and Expedition) they are overkill for a small family. Which is why the Pilot is the perfect size for us. Until Honda brings over the Japanese version of the Odyssey.

tom

markjenn

Wouldn't the Mazda 5 get you the downsized minivan you're looking for?

- Mark

thegraduate

If the Odyssey is overkill, why'd you get the more expensive vehicle with worse fuel mileage and smaller interior space? It doesn't quite make sense in my little brain. I guess the 12 inch difference in length had something to do with it?

tsy

Because I wanted to waste more money?

You're right, it was the extra length (188" vs 201) and shorter wheelbase that actually makes a huge difference. It's my wife's car and she had problems with a full sized "minivan" because she drives in the city a lot. (Our Quest was 204" long!) The Pilot works well size wise and she's quite happy with it.

Mark- as for the Mazda 5- it is really small. The back seat would barely fit my kids. And it only seats 6. Almost bought the MPV though. It would be nice if they made a short wheelbase Odyssey.

tom

humbug1

I too test drove the Mazda5 but the wife nixed that idea. I liked the size and utility, but it lacked the awd or traction control which is a must for Chicago winters. It hasn't caught on yet and they expect to sell about 20k/year. For some reason, Mazda is marketing this towards younger buyers and not the typical family suv/minivan shoppers. I guess that would cut into their MPV share.

We've gotten way off topic here, since we're here to discuss how much we love our Pilots. I recall this started with someone's baseless prediction - by someone who doesn't even own a Pilot, I might add. Go figure...

thegraduate

I understand; I thought about it after I posted it.

I can tell a big difference in the size of my 1996 Accord and my 2006 Accord, while they aren't a foot different in length. So, if any offense was taken, I'm truly sorry. It was kind of a case where I didn't "think before I typed."

Have a good weekend!

thegrad

tsy

Nah, no offense taken. I'm just being facetious.

It's an honest question. It really is amazing how much more maneuverable our Pilot is compared to our minivan. I'm just happy my wife no longer backs into things! (I got to know a body shop quite well)

Have a good weekend yourself!

tom

wcmf

does anyone notice a slight hesitation in the acceleration coming out of a rolling stop with the '06 Pilots? I think it might have to do with the new "drive by wire" technology. Also, why are the doors heavier on the EXL Pilot models than on the XL models?

~vince

wrascal

I'd like to suggest that you combine the 03-05 forum with this 06 forum, so as to not require jumping around. Soon you'll have an 07 forum, then 08, etc. Currently, they are all the same basic vehicle.

hdcd

We just picked up our new '06 w/o Nav and went on a trip from CA to AZ. I also noticed the same issues with XM as you have. The local FM stations sound better than XM.

Did you ever figure out any better settings or any other solution? Thanks!

heyrocco

Hi. Can someone please give me a quick breakdown on the difference between the LX and EX Models of the 2006 Honda Pilot. I am planning on buying 4WD bt can't decide on which model. Thanks

01mdx

Here is the info from the brochure:
Pilot 2WD EX
Adds to or replaces 2WD LX features:
• Driver’s seat with 8-way power
adjustment
• AM/FM/XM ReadyR2/6-disc in-dash
CD audio system with 7 speakers,
including subwoofer
• Front and rear synchronized automatic
climate control system
• Unique 16-inch alloy wheels
• Fog lights

However, I think there may be a few more items such as rear window tint, roof rails, etc. but I am not sure.

hj708

In addition, the EX has some other exterior features that upgrade the look. Roof racks, and body colored rear view mirrors and door handles (versus black in the LX). Plus the upgraded wheel look, and fog lights. One other thing I can think of on the interior is the EX has 2 or 3 (I think?) more cupholders than the LX.

kabill

The Discussion Title here is HONDA PILOT 2006+, and not everyone is here to discuss how much they "love" their PILOT, nor is it required to be Pilot owner to have an opinion or to comment here.

Since it seems to bother you that an "outsider" (ie, non-owner of a Pilot) has infiltrated this discussion, I suggest you shift gears and join in on the "HONDA PILOT OWNERS: MEET THE MEMBERS" discussion group, where you should be more comfortable knowing non of these non-owner types are lingering. But, be careful--you WILL run into a few dissenting opinions there as well, even amongst brethren.

tidester

... we're here to discuss how much we love our Pilots.

I missed the "How much we love" part in the title!

Seriously, kabill offered some good advice.

tidester, host

humbug1

I have no problems with an 'outsider' posting to this forum. I have problems with someone making baseless claims without backing it up with any facts.
"In about five or seven years from now, SUVS wont even exist any more because of gas mileage. Maybe there still will be cross-overs, but no more Pilot sized SUVS, and Expeditions. Currently, there aren't many people buying SUVS."
As for my statement about "how much we love our Pilots", I was being facetious. I apologize to anyone who was not adept to realize that.

master1

Why don't we change the subject? Nobody is agreeing with anyone and there is no need to discuss this anymore especially if you don't agree and take what I say so dramatically when you understand what I mean. So why don't we drop this topic on future Honda Suvs for now because this isn't going anywhere. There isn't any need to discuss this anymore

humbug1

For once, I agree with you!

01mdx

I found a better listing for the differences between the LX and EX in the specs page from the brochure (it’s actually a longer list then what I thought):

• Driver’s seat with 8-way power and lumbar adjustment
• XM Ready/6-disc in-dash CD with 7 speakers including subwoofer
• steering wheel audio controls
• Front and rear synchronized automatic climate control system
• Upgraded 16-inch alloy wheels
• Fog lights
• security system
• Home link
• rear window tint
• roof rails
• body colored mirrors and door handles (versus black in the LX)
• body colored rear spoiler (versus black in the LX)
• 2nd row activity tray
• conversation mirror/sunglass holder
• cargo net included
• EX has 2 more cupholders than the LX

I think that’s everything

abang

I took a 2006 Pilot LX for a test drive with the family and my kids complained the 2nd row seat was hard. I've not driven another Pilot and was wondering if you 2006 Pilot owners can comment on whether this is normal or an anomaly or simply subjective.

hdcd

We have a 2006 Pilot EX-L(eather) and my 6 and 9 yr olds have no problems with the seats. Not sure if is because they are leather.

An added bonus of the leather seats is the front seats are heated. Long drives + heated seats = no back aches - at least for me.

pistonhonda

Wanted to get an LX pilot within the next 2 months so still need more info to help decide.Oh and I added some of the comparisons so that those leaning on the LX could make a better choice.

• Driver’s seat with 8-way power and lumbar adjustment
-LX is 6-way manual adjustment
If I'm the only driver of the pilot and I set LX seat to fit me comfortably will I get the same comfort level of the EX's driver seat? Power adjustments to me are for cars used by different drivers, I dont see the need if only one driver is going to use it.

• XM Ready/6-disc in-dash CD with 7 speakers including subwoofer
-LX has the AM/FM/1-disc cd player with 4 speakers

• Front and rear synchronized automatic climate control system
-LX it's manual front and separate manual rear controls

• Upgraded 16-inch alloy wheels
-Anyone know where i could find pics on the net for the LX's painted alloy wheels?

• Fog lights
-Can you get this as an option on the LX?

• security system
-The LX has remote entry and panic alarm
What is a panic alarm and what exactly is Honda putting in the "security system"? I'm a newbie to this stuff so more info greatly appreciated...

• Home link
-I have no idea what this is, so please explain...

• rear window tint
-LX will have light tint

• roof rails
-Can you get this as an option on the LX?

• body colored mirrors and door handles (versus black in the LX)
-This is the one extra feature I wish the LX had, coz painting will chip off sooner or later if you do it. And are there any pics on the net of LX's? Honda.com shows the EX pics only even as LX examples.

• body colored rear spoiler (versus black in the LX)
-Are there any pics on the net for this?

• 2nd row activity tray
-Are there any pics on the net for this?

• conversation mirror/sunglass holder
-There isn't a sunglass holder on LX's?

• cargo net included
-Can I buy this aftermarket?

• EX has 2 more cupholders than the LX
-So which seating positions don't have the cupholders,the middle seats in 2nd and 3rd rows?

Oh I also think that the EX dimensions are a little wider and taller by only an inch and the EX has exeterior temperature sensor

As for 2WD and 4WD, do you guys think that the 2WD will be good enough to travel once in a while to Lake Tahoe or snowy terrain or is the 4WD really necessary in this kind of climate?
Thanks for any info you can provide.