2009 Honda Pilot

brutus22

Just thought I would mention....The difference in fuel economy is only 1 mpg for city and 2 mpg for hwy between the Pilot and Highlander... and the Pilot is not only a bigger vehicle but has a larger engine with more power. I would say the Saturn Outlook makes sense for you as it has about the same econmy as the old highlander but is much larger...you might want to check it out

BTW, in regards to the other post regarding release of the Accord would effect the Pilot... I just don't see it, they are 2 different classes, one is a sedan the other an SUV...the only way that makes sense was if it was the CRV and Pilot then maybe they would have an issue with effecting each other.

B.

odie6l

I've heard that Honda will be moving the E-brake up to the console. This makes me happy as I hate the e-brake down at my feet. When vehicle started putting the e-brake up there it was a giant leap forward... kinda like getting rid of the High-beam Button on the Floor (showing my age). Also there is rumor that the shifter will be moving down to the center console. Well, back to playing in the snow.. bye.

Odie
Odie's Carspace

r2d2_3cpo

According to my dealer he is hearing that the new Pilot will not be released until the spring of 2009 -- as a 2009 model. 2008 model will be the current design.

Can anyone confirm this?

:confuse:

r2d2_3cpo

CORRECTION:

Should have read:

According to my dealer he is hearing that the new Pilot will not be released until the spring of 2008 -- as a 2009 model. 2008 model will be the current design.

Can anyone confirm this?

freshy

Here is a possible spy shot of the next gen:
http://hondavehicles.blogspot.com/2007/02/spied-possible-2008-honda-pilot.html
Thoughts?

loach

Pretty much looks like the old Pilot.

brutus22

shows nothing...and my question is if Honda is not releasing the Pilot until more then a year from now then this does not gel with that photo of basically a completed vehicle ready for a summer/fall launch. It could also simply be a test mule.

B.

jeepvan

why would the spare tire go under ?

Whether it comes this fall or next spring, Honda, we need a QUIETER vehicle.

rexflash1

A primare reason I bought the Pilot is because the shifter is on the steering wheel. That gives you tremendous storage space in the center consol for maps, notes, books, food, etc. I sure hope Pilot keeps the shifter on the steering wheel when they design the 2008.

rnmom

Hi all i am looking to lease a mid size SUV and have looked at the MAuano not crazy about the design but the vehicle is loaded with all the extra except for axu plug for i pod
Also checked out the Sabura Tribecia liked that one better. My lease is up in June and was hoping for a look at the new Honda Any were I could get a picture

thebenefactor

I am/was on the precipice of buying an 07 Pilot, but I'm going to drive it until the wheels fall off and I love the new CR-V design. I think I'm going to wait it out. I would love to get a firm timeline on the new model introduction. Plus if the 08 is the same as the 07 I could always change my mind this summer and try to get an even better deal.

brutus22

Hello,

Word at the VTEC forum is that we shall see the new redesigned release in early 2008.

Personally I am still hoping they show us a prototype a la Accord 9 months ahead of the actual release so I can see if it is worth the wait. Right now the GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook and Mazda CX9 are in a class by themselves.

B.

practical

Will there be a new Pilot this fall using the SHAWD?

fastfred

I was talking with a local dealer a few days ago and asked about a pilot redesign, he said he expected in about mid summer. Any intel on when and what to expect? Really needs a better radio, and blue tooth at a minimum,

mercara

What I'd really like to see is a full size SUV based on the Ridgeline platform and a V8 option that can tow 6500 lbs. Sweet. :shades:

mercara

I bought a new 2007 pilot three days ago and drove it to work for the first time today. I noticed that the instrument cluster light stayed on the whole time even without the headlights or parking lights on. Is there an automatic feature to the instrument cluster lighting? It was foggy and dark outside and I wonder if there is a light sensor or something that automatically lights up the instrument cluster even if you don't put on the head lights or parking lights.

odie6l

The brighter setting on the cluster is for when the lights are on during the day, you will be able to see the gauges better. You can turn the brightness down one level for normal settings, but if you turn on your lights during the day, your cluster will go very dim.

Hope this helps

Odie
Odie's Carspace

mercara

Thanks Odie.

This feature didn't exist in any of my older cars so I was just making sure that it wasn't an electrical issue with my car.

jeepvan

all I need from Honda Pilot is a QUIET, QUIET, QUIET car, when driven. all my hondas have horrible road noises.

practical

Seems like no new gen for 08.

suv10

Pricing a new 2007 EXL 2wd Pilot with navigation system in the New Orleans area. Anyone with this buying experience recently?

dbt

In another forum, a Honda dealer in NJ is reporting that similar model codes for MY2008 Pilots suggest that 2008 will not be a full model change for Pilot (consistent with Spring 08, MY09 FMC).

However, there are some new lines for the Pilot: VP and SE
And some differences in colors. (no more Desert Rock; new Mocha Metallic; limited availability of Abderdeen Green)

Build-out for MY07 (last chance for dealers to order MY07s) was supposedly last month, so later this month, dealers may be able to order MY08s (with deliveries later this summer), IIUC.

jenniferspence

Does anyone know what the dimensions of the Pilot's cargo area are, both with the two rows folded and with just the third row folded are? I know what the total cargo volume is, but the actual dimensions are key for me. Thanks!

iivxiv

Yeah, I don't think you'll be seeing that from Honda for a while.

winedogs

Do you know what the VP and SE will have standard and optional?

accordfreak

I went to the NY Auto Show this week and when I spoke to the people at the Honda booth they confirmed that the new Pilot will probably debut early next year. Given Honda's past performance, they'll show a concept at Detroit and roll out the real deal at NY next spring, or possibly delay the prototype till the NY show. I guess rolling out the accord is too much to do both in the fall

rexflash1

Assuming that Honda uses the Acura MDX as the basis for the Pilot, it could be a winner. Car & Driver just tested 8 $50,000 luxury SUVs and found the Acura MDX Sport the winner. go to:
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/12669/eight-tickets-to-paradise-we-compa- re-eight-50000-luxury-suvs.htmlhttp://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/12669/eig- ht-tickets-to-paradise-we-compare-eight-50000-luxury-suvs.html

coupedncal

It is almost a given the new pilot will be based on the all new MDX. It will be same dimensions and chassis. I am sure the difference will come down to not-as-refined trim levels.

dbt

Do you know what the VP and SE will have standard and optional?
Again from another board, via a Northern California dealer:

"VP is based on LX with the following added features:
Privacy Glass
Machined Alloy Wheels
XM Satellite Radio
6CD audio system with 7 speakers
Roof Rails
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Body Color Door Mirrors, Door Handles and Rear Spoiler

SE is based on EX with the following added features:
DVD Rear Entertainment System
Sunroof
XM Satellite Radio
115V Power Outlet
Conversation Mirror
Ambient overhead console lighting"

Personally, I'm very interested in the VP (it has most of what I would miss from the EX)

Also, the Mocha color will have delayed availability

ushy66

Regarding the earlier posts and discussion(#'s 41, 43, 61), I would very much like to see the Pilot shifter moved to the front dash like the current Odyssey or the new CR-V. Reason: when I use my column shifter on my Pilot in 1st or 2nd it runs into my knee and is very difficult and uncomfortable to drive (ie, winter conditions or on secondary muddy/slipery roads driving to a trailhead).

brutus22

I 2nd that. It is one of the major things I do not like about the current Pilot.

B.

ushy66

While I think the Honda Pilot is a good product, one of my other major concerns about the current Pilot, in addition to the poorly engineered column shifter, is the lack of propper sound insulation/engineering from ROAD NOISE, which is unacceptable. Unfortunately, unless Honda properly addresses these two issues in the 2008 Pilot, they will loose a(many) repeat customer(s). Honda products have been cited recently, and for the past several years in Consumer Reports and other respected publications for their road noise problems. Initially, before I purchased my Pilot I thought this was over-hyped criticism. It's not! The SUV's I am seriously looking at to replace my Pilot are the Toyota RAV-4(V6), Hyundai Sante Fe Limited(V6), Toyota Highlander (V6)---in spite of its lackluster new skin for 2008, and the Hyundai Veracruse. I don't want to jump ship, but will if Honda doesn't address these major concerns in the 2008 Pilot.

coach06

Thanks for your post about the road noise on the Pilot. My wife and I are looking to switch our 01 Odyssey out with a crossover model and was looking seriously at the Pilot. Road noise is definitely one of our deciding factors when it comes to buying a vehicle. Both of our parents live 4 to 7 hours away. We are going to test drive the Saturn Outlook this weekend and if not pleased will wait for the '08 pilot. Any updates on the '08 Pilot anyone??????

dbt

We are going to test drive the Saturn Outlook this weekend and if not pleased will wait for the '08 pilot. Any updates on the '08 Pilot anyone??????

If you read above my posts #74 and #81, there is information in another very reliable forum that the 2008 Pilot will not be a full-model-change (redesign). The main difference will be availability of 2 new trim lines, plus some differences in color.

The FMC of the Pilot should come in Spring 2008 as a 2009 model.

rossdm

Yes, road noise is still a problem, even in the '07s. I'm not sure why Honda hasn't addressed it. It's no better in my '07 that it was in my '03.

That said, it wasn't enough of a problem to keep me from buying another one. I just turn the stereo up louder. :surprise:

Dave

ushy66

I agree; that is what I have done too---turn up the volume on the car stereo system. However, when placing phone calls, those I'm calling have difficulty hearing me and I hearing them due to the high level of background road noise (with the radio volume down or off). Which brings me to another request to Honda for their 2008 Pilot and Accord (I hope you're listening in, Honda), a mute button on the steering wheel controls like the 2007 VW Passat (the star button on the left hand side of the Passat steering column; see interior pics for 2007 passat sedan on edmunds .com), in addition to the decreased road noise. Thanks.

J

eltonliu2000

Who know when the 2008 Pilot will come out?

rcfilm

I would beware of buying this vehicle. my 04 is a money pit. just out of warranty new AC condenser $500 front control bushings $400 and more This car has 35K miles and has been hwy driven. This is not a dependable vehicle Get an ext warranty. Rides great great in the snow but..... maybe a lease makes sense..

rcfilm

American Honda has just agreed to pay for most of the AC repair even though I'm 6 months out of Wty

dbt

American Honda has just agreed to pay for most of the AC repair even though I'm 6 months out of Wty

And so, with the new AC parts, your Pilot should include some 2008 Pilot parts, and that's why you're posting in this forum?

zarba

We cheked out the Acadia at the Atlanta Auto Show.

Great room, good seat desiggn (Easy of entry to the third row), good ergonomics, BUT

1) The interior materials look great but they feel like they'll not hold up much past the end of your warranty.

2) Price: We looked at a loaded Acadia @ $40K. Sorry, but the price is too high for an unproven design, especially with the Pilot being so much less expensive.

2) GM's record on reliability for first year models is horrendous. They view the public as their test fleet. We keep our cars a long time, and frankly, GM's long-term reliability is terrible. The best way to guage this is resale values over the long term. Anyone can make a car that doesn't break in 3 years. Heck,that's a given. Show me a car that holds up for 10 years, and I'll show you a Honda.

We picked up our new Pilot EX-L AWD last night at Team Honda in Lithia Springs (Atlanta) GA. No NAV, No DVD, $30K drive out.

texases

Can't disagree on general principles (1st year problems, import vs. domestic reliability), but I will say we're looking at replacing a trouble free '95 Suburban with 130k miles with something in this class, so I don't automatically dismiss GM.

mercara

I was considering the Acadia before I bought my pilot last month. My main reasons for going with a Pilot was that the interiors space in the Acadia didn't seem a lot more than the pilot for the exterior size of the Acadia. Second, I am always wary of first year models due to glitches that get ironed out over time. This was the same with the pilot too when it was launched. Third, dealers where really sitting on their high stage and not willing to negotiate saying that it was a hot model and was flying off the lots. Given the same price points and maybe the third model year of the acadia, it may have been a close call. I got my pilot EXL-RES 4WD at $29500 + TTL and 8/120K extended warranty for 1230 + tax so the deal was too good to pass up. Similar option acadia was going for about $34,000 + TTL. Extended warranty quotes where about $2000 for 7 year extened warranty.

upstatedoc

Any concept photos of the '09 Pilot that you are aware of? Thanks

dbt

Any concept photos of the '09 Pilot that you are aware of? Thanks

No. Some people may link to some old (last August) photos, but most people think those old photos have nothing to do with the upcoming Pilot. The 08 Accord coupe got caught recently, but its release is fairly soon. For now, best guess is to look at the MDX, and think boxier

dbt

I just saw this guess sketch, from someone who is completely unafiliated with Honda. IMO, not a bad guess of doing the MDX boxier:

Guesstimate Sketch of 09 Pilot

brutus22

My guess is that it will look more like the GM twins Acadia and Outlook hopefully more crossover sporty then SUV trucky...at least I can hope....please may it not look like the new Highlander I hate that new styling I prefer the old one better. I def doubt it will look anything like the CX-9.

B.

mercara

I approve this design ;-)

pat

No, no, no. What you meant to say is "I am mercara and I approve of this design." Right?

Oh, sorry. It seems there is no respite from political seasons, is there! :sick: :P

tidester

It seems there is no respite from political seasons, is there!

The problem with starting the campaigning way too soon is that campaign fatigue sets in very early too - even before we've recovered from the last election!

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper