The headlights on the prototype look like mock ups. The real question is whether or not the shape itself will change. The front would look a lot better if the headlights and grill follow along the same horizontal lines and the grill didn't droop below the line of the lights. Drop the inflatable insert in the middle of the grill too. The concaved hood creases accentuate the apparent disconnection between the lamps and the grill assembly. Any Photoshop whiz fancy building that in cyberspace?
Seems like Honda has trouble with headlights. The restyle on the current Pilot was a step back (IMHO), and the new Accord sedan's are OK, but worse than the coupe's. The Pilot concept's look marginally OK from straight on, but poor from the other angles I've seen. After the CR-V's grille/headlight mess, I'm not holding my breath on what they'll put on the production Pilot.
I am in the market for a replacement for my '05 Pilot this year. I checked out the Highlander again, and it's just so anonymous I can't convince myself to like it. The other japanese options include the Pathfinder and CX-9. Pathfinder is truck based, big on the outside, small on the inside. CX-9 stylistically nice, but poor quality materials inside and basically looks like a big crossover. US SUV's have come on a bit but I'm not quite up for buying one yet. Resale values just stink on US cars. All in all the Pilot remains a nice package. Maybe this design will be a bit of grower. I do kind of like the head on view. I'll hold on for the production release before a final decision. I may have to stretch to the MDX.
The restyle on the current Pilot was a step back (IMHO
In aesthetics or functionality? The projector headlights are a boost to visibilty,they are brighter. All my vehicles have projector headlights (some w/ HID's) and I think they're far superior to "bulb and reflector" types. :shades:
You think the new Pilot is less anonymous than the new Highlander?? Can't agree with that.
Not really. The front is well, interesting, but between two rather dull designs the Pilot is a better package overall, in my opinion. Plus a loaded Highlander gets into MDX territory price wise which really makes it a no brainer to buy the much acclaimed Acura.
I wonder where the Pilot will top out in loaded form ($). I did read somewhere that Honda were adding a new top of the range model above the EX-L. Goodness knows what that will cost. $45K MSRP will get you a nicely loaded MDX and given it's been around for a bit maybe more deals available.
Almost certainly not, given that it will be in showrooms by May. The tooling must already be in place and the factory gearing up to start production.
I'm afraid you may be right. There were some minimal changes in the Accord post prototype, but that one was well received unlike the Pilot. I have to imagine they have some room for superficial design adjustments.
They presumably can't be in production yet unless they are secretly storing hundreds of cars somewhere. Maybe the May date will slip. Ultimate release may also depend on remaining '08 inventory.
I recently purchased a honda pilot and I'm having a hell of a time installing a Rear-facing car seat it in the middle section of the 2'nd row, any tips? I heard that rear facing seats are safest in the middle of the seat.
Are you using the LATCH system that snaps the carseat onto the anchors behind the seat cushion? That is the easy way to do it on our Accord. I know in my area if you go to any fire dept they will install it properly for you if you can't get it right for free.
I agree that Honda's approach is to attract buyer who need a minivan and 4wd. To get more room inside, the outside look is compromised. It is more like a tradional SUV look. From the picture of 2009 pototyoe, it seems that there is more room behind the third seat. The tiny room behind the third seat in 2008 and previours model Pilot is the only reason prevent me from switching my Oddssey to a Pilot.
I like the new Honda Prototype. A square masculine SUV look is just what I hoped they would do. Now if the 4WD system is even slightly capable of moderate off road use I will buy one.
CX-9 stylistically nice, but poor quality materials inside and basically looks like a big crossover.
I find that statement surprising. Most consider the CX-9 to have much better materials and build quality then the Pilot, of which you own. The HVAC controls and stereo buttons are very circa 1990, and pretty loose to the touch.
CX-9 stylistically nice, but poor quality materials inside and basically looks like a big crossover.
I also have to disagree with this one. Just went from an 04 Pilot to an 08 CX9 GT, the interior materials are much better on the Mazda. Better quality leather and plastic that doesn't scratch when looked at. I will admit there is a lot less console space with the shifter, but the wife is getting used to it.
Drove the CX-9, definitely nice, attractive interior but for me, as a grandfather with 5 grandchildren under 10 years of age, two items were (IMO) show-stoppers for me. First, having owned a Pilot for over 4 years, I realize how valuable that space is between the front seats. Secondly, having the ability to change a DvD from the front dashboard is also invaluable. I can't imagine having to stop the car to put a new DvD into the roof-mounted player. Also, I drove the high-end CX-9, with the low-profile tires; definitely a little harder, slightly noisier feeling.
DO NOT USE THE LATCH SYSTEM FOR THE CENTER SEAT!! By using the left anchor latch of the left seat and the right anchor latch for the right seat has the force point too wide apart to be used safely. As well you then cannot slide the single seat forward to access the 3rd row seats. Yes, the center of the vehicle is the safest!! I have 3 boys. 13, 11 and 4. I have to have the littlest in his car seat in the center postion using the lap belt system to secure the carseat (he is still using the 5pt harness) and it has worked out really well. If you are having trouble with installation, please contact your local fire or sheriff department and they would more than willing to help you with installation!!! I went to my local fire department and had one big hulking fireman secure that seat so that barely moves a millimeter. They would definately love to scrape a knuckle here and there muscling that carseat in properly than having to try and save a baby from a poorly installed carseat in a wreck.
I agree that the looks of the CX-9 is better, it drives nicely and the price is very competitive. If those are your main criteria, maybe the CX-9 is a better choice for your particular needs. For my needs, the no-space between the front seats and no dvd in the front console are show-stoppers, regardless of price. Having been a van/suv owner since 1984, satisfying day-to-day needs outweighs the jazzier looks, etc. If I want to drive to enjoy, and get into my Acura.
"Honda calls the design of its new Pilot prototype "evolutionary," but many consumers are panning the styling of the proposed 2009 Pilot that debuted at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show."
what mechanical suprises came when the Ridgeline was unveiled? please read last paragraph below......
Early reactions to the 2009 Honda Pilot concept that was shown at Detroit have been overwhelmingly negative. Much of the criticism has centered on the front end styling, but even the rest of the vehicle has taken hits by consumers.
There's been a lot of comments about it being too boxy, as many seem to prefer the swoopy styling of other vehicles like the Mazda CX9 and Nissan Murano. I disagree with that. For a "utility" vehicle, which is what the Pilot is, boxy is beautiful.
It should also be noted that Honda has yet to release any details about the mechanicals. Hopefully, like when the production Ridgeline was announced, there will be some very pleasant surprises. If not, Honda may have a tough row to hoe
I feel that All of Honda's CURRENT automobiles were met by the press and public with some dislike in the style category (06-08 civic excluded). the run-down 03 Element! 05 Ody! 06 Ridgeline! 07 CR-V! 08 Accord... None of those cars were considered a "Knock-out" by the press as far as style goes... but they made great value and sell well, and if you look at editors scores from edmunds they all do well, and they all have high marks from owners too. the fact that Honda brought a prototype out at NAIAS that is "not great looking" is really no big deal... and no the Headlight, grille, wheels, mirrors are not going to be like that on the production model. I read that some one tossed out the B9-Tribecca. That CUV didn't sell at all because of 2 major reasons(imo) 1 it was ugly, and 2 it didn't offer anything as good or better than anything else in the market. now they re-designed it and its selling slightly better, it would sell more if it offered more. The CX-9 is sharp. and it is doing very well. because it offers things that people want and it is good looking, the Pilot is going to offer everything people want and it wont be ugly when it hits the sales floors.
The problem with Honda is that it always think about Acura when planning products. Well, it shouldn't in my opinion. Honda think that people who put styling in front of utility can always go to Acura and buy MDX. Therefore, Pilot appears to utility-oriented folks. Even features-wise, Pilot will never over-step the boundary set by MDX. Don't expect any new features you can't find on MDX. That's why I didn't buy Pilot (instead I bought Odyssey). And that is also why I recently bought CX-9 and gave up waiting for the new Pilot (after seeing the styling). If you compare the MDX concept vs the final MDX. Only some minor changes in grill and bumpers were found since it was so close to release date. Product line can't take dramatic changes (anything related to body panels are out of questions at this point) at such late stage.
A lot of folks out there are brand loyal. They only buy Honda/Toyota due to reliability and safety stereo-type. I have owned Mazda CX-9 for one week. It drives like a BMW X5 (hopefully w/o the reliability issues). It is rich in features and low in price (selling at below invoice at most places). It deserves a test-drive if you are in the market for a CUV. I have been a Honda/Acura fan all my life. Honda disappoints me with the recent vehicles (old Pilot, Ridgeline, Accord, Element, Odyssey, new Pilot). I find Mazda more and more interesting. Not too sure about its reliability (my 1st), but I am willing to take the risk.
People buy vehicles for lots of reasons, including the ones you stated. They also (typically) expect their vehicles to be consistent with their self-image (for illustrative purposes, I currently drive a 2007 Boxster S, having sold my BMW 330i last year; my wife currently drives an Odyssey). There is nothing wrong with the Mazda CX products, in fact I think that one of them (CX7?) recently won somones (MT?) CUV of the year award, or something like that. That being said, when I stopped by my local Infiniti dealership to check out the new EX35 (too small), I also popped into the Mazda dealership (right next door) just to check it out, as I had heard many good things (zoom zoom, drives just like an X5, blah, blah, blah). I spent about 30 seconds behind the wheel of one of them in the showroom and walked away thinking "cheap, cheap, cheap". I didn't bother to test drive it. I wouldn't want to own one. Right now, I'm leaning toward either a Highlander, a used RX330/350, or perhaps the new Pilot once it comes out. I've driven both the MDX and RDX and neither one felt right for us.
Honda has blown this one for sure. I don't know what they were thinking, the main reason for the redesign is its falling sales and old and tired boxy styling. Now the 2009 redesign has not addressed its main problem. We own a Honda Accord, loved Honda. With our expanding family to accomodate, we have been eagerly waiting for the debut of Honda Pilot 2009 (never a van lover). What a disappointment! Now we are just going to buy 2008 Highlander to address our family need. Honda spokesperson claims Pilot is targeted towards those who want to switch from Truck-based SUVs, as a reason for the 09 pilot to retain its old styling. Yeah, right! they have just missed a market segment for people who are looking for an alternative to vans yet want the style of a crossover SUV!
People are really asking for too much. I think the 2008 Pilot is a very good vehicle and you can really feel the quality and know it will last for a long time. I sat in a hyundai veracruz and it felt very cheap. I owned a mazda tribute for about 6 months and it was ok but I had to fill it up 2x a week as the fuel gauge would start moving from the gas station to my house. And one time the vehicle just shut off as I was driving. No thanks. I will go for quality and reliability any day over styling. If I could afford an Acura MDX I would have that but the pilot is great for me. All of the new SUV designs are becoming more aerodynamic for better gas mileage. You really can't go wrong with a honda or a toyota for that matter. I have talked to several mechanics who say that honda makes the best engines bar none.
Yea, I agree that Honda has excellent engineers but that is not the same as good design. The Pilot designers are below average and it appears lack vision. Their prototype drawing pictured on the internet seemed foreward thinking but the box shown at Detroit, to me, was really unforgivable. I sense they will loose with this current lack of creativity. I own the 2006 Pilot and now am looking for a better designed vehicle.
Boxy can be done well. Case in point are the Landrovers etc...
Great design and engineering is the abiltiy to blend utility with some modicum of style. It seems they just said "to hell" with the style and went all utility. I think the Acura boys just muscled the Honda design team into this so that there is very little overlap with MDX.
I really need to see it in person and give it a good walk around but I kinda like the '08 better at this point.
I own a '98 BMW 540iA. I don't find my CX-9 GT AWD has "cheap" interior you described. It seems like you sat in a CX-7 (a $20k vehicle) and compare it with your 330i (a $40k one). It is not really fair, is it? CX-9 won MetorTrend CUV of the Year CX-9 won Truck of the Year in Detriot Autoshow. Not CX-7 you sat in.
When you test drive a '08 Highlander, make sure you look at the quality of the 3rd seat. It is a joke. Make sure you sqeeze the corners of the 3rd bench seatback and tell me what you think of Toyota quality.
One thing the new Pilot will excel is the headroom. The headroom in a CX-9 is pretty tight. If you are 6 ft or taller, as a passenger, you head will be pretty close to the roof. With the high-adjustable driver seat, taller people will not have this issue. From the video I have seen, it appears that the new Pilot is only a couple of inches longer than current model with slightly better leg room (not close to CX-9 or GM trio). Headroom seems very generous. Check it out. http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=735490 (sorry if this is a repost)
Thanks for the link. I like what I see. But will take a closer look when it hits N.Y. in March. With kids though I'll get the dvd model rather than nav. Looks good Honda, I'm an interior guy.
First mistake: Using a US based design team to design the Honda Pilot. What you end up with is the same mediocre design as other US car companies (Ford, Dodge, GM, Chevy etc). Basically, the same pool of people who design US cars were used to design the new Pilot. Hence the use of red turn signals and other inherently poor engineering features found on US designed cars.
Doesn't Honda realize why they and (Toyota) are so successful? People like Japanese designed cars with Japanese build quality. If you see the video at vtec.net, you will see the type of people responsible for the new Pilot. Lots of ummms and ahhhhs
Um, most current Toyota models were designed with significant input from Toyota's Calty design centers in Michigan and California, USA. And the majority of Toyota (as well as Honda) production sold in the U.S. is now built in either the U.S. or Canada.
Go Honda! I never thought I'd say that given some of the aggravating peculararities found on my 04 Pilot. Each and every other manufacturer has the same egg shaped look. I appreciate the squarer design for space and utility. You all can already buy a Murano, Toureg, MDX, CX9, Lexus rx350, Even the Highlander. Stop complaining. I can carry four, 250lbs guys with 500lbs of crap in the back and pull a motorcycle trailer ALL DAY. With room to spare. MY last two Tahoes were not any bigger and I get twice the mileage in the honda. AND even hidden storage in the third row compartment if you remove the seat. Keep up the good work Honda, I'll buy your "ugly" Pilot. Just keep the bed over 48inches and the gear shift lever on the column where it belongs.(all the other brands mentioned have it in the center to waste valuable space.) Hopefully no one will buy the ugly thing and the price will come down and Ill get a new one every year.
I'll never buy a vehicle with defective (red) turn signals. The Pilot fits into that category. Apart from all the other issues which may, in time, become acceptable, safety is non negotiable in my book.
I have already contacted Honda about this and they even had someone call me back. Unfortunately, they weren't able to have an engineer speak to me (engineer to engineer). In any case, Honda would never admit that using red turn signals is a safety issue, as they would have to recall millions of vehicles to retrofit the much safer and internationally accepted amber turn sign standard
"...Hopefully no one will buy the ugly thing and the price will come down and Ill get a new one every year. ..."
LOL, that would create two problems, 1- the resale value come down and you would lose money every year when trying to unload it, 2- It won't be cost effective and Honda will either stop making Pilots or come up with a more attractive one for much higher price!
On a serious note, I have a 2006 EXL, 4WD. What are some of your concerns with the '04?
Parviz, One problem I know he's had is shared with me - over heating electric seat heaters. They have caused fires, I have pictures of a burned Pilot and pictures of several burned seats.
Joyce Honda in Denville NJ says it is normal wear and tear.
First, they acted like we were nuts, tested car, and concluded it was fine. I drove with them, the guy turned it off within 500'.
But even with 100K bumper to bumper (not the drivetrain coverage) they are in denial mode.
Thanks for sharing. I don't have that problem with my 06 Pilot. However, I also have an 08 Accord and it does not seem as the seats heat up as much as the Pilot seats do. Maybe it is by design and due to "lessons learned".
I'm not sure how Solo resolved this one, but my dealer Joyce Honda and Honda USA both stepped up, they called today and said they would need the car for a few days but would resolve the issue. We are very relieved and our Honda love is rejuvinated. We have an 06 Odyssey, an 05 Odyssey and S2000 in the family as well as the Pilot.
of amber signal lights for years...visible for miles, and easy to see if someone is tapping their brakes, which makes the red lights blink like signal lights...
Why the imports have been deleting them over the years is beyond me...instead, out Big 3 should be moving toward them in all their models...some Buicks had them in recent years, IIRC...
Solo here, All or most of my posts on my heated driver seat catching fire are on the heading "seat catches fire" on Edmunds. At first almost 2 months went by before anyone else commented or had similar experiences. Lately there are about 25! I am amazed, watching the "wheels turn" and how slowly some info spreads. Thank God for the internet (and Edmunds). This stuff would never get out. Anyway, what my dealer did was to recover/ reupholster the seat bottom only. It is definitely a patch job. The "leather?" is of a different texture and slightly off color, but what the heck, they (my Honda dealer) got right to it in one day and NO charge. Also, I notice the seat barely gets warm now on any setting while the passenger seat still blasts. Thats ok too. Like I said, if you are feeling a stinging sensation ( mine was on the bottom of my right thigh) Don't leave the seat on unattended.
Solo, If I had not seen your post and one other like it, I'd have picked up the car and stopped using my electric heats. Thanks for noting the issue, here.
Comments
We can only hope!
The restyle on the current Pilot was a step back (IMHO
In aesthetics or functionality? The projector headlights are a boost to visibilty,they are brighter. All my vehicles have projector headlights (some w/ HID's) and I think they're far superior to "bulb and reflector" types. :shades:
Almost certainly not, given that it will be in showrooms by May. The tooling must already be in place and the factory gearing up to start production.
Not really. The front is well, interesting, but between two rather dull designs the Pilot is a better package overall, in my opinion. Plus a loaded Highlander gets into MDX territory price wise which really makes it a no brainer to buy the much acclaimed Acura.
I wonder where the Pilot will top out in loaded form ($). I did read somewhere that Honda were adding a new top of the range model above the EX-L. Goodness knows what that will cost. $45K MSRP will get you a nicely loaded MDX and given it's been around for a bit maybe more deals available.
I'm afraid you may be right. There were some minimal changes in the Accord post prototype, but that one was well received unlike the Pilot. I have to imagine they have some room for superficial design adjustments.
They presumably can't be in production yet unless they are secretly storing hundreds of cars somewhere. Maybe the May date will slip. Ultimate release may also depend on remaining '08 inventory.
I find that statement surprising. Most consider the CX-9 to have much better materials and build quality then the Pilot, of which you own. The HVAC controls and stereo buttons are very circa 1990, and pretty loose to the touch.
I also have to disagree with this one. Just went from an 04 Pilot to an 08 CX9 GT, the interior materials are much better on the Mazda. Better quality leather and plastic that doesn't scratch when looked at. I will admit there is a lot less console space with the shifter, but the wife is getting used to it.
HTH
Cheers,
Tess
2009 Honda Pilot DOA? (Straightline)
Early Reactions Sour on Design of New Honda Pilot (Inside Line)
Early reactions to the 2009 Honda Pilot concept that was shown at Detroit have been overwhelmingly negative. Much of the criticism has centered on the front end styling, but even the rest of the vehicle has taken hits by consumers.
There's been a lot of comments about it being too boxy, as many seem to prefer the swoopy styling of other vehicles like the Mazda CX9 and Nissan Murano. I disagree with that. For a "utility" vehicle, which is what the Pilot is, boxy is beautiful.
It should also be noted that Honda has yet to release any details about the mechanicals. Hopefully, like when the production Ridgeline was announced, there will be some very pleasant surprises. If not, Honda may have a tough row to hoe
A lot of folks out there are brand loyal. They only buy Honda/Toyota due to reliability and safety stereo-type. I have owned Mazda CX-9 for one week. It drives like a BMW X5 (hopefully w/o the reliability issues). It is rich in features and low in price (selling at below invoice at most places). It deserves a test-drive if you are in the market for a CUV. I have been a Honda/Acura fan all my life. Honda disappoints me with the recent vehicles (old Pilot, Ridgeline, Accord, Element, Odyssey, new Pilot). I find Mazda more and more interesting. Not too sure about its reliability (my 1st), but I am willing to take the risk.
Great design and engineering is the abiltiy to blend utility with some modicum of style. It seems they just said "to hell" with the style and went all utility. I think the Acura boys just muscled the Honda design team into this so that there is very little overlap with MDX.
I really need to see it in person and give it a good walk around but I kinda like the '08 better at this point.
CX-9 won MetorTrend CUV of the Year
CX-9 won Truck of the Year in Detriot Autoshow.
Not CX-7 you sat in.
When you test drive a '08 Highlander, make sure you look at the quality of the 3rd seat. It is a joke. Make sure you sqeeze the corners of the 3rd bench seatback and tell me what you think of Toyota quality.
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=735490
(sorry if this is a repost)
Doesn't Honda realize why they and (Toyota) are so successful? People like Japanese designed cars with Japanese build quality. If you see the video at vtec.net, you will see the type of people responsible for the new Pilot. Lots of ummms and ahhhhs
The Pilot fits into that category.
Apart from all the other issues which may, in time, become acceptable, safety is non negotiable in my book.
I have already contacted Honda about this and they even had someone call me back. Unfortunately, they weren't able to have an engineer speak to me (engineer to engineer).
In any case, Honda would never admit that using red turn signals is a safety issue, as they would have to recall millions of vehicles to retrofit the much safer and internationally accepted amber turn sign standard
A growing number of people are waking up and finding out they aren't the only game in town.
LOL, that would create two problems, 1- the resale value come down and you would lose money every year when trying to unload it, 2- It won't be cost effective and Honda will either stop making Pilots or come up with a more attractive one for much higher price!
On a serious note, I have a 2006 EXL, 4WD. What are some of your concerns with the '04?
Joyce Honda in Denville NJ says it is normal wear and tear.
First, they acted like we were nuts, tested car, and concluded it was fine. I drove with them, the guy turned it off within 500'.
But even with 100K bumper to bumper (not the drivetrain coverage) they are in denial mode.
I will be picking up a used '02-'03 one day.
Why the imports have been deleting them over the years is beyond me...instead, out Big 3 should be moving toward them in all their models...some Buicks had them in recent years, IIRC...
All or most of my posts on my heated driver seat catching fire are on the heading "seat catches fire" on Edmunds. At first almost 2 months went by before anyone else commented or had similar experiences. Lately there are about 25! I am amazed, watching the "wheels turn" and how slowly some info spreads. Thank God for the internet (and Edmunds). This stuff would never get out. Anyway, what my dealer did was to recover/ reupholster the seat bottom only. It is definitely a patch job. The "leather?" is of a different texture and slightly off color, but what the heck, they (my Honda dealer) got right to it in one day and NO charge. Also, I notice the seat barely gets warm now on any setting while the passenger seat still blasts. Thats ok too. Like I said, if you are feeling a stinging sensation ( mine was on the bottom of my right thigh) Don't leave the seat on unattended.