2009 Honda Pilot

solo

Thanks for the interesting side shots. By making each window slightly smaller it adds up big time.

tidester

Here's a link for anyone interested: Honda Pilot Driver's Seat Catches Fire

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

eagle21

Thanks ceric for the link. I have watched the video and anticipating when it will hit the showrooms.

flemo123

The completely unrelated posts in this thread seem to have driven away any on topic discussion. Any new information on release dates or specs from Honda.

quickreply

I agree...back to the '09 Pilot.
Any other news/photos out there. Has it shown up an any other auto shows? Firm release date? I've read April, 2008 - is that still the plan? Thanks.

carsly

I have also heard April '08. I was at a Honda dealer on Monday to test drive a 2008 pilot (which they refused to let me do claiming they didn't have enough sales staff on the floor despite the half-dozen outside smoking and the fact that there was only one other customer in the showroom to another 4 visible sales people inside) and I asked them about the release date for the 2009 pilot and the salesman's face blanched. My guess is it will be out sooner than we think and they're trying to keep a tight lid to make sure they move the remainder of the 2008's thus the heavy discounting.

BTW, if you're ever in New York City I would avoid Potamkin Honda on 11th avenue - they are clueless. Refusing a test drive? Why would you ever do that, especially during your President's Day sales rush on what was an overstaffed, slow morning?

There was a happy ending though, we walked up four blocks to Manhattan Auto to check out a Mazda CX-9 and the salesman was very helpful, knowledgeable and quickly arranged a test drive with few questions. He even stayed quiet during the drive so that we could focus on the vehicle, what a pleasant surprise! I was not seriously considering a CX-9 until that experience but I would have a hard time buying a Honda knowing that Potamkin Honda would be my closest service location, sorry Honda but if you want to sell more cars in Manhattan you need to get rid of a few salesmen and the sales manager.

rexf

This is from the Wall Street Journal, Wednesday 20 January 2008, Me & My car column:

Q: I have been driving Hondas since the mid 80's and love their dependability. Do you know if Honda will deliver a diesel version of the Pilot in 2009? I would love to see the improvement in mileage that a diesel would offer. My father had a diesel VW Rabbit in the late 70's that got 55-60 miles per gallon. I know I would not get that kind of mileage with the emission controls in place today but, it would be great to get something better than 20 mpg. If you do not know of Honda's plans, do you know of other manufactures that will offer diesels in their 2009 lineup other than Mercedes.

A: I have heard, though not yet from Honda, that the Pilot may be available with a V6 diesel for the 2010 model year. A redesigned version of the Pilot is to go on sale as a 2009 model later this year. The other notable diesel entry for 2009 is BMW, which says it will sell diesel powered versions of its X5 sport utility vehicle and 3-Series sedans. As diesel technology improves and consumer interest appears to increase, more car makers including General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are expected to expand their diesel lineups during the next two years or so.

I wish the monitors of this article would police the postings better, as lots of off-topic posts dilute the value of having a forum.

stever

Discussions here are community driven. There's all sorts of talk about the 2009 Pilot because that's what the members want to talk about.

Heck, we don't mind if people show up and talk about proposed diesel engines that may not even show up in a year or two, if then.

If a thread doesn't interest you, just scroll down to the next post. Or if this one isn't granular enough for you, you're welcome to start a new one. Welcome to the forum!

dacc0917

I would love to get a diesel. I will be in the market at the end of this year. I am going to the auto show on March 22nd at the Javits centre in N.Y. If I can find any thing out I will post it here.

philj1

I was told when the new Pilot comes out in May 2008 it will have a V6 with the 4 3
cylinder shout down. This will improve the milage. I want a diesal but it's two years away. I've got 110K on my Sport Track and want to geta new SUV.
Has anyonr heard any thing about the 6-4-3?

texases

It's in the 2008 Accord, you can check out their discussions. Several indicate the shifting between modes is noticable, some don't mind, some do.

ceric

VCM helps improve MPG on highway when gas pedal is held steady.
My co-worker's Odyssey has the 6/3 cylinder mode (old one).
His impression was that if you drive a lot of highway, VCM will help you.
If you do mostly city travel, it could work against you.
The new VCM can do 6/4/3 cylinders - three modes instead of two.

slamtaz

my 2008 2WD pilot's got the VCM, not sure though if it's the 6/3 or 6/4/3 version. whichever it is, i attest that you wouldn't even notice that it's working if not for the "ECO" light that turns on when you're cruising. During our recent trip to and from san diego of about 720 miles, it gave me an average of 23.02 mpg which is above the EPA rating of 22 hiway and that's with about 850 lbs of passengers (i.e. 6 of us) plus full load of baggages & stuffed cooler!!! Hard to imagine on an SUV with more than 2 tons of curb weight :shades:

I think you're engin needs to be at normal operating temperature before the VCM can kick in and i noticed it working even in city driving of 30 - 45 mph.

parviz

The 2008 Pilot v6 2WD has the 2 mode vcm vs. Accord that comes with the 3 mode vcm. (based on the info from Honda's web-site). The EcO light comes on wvwn when the vcm is not active, it is Honda's way of showing the engine is operating in its most efficient way, not necessary vcm. I guess in an effort to be more "green" friendly.

woffa

i just bought a pilot and we were told May they will be in showrooms

smith1

I wouldn't assign much value to what a Honda dealer says about the availability of 09's. They are trying to sell 08's.

beckyleuchte

On the Honda website you can see actual pictures of the new 2009 Pilot its under concept cars I believe. There's no pricing, but the inside and outside have been completely changed.

nimrod99

"On the Honda website you can see actual pictures of the new 2009 Pilot its under concept cars I believe. There's no pricing, but the inside and outside have been completely changed"

The inside and outside have NOT changed. I just looked and the 2009 pilot is still the same as the original version that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

dacc0917

According to carsoup.com release won't be until fall of 2008. They also say NY auto show should have the exact production model for viewing.

quickreply

Apparently the production vehicle is ready....

http://blogs.trucktrend.com/6233790/concept-suvs/2009-honda-pilot-makes-some-cha- nges/index.html

nimrod99

Just read Consumer reports... Apparently the VCM on the Accord actually increased fuel consumption (less mpg). Doesn't bode well for the new Pilot

Another feature I noticed, the rear tail lights on the "concept" Pilot doesn't have any reversing (backup) lights.

Keeping fingers crossed that Honda will demonstrate their engineers are World Class when I see amber turn signals on the production Pilot (which has back up lights). If Honda engineers overlook amber turn signals, then for me, it will mean they overlooked more significant engineering details in their redesign. If they can't take care of the little things (which impact safety), who knows what else they overlooked.

parviz

"...Just read Consumer reports... Apparently the VCM on the Accord actually increased fuel consumption (less mpg). Doesn't bode well for the new Pilot..."

I haven't read the report so I may be missing something but as an 08 Accord owner with VCM I can tell you the comparison is lopsided since the new Accord w/ VCM has the 3.5 L engine, it is heavier and much more HP.

jim39t

"According to carsoup.com release won't be until fall of 2008."

My local dealer told me the beginning of May.

cjofpa

When is it coming? I can't take it?

Is the Current $3500 rebate a good indicator?

carsly

Production version will be shown at the NY auto show in about two weeks. Apparently the press has driven pre-production demos and there is an embargo in place until April 15th.

So if the production model is shown in late March and road tests are published mid-April signs point to arrival in showrooms in late April / early May which coincides with reports that have been circulating for a long time about a spring 2008 launch.

ceric

Carsly is right. March is as early as any manufacturer can claim their vehicles to be 2009 (according to regulation). i.e. any vehicles produced in Feb, 2008 cannot be claimed to be 2009 model. Therefore, assuming Honda starts to produce new Pilot in March. It should arrive in showroom in April. May is a safe bet that you will see Pilot in dealership. From what I have read carscoup.com is wrong. All sources indiciate April/May time frame.

dacc0917

I'll be at the N.Y. car show on March 22. I'll ask the release date. P.S. any questions anyone wants me to ask the exhibitor feel free to post. I'll post answers on March 24th. I already intend to ask about a diesel engine.

lonedog

Ask them if they have done anything to make the Pilot more off road worthy? Suspension, ground clearance, approach/departure angles, 4WD system, minimum underhang etc.? Thanks

gregbaker

I went to the Kansas City Auto Show yesterday and the Honda rep stated the '09 Pilot would be available in June.

gweezman

not so sure about that regualtion reagrding March. Nissan had the 09 Muranos on the lots before January 08...as a matter of fact they skipped an 08 model completly.

conman68

Here is a link I found on the 2009 Pilot. It lasts about three minutes and primarily gives exterior shots, although there are some interior ones (through windshields).

Overall, I think they ruined it. It looks like a big box......reminds me of the Oldmobile Bravada. I'm glad I got the 2008 last month.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0PmHOjsjnE

:confuse:

brutus22

Hello,

Those are the same shots that have been shown for months, it is technically a prototype shown at the Detroit Auto Show, but it will pretty much look like that.

Anyhow, I waited months and months and months for this redesign and was so disappointed we bought a Saturn Outlook...I love Honda but I was so impressed with the Outlook especially my wife it was a done deal...I did test drive the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9...the CX-9 was pretty sweet, more a guys crossover, but less family friendly as compared to the Outlook...plus the dual sunroof is Awesome!...I would bet the next Honda Ody and this new Pilot will have it.

Oh well I still have one Honda my Acura TSX..sorry Honda, but this new Pilot is fugly.

B.

lonedog

It has very little over hang in the front and rear giving it great approach and departure angles. The running ground clearance is adequate and it should have a good break over angle. I love it and will be first in line to buy one. Way to go Honda.

shopping5

Anybody have any thoughts on how much the MSRP will increase per model? For example, the 2008 EX-L has an MSRP of 32045. Will it increase by $300, $500, $800? Any thoughs or comparisons based on the new Accords versus the 07's??

rico3201

If you get to see the production model, I am curious about how the interior looks. The prototype dash leaves me cold, compared to the recent version. It has a "Meet George Jetson" look that I hope is a prototype-only deal.

I'm also curious about what is underneath the roll-top-desk type center console. I think the current center console is very practical and I hope that continues under that sliding door. I'm not sure how I feel about the split arm rests... might be OK... but the huge single one that had been on the Pilot sure is comfortable.

As to price, I noticed the 2009 Nissan Murano came out with pricing LESS than the previous model. It would be nice if Honda followed suit and kept prices down.

yen_saw

Most likely the price will go up instead of down. New upgrades will definately cost more, and there is this currency issue too.

kogie

According to Consumer Report, ..Pilot 09 regardless if it is using 6/4/3 VCM..you know the ECO sign on your dash board.Because of a bigger size for 09, ..08 models are still conservative on gas mileage. And Ive heard of a diesel version..?

ceric

Hi,
my mistake.
I looked it up, and the answer is "Jan 2nd".
Any vehicle goes on sale after Jan 1st (starting from 2nd) can be designated as the model year of the following year. i.e. A vehicle on sale in dealer's lot on Jan 02 of 2008 can be claimed as the 2009 model. I thought it was March, but I was wrong.
I stand corrected.

stever

Where do you go to look up something like that anyway?

rv65

Trim levels for 09 pilot

LX
EX
EX-L
EX-L RES
EX-L RES & NAVI
Touring NAVI
Touring RES & NAVI

Colors and interior trims.

Mocha Metallic/Beige
Formal Black/Black or Gray
Bali Blue Pearl/Gray or Blue
Sterling Gray Metallic/Gray or Black
Nimbus Gray Metallic/Beige or Black
Dark Cherry Pearl/Beige or Black
Billet Silver Metallic/Gray or Blue
Taffeta White/Gray or Blue

Hope this helps. Info should hit edmunds by April 15th. Should hit the dealers in June.

ceric

Wikipedia. Where else?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_year

stever

Oh oh. :shades:

Their cite says "various definitions for "model year" are given in US federal laws."

So, January 2 is one definition but perhaps not the definitive one.

carsly

RV,

Where did you get this info? Any insights on the differences between EX-L (or EX) and Touring?

Honda is supposed to release the 2009 production model down the street from me at the Javits center any day / time now. I'll wander down there and snap some pics once I see some news out. Don't want to waste a trip.

watson524

In the hopes of seeing a more productionized Pilot than what was in Detroit, unfortunately, it was the same thing......

Couldn't get near the car, was told by one Honda rep in the showrooms on 5/9/08, and another one said Fall... I think May is the safer bet though based on what my dealer told me (Scranton, PA).

Honda rep did say that what was there was about 85 - 90%. Likely the outside won't changed except grill/headlights...... console is what is more likely to change, THANK GOD!

The shifter in prototype is totally obnoxious and the tray area near the center console is gone, though sliding door covers from armrest forward so I can't say for sure what's in there.....

They did confirm it'll have a 6-4-3 VCM which since I do mainly highway driving for 2+ hours at a shot, I see as a benefit....

I guess I'll just have to wait until it's at the dealer to decide if I get 08 or new redesign.

jim39t

Unlike several of you, I love the dash in the new prototype and hope it doesn't change in the final vehicle. I'm coming from a Sequoia, and both the old and new Sequoias have incredibly primitive dashboards, and I think the new Pilot's dash has a very 21st century look to it (yes, Jetsons, if you like). I also hope the blue leather makes it to production, as I'm really tired of black, grey or cream-colored leather, so that'd be a nice change, too. I checked with my dealer again and she still says early May.

http://www.thetorquereport.com/honda_pilot_ptype_102.jpg

carsly

That's a shame, I was planning to go to the NY Auto Show primarily to see the production pilot. Given that they have been insistent on a spring launch for a while now all this tells me is that either they are hoping to make a splash and introduce it mid-week (unlikely) or they are sitting on a lot of 2008 pilot inventory and don't want to have to bump up the incentives yet or cause people to hold off on buying in what is also a very tough year for the auto industry (very likely).

May sounds about right to me, also explains why the current incentives run through 4/30/08 - I thought it was curious since they had been doing them one calendar month at a time. I can wait.

commtalonn

My sentiments exactly. I was thinking about (and was nearly pressured into) buying a dusty 2008 leftover at a dealership when I heard that the 2009 would be redesigned. I got excited because there are a lot of features on the newly designed Highlander I liked but I like the "ugly" (ahem, mean) 2009 Pilot. I think I'll take two. :shades:

dacc0917

Sorry to report back that I didn't get many answers this past saturday. The floor people really were not helpful at all at the N>Y> auto show. I couldn't even go in it because it was roped off. All I can tell you is the lady told me June release. The center console does look huge. Most important (for me) the third row looked ALOT roomier than in the current model. I liked what I saw, it does look better in person. I will definately get this in December rather than the current model.

carsly

Wow, I thought it was bad in pictures but in person the 2009 pilot is much worse. Completely drab slab-sided design, expanded roof width (think nissan SUV's) adding more weight higher up, seems to have more ground clearance than the 2008's which is probably good for off-roading but implies a higher center of gravity so likely poorer on-road handling. The interior refresh looks a bit better (I also saw a 2008 MDX and Accord to get a feel since I figure the production version will be more similar to these vehicles than the prototype) but hardly worth the exterior design problems. In terms of visual proportions where the 2008 is like a much better Ford Explorer the 2009 looks like the ugly cousin to the Expedition.

It's too bad really, I wanted to like it and have been seriously considering buying it on launch but I just can't see it.

I'm sure it will appeal to some segment but it was almost as if Honda was afraid to compete with the Mazda CX-9 and the GM Lambda family and instead decided to pick on the Toyota 4Runner and Nissan Pathfinder. Must have been a tough decision to move downmarket and away from the core buying public who are rotating out of truck-like SUV's and towards crossovers. Yeah, the 2009 is a bit larger, but at what cost Honda?

My rating:
:lemon: :lemon: :lemon: out of five.

lonedog

Actually there are a lot of us out here that like the new Pilot design. More ground clearance and better off road ability is a plus. For those who are so concerned they may get a little dirt on a tire or heavens forbid their might be a 1 in a million chance it might roll over just buy a buick sedan.