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Comments
I'm expecting pricing for an LX to be about 26-27K. The EX will probably be 31-32K. Honda is probably thinking that they don't want/need to offer a 4cyl nonAWD version. A stripped Pilot would interfere with the CR-V and the CR-V can already be used as leverage against a 4cyl
Highlander.
The internal size of the Pilot (as compared to the MDX) may be a matter of how you measure it. When people think "bigger", they tend to think "length". That's only one dimension. For example, many reviewers of the Ford Escape have remarked that the Ford is "smaller" than the CR-V. Though when you look at the specs, the Escape is taller, wider, and heavier than the Honda. So the same could be true here. The Pilot may be taller of wider than the MDX, but, since the length is less, they'll call it "smaller".
Bob
Bob
Does anyone know what other exterior colors will be offered for the Pilot?
Bob
http://www.honda.co.jp/ACCESS/automobiles/lagreat/exterior.html
As for the beige interior, you could say the same for almost any vehicle - it's going to get dirty no matter what.
http://www.autoweek.com/carnews/index.mv
Thanks to TheRacoon for finding this one.
Will regular be recommended for the Pilot? Probably a difference of less than $3.00 per fill up, but still something that might make a difference to me.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/020107na-7.htm
These are available on the hondanews.com site but only to the press.
As for gas, I thought I read in one of the articles that the Pilot would run on regular, which is why everyone is speculating it will use the Ody engine.
I really like the Pilot, and think it will be a huge success. I am also pleased with the appearance. To me, it looks like an evolution of the CR-V in front, and the Passport from the A Pillars back. It is very well executed. Much less Minivan-looking than the MDX.
The large photos in the link above show a very attractive, well laid out dashboard, and a very versatile interior. 2 rows of 60/40 split benches is a BIG plus for hauling a combination of people and cargo! It's hard to believe that such a large interior is contained within it's trim looking exterior...must be a trick of the eye.
If only my garage doors were a little wider!
LX Standard Features
- 3.5L VTEC SOHC V-6 Engine
- VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management 4WD) Full-Time 4-Wheel-Drive with electronically locking rear differential
- 5-Speed electronically controlled automatic transmission
- Front independent strut-type with "L" arm, gas-pressurized shocks and stabilizer bar suspension
- Rear Independent multi-link with trailing arm, gas-pressurized shocks and stabilizer bar
- Variable Power Assist Rack-and-Pinion Steering
- 4-Wheel disc brakes with 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic brake distribution
- Towing Capacity 3,500 lbs. (4,500 lbs. with boat)
- 8 inches of ground clearance
- All-steel unit body with passenger safety cell construction
- Dual side impact door beams
- Dual-stage/dual-threshold front airbags
- Driver Side Airbag
- Passenger Side Airbag with Occupant Position Detection System
- Three-Point seatbelts with pretensioners
- LATCH child seat anchor system
- 8 Passenger Seating
- 60/40 split second and third row seats
- Flat cargo floor
- Widest track in its' class
- AM/FM/CD/Cassette Stereo with 7 Speakers
- Multi function center console with storage bin, cell phone cradle, 12-volt power outlet, CD rack, and 2-position cup holder
- 2nd-row activity tray with cup holder and storage
EX Standard Features (adds to LX)
EX-L Standard Features (adds to EX)
- Leather Interior
EX-L RES Standard Features (adds to EX-L)
- Rear Entertainment System
EX-L NAVI Standard Features (adds to EX-L)
- Satellite-Linked Navigation System
Not sure if comparison was made between MDX and Pilot or other SUVs, but Honda can keep the exterior smaller by using a shorter nose (and looks like it in the pictures). This would in turn help increase interior volume.
Compared to MDX, Pilot is boxier, that would add to interior volume as well. Notice how rear hatch slopes on MDX compared to Pilot, as well as the sides. Just a thought.
#214(regular gas? by hayduke01)
Looks like Pilot would share the engine with Odyssey, which runs on regular gasoline.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Honda COO Tom Elliott, speaking after the Pilot's unveiling, said the vehicle will be priced between $25,000 and $30,000.
They are not using the same in-dash CD changer that is used in the Acura models. The setup looks like a single-CD player as part of the stereo head unit, with a separate CD unit (changer?) lower in the center console. I wonder why they don't just use the same in-dash CD changer they have in Acuras, which includes 6-CD changer, radio and cassette.
Environental looks like automatic climate control, with the one dial to control temperature, and two buttons to manually control fan speed. This is similar to Acura models (except MDX).
Look for the Navigation system to fit in the space where the climate control/extra CD unit is now. On some Acuras (not the MDX), when Nav is installed, it also includes controls for climate on the same touchscreen.
Emergency brake is the pedal-type, operated by left-foot. No funky dash console brake lever like the new CR-V.
www.hondasuv.com
Look at the bottom row of buttons - they select the current cd
Track width - I suspect that Honda does understand the concerns of garage owners, but, since the media has created a circus concerning rollovers, they have a greater need to assure the public that they are addressing that issue. Your life being more important than your parking... or something like that.
Spyponder - The top CD slot probably accomodates multiple disks. The bottom slot is for the optional DVD system.
Formykids - Nobody has had a chance to sit in one yet. The details are just hitting the presses right as we type.
Bob
The 02 engine puts out 240 HP on regular - not too shabby at all. I don't know if use of premium increase HP.
has anyone tried this? after we found out a nice position and comfortable positions of fitting in two cars in our garage. i hanged a string with a big knot at the end and let the knot touches the nose of my truck. so next time when i drive in, once i hit the knot right in front of the driver side (about 1/3 of the width) i know i am there.
Thats not the main purpose. The main purpose is to give it extra ground clearence, to do that they put all the driveline components inside the cabin instead of underneath the vehicle for protection and so the vehicle wouldn't be too tall. So they had to make it wide so the driveline would fit inside the cab.
Though I doubt Honda had either scenario in mind when they designed the Pilot
The Ody's engine uses anti-knock sensors to detect knock and then adjust the engine timing to prevent it. Using regular gasoline in an Ody does cause knock, but sensors can detect it and adjust for it. Personally, I'm not comfortable relying on a sensor to prevent potential engine damage in order to save a little money on gas. I'd rather pay a little more (if I can afford it, that is) and have the extra peace of mind.
Ty
Robr and tyguy - I remember reading about the use of premium when the 2002 changes hit the press. I don't recall the source, but they said something about soccer moms not liking to pay for premium with the earlier models. I just assumed that it was required. My bad.
Said that, I can see that Honda is trying to use a similar concept, if not for off-roadability. Wider track may not necessarily mean wider than every SUV in the class. MDX and Pilot use the shortest wheelbase of all vehicles that share the platform (Accord coupe 105.3", Accord Sedan 106.9", CL 106.9", TL 108.1", Odyssey 118"). Plus, wider track (not necessarily wider body since Hondas tend to have wheels flushed with the body) would make them more stable.
Bob
These safety devices are only as good as the amount of protection they deliver. This is not to say that Honda would not add side curtain airbags in future, but I'd say that even without them, it is all how things work together.
I remember reading about first side impact crash tests for Odyssey, where it was rated five stars even without side airbags. And these vehicles (Odyssey, MDX and obviously Pilot) share a very strong chassis design (Honda calls it ring structure) to protect the occupants. That is why MDX and Odyssey are rated among the safest vehicles in the market today (atleast going by crash test ratings).
RobertsMX is quite correct about the superior designs on the other Honda air bags. But this only further baffles me about their not including side-curtain ones at all, even as expensive options.
Does anyone know of any way of giving Honda feedback on this issue?
If the pricing is correct at $25-$30k, the same thing is going to happen. Think about it. 240hp, seating for 8, largest cargo space in a midsize SUV, 20 mpg. There's alot of Expedition/Tahoe/Durango owners who don't need towing or offroad capacity who would die for a product with Honda quality. None of those vehicles have decent 3rd row seats either. And they all sell for WAY more money. Plus at those prices, you'll get a vehicle with great resale value.
Another reason for buying the Pilot over the MDX is the roof rails vs the MDX's embarressing rack on the Touring Edition. The small width and space between cross bars is not so great for those folks that carry long items like touring kayaks, surfboards, etc. The full length rails on the Pilot lend themselves well to adding Thule and Yakima rack systems. Question: Does the rack come standard on the LX and EX versions or it like the Odyssey where you only get the roof rails on the EX? (On the LX, you have to get the dealer installed rack).
And yes, I'm one of the few people that thinks that Honda does the right thing by leaving out the cross bars. People who really use racks regularly will go with aftermarket cross bars as mentioned above.
Another reason to favor the Pilot is likely to be space. The squarish body should make for more cargo space, an important reason for buying a SUV (for some folks).
Finally, while I like the looks of the MDX, I prefer the front end of the Pilot. IMHO, the front end of the MDX looks a bit odd with the headlights mounted so high. Just a personal style issue thing.
Honda should take the MDX more down the sport route. More horsepower
Here goes the debate between the Pilot and MDX.......