The Pilot is an outstanding vehicle, no doubt a contender for best in class. But to compare it to the Trailblazer and Explorer is silly. The Chevy and Ford are trucks. The Pilot is not.
Also, what's the difference between the Pilot and the Buick Rendezvous? Are they not both "short AWD minivans?"
What's the difference? Will people actually USE the Explorers and Trailblazers as trucks? Of the many many Trailblazers, Envoys and Explorers I've seen on the road- there were only a very few that were towing anything. And I actually saw 1 Pilot towing a boat. Other than that, the Explorer and Trailblazers are being used as substitutes for wagons and minivans for the majority of the time. And if that's the case, I really don't see what's wrong with comparing them to the Pilot.
I've never taken one off-road, but everything I've read about the Explorer leads me to believe that it may be the worst truck-based SUV for off-road use. That leaves towing as it's most significant "truckish" attribute. No doubt, the Explorer wins in that category, but what else is there to separate it from the Pilot?
It's the implication of the manufacturer. It's clear that the Truck based SUV's are designed for more rugged excursions. Even though the Explorer's new IRS and other features make it the most refined Explorer yet, it's true 50/50 4 wheel drive, with low range, V8 torque, and more ground clearance pretty much make it a shoe in for 4x4 duty against the Pilot. Not saying it's going to be able to compete with the likes of an H2, but a Pilot shouldn't be considered competition when taking on a real trail.
The Pilot is a family vehicle, it's good at that, yet the truck based vehicles are good at being real trucks. Does that take anything away from the Pilot? No I don't think it does, it's still a great alternative to a minivan.
"a Pilot shouldn't be considered competition when taking on a real trail."
Exactly. But how many people actually take their Explorers, Envoys and Trailblazers on a real trail? So if they don't take their truck-based SUVs on a real trail, I don't see why a comparison to the Pilot would be considered taboo - now all the SUVs, truck-based or not, will be strictly alternatives for wagons and minivans.
The comparison isn't taboo. But to expect a truck to ride like a Pilot is absurd. Of course the Pilot will be better built and more comfortable...it's a minivan in disguise.
Actually, if you look at price, comfort, and off-road/towing capabilities, the AWD Chevy Venture minivan is a much closer competitor to the Pilot.
When we do compare them with the Pilot we find inherit advantages siding with the Pilot. Like a little more cargo room, a little better handling, a little easier to drive, a little more refined when driving on-road, a little better gas mileage. Yet with all these advantages, which aren't as huge as we'd really like to to make them, the truck based SUV's still give us major towing and off road capability.
While not all of us use these features (heck I drive an Aztek FWD no offroading for me!) are used by everyone, many like the fact that if they need it, it's there. It's a trade off, Crossovers-family vehicle, SUV image: truck based SUV's-offroad beasts with big towing ratings and some family pretensions.
Bottom line, can we compare them? Sure we can, but we have to admit that they are designed for different purposes, and with so many crossover SUV's out there why not compare them with each other and not their truck based counterparts?
Having travelled the trails I have to backup the people saying that the Envoys, Denalis, Trailblazers, Exploders, Mountaineers, Durangos are NEVER seen on the trail. I've been to Uwharrie National Forest in NC, Paragon Off-road Park in PA, Pine Barrens in NJ. Usually I off-road 1x a month and I've seen 1 last gen Blazer and 1 Explorer on the trails. Mostly you see Pathfinders, Amigos, Troopers, Monteros, Samuris, Jeeps, 4runners, TLCs out there.
As for towing, I tow often as well, and on the highways and boat ramps I've seen mostly 2500series Suburaban/Yukons, Expeditions, FS Pickups, Sequoias, Excursions, Jeep GCs, Montys, Troopers.
So for the use arguement the Pilot people are correct the mid-size domestic SUVs are being used for the same purpose as the Pilot. Of course the problem is that since they are truck based they are considered more macho than the Pilot and lets face it folks if the Pilot buyers weren't worried about their image, wouldn't they be buying mini-vans?
mike: No we wouldn't because the Ody is not available in AWD.
BTW, just rented a Traiblazer for two weeks. Wife did most of driving, and she felt our 99 Ody had more pick-up. She is a Chevy fan; its a gorgeous truck; but she wouldn't consider it. Wouldn't let me drive it around the farmette for fear of scratching it. So much for off-road capability of a $30K plus vehicle.
We actually cross-shopped the Mitsu Montero and Pilot. The Montero was an option with 5 year 0% finance. Wow what a difference in Everything. The Montero actually had a great ride for a truck, I would put it even with the Pathfinder for best riding truck based vehicle. Jumping into the pilot was completely different. It made you decide what you wanted. We thought the real distinction between the 2 would have been the Power. The Monty's weak V6 could keep up with the Pilot IMO, granted the Monty's engine was alot louder and worked alot harder. So when we got down to it, Power with both was OK, Ride leaned towards the Pilot (even though the Monty is one of the few truck based SUVs with 4 wheel independent suspension). The Interior leaned heavely in the Monty's favor, and with the financing the price on the Monty was better.---BUT the money you save with financing, is out the window if you ever try to sell the truck. Depreciation is on par with domestic trucks, try about 8k the first year, maybe a bit more. The whole rollover thing and the handling department leaned towards the Pilot. We plan on buying the pilot now since, I'll say it, it rides and handles like a jacked up Accord Wagon. Hey they say the Highlander was the replacement for the Camry Wagon. I love wagons, the wife hates them. She can't understand that it's a wagon with 4 wheel drive and a large roof, 3rd seat. Guess what, those attributes in the Pilot package is what I would use the SUV for most. If I was going to buy a truck, the Monty would have won hands down with the financing, and if they put in a V8 then it would win over a Durango and Yukon.
Trailblazer EXT and wienerdog, ha ha. I though someone was trying to make a TB into a Limo but did a half-...-job(:
I wonder if we will see a magic 3rd suicide-door like on the Saturn Coupe on these 3rd seat SUVs?
No rattles, sloshing on the Pilot test drive, but did notice the leather did look a bit streched. After you got out of the driver seat, the leather was kinda wavy, wonder if it would "strech back"? Some say I'm skinny, so look for this (Pilot had 500 miles on it).
I believe Dodge/Chrysler offers an AWD mini-van. Mazda's previous MPV offered AWD (AND 4 conventional doors) and people just did not buy them. If they only knew how this formula would work so well for the likes of Honda...
Since I like Bigger and better things, specifically a 13.3 inch LCD Video Drop down screen, the little tray under the radio is a great place to put an in-dash DVD player.
mike: There are those of us who are more interested in function than appearance. We just gave our 95 Grand Caravan AWD to my "out-laws". Again was the wife's choice to purchase, and she did not want the Grand Cherokee then or now. She is a Chevy fan but does not like the mpg on their trucks. This is confirmed by neighbors experience with their burb. We still have her 87 Z28 though.
Agreed, most people wouldn't buy AWD minivans for SUV replacements but I'm looking for an AWD vehicle to replace that GC AWD minivan and looking at everything. With our satisfaction with the Ody, and our past experience with, Honda, Mazda, Ford, Chrysler, and GM, I am biased towards the Pilot.
Folks, like us, who are first time SUV buyers are large part of Honda Pilot demographics. We are interested in AWD, 5 to 8 passenger capacity, convenient/flexible seating, economy, resale value, and safety, and price. In these areas, Pilot scores very well if not best. If there are others I should consider, please let me know, but for now, looks like a no-brainer.
Remember the Toyota Minivan that supposidly if you hit the brakes hard enough the nose of the van would scrape the ground, not to mention the death trap of no crumple zones and no engine in front of you.
And nowadays we get mad if it doesn't have VSC, Side-airbags, all of which help in safety.
Yep the pilot sounds good for your situation, since the limited avail of AWD minivans. Curious if there were an AWD Oddy would you have gone for that over a pilot? I'm a 100% function of form guy myself. If I didn't do offroading, I'd have almost definitely gone for the AWD Safari over my Trooper.
Ever hear the story about the guy in California who lost his divorce settlement and HAD to buy his wife an SUV as part of the settlement?
He went out and bought the Ugliest SUV he could find in the ugliest color offered, which was bright yellow. The Pontiac Salesman said "you should have seen the shear joy and the smile on his face when he left in his New Aztec."
I guess I'll get back to Pilots. But this shows one of the urban legends and my opinions of the Aztec.
mike: Tough question! If I were truly function over form kind of buyer, Ody AWD should be my choice, but let me tell you about driving our old '87 Z28 Camaro.
It's got the 5.0L TPI V8 that puts out only 190hp, and is only good for probably mid 8 sec 0-60 times and mid to low 16 sec qtr mile times at its best.....but I don't get any lip from traffic when I am driving it, like I do in the Ody or GC AWD (or the 90 626 GT turbo, or 81 Accord). Its not the vehicle, but peoples's perception (aided by a fortune in manufacturer's hype). The 02 Ody would run away from it in any acceleration test, but I don't long for an 02 Ody.
So it is with the AWD Ody vs Pilot...people's perception affect our driving experience greatly in spite of a vehicle's capability. I got a lot of respect when driving the TrailBlazer, and want to carry that over to our next vehicle.
Why are you bringing up anything about the Aztek? I could see no mention of it here.
Moonkat- The Camaro has this perception because at the time, circa 87' it was fairly fast compared with other vehicles of that year. Also in 87' Pontiac released the 87 GTA and the 350 TPI Trans Am's which were even by today's standard very fast, they also look alot like a Camaro. So maybe that's one of the reasons F-bodies of that year get respect.
I hear yah. I live to annoy people with little know cars that are all function over form. Like when I had to pull a bunch of SUVs out of the median on the NYS T-way with my '88 Subaru XT6 SPORTS CAR with AWD. They were quite embarassed. Or when we go off-roading and the Heep guys break stuff or need a tow from the Isuzu guys.
check out the 04 redesigned Toyota Sienna. Toyota folks said it's due in the spring 03. The van will have bigger engine, split and hide-away 3rd row seat, roll-down windows on the sliding doors, etc. It also offer optional AWD. I hope the van has higher ground clearance than that of the Ody.
Don't know if this is normal, but I notice a slight "wobble" when depressing the brake petal. This is expecially evident when trying to brake and turning the Pilot at the same time. The petal is not loose but it does sway ~2 degrees or so when depressed. Upon inspection, I don't see anything outside the norm. Advices? Thanks!
First of all, I do think Trailblazer/ Envoy is a competitor of Pilot as most people looking for an SUV don't distinguish truck frame from non-truck frame. Second of all, the Trailblazer/Envoy is a superb tuck and it did not win every award in the book last year for no reason. Yes it's had some growing problems, but from the sounds of it, the Pilot is also.
A few items I found to be poor design rather than poor execution on the TB/Envoy:
1) ECU under the back seat, right where a kid could spill a slurpy! 2) Can't fold rear seats with the front seats in the furthest back position 3) When folded the rear seats scrape against the rear acc. outlet plug. 4) Worst in class angle of approach and departure
In the JDM market, Honda offers the Ody with RT4WD. However, they also have the old Ody design and call our model the "La Grand" (or something like that). I'm not 100% certain which model it was (or if it was both). :-/ Why they don't bring it over here is beyond me.
That said, there are a number of differences between the Pilot and Ody. There are obviously a lot of similarities too, but that doesn't make them the same vehicle. For example, the Pilot has a complete frame structure reinforcing the unitbody. It's a wagon body-style, rather than a van. The Pilot also has a significantly shorter wheelbase when compared with the Ody. When a unit-body SUV is "based" on something like a minivan it's not the same as an SUV being based a pickup truck (sharing actual frame design). It just means that they share manufacturing platforms.
Looking for AWD minivans but the only options are not the reliable brands I'd want (DC, Dodge, Chevy, Olds, et al). For this reason, the Pilot and Rendezvous are on my short list.
I've heard about the '03 Sienna coming. Does anyone know any others coming with AWD (ie, Odyssey or MPV)?
I agree that folks will cross shop the Envoy and Trailblazer (short and long variants) with the Pilot. People won't differentiate body-on-frame beyond any effect on their desired level of ride comfort.
Obviously the initial Pilot is not bug free, but somehow I don't think it's going to get recalled as frequently as the Envoy, and the Pilot will likely be more reliable in the long run. Not to mention the weak available crash test scores from the short versions of the Trailblazer/Envoy vehicles (don't know if the long ones will be any better).
There are a lot of low-price deals on the Trailblazer/Envoy, though. It's up to one's priorities.
Howdy! I'm interested in hearing about any and all off-pavement experiences with the Pilot. I opened a new topic, since I hope this becomes a popular discussion area - and didn't want to see it get buried in this message board.
The Pilot does have minivan based beginnings but to say it's an AWD minivan is to say the Explorer is a Pickup truck, as is the Trailblazer and the Durango for that matter. I've had heavy duty trucks for years and I don't want another one. The Pilot was designed for the use most SUV users said they want in an SUV. I'm not saying the Pilot is perfect but it's closer than most everything else out there for me. My Pilot won't be the last vehicle I buy, (hopefully) when someone comes out with something better I'll probably be back in the market by then. As for my dislikes of the Trailblazer EXT, where do I begin? It's veeerrry long (the Suburban's WB is only 1" longer). The 3rd seat is is really a usable seat (unlike the Pilot) but it's built up above the floor and doesn't come close to folding flat (gaps every where). Because of the false floor load height is high. There's very limited head room with the moonroof (but it does have one) that only opens 10 or 12". The handling is very vague and downright bad on the highway. Engine power is fine for the normal version but the EXT needs the V8. If these aren't bad enough look at it from the back at a distance it looks like an SUV hearse, the raised roofline was done with glass. I'm sure someone will look at all these issues as positives that I just didn't understand because the Trailblazer is a real SUV and the Pilot isn't. I judge things based on my needs for a vehicle not what I might not be able to do. I've been deep offroad before and I wouldn't take either.
In GM's defence, Trailblazer/ Envoy were completely new product. Pilot uses much of the same parts found in MDX and the Ody. Look at the Rendezvous and you can see it's very trouble free as it's a variant of an established minivan.
Raybear - I guess I'll have to watch more TV. I've only seen two commercials. One has the Pilot towing two or three dirt bikes (easily within the 3,500lbs range). The other has it driving in the snow. I'm guessing the Pilot can handle that, too. I figure if the Pathfinder can play a polo match, these are pretty tame. Is there another I should be watching for?
Wmquan - Unless the EXT has a re designed front end, I expect the extra mass will actually hurt it in the crash tests.
Jim - I think you'll have to wait a while. There's more people waiting for their Pilots, than people driving them. :-(
Yeah, he's in the snow somewhere north of Greenland! Like I said, they sell the image, not the reality. Can you imagine what a Pathfinder would look like if they really played polo in it? Pretty expensive demolition derby!
Thinking about buying a Pilot with the navigation system, but cannot decide if it is worth the $2K. Dealers do not have any to look at, even on the Ody. Does anyone have one with the DVD based system? Is it funtional and easy to use? Thanks in advance.
"In GM's defence, Trailblazer/ Envoy were completely new product. Pilot uses much of the same parts found in MDX and the Ody. Look at the Rendezvous and you can see it's very trouble free as it's a variant of an established minivan."
According to JD Power's Initial Quality Survey, the Rendezvous's initial quality is below average. Though I bet it'll come out as "average" in Consumer Reports, which isn't bad (isn't great either).
If the Trailblazer and Envoy are completely new products, then they should do better in crash tests.
Raybear - Okay, I guess I'll have to pay closer attention to it next time. I still don't think Honda's ads are any more far-fetched than other brands, though. Even Subaru has shown the Outback about 4 feet in the air (still frame before splashing on poor Judge). I suppose I've become desensitized by violent television!
I suppose, but we still have to see how Pilot does in a crash test. It should be good, but then again the new Camry didn't fair well. Take it all with a grain of salt I guess.
they had no clue...the guy I talked to said that it should have but said that he really didn't know. Dlr's are not always the best for info I've found. I tend to know more about the cars they sell then they do. Ill throw it in the snow tomorrow and see what happens...
Yes, anyone who wants to see the actual results from the crash test should definitely wait on their purchase.
However, Honda has been accurate in predicting crash test results for at least its four most recent vehicles -- the MDX, Civic, RSX, and the CR-V. In all NHTSA and IIHS tests that have been executed to date against production versions of those vehicles, the result has been at or beyond the level that Honda has predicted in public statements. This demonstrates how commitment, good design, computer simulation, and internal crash testing can produce consistent and reliable results for safety (at least as far as crashworthiness goes).
Honda has predicted that the Pilot will get 5-stars all around in the NHTSA crash tests and at least a "Good" in the IIHS test. I certainly would not bet against them.
That all said, it'd have been better had Honda made stability control available in the Pilot, something you can get on vehicles like the Highlander.
silverk21, I like Navi system a lot and I will suggest you to get it if you are willing to pay the extra $2000. It is better to buy the factory one because I believe the after market one isn't a lot cheaper. You also need to find room to install it somewhere. When the Navi needs to say something, the volume of other audio will be temporary lowered and will resume after the Navi finishes, I don't know whether the after market ones will have this function that will integrate with the factory audio system. It is very easy to use too. The interface could be either touch screen or a mouse-like button. For example if you need to find a restaurant, you could search it by multiple ways like : by category (eg American, Chinese, Italian, Fast food etc), by shortest distance, by name, etc. It has a voice to tell you when to exit a freeway and has a few reminder before you approach the exit. When you need to make a left or right turn on a street, there is a voice to tell you in advance and the display will show you when to turn starting with 1000 feet and decrease by 100 feet until you arrived at the exact intersection. When you miss the turn it will recalculate the new route from your current location and direct you to the target place using the alternative route. Also you could choose to minimize toll roads, avoid certain street, easy route, direct route etc. My friends called it a 'Never Lost' system and I say it is only a machine and not 100% perfect. But at least it does it job and bring you to the place that you want to go.
I am looking at the base MDX ($34,700)compared to the Pilot EXL ($30,520) and trying to determine the differences for the extra $4,180 for the MDX. So far I have:
The Pilot has a roof rack and body side molding which are extra on the MDX,and has seating for 8 vs. 7
The MDX has different styling, sunroof, fog lights, heated seats, trip computer, day/night rear view mirror, heated outside mirrors, better warranty, loaner cars when in for service.
Is there any other features on the MDX to justify the price difference.
Comments
Also, what's the difference between the Pilot and the Buick Rendezvous? Are they not both "short AWD minivans?"
The Pilot is a family vehicle, it's good at that, yet the truck based vehicles are good at being real trucks. Does that take anything away from the Pilot? No I don't think it does, it's still a great alternative to a minivan.
Exactly. But how many people actually take their Explorers, Envoys and Trailblazers on a real trail? So if they don't take their truck-based SUVs on a real trail, I don't see why a comparison to the Pilot would be considered taboo - now all the SUVs, truck-based or not, will be strictly alternatives for wagons and minivans.
Actually, if you look at price, comfort, and off-road/towing capabilities, the AWD Chevy Venture minivan is a much closer competitor to the Pilot.
While not all of us use these features (heck I drive an Aztek FWD no offroading for me!) are used by everyone, many like the fact that if they need it, it's there. It's a trade off, Crossovers-family vehicle, SUV image: truck based SUV's-offroad beasts with big towing ratings and some family pretensions.
Bottom line, can we compare them? Sure we can, but we have to admit that they are designed for different purposes, and with so many crossover SUV's out there why not compare them with each other and not their truck based counterparts?
Even if we compared truck-based SUV against truck-based SUV, we would end up with the "which one is truckier" debate.
As for towing, I tow often as well, and on the highways and boat ramps I've seen mostly 2500series Suburaban/Yukons, Expeditions, FS Pickups, Sequoias, Excursions, Jeep GCs, Montys, Troopers.
So for the use arguement the Pilot people are correct the mid-size domestic SUVs are being used for the same purpose as the Pilot. Of course the problem is that since they are truck based they are considered more macho than the Pilot and lets face it folks if the Pilot buyers weren't worried about their image, wouldn't they be buying mini-vans?
-mike
No we wouldn't because the Ody is not available in AWD.
BTW, just rented a Traiblazer for two weeks. Wife did most of driving, and she felt our 99 Ody had more pick-up. She is a Chevy fan; its a gorgeous truck; but she wouldn't consider it. Wouldn't let me drive it around the farmette for fear of scratching it. So much for off-road capability of a $30K plus vehicle.
Trailblazer EXT and wienerdog, ha ha. I though someone was trying to make a TB into a Limo but did a half-...-job(:
I wonder if we will see a magic 3rd suicide-door like on the Saturn Coupe on these 3rd seat SUVs?
No rattles, sloshing on the Pilot test drive, but did notice the leather did look a bit streched. After you got out of the driver seat, the leather was kinda wavy, wonder if it would "strech back"? Some say I'm skinny, so look for this (Pilot had 500 miles on it).
-mike
-mike
The DC stuff is always sub-par reliability.
-mike
There are those of us who are more interested in function than appearance. We just gave our 95 Grand Caravan AWD to my "out-laws". Again was the wife's choice to purchase, and she did not want the Grand Cherokee then or now. She is a Chevy fan but does not like the mpg on their trucks. This is confirmed by neighbors experience with their burb. We still have her 87 Z28 though.
Agreed, most people wouldn't buy AWD minivans for SUV replacements but I'm looking for an AWD vehicle to replace that GC AWD minivan and looking at everything. With our satisfaction with the Ody, and our past experience with, Honda, Mazda, Ford, Chrysler, and GM, I am biased towards the Pilot.
Folks, like us, who are first time SUV buyers are large part of Honda Pilot demographics. We are interested in AWD, 5 to 8 passenger capacity, convenient/flexible seating, economy, resale value, and safety, and price. In these areas, Pilot scores very well if not best. If there are others I should consider, please let me know, but for now, looks like a no-brainer.
And Mike, no, Trooper is not on my short list.
Jeff
And nowadays we get mad if it doesn't have VSC, Side-airbags, all of which help in safety.
-mike
Ever hear the story about the guy in California who lost his divorce settlement and HAD to buy his wife an SUV as part of the settlement?
He went out and bought the Ugliest SUV he could find in the ugliest color offered, which was bright yellow. The Pontiac Salesman said "you should have seen the shear joy and the smile on his face when he left in his New Aztec."
I guess I'll get back to Pilots. But this shows one of the urban legends and my opinions of the Aztec.
Tough question!
If I were truly function over form kind of buyer, Ody AWD should be my choice, but let me tell you about driving our old '87 Z28 Camaro.
It's got the 5.0L TPI V8 that puts out only 190hp, and is only good for probably mid 8 sec 0-60 times and mid to low 16 sec qtr mile times at its best.....but I don't get any lip from traffic when I am driving it, like I do in the Ody or GC AWD (or the 90 626 GT turbo, or 81 Accord). Its not the vehicle, but peoples's perception (aided by a fortune in manufacturer's hype). The 02 Ody would run away from it in any acceleration test, but I don't long for an 02 Ody.
So it is with the AWD Ody vs Pilot...people's perception affect our driving experience greatly in spite of a vehicle's capability. I got a lot of respect when driving the TrailBlazer, and want to carry that over to our next vehicle.
I guess my "sheet is showing".
Moonkat- The Camaro has this perception because at the time, circa 87' it was fairly fast compared with other vehicles of that year. Also in 87' Pontiac released the 87 GTA and the 350 TPI Trans Am's which were even by today's standard very fast, they also look alot like a Camaro. So maybe that's one of the reasons F-bodies of that year get respect.
-mike
I hope the van has higher ground clearance than that of the Ody.
Advices? Thanks!
1) ECU under the back seat, right where a kid could spill a slurpy!
2) Can't fold rear seats with the front seats in the furthest back position
3) When folded the rear seats scrape against the rear acc. outlet plug.
4) Worst in class angle of approach and departure
Not to mention the Q&A problems.
-mike
That said, there are a number of differences between the Pilot and Ody. There are obviously a lot of similarities too, but that doesn't make them the same vehicle. For example, the Pilot has a complete frame structure reinforcing the unitbody. It's a wagon body-style, rather than a van. The Pilot also has a significantly shorter wheelbase when compared with the Ody. When a unit-body SUV is "based" on something like a minivan it's not the same as an SUV being based a pickup truck (sharing actual frame design). It just means that they share manufacturing platforms.
I've heard about the '03 Sienna coming. Does anyone know any others coming with AWD (ie, Odyssey or MPV)?
The new Pilot commercials seem to insinuate the car is capable of what most owners only dream about, and that's what they're selling, image.
Obviously the initial Pilot is not bug free, but somehow I don't think it's going to get recalled as frequently as the Envoy, and the Pilot will likely be more reliable in the long run. Not to mention the weak available crash test scores from the short versions of the Trailblazer/Envoy vehicles (don't know if the long ones will be any better).
There are a lot of low-price deals on the Trailblazer/Envoy, though. It's up to one's priorities.
I'm interested in hearing about any and all off-pavement experiences with the Pilot. I opened a new topic, since I hope this becomes a popular discussion area - and didn't want to see it get buried in this message board.
Please stop by and share your likes & dislikes:
jwarthman "Pilot Off-Pavement Experiences" Jul 16, 2002 11:19pm
Thanks!
-- Jim
As for my dislikes of the Trailblazer EXT, where do I begin?
It's veeerrry long (the Suburban's WB is only 1" longer). The 3rd seat is is really a usable seat (unlike the Pilot) but it's built up above the floor and doesn't come close to folding flat (gaps every where). Because of the false floor load height is high. There's very limited head room with the moonroof (but it does have one) that only opens 10 or 12". The handling is very vague and downright bad on the highway. Engine power is fine for the normal version but the EXT needs the V8. If these aren't bad enough look at it from the back at a distance it looks like an SUV hearse, the raised roofline was done with glass. I'm sure someone will look at all these issues as positives that I just didn't understand because the Trailblazer is a real SUV and the Pilot isn't. I judge things based on my needs for a vehicle not what I might not be able to do. I've been deep offroad before and I wouldn't take either.
Wmquan - Unless the EXT has a re designed front end, I expect the extra mass will actually hurt it in the crash tests.
Jim - I think you'll have to wait a while. There's more people waiting for their Pilots, than people driving them. :-(
According to JD Power's Initial Quality Survey, the Rendezvous's initial quality is below average. Though I bet it'll come out as "average" in Consumer Reports, which isn't bad (isn't great either).
If the Trailblazer and Envoy are completely new products, then they should do better in crash tests.
Dealer had no clue (claimed he hadn't seen an LX, but I took that as a little friendly upselling).
However, Honda has been accurate in predicting crash test results for at least its four most recent vehicles -- the MDX, Civic, RSX, and the CR-V. In all NHTSA and IIHS tests that have been executed to date against production versions of those vehicles, the result has been at or beyond the level that Honda has predicted in public statements. This demonstrates how commitment, good design, computer simulation, and internal crash testing can produce consistent and reliable results for safety (at least as far as crashworthiness goes).
Honda has predicted that the Pilot will get 5-stars all around in the NHTSA crash tests and at least a "Good" in the IIHS test. I certainly would not bet against them.
That all said, it'd have been better had Honda made stability control available in the Pilot, something you can get on vehicles like the Highlander.
It is very easy to use too. The interface could be either touch screen or a mouse-like button.
For example if you need to find a restaurant, you could search it by multiple ways like : by category (eg American, Chinese, Italian, Fast food etc), by shortest distance, by name, etc.
It has a voice to tell you when to exit a freeway and has a few reminder before you approach the exit. When you need to make a left or right turn on a street, there is a voice to tell you in advance and the display will show you when to turn starting with 1000 feet and decrease by 100 feet until you arrived at the exact intersection.
When you miss the turn it will recalculate the new route from your current location and direct you to the target place using the alternative route.
Also you could choose to minimize toll roads, avoid certain street, easy route, direct route etc.
My friends called it a 'Never Lost' system and I say it is only a machine and not 100% perfect. But at least it does it job and bring you to the place that you want to go.
The Pilot has a roof rack and body side molding which are extra on the MDX,and has seating for 8 vs. 7
The MDX has different styling, sunroof, fog lights, heated seats, trip computer, day/night rear view mirror, heated outside mirrors, better warranty, loaner cars when in for service.
Is there any other features on the MDX to justify the price difference.
Thanks for your help.