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Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

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  • ven2606ven2606 Member Posts: 6
    4 Runner doesn't have the same comfort you have in Honda Pilot. I thought of buying 4Runner initially instead of 2005 Honda Pilot because I am saving $3000 to $3500 but I stopped that idea after a couple of visits to the dealer to look at 4Runner. I am goign for a Pilot on Moday. With two kids 4Runner no.
  • doubletrackdoubletrack Member Posts: 26
    I have an RX330 that has some problems, and I'm looking at a Pilot. I need to tow a 2000 lb. boat & trailer. Anyone have any experience towing with the Pilot? Can it tow w/o a strain on the engine? I'm thinking about an 05 but not sure if the trans. can be held into 4th gear, as apparently the 03's didn't have 4th on the column.
  • ukkoukko Member Posts: 23
    doubletrack, the light boat and trailer has been not problem as long you have the hitch designed for the vehicle. It would include transmission cooler equipment that after market hitches do not include. The warranty would cover any problems should they occur. That said, I had an MDX with the same hitch set up and there was a problem with the transmission, in second gear, and Honda took care of the $5000 dollar job no questions asked. Question.. what would have happened if I had an after market hitch installed and the transmission faultered??

    I have a 2004 Pilot EX-L and have been towing a utility trailer and a 14 foot aluminum boat, with a 3400 lb. trailer, with no problems. In summary, my suggestion is to get the Honda hitch with the additional cooling equipment.

    Cheers
  • 03lxv603lxv6 Member Posts: 130
    Absolutely agree with chuck about curtain airbags.

    First, I have serious doubts about the clmaims that curtain airbags help in rollover. Unless the curtain airbags keep inflated like the safety canopy system in Ford, I don't think it will help much in a rollover. In a rollover, a vehcile is likely to roll over multiple times.

    While for side colission, the curtain airbags is definitely essential to sustain the first few milliseconds of crushing force.
  • doubletrackdoubletrack Member Posts: 26
    Many Thanks for the towing info. I had planned on buying the Honda hitch and wiring, to be on the safe side. Also, I noticed Honda is changing the ratios for 4-5th gears for 2005. Anyone know why?
  • markm124markm124 Member Posts: 19
    I have been considering a 2005 Pilot EX and have a question for current owners. I test drove a Pilot and found the position of my left foot to be very uncomfortable -- no foot rest and the floor is flat. Have any owners had this experience? Any suggestions?
    Thanks.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I have an '02 MDX...probably same floor design. I don't notice it except for long road trips and I stretch my leg under the brake pedal area when it gets tired.
  • eps105eps105 Member Posts: 216
    Regarding the footrest on the Pilot, I couldn't agree more. I own a Subaru Forester and am quite comfortable with my left leg nicely stretched onto the angled footrest.

    On my wife's 2004 Pilot, I feel like there is no place to rest my foot. There is a plastic strip at a slight angle that implies where my foot should go, but it feel so awkward.

    My wife actually likes it, because she has always driven with her left leg bent at a right angle at her knee, not stretched out.

    I have resolved that Honda designed that due to the higher seating position. They want you to sit with your lower leg perpendicular to the floor. Even on the passenger side, the glove box is so low, that you can't stretch your legs out without your shins rubbing against it.

    If I raise the driver's seat high enough to cradle my thigh, I can get reasonably comfortable with my lower leg perpendicular to the floor. However, it still takes me a while to get used to when I drive it.

    My bigger question here is that you said you test drove a 2005 Pilot. Supposedly, according to Honda's press release, they added a footrest for 2005. I was excited to hear this, but I haven't seen any pictures of what they changed.

    Based on your complaint, it doesn't sound like they changed a lot.

    Elliot
  • markm124markm124 Member Posts: 19
    Sorry about the mistake. I actually drove a 2004, but I am cosidering a 2005. I will look into the new foot rest.
  • rob88rob88 Member Posts: 1
    I am still torn between 4Runner, Pilot, and am considering Tahoe also.

    I spend 90% of my time on the highway, the rest is on trails and towing my 3800lb boat and trailer. My current vehicle is a 1988 Chevy S10 Blazer with 4.3L V6 (150hp 220 torque). I tow my boat only a dozen times a year about 2 miles from the house to the ramp and back.

    The Blazer is now much too small and old. I can't stand vehicle payments, and will keep whatever I buy for 15 years. Chevy has been reliable but creature comforts are minimal.

    Is the Pilot up to my task?
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I have an '02 MDX and love it. On the highway it is like a luxury liner. I am sure the Pilot is the same.

    It's AWD system is shared with the Pilot. I have not taken my MDX on any terrain, but have driven it through 8+ inches of snow. The system worked really well, and when needed I used the differential lock to pull me through deeper spots where the plows had blocked side road entrances.

    I think the AWD system is up to the challenge (especially with the rear locking option), but for "real" trails I would think the 4runner is a better truck. The suspension isn't really there for trail riding though in my MDX. Perhaps the pilot is a little softer and can handle trails better? I did see a motorweek where they had the pilot running over some logs that were fairly significant.

    I have not towed with my MDX but did add a hitch for a bike rack...very easy installation. I recommend the towing package if you plan to use it in that capacity
  • jay_24jay_24 Member Posts: 536
    The Pilot is a nice SUV with a 4500lb towing limit. However once you add gear and passangers your boat might be very close to that limit.

    Even thought the Tahoe is a relatively old model since it hasn't been redesigned in 4 years or so it has many creature comforts. Consider a used one? Thats what we did and its been great! It cost nearly 4K less than a new Pilot. Service for oil changes is easier and faster. Also the tahoe is a bit wider to haul the three kids and not use the third row. Got to have room for all the stuff that goes with three kids :)

    Cost? a new loaded LT Tahoe will be 4K more maybe not even that much with all the cash rebates? A base (LS) model will be much closer in price to the base Pilot.

    Over all the size difference isn't that much.
    Tahoe is 1.5 inches wider, 10 inches longer and 5 inches taller. Turning radius is only 4 inches larger.

    Power goes to the Tahoe! 45hp and 90ft-lbs of torque more than the 04 Pilot.

    Gas milage goes to the Pilot. However we do typically get 18 to 19 mpg ont he highway and have gotten as high as 21mpg 3 or 4 times. We also get 14mpg in city driving.

    We really liked the Pilot and I continue to follow these boards just because it might be our next SUV? Who knows....its definetly a top choice. We also very much like the Tahoe.....

    --jay
  • peiomipeiomi Member Posts: 20
    Well I just got home with my wife's 2005 Pilot and was wondering if you guys can help me? I am trying to install 2 Britax car seat in the 2nd row. I would like one directly behind the driver and the other one in the center facing the rear. I chose this location because I thought that somone could still move the seat to access the third row, I am open to your thoughts. I have attached the center seat with the rear strap connected to the seat mechanism. I can't seem to find another place to connect it. Even by doing all of this it seems the child seats still move a little. Any thoughts or comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    In our MDX we have one on either side. Unfortunately the baby seat is on the passenger side which keeps the opening blocked...my other child is in a booster seat which moves easily. We find that going in through the rear hatch is easy to get in and out of the 3rd row. 2 issues with the center position. I like using the lower anchors for securing the seat, which are not supposed to be used from the center...2nd having both kids next to each other ultimately causes issues with poking and fighting. On road trips my wife sits in the center and there is plenty of room.
  • jay_24jay_24 Member Posts: 536
    I'm guessing "Rear strap" is the teather strap. I believe this is only used when the seat is facing front wards. The best way to install a car seat is with your knee. I've learned this from others and from a local sheriff department. Put the seat in get it straped in and then put you knee in the seat with you full wieght. Then pull the seat belt tight as possible. It should snug down pretty good.

    For a normal front facing seat, same thing. Here you can use the strap and really get the seat tight. If you stand outside the car you can wiggle the whole car by pulling on the seat and the seat shouldn't move much.

    You may find that the center seating area is a bit too hard to get the child seat to get good and snug, due to the cup holder fold down. With two car seats there might be an inch or so overlap with the third row access, making it un-usable yet. (many car seats are 19 to 20 inches wide)

    The past 7 years our number 1 check point on new cars/SUVs is how well (and easy) the child seats go in and fit.

    --Jay
  • jay_24jay_24 Member Posts: 536
    You might want to try the rear facing seat behind the driver and the front facing in the center. That way its easier to hand toys and snack to the old child and they can pass them along to the little one. Its also easier to place infants into seats on the sides. WHile older kids can at least crawl into their center seat leaving you to just buckle it.

    Worked for us, at least.

    --jay
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    We had a Britax Roundabout rear-facing in the center of the second row and it was stable. It was in an MDX but it should be very similar to the Pilot.

    IIRC, we did have to use a rolled-up towel to help tilt the seat back further. Some people would recommend foam noodles instead. The MDX's center belt was used to attach the seat, of course. The key was getting it as tight as possible. As another poster here recommended, tightening the belt while jamming your knee into the restraint to press it down helps a lot.

    What I'd do is get the car seat in with the seat belt buckled. Then, you open up the seat belt buckle and let it retract back a couple of clicks. Then, you really put your weight on the seat and try to get the buckle snapped again. It's easier to do with two people.

    After the rear-facing seat is securely attached with the MDX's seat belt, the key is to use the Britax's tether to provide some tension to "pull down" the seat. The Britax seats are some of the few seats that use the tether strap in rear-facing mode as well as the traditional front-facing mode. Like you, I attached it to the seat frame under the front of the seat. However, someone smarter than me at this stuff found he could actually run the extended strap under the seat, and up behind it, and attach it to the anchor point behind the seat.

    We found that not using the tether strap left the seat too loose (in rear-facing mode). Belting the seat in so it was a bit too upright, and then using the tether strap to "pull it down" did the trick. It made it very stable.

    If all else fails, your local fire department or hospital can point you to certified technicians who can help.

    Good luck!
  • carp32carp32 Member Posts: 8
    Yesterday I found a nail in the sidewall of tire in my 2 months old Pilot. If I pull out the nail, then it is leaking.

    My question is : Should I replace the tire with a new one or just repair it?

    Thanks.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,726
    you'll see my answer in the other discussion.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • j2thomasj2thomas Member Posts: 25
    A nail in the side wall of a tire is a death sentence for the tire. Sidewalls are rarely, if ever repaired. Replace the tire.
  • bbug1bbug1 Member Posts: 76
    I Agree with you!
    We currently own an 03 Pilot EXL-RES.
    Before we purchased we considered the Odyssey until I test drove it and didn't like the feel of it (This was in early 2003). Since our purschase we've seen many changes in the Pilot:
    Sliding/adjustable center row, vsa, sunroof, heated seats, improved subwoofer placement, TPMS,
    BUT NO SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS!
    I am always reminded that this vehicle has a higher rollover risk--thanks to the sun visor.

    The 05 Odyssey has 3 row curtain airbags, even on the basic model. Why did Honda neglect the Pilot?
  • bbug1bbug1 Member Posts: 76
    Is this the new term for grade-logic? Or is it something different?

    Re: 2005 Pilot and Odyssey
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    Typically "brake assist" is a system that senses the driver is attempting to make an emergency stop and brakes harder than the driver is commanding. Studies have shown that drivers to not brake aggressively enough in emergency situations and this system attempts to compensate for this.

    Some drivers complain bitterly that these systems make the brake system more difficult to modulate and "touchy."

    - Mark
  • dccatdccat Member Posts: 5
    Can anyone tell me where I can order touch up paint for my 2004 black Pilot?
    Thanks in advance!
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    Find the color code at the door sill area. Go to parts department in any Honda dealer. Can't order them from internet or by mail these days due to some new regulations for flammable items.
  • echethamechetham Member Posts: 22
    Just click on the ad banner above, Handa-accessories.com. They sell touch up paint and I believe they ship for free (for the paint only)
  • pepster1pepster1 Member Posts: 8
    I just traded in my black 04 pilot exl-navi for an 05 silver exl-navi. When I bought the 04 7 months ago, I was really liking the convenience of the seating for 8, but really bummed about the lack of luxury options on the pilot. I came from driving a really luxurious Town & Country LXI. I missed the wood trim and the sunroof, as well as the nice day/night mirror. When I got the pilot last year, I got the Navi, but always felt like I settled for the rest. The Acura MDX was really nice, but a tad out of my price range, and a bit to small as well. When I saw the sunroof for 05, I had to check it out. I did price out to have a sunroof installed on the 04 and it was over $1,500! Plus, I was worried about it leaking! I sold my 04, and just came home with my 05. This time I added the day/night mirror, and the wood trim. The interior looks so much better! The sunroof is so light and bright. I really feel like it's a whole new car! The added horsepower is nice too! I am just glad that the 91 octane in the manual is a misprint. The dealer read me the briefing from Honda that states regular gasoline is the correct grade. Also note, the oil in the manual is also incorrect. Check with your dealer for the correct one.(I have the info in the car, and am not going to get it at the moment.)
  • enascar3enascar3 Member Posts: 18
    Out of curiousity, do you know if the fuel mileage ratings and has the tow capacity have changed? I'm sure with the additional horsepower and gear change, both were affected.
    I have an 04 EX, 3 months old. Thanks,
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    I have an ex-l res 04 that I am thinking of trading on the 05. What price did you pay for the 05 and how much did you get for your 04.
  • pepster1pepster1 Member Posts: 8
    I don't know about the towing, but I am sure the Honda web site would say. I sold my 04 at Carmax and they gave me $1,400 more than the dealership would on a trade. The price of the 05 was about 1,200 more than the 04, but considering the sunroof and more powerful engine, well worth it! The price I paid wouldn't be fair to discuss, only because the owner of the dealership is a friend of mine and I got a "special" deal. Good luck!
  • nornenorne Member Posts: 136
    "The price I paid wouldn't be fair to discuss, only because the owner of the dealership is a friend of mine and I got a "special" deal. Good luck! "

    so this friend dealer gave you good deal on sale of 05 model but not the trade in of 04 huh? This sounds more like, "oh I am too embarassed to say what I paid because I paid msrp or more but I am too ashamed to admit it on line"

    $1400 is worth it for having extra 15hp and a moonroof? what having 240 hp was inadequate for you?

    What a big waste of money.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,726
    considering my aftermarket moonroof cost $1100 to install in our Pilot, the extra $300 is worth a waranteed factory job by itself. The way I see it, he got the extra power for free.

    if you feel its a waste of money, then don't buy it. A capitalist society is an amazing thing, ain't it?

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    You also have to remember that the 05 has a 6 cd in dash changer (no way to do this on an 04 w/res) and VSA in addition to the sunroof and extra power. So I see it as a well priced update. Seeing as all these things I would have liked to have in my 04.
  • 4mygrey4mygrey Member Posts: 26
    We plan to buy a new pilot but hope to have a baby in a few years...this talk about baby seats has me a little worried... I would really prefer for the seat to be in the middle for reasons of safety, and also so I can see and get to the baby more easily. Have other folks been able to find car seats that fit, especially the forward facing ones, once baby is older, against that hard center backrest? If not, it might be a deal breaker for me. Thanks in advance!
  • pepster1pepster1 Member Posts: 8
    Wow! I can't believe the response you had. If text could talk, I could detect a whine when it was said! The owner of the dealership is the friend. The price of the new car was set and put in writing by him and then handed off to a sales person... before the trade was ever discussed! Any experienced car buyer would do that. The 04 that we bought was 3,000 under invoice, and the 05 was pretty close to that. Most people who have sold or purchased a car from Carmax will tell you, it is one of the easiest and stress free experiences ever. I have sold 3 cars to them. So, I know I got a good fair price for my 04, and a great deal on the 05! The upgrades on the 05 are well worth it!
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    I also put mine (Graco) in the middle seat in both of my SUV and car. I thought it would be safer in the middle (side impact and side airbag deployment) and easy access for both rear passengers. My bother (owns an '04 Pilot) just put his next to the window for easy access to the kid. I have no problem with both infant and child car seat on both cars. My SUV has an adjustable headrest in the middle seat and all seats. I don't to remove it or do anything about it. Also, use those car seat saver especially you have leather. Hope this help.
  • jodar96jodar96 Member Posts: 400
    Honda dealership in Lima, Ohio has interent price of $30,165.00 for any brand new 05 Pilot EX-Leather. the price includes freight. This is some $2400 off sticker price. We are thinking about selling my wife's 2001 RX300 and buy the pilot. Now that it comes with sunroof, it is more appealing, It still does not have memory seats, It appears that Honda waits until Acura MDX moves a little more upscale, then they throw in some extra stuff for Pilot. They just do not want Pilot to get to close to MDX level. As far as 15more HP for '05, you can only feel it if you are willing the rev the engine up to 4500RPM. To feel the power, at low RPM, torque is what counts.
  • jayk1jayk1 Member Posts: 1
    I am looking to add a subwoofer to my 04 EX-L pilot. The H and A accessory store (and few others) list a subwoofer for 04 LX but not for EX. Does someone have any info or experience in adding a subwoofer in their EX? TIA.
    Jay
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    You can get a seat in the center, just with 2 kids it doesn't work out best for us. Side airbags are also a good reason to put kids in the middle (our mdx doesn't have them so we don't need to worry about that).
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,726
    that's because the one they are selling for the LX is the one that comes standard in the EX.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • 05pilot05pilot Member Posts: 26
    Has anybody figured out a slick way to add TV function to the factory DVD set up?

    I have found this cheap, compact 12 volt TV tuner from Audiovox (model VBT100 on audiovox.com), that I could plug into the rear A/V inputs when needed. Before I buy one has anyone a better suggestion?

    http://www.audiovox.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?- catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=1765519&langI- d=-1
  • sportymonksportymonk Member Posts: 258
    Am still looking at buying my first Honda (ok, got a Civic for my daughter in college and she loves it but never had one myself.) Am debating between Ody and Pilot. Hate the chrome on the nose of the Ody and after 1984 to 2004 with either 84 Plymouth Voyager or 91 Chevy Astro, I don't want another "minivan". But don't need AWD. Am concerned about transmission problems in wht appears to be both Ody and Pilot. What else should I be aware of? Was the transmission problem fixed? Was it in both vehicles?

    Had posted earlier but the post got off track on the Nav-Res which I don't want. Don't care about the stereo as I will rip that out immediately so I can install an Alpine unit capable of interfacing with my Apple iPod.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,726
    Honda says its fixed.
    That's about all I know (and i hope its true).

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • civlman22civlman22 Member Posts: 4
    I have an 2004 Pilot with about 2000 miles on it that I purchased it in August. A noise was coming from the front struts and I had them replaced at the dealer under warranty. The dealer also stated that a wheel alignment wasn't necessary. The noise occurred while turning sharply or going over speed bumps. Since I've had the new struts installed, I've started to hear the noise again. Has anyone noticed this problem with their Pilot? If so, what was the solution? Thanks.
  • pgillpgill Member Posts: 84
    Does anyone know if the gross vehicle weight rating of 2005 Pilot is different than 2004 Pilot?
  • wayne9269wayne9269 Member Posts: 12
    hello everyone. does anyone have anything positive or negative to say about the stereo that is currently in the '04 ex? i like to listen to my music loud(when the kids are not around) and wondering if this stereo will fit the bill. not some major headbangin', just being able to "feel" it. was considering a 4runner also but can't get the option for a better stereo in this area. no, that isn't the reason i'm getting a pilot, just didn't help that's all. any comments would be great.....thx, wayne
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,726
    I think it does the job just fine. I mean, its tough to get others opinions because I find stereo sound to be a very personal and subjective thing. But I'm with you on the loudness. When I'm by myself, I typically have it all the way up. So I can tell you that the Pilot gets a bit distorted at 10, so 9 is the max. But that's enough that, after an hour, I'll step out and have that "world is underwater" kind of thing going on. as far as all of my vehicles go, I rate it #3 on the stock stereo list. #1 is my Volvo (which I can't even listen to on 10 without doing real damage to my hearing) and #2 was my Dakota with the upgraded Infinity speaker package.

    I just installed a new 6-speaker MP3 setup in our beater car with a 4-channel 200-watt head unit driving 4 pioneer speakers and an 80-watt 2-channel amplifier driving the mid-woofers in the doors and its still a good deal below the sound in the Pilot. That doesn't say very much, but it at least tells me that I'd have to spend quite a bit of money just to match what Honda put in there.

    Of course, I'd always like more bass. ;)

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • solsol Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 2005 Pilot EX-L Nav. The gross weight is 5950. Sorry, no 179 deduction. BTW, the deduction is being cut to $25,000 next year.
  • pgillpgill Member Posts: 84
    Thanks for the information...just missed it by 50 pounds. Yes, I heard the same about the deduction being cut next year hence the question.
  • lisasc2lisasc2 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2003 Pilot and am considering purchasing a second one. However, we are experiencing a musty, sour smell coming out of the vents at times--sometimes at starting up but sometimes just while we are driving. The dealer changed the HEPA filters and added something to kill mold, but the smell continues. The dealer is saying they have not had not a problem with other Pilots, but a friend has a similar situation.

    Has anyone else experienced this problem? If so, any solutions? We have a baby so we are concerned about these musty odors.
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