difference in Years for Pilot

[Chewy]

I'm in the market for a used Pilot and I was wondering what the differences were between years of the vehicle. I tried doing a search, but nothing came up. Are the bodies(sheetmetal) all the same? Can someone give me a complete breakdown of all the differences in each model year...

[tim.s]

This is from memory, so I'll probably get some things wrong and leave some things out. I'm sure someone will fill in the blanks where necessary.

In general, the body, engine, and exterior have been the same since the debut of the 2003 models. The 2006 model had the first exterior/interior revision.

2003
- Pilot debut (front airbags and "shoulder" air bags only for front seats)

2004
- heated seats added to EX-L models (?)
- second row seats now slide forward (adjustable)

2005
- sunroof added to EX-L models
- traction control added to EX line
- drive by wire throttle added (?)
- grab handles and interior lighting revised

2006 (first major revision)
- exterior facelift (grill, headlights, taillights, etc...)
- blinkers added to side fenders
- interior gauges revised and some interior trim revision
- revised leather seats
- VSA and traction control standard on all models
- XM unit standard on EX models
- Navi upgraded
- back up camera standard on Navi model
- voice control added (for Navi, climate controls, and audio controls)
- 2WD available as option
- VCM (varriable cylinder management) with ANC (active noise cancelation) added to 2WD models only
- body colored door handles and mirrors on EX models
- side curtain air bags standard on all models - for all three rows
- remote locking controls integrated into key (no fob)
- 120V outlet added inside center console for RES models
- clear tail lights
- new composite headlights

2007
no changes

Exterior colors have been added and deleted throughout the model years.

edits made as other members post corrections

[Aru4mie]

Originally posted by tim.s
This is from memory, so I'll probably get some things wrong and leave some things out. I'm sure someone will fill in the blanks where necessary.

In general, the body, engine, and exterior have been the same since the debut of the 2003 models.

2003
- Pilot debut
2004
- sunroof added to EX-L models
- heated seats added to EX-L models (?)
- second row seats now slide forward (adjustable)
2005
- traction control added to EX line
- drive by wire throttle added (?)
- side curtain air bags standard on all models
- grab handles and interior lighting revised
2006
- exterior facelift (grill, headlights, and taillights)
- interior gauges revised and some interior trim revision
- revised leather seats
- VSA and traction control standard on all models
- Navi upgraded
- VCM (varriable cylinder management) available as option
- 2WD available as option
2007
- no changes

Exterior colors have been added and deleted throughout the model years.

The sunroof was added on the 2005 year model not 2004.

[jestmaty]

I really missed the boat in the sunroof when buying my 04. If I would have waited for a few months, I would be driving an 05 with sunroof now.

I really enjoy sunroofs and fortunately my 2 other cars have them.

[Jacques]

Darn, maybe I should've searched for at least an '04 to get the sunroof, heated seats, and sliding second row seats.

[tim.s]

Originally posted by Aru4mie
The sunroof was added on the 2005 year model not 2004.

How about heated seats? Where they 2005 also?

[Chewy]

Does the VCM make a BIG difference in gas mileage?? What mileage are getting with 05 and older models? I think a 2006 will be too rich for my blood right now.

[Pilot-Matt]

Originally posted by tim.s
How about heated seats? Where they 2005 also?

2004 Ex-L

[mmmmark]

Originally posted by Chewy
Does the VCM make a BIG difference in gas mileage?? What mileage are getting with 05 and older models? I think a 2006 will be too rich for my blood right now.

Seems like most people get the 4wd version, so stats aren't abundant on the VCM.

I've been very pleased with my 2wd 06 EXL. On a recent 2500 mile road trip, I got almost 23 mpg average overall with speeds averaging just under 80. Speed affects mileage quite a bit and my best tanks were with averages of about 65mph (26mpg). higher speeds netting closer to 18 mpg.

VCM doesn't stay on much if you use the cruise. The tiniest grade kicks it off. You can maintain the VCM with a steady foot if you are patient. I did it with pretty good results, but it gets old and I'll probably use cruise in the future for the general ease.

[Nick Shepherd]

There was a bump in power and reprogramming of the transmission somewhere between 2003 and 2005, I think it was with the 2005 model year, that makes a 2005 much peppier than a 2003.

[jcantanixon]

I didn't think curtain airbags came until 06. My 05 doesn't have them

[doberwiler]

Originally posted by Chewy
Does the VCM make a BIG difference in gas mileage?? What mileage are getting with 05 and older models? I think a 2006 will be too rich for my blood right now.

I have a 2006 2WD w/ VCM. Doesn't seem to make much of a difference. We drove it across the country and the best actual mileage we ever got was 23.9 MPG, and the worst was <20 for highway miles. Seems like most people with 4WD get about the same.

Dobe

[jpd0363]

Originally posted by doberwiler


I have a 2006 2WD w/ VCM. Doesn't seem to make much of a difference. We drove it across the country and the best actual mileage we ever got was 23.9 MPG, and the worst was <20 for highway miles. Seems like most people with 4WD get about the same.

Dobe

I think your doing pretty good getting nearly 24/mpg in city driving (I assume it's city driving, because you said "best actual mileage, and then referred to what you were getting for highway miles).

My driving habit is usually 3.5 miles to, then 3.5 miles back from work on a daily basis. It's not much "city" driving, but to the effect it's stop and go (with red lights, living on a hill that's approximately 1/4 mile, idling while running in to get my daily paper). My '06 AWD/4WD is never letting me get better than 15/mpg.

If you're getting nearly 24, I can only assume that to be a testament to how efficient the VCM is working.

You have nearly a 4,500 lb. vehicle. Is the mileage per gallon not in your expected range?

[snowdog13]

I am going to purchase either a 2004 or 2005 Pilot in the near future. The most significant changes to the 05 in my opinion are the horsepower increase, traction control to ex and the in dash CD changer.

My question is whether the the added horsepower justifies the price difference when making the used purchase.

Would I be able to tell the difference? I ask because I can get a loaded 04 for 19k but a loaded 05 will run about 23k.

Thanks in advance for any information and/or advice.

[rocky]

Never driven an 05 but I doubt anyone will notice the "loss" of what 11 BHP? That was a temporary blip on the hp scale as the new way of measuring HP is either in use or on its way.

I'd say, keep the $4k or use it for accessories