Running boards vs Side steps - Honda Pilot

catbert · 09-23-2002, 09:48 PM

What is the difference?

Seriously, I am going to have to get one or the other, and not being an accessory person, I don't know what the difference is.

I thought the Pilot was low enough to the ground for me, but I am just a little too short. It isn't as great of a jump up as it would be in a truck-based SUV, but I don't want to have to reach everytime I get in. Also, my 4 year old grabs the net on the back of the driver's seat to pull himself up, and I cringe everytime he does it.

( I know this is supposed to be a thread area comparing vehicles, but this is where I thought the question fit best.)

banningjr · 09-23-2002, 09:51 PM

Personal opinion, I don't think you can go wrong with either. I was more partial to the running boards becuase of the complete look they give. They actually rest right against the side of the vehicle with a rubber piece. They are very solid as well and my kids went nuts when I put 'their' steps on the vehicle. (They are 3 and 5.)

havasu · 09-23-2002, 10:07 PM

Look at this thread:
http://www.honda-pilot.org/forums/sh...=&threadid=623

Also somebody posted pictures of both for comparison...
it's not in this thread. I'm looking...

Several folks said it helped their little kids get into the Pilot much more easily.

havasu · 09-23-2002, 10:11 PM

Found the pictures:
http://www.honda-pilot.org/forums/sh...=5144#post5144

Twinkie · 09-23-2002, 11:40 PM

We went with the side steps. My wife liked the sportier look and she thinks they maybe easier to clean. They are nice thick aluminium, powder coated (I think) with plastic/rubber steps.

My wife observed at the dealer that with the running boards, it rubbed her leg while getting out if you chose not to step on it. That pretty much sealed the deal for her I think.

chiquita · 09-23-2002, 11:46 PM

I also purchased the side steps and have absolutely no regrets.

I have a three year old who can get in and out of the car all by himself and I happen to like the look of them a little better than the running boards. I also think that they will be easier to keep clean because of the holes in them. With winter fast approaching, the accumulation of snow, sand and water will just fall through them as opposed to just sitting there and getting tracked into the car. Just my humble opinion.

Good luck.

dmack24 · 09-24-2002, 12:07 AM

Side Steps give more of a rugged 4WD vehicle, Running Boards are solid and look like a complete long step that seals right up to the side of the vehicle. The steps let you see behind the steps and side of the vehicle, they look more Baja like, and the Boards look more like City vehicles.

Decide which are best, the both look great and are very useful!!!!!

N_Jay · 09-24-2002, 08:59 AM

The running boards do a better job keeping drit off the sides.

09-23-2002, 09:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
catbert Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Western NC Posts: 465 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Running boards vs Side steps What is the difference? Seriously, I am going to have to get one or the other, and not being an accessory person, I don't know what the difference is. I thought the Pilot was low enough to the ground for me, but I am just a little too short. It isn't as great of a jump up as it would be in a truck-based SUV, but I don't want to have to reach everytime I get in. Also, my 4 year old grabs the net on the back of the driver's seat to pull himself up, and I cringe everytime he does it. ( I know this is supposed to be a thread area comparing vehicles, but this is where I thought the question fit best.) __________________ 03 Sandstone Pilot EX-L RES #21989 Delivered 8/28/02 150k+ miles and counting... sold the Pilot to my parents in early '10 and its still going strong! I still borrow it for trips having "extra kids" along 09 Acura TL SH-AWD Nav Tech WOO HOO!

09-23-2002, 09:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
banningjr Super Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hummelstown, PA Posts: 664 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Personal opinion, I don't think you can go wrong with either. I was more partial to the running boards becuase of the complete look they give. They actually rest right against the side of the vehicle with a rubber piece. They are very solid as well and my kids went nuts when I put 'their' steps on the vehicle. (They are 3 and 5.) __________________ Pilot SS 317 - OEM Air Deflector, Fog Lights, Fender Flares, Auto Mirror, Cargo Cover, Cross Bars, Mud Guards, Running Boards and FS Spare. (VTEC and EX emblems)

09-23-2002, 10:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
havasu Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 908 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Look at this thread: http://www.honda-pilot.org/forums/sh...=&threadid=623 Also somebody posted pictures of both for comparison... it's not in this thread. I'm looking... Several folks said it helped their little kids get into the Pilot much more easily. __________________ '03 Honda Pilot EXL-RES Havasu Blue #20,620 <a href="http://www.honda-pilot.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=921">Is your VIN in the table?</a>

09-23-2002, 10:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
havasu Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 908 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Found the pictures: http://www.honda-pilot.org/forums/sh...=5144#post5144 __________________ '03 Honda Pilot EXL-RES Havasu Blue #20,620 <a href="http://www.honda-pilot.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=921">Is your VIN in the table?</a>

09-23-2002, 11:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
Twinkie Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Washington Posts: 449 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Side steps We went with the side steps. My wife liked the sportier look and she thinks they maybe easier to clean. They are nice thick aluminium, powder coated (I think) with plastic/rubber steps. My wife observed at the dealer that with the running boards, it rubbed her leg while getting out if you chose not to step on it. That pretty much sealed the deal for her I think. __________________ '03 Nighthawk Black Pearl EX-L #26,097 Side steps, Chrome Bumper Garnish, Rear Splashguards, FormFit Air Deflector, Cargo Tray, Center Console Foam Pads, New Lower Friction Door Seals (ah, sweet silence)

09-23-2002, 11:46 PM	#6 (permalink)
chiquita Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Boston Posts: 162 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I also purchased the side steps and have absolutely no regrets. I have a three year old who can get in and out of the car all by himself and I happen to like the look of them a little better than the running boards. I also think that they will be easier to keep clean because of the holes in them. With winter fast approaching, the accumulation of snow, sand and water will just fall through them as opposed to just sitting there and getting tracked into the car. Just my humble opinion. Good luck. __________________ Starlight Silver Metallic EX-L RES#21,120 Rear Splash Guards, Interior Wood and Dash Trim, Side Steps, Cargo Tray and All Season Floor Mats

09-24-2002, 12:07 AM	#7 (permalink)
dmack24 Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 84 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Steps vs Boards Side Steps give more of a rugged 4WD vehicle, Running Boards are solid and look like a complete long step that seals right up to the side of the vehicle. The steps let you see behind the steps and side of the vehicle, they look more Baja like, and the Boards look more like City vehicles. Decide which are best, the both look great and are very useful!!!!!

09-24-2002, 08:59 AM	#8 (permalink)
N_Jay Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Chicago, NW Burbs Posts: 13,555 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The running boards do a better job keeping drit off the sides. __________________ However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results. Sir Winston Churchill

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