Transmission and Braking

[alembicbones]

Hi All,

I recently purchased a 2006 Pilot EX-L and like the vehicle very much. Currently we have about 2800 miles and I wanted to get some feedback with how the transmission and braking feels on your Pilots.

At initial acceleration, it seems as though it won't shift out of first gear until it reaches about 3500 rpm. Second gear usually shifts between 2500 - 3000 rpms. I wouldn't call the shift rough per se but it's definitely not as smooth as our 2005 Accord EX V6 (this vehicle shifts pretty consistently around 2500 rpm).

When it comes to braking, I have to press the pedal a fair amount to engage the brake. It's not like it doesn't work well but again compared to my Accord (which you apply the slightest pressure and the brakes engage), it does seem a bit soft.

I'll be bringing the Pilot into the dealership in the near future for it's first maintenance and was wondering whether I should bring the issues up with them.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Scott

P.S. After reviewing this forum, I saw people who had issues with a driver side door buzz. My Pilot had this issue when we first bought it and I was able to mention the possible solutions discussed here to the dealership. They adjusted the door and no more buzz. Thanks all.

[krygny]

First of all, welcome to the forum, congratulations and good luck.

I wouldn't do too strict a comparison of the Pilot to the Accord. Just because they're both Hondas, doesn't mean they should "feel" the same (because they shouldn't). They're two entirely different types of vehicle. Drive the Pilot for a few weeks and see if you don't simply become accustomed to its ergonomic differences.

[iivtecracerii]

same experience here regarding the brakes vs accord. its normal. the pilot is a bigger car with basically the same brake components from the parts bin (front rotors are same as CL/Accord 6spd coupe).

[CNJ]

Originally posted by alembicbones
Hi All,

I recently purchased a 2006 Pilot EX-L and like the vehicle very much. Currently we have about 2800 miles and I wanted to get some feedback with how the transmission and braking feels on your Pilots.

At initial acceleration, it seems as though it won't shift out of first gear until it reaches about 3500 rpm. Second gear usually shifts between 2500 - 3000 rpms. I wouldn't call the shift rough per se but it's definitely not as smooth as our 2005 Accord EX V6 (this vehicle shifts pretty consistently around 2500 rpm).

When it comes to braking, I have to press the pedal a fair amount to engage the brake. It's not like it doesn't work well but again compared to my Accord (which you apply the slightest pressure and the brakes engage), it does seem a bit soft.

I'll be bringing the Pilot into the dealership in the near future for it's first maintenance and was wondering whether I should bring the issues up with them.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Scott

P.S. After reviewing this forum, I saw people who had issues with a driver side door buzz. My Pilot had this issue when we first bought it and I was able to mention the possible solutions discussed here to the dealership. They adjusted the door and no more buzz. Thanks all.

I'll revive this thread because I have the same gripe about the transmission. What's up with holding the gears so long? Even when your barely on the throttle it still goes to past 3000 rpm. I'm starting to get use to it but I've never had a AT act quite like that. I thought I read that when the engine is cold it does that to warm it up faster? Ok but it still does it when it's warm but not as bad. It's like it's stuck in tow mode, so I guess for towing this would be a good thing. The brakes are ok to me, it's a big vehicle, but do feel a bit soft.
Scott did you ask the dealer about it? I'm curious.