Considering a new Pilot

[Jeffsss]

Well I've had my 05' EXL for a few problem free years, and I'll say I've been impressed. 3000 mile road trip, driving on trails, launching skis from a causeway.
Only thing it's needed in the 30k I've owned it are parts that are designed to be replaced. tires/batt/brakes.
sitting at 52k and my 6 year warranty ends in December.. not that I think it'll break anytime soon but I just like having peace of mind, i'm considering a new EXL, the 03+ pilots are starting to look dated to me.

pros/cons, likes/dislikes? and I am considering other vehicles like the new durango..

[cwa107]

I like my 2010. I would say its weakest point is the cheap interior (the 1st generations actually had nicer interior materials, if you can believe that). The engine could use a little more low-end torque, and of course, mileage could always be better (it supposedly is in the 2012 model).

The Durango does look very nice, certainly kills the Pilot in the styling department. Of course, being a Chrysler product, it's a total crapshoot from a reliability standpoint.

I guess it really depends on your needs. If what you really need is a minivan, but want something that looks more rugged, the Pilot is a great choice. For me, when the lease is up, I'll be looking at the Explorer, Highlander and possibly the CR-V (depending on the redesign). I don't think I'll quite need the space of the Pilot, so I may downsize a bit. Not sure just yet. We'll see what 2013 holds....

[Johnjk]

I have a 2011 EXL and like it. Can't speak to the earlier model, however I just got done driving a new Durango for an entire week down in Texas on business. Here's what I noticed.

It had the base engine and was underpowered on the low end. Average fuel economy for combined was 13MPG. Very poor. It was a flex fuel vehicle so you could buy E85 cheaper than unleaded, however you get poorer fuel economy so it is a wash in my book. Once it was up to hwy speeds, it would fly with ease doing 75-85 MPH. (I did say I was in Texas).... I did top off mid week and reset the computers to see how driving it within normal limits would do. Again, I averaged 13MPG.

Interior was much smaller than the Pilot, although the fit and finish of the dash and console was top notch, as well as the exterior panels. It had the push button start where you didn't need to have the fob plugged in. Drove me nuts. Kept wanting to shut the thing off by turning the key on the column. The rear row did not fold flat at all and really limited the cargo space. You could fit 5 total in the last 2 rows, however they would be really cramped if they were not young kids.

From a driver's perspective, it was enjoyable to drive with the ride being similar to the Pilot. Trim had options similar to Touring, (memory seats, hands free calling) however it had cloth interior. No navigation on it. Rear backup camera used the radio head so you had a huge image to look at.

It had 2000 miles on it when I drove it off the lot and had 2450 when I returned it. Reliability? Who knows. Nothing fell off during the week I had it.

Getting back in to my Pilot yesterday, the fit, finish, fuel economy and added room were greatly appreciated.

[mmm666]

When I was shopping for a suv with Awd, I looked at toyota sequoia, nissan armada. but I chose pilot.. Better value, reliability, great resale value, roomy.

[whizmo]

Unless you really don't care about the huge financial hit, I'd drive what you have. You've suffered the lion's share of depreciation at this point and everything from this point on is almost "free" from a depreciation standpoint. Sure, you're going to be out of warranty, but there is almost no SUV that is better to be out of warranty than a looked-after Pilot - your chance of having significant problems in the next 30K miles are extremely low.

The old Pilots look a little dated, but IMHO, they're still much better looking that the frumpy new ones. Get your car detailed and I bet you'll find it good-looking again.

If you do want a new car, I think there are better choices than the Pilot these days. For me, the CX-9 would be what I would look at first, but there are three or four that look like they're very competitive with the Pilot these days.

- Mark

[whizmo]

BTW Motorweek just did a comparo of 3-row SUVs under $37K and the ranking was (last to first):

Explorer
Highlander
Sorrento
Durango
CX9
Traverse
Pilot

One odd aspect - to get under the $37K limit, all the vehicles were 2WD, so there definitely was a decision (either by MW or the mfgs) to spend the money on luxury features rather than utility.

- Mark

[ant-ny]

may want to test drive a toyota 4runner. i had a pilot for a short time, and although i am not knocking it, i am much happier with my 4runner.

[NYHusker]

Don't know about Motorweek article as I've not yet read it...BUT!

Honda Pilot tops shootout among seven 3-row SUVs ? USATODAY.com

[Mick6]

As a happy Tacoma driver I took my wife to test drive the new 4 Runner and she thought it drove like my truck. She liked the way the Pilot drove more like her current Land Cruiser so we picked up a Pilot. New 4Runner is nice but she is happy with the Pilot.

[kidhauler]

We just took the plunge trading our '03 EX on a 2012 EXL. Never had any trouble with the '03, but it was only a matter of time. Love the new EXL features. The only knock I have is that it doesn't turn tight like the '03 and feels a lot bigger to drive.

-Dennis-

[ant-ny]

Mick6: different strokes for different folks, i guess. i hope you enjoy your new ride and it treats you well!

[whizmo]

Originally Posted by NYHusker

Don't know about Motorweek article as I've not yet read it...BUT!

Honda Pilot tops shootout among seven 3-row SUVs ? USATODAY.com

I think the comparo was a three-way joint effort between Motorweek, Cars.com, and USA Today.

- Mark

[NYHusker]

Originally Posted by whizmo

I think the comparo was a three-way joint effort between Motorweek, Cars.com, and USA Today.

- Mark

If that's the case, how do you explain the different results?! In USA Today article, the Pilot won!

Nevermind, I re-read the earlier Motorweek post...The rankings were last to first, not first to last.
I'm an idiot!

[diamond dave]

I just took delivery of a 2012 EX-L with RES and just as with the other two Pilots we've driven, the wife loves it. Perfect for hauling kids to and from their various functions. I wish it got a little better gas mileage but hey. It is what it is.

One thing I will say for Honda is that they listen to their customer base via the litany of surveys conducted. Over the years they've incorporated little conveniences like heated seats and drive off automatic door locking which are pluses I take for granted in other German makes I've owned. I've also noticed for 2012 they've finally hinged the outside mirrors and made the tailgate power assisted for smaller individuals who may not have the needed strength or reach.

I think the front grille on the 2012 model is a bit more stylish and I like the tapered headlights. The larger 18" wheels are welcome but I'm still getting used to the new rim design.

My kids who own every Apple product known to man love the new iPod interface on the dash. Fairly intuitive and it keeps the unit fully charged which our 2009 Pilot did not as the wife had a dedicated AC charger for when the batteries died. They also moved the display for the reverse camera from the rear view mirror (tiny) to the large center dash. Although an obvious move, it's a stroke of brilliance for Honda. A series of hash marks appear on the screen denoting distance that aid in backing up. Nicely done Honda! Now if we could somehow add seat memory for the EX-L and Touring models I'd really be pleased.

Not certain if this is something attributable to my local dealer but none of the 2012 Pilots come with roof rails, a fact my salesman corroborated. I had to order a set from Bernardi which were easily installed over the weekend. To my eye, the car is visually lacking without them. The only other bit of bling I'll be adding are the OEM backup sensors which is a specific request from my spouse who is a school teacher. Not cool to peg a kid in your employer's parking lot. If both the camera and sensors give her piece of mind, I'm all for it.

I give Honda engineers a huge thumbs up for listening to public opinion and truly refining the Pilot over the years. Even more so, I like how the vehicle brings in more than the payoff amount at the end of a 3 or 4 year lease. That's the inherent joy of owning a Honda for all of us financial/bean counting types.

Does the 2012 Pilot accelerate 0-100-0 mph like a Cayenne Turbo? Does it handle the twisties as competently as an X5 or Q7? Of course not, but does it get the kids to school and the wife to the mall?

Expertly.

[Hakone]

Originally Posted by diamond dave

I just took delivery of a 2012 EX-L with RES and just as with the other two Pilots we've driven, the wife loves it. Perfect for hauling kids to and from their various functions. I wish it got a little better gas mileage but hey. It is what it is.

One thing I will say for Honda is that they listen to their customer base via the litany of surveys conducted. Over the years they've incorporated little conveniences like heated seats and drive off automatic door locking which are pluses I take for granted in other German makes I've owned. I've also noticed for 2012 they've finally hinged the outside mirrors and made the tailgate power assisted for smaller individuals who may not have the needed strength or reach.

I think the front grille on the 2012 model is a bit more stylish and I like the tapered headlights. The larger 18" wheels are welcome but I'm still getting used to the new rim design.

My kids who own every Apple product known to man love the new iPod interface on the dash. Fairly intuitive and it keeps the unit fully charged which our 2009 Pilot did not as the wife had a dedicated AC charger for when the batteries died. They also moved the display for the reverse camera from the rear view mirror (tiny) to the large center dash. Although an obvious move, it's a stroke of brilliance for Honda. A series of hash marks appear on the screen denoting distance that aid in backing up. Nicely done Honda! Now if we could somehow add seat memory for the EX-L and Touring models I'd really be pleased.

Not certain if this is something attributable to my local dealer but none of the 2012 Pilots come with roof rails, a fact my salesman corroborated. I had to order a set from Bernardi which were easily installed over the weekend. To my eye, the car is visually lacking without them. The only other bit of bling I'll be adding are the OEM backup sensors which is a specific request from my spouse who is a school teacher. Not cool to peg a kid in your employer's parking lot. If both the camera and sensors give her piece of mind, I'm all for it.

I give Honda engineers a huge thumbs up for listening to public opinion and truly refining the Pilot over the years. Even more so, I like how the vehicle brings in more than the payoff amount at the end of a 3 or 4 year lease. That's the inherent joy of owning a Honda for all of us financial/bean counting types.

Does the 2012 Pilot accelerate 0-100-0 mph like a Cayenne Turbo? Does it handle the twisties as competently as an X5 or Q7? Of course not, but does it get the kids to school and the wife to the mall?

Expertly.

Quick question for info: did you want the RES for any particular reason? I figured if your kids had every Apple product, that'd keep them entertained already (it does in our case).