[Cheesehead]

I'm sure no one has an answer for this but it is a curious question nonetheless. Why did Honda put black door handles on every single Pilot? :8:

My best guess is that they didn't want to step on big brothers toes (the MDX).

Or......maybe they were tipping the bottle when the decision was made :7: or maybe they were inhaling some funky substances :1:

Your guess is as good as mine. I don't think it looks bad but color keyed door handles would look much better (such as on the Highlander......hint hint Honda)

Cheese

 

[N_Jay]

My guess

Marketing research showed the the added cost pluss margin would not equal the added value to teh consumer.
and/or, they were already close to exceeding the desired market entry price.
and/or
They plan an SE version at a higher price/margin and need to maintain a few differentiators.

P.S. The MDX has chrome door handles!

 

[PrG]

Your preaching to the choir ....

Like I say without chroome anywhere on the car ... any chrome garnish ie: lower trim, or bumper garnish, just looks totally out of place.

PrG

 

[Cheesehead]

I really knew the the MDX had chrome door handles . In any case, you give many valid explanations and we'll probably see them on an SE model or in 2004.

For now......I'm still happy

 

[camel]

Door Handles on the ML320

I think the door handles on the ML320's are also black.

 

[banningjr]

I would lean towards some type of SE model or even throwing the colored ones on the DVD and Navi in the future to differential from the plain EX model.

No wait, it will be another option! Kind of like a full cargo net!

 

[N_Jay]

No factory options please.

Notice that Honda typically does not have Factory Option, just a few models (or option packages) e.g. LX, EX, EXL, NAVI, RES.
This is one of the ways they keeps costs down.
Please don't ask, nor expect, a list of factory options like the other car companies.

 

[Cheesehead]

Personally, I like the fact that Honda has a few model levels and relatively few options. It makes buying a car easy. Compare that to Toyota who gives you the plainest vehicle possible and then gives you a laundry list of options to choose from and when you're done makes it more expensive than a comparable Honda Pilot.

 

[wmquan]

And Toyota "options" are misleading.

Your regional Toyota dealer's association (or something like that) has it set up so that it is tough to get a Toyota with certain option combinations. The Toyota site's build-your-own-Toyota tool reflects this. It's based on your zip code, and it'll basically force options by bundling several into a group. E.g. it's hard to get a Camry LE with a lot of the options Toyota claims are available, because they'd rather push you up to an SE or XLE. It's hard to get certain options into the Highlander's non-Limited trim. And you have to buy some stuff you may not want.

Some dealers make it very difficult to special-order anything beyond what the region offers.

 

[PrG]

Absolutely

The best thing about Hondas are the relatively few options and the all inclusive EX models .... Toyotas trick you into thinking their vehicles are reasonably priced but then when you add all the options in you are awestruck. Which surprises me that the PILOT has so many options available ... that really should be standard ... ie fog lights, cargo cover, rails for roof rack .... perhaps since being the first year model Honda is using this test bed to feel the market out ...

PrG

 

[Jerry]

The fog lights and cargo cover should have been standard in the EX. The fog lights for safety and the cargo cover for security (or at least sense of security).

BTW - I hate black door handles here in the desert - palm fryers

 

[BillR]

Toyota does force regional option groups. Try buying a Limited in NE without towing, leather or any of 3 or 4 other seperately listed options. They've been doing it for years.

Honda however stripped down the Pilot (IMO) so they can add things back later. The Canadian models prove it. In New England I won't have un-heated leather seats ever again and I consider heated mirrors a must also. That said I still bought the thing (without leather). I would've paid the extra.

Oh yeah the Highlander does come with a cargo cover, fog lights, heated leather, heated mirrors, moonroof, traction control, VSC, Towing, etc. but list price is that of an MDX premium.

 

[airgate]

If it's a big deal to folks, you can always have a professional body shop paint the door handles. Probably would run in the neighborhood of $150+. Worth it? No, IMO.

I kinda like the black door handles, gives it that adventure look!