Driving the Pilot now
Driving my pilot now and really enjoying it. I went for a test drive on Friday (5/31/02) just to see and try it out. Menlo Honda in Redwood City, CA had 5 of them. I purchased a Silver EX-L and will do an aftermarket Nav/DVD system--dealer will have an in house contractor install it. My husband and 2 kids and I love it! My daughter has claimed the third row seat, my son the second row. It is amazingly roomy inside, but not as big and bulky outside as I had thought. The kids esp. like the tiered seating so they have a good forward view from both the 3rd and 2nd rows. I traded in my '95 Explorer. I didn't realize how bad the Explorer was until I started driving the Pilot. I had ordered (in Feb.) a MDX with touring and nav that was to arrive in the middle of June. Just cancelled the order and will get a refund on the deposit. I would have liked the MDX, but I am so glad I waited for the Pilot.
The handling and acceleration are great. Not as "European feeling" in handling like the MDX--I prefer the Pilot's softer ride and that the steering is not as sensitive. Some road and wind noise. I like the cool radio controls on the steering wheel and the little colorful light indicators on the dash for the gear you're in. The exterior is conservative and quite acceptable. A large center console for storage. The MDX is stylish but somehow reminds my husband of a SUV Pacer. I thought I would have trouble driving such a wide vehicle, but so far I've adjusted. Haven't driven it in San Francisco yet. With the side impact strips, I worry less about the dings--they'll happen regardless. If you get a Pilot, I'm sure you will enjoy it.