For the first time, I spotted a new Honda Pilot.

It was black and definitely had to be the high trim model. Even the wheels were nice for an SUV.

If I were in the market for an SUV, I'd consider it.

Why does everyone seem to think it's so plain looking?

Out on the road, it looks pretty good.

 

I'm not too crazy about it.... I like it from the back... but the front and the side view just look like an oversized CR-V. I haven't gotten too good of a look at it as I've been driving everytime, but from what I've seen I'd still take an MDX over that anyday

 

I took one for a test drive. Very solid to drive and lots of power. The 3rd row seat is small and when in use has limited cargo space. I have 2 kids and may need the 3rd row seat occasionally. It is tops on the list of SUV'S for the money. The MDX is more refined but similar capabilities. The styling is bland but the interior is done very well. I also drove a XL Trailblazer that is much larger, has a much softer ride and cheap interior.


2001 Red CLS

 

The one thing I do like is with the shifter not on the console you get lots of storage. It does look a little plain to me. Looks like a fat CRV. I didn't like the fact that you can't get one with a sunroof, but that's suppose to change next year. We went ahead and compared it to a MDX but with all the mark ups, we just spent a little more and ordered a '03 MDX.

 

I just saw one the other day too. I thought it was nicer in person then the TV commercial or the advertisments had led me to believe. It sort of looked like the MDX had an illegitimate child with a CRX. The MDX still looks a little more 'refined' but I didn't the Pilot looked too bad.

I don't know any of the specs on it and how it compares/contrasts with the MDX in the drivetrain or trim.

 

The Pilot and the '02 MDX have the same drivetrain. Rumors are the '03 MDX will get a bump to 3.5L. The Navigation screen on the Pilot is 1" smaller than the MDX. You can't get a sunroof on the Pilot. The Pilot is rated at carrying one more passenger than the MDX. The third row in the Pilot supposedly holds 3 people. There are no heated seats in the Pilot, no tilt down mirror on reverse. You can get an optional rear view camera on the Pilot if you have the Navigation system installed. You can get a optional Navigation system or a rear DVD player system for the Pilot, but not both. Rumors again are the '03 MDX will have the option to get both installed at the same time. These rumors are the only reason I held out for a '03 MDX as opposed to ordering a '02. We'll see. Supposedly the dealers will get all the specs for the '03 MDX in late August.

 

Thanks for the scoop.

A car or SUV without an available sun/moonroof?!?!?!?! What?

I wonder whose bogus design idea that one was and how that got to the actual assembly line. This seems to me as basic as offering side and back windows, or tires for that matter.

 

Ford doesn't offer a sunroof/moonroof on the Mustang either. For years now it's been solid roof only (or convertible)

 

My neighbor just bought one. Silver EX. I like it. 3.5L under the hood. It drives real nice.

 

Maybe Ford cannot manufacture one that doesn't leak, so they forgo it altogether.

...I'm joking, but I thought I'd use this opportunity to take a at Ford Motors.

 

Pilot looks hideous to me, like the CR-V. I heard MDX may get a V-8?

 

The WRX does not have one either....

 

Egads! What's the world coming too?

 

LOL

I know.. if that car had leather and a sunroof option I may have had a decision to make......

 

The EVO VII doesn't have one either

 

why the hell is the Navi and DVD an either or thing?!? That is the stupidest thing Ive heard in a while! They are for two completely different purposes...

 

The Jag XJ series coupe does not have one as an option either...

 

That's what I was thinking also. Maybe they thought the demand for $4000 in additional options wouldn't be worth designing the interiors to accomodate both. I have no idea. This is Honda. They are trying to appeal to the majority.

 

the pilot doesnt have a sunroof because Acura bitched to much about it................i heard the MDX was getting a 3.8.......havent heard the MDX getting DVD

 

Well, we own a Ford, and I'll be one of the first to say-- THEY SUCK !!! :P
Next truck I buy will be a Toyota.

 

It's true, no sunroof. It was one of the deciding factors for us in getting the MDX, not to mention the better styling, better ride etc.

 

I like the pilot as well! IMHO honda has just hit two home-runs with the accord redesign and the Pilot. I think both should get car/suv, respectively, of the year.

 

The MDX/Pilot/Odyssey all use the 3.5L motor now.

I thought the rumor was a 3.8L for '03 ??

 

It has the typical honda look, which I like. If I have to buy a mid-sized SUV it would be my second choice, only trail behind Toyota Highlander.

 

mid sized SUV == MDX.. and fuck the rest
Large SUV --- Escalate (shit i still dont know how to spell that shit) hahah and fuck the rest

 

Doh! You're right. That IS the rumor. I mixed up my wish list CL engine with the rumored '03 MDX engine.

 

Hell yeah! The new '03 Escalade ESV will be bad ass.

 

Forget the Escalade, get the new H2 from Hummer, they look NASTY!!!!

I like the Pilot, test drove one yesterday and I still love the MDX. When Acura comes down to earth on the price, I'll go back and get my MDX, if not, then I'll be a Soccer Dad in a Pilot without a sunroof!

MDX - $38K

Pilot - $31K

My Allotted Budget - $35K

You do the math. Pilot is very much in the lead right now.

 

I went with a co worker on a test drive the week the Piot was released. Needless to say, she bought an MDX.

The Honda dealer at Tysons and the one in Manassas are selling their Piots with an adjusted market value of $2,500. I have yet to hear from any Pilot owner that they have not payed (sticker + the AMV).

When the Pilot EX w/o the kiddie options (dvd player) comes to a hair under $35,000 and when you sit in the Pilot then in the MDX the amount of luxury you get in the MDX makes spending that extra $3,000 a whole lot more justifiable.
Not to mention the better warranty and the fact that you own a 'luxury' car and not just a 'Honda.'

 

Interesting. My wife & I test drove a Pilot & an Odyssey last month & I was surprised they where willing to come $500 off MSRP on the Pilots. I'm guessing once there are more on the streets & all the ignorant masses see them/drive them demand will outstrip supply & the gouging will begin.
I was impressed with the Pilot. I think it would be hard to justify the extra money for the MDX. Unfortunately my wife likes that damn mini-van more.
I wouldn't mind having a 4wd Tahoe though either.