Honda: Pilot News
04-24-2008, 12:13 AM
#241
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Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
"If one button is good, 57 more buttons have to be 57x's better!!!"
^^ The Honda/Acura interior design engineering motto.
^^ The Honda/Acura interior design engineering motto.
05-03-2008, 11:26 AM
#242
The Third Ball
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I'm on location downtown at this moment with 3 new loaded pilots.
I'll give my impressions later, but as of now I like them a lot.
I'll give my impressions later, but as of now I like them a lot.
05-04-2008, 02:24 PM
#243
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OK, my impressions. This is an awesome SUV. Honda went all the way in terms of features and layout.
I had a lot of down time, so I got to just sit in and play with one of the pilots for about an hour. I did not drive it.
Exterior. Its subjective...many here dont like it. I personally do, and in person the vehicle looks even better. So, perhaps when this hit the road many will change their mind. I still do not love the grill, but the Pilot was Sterling Grey, and the grille happened to be color matched which helps the looks a lot.
Engine bay, its huge. Looks like it could easily house a V8 if it wanted.
Interior. Very comfortable. I wish I could sit a bit higher though as the hood is quite large. Power seats with power lumber and 2 memory settings.
Driver control center in the dials. Handsfree link, tire pressure guage, etc.
Center stack. Great. I take back my comment on not liking the blue. Its really aluminum trim with a clear blue cover. Its look almost like indiglo. The controls stand out more and its nice on the eyes. Honda has also included the blue ambient light from the ceiling ala acura. The central control knob (idrive-ish) is in the best location possible. Its down low at the bottom. So while driving you hand is naturally at it when using the armrest. And its really great to use.
Those who complain about all the buttons shouldnt. In reality there arent a lot. And each one is very well laid out. It took me less then a minute to know where everything was and what it did.
The center console. huge. It closes to look nice and tidy and when open has a big storage space with drink holders, a removeable coin holder and a adjustable divider.
Inside the armrest you will find a 12v power plug, a 115V outlet, a aux jack, AND a usb port. awesome.
Rear seat is SPACIOUS, and adjustable back and forth. Has its own climate controls, and this model had the DVD player. so it had additional video inputs as well.
The rear windows had manual rear shades.
Third row...kinda tight, but held two full size adults.
There is a rear set of speaker pods that up high and point toward the front, which I like. My pathfinder has a similar set up.
Tailgate...auto open/close Very good size opening to put in a lots of gear. Tons of space when all the seats are down.
There was a back up camera, and parking sonar with rear AND front sensors.
I really think Honda out did themselves with this SUV. I have no love the current Pilot, but I think this new one is awesome.
iPhone pics:
I had a lot of down time, so I got to just sit in and play with one of the pilots for about an hour. I did not drive it.
Exterior. Its subjective...many here dont like it. I personally do, and in person the vehicle looks even better. So, perhaps when this hit the road many will change their mind. I still do not love the grill, but the Pilot was Sterling Grey, and the grille happened to be color matched which helps the looks a lot.
Engine bay, its huge. Looks like it could easily house a V8 if it wanted.
Interior. Very comfortable. I wish I could sit a bit higher though as the hood is quite large. Power seats with power lumber and 2 memory settings.
Driver control center in the dials. Handsfree link, tire pressure guage, etc.
Center stack. Great. I take back my comment on not liking the blue. Its really aluminum trim with a clear blue cover. Its look almost like indiglo. The controls stand out more and its nice on the eyes. Honda has also included the blue ambient light from the ceiling ala acura. The central control knob (idrive-ish) is in the best location possible. Its down low at the bottom. So while driving you hand is naturally at it when using the armrest. And its really great to use.
Those who complain about all the buttons shouldnt. In reality there arent a lot. And each one is very well laid out. It took me less then a minute to know where everything was and what it did.
The center console. huge. It closes to look nice and tidy and when open has a big storage space with drink holders, a removeable coin holder and a adjustable divider.
Inside the armrest you will find a 12v power plug, a 115V outlet, a aux jack, AND a usb port. awesome.
Rear seat is SPACIOUS, and adjustable back and forth. Has its own climate controls, and this model had the DVD player. so it had additional video inputs as well.
The rear windows had manual rear shades.
Third row...kinda tight, but held two full size adults.
There is a rear set of speaker pods that up high and point toward the front, which I like. My pathfinder has a similar set up.
Tailgate...auto open/close Very good size opening to put in a lots of gear. Tons of space when all the seats are down.
There was a back up camera, and parking sonar with rear AND front sensors.
I really think Honda out did themselves with this SUV. I have no love the current Pilot, but I think this new one is awesome.
iPhone pics:
05-04-2008, 03:07 PM
#245
Senior Moderator
Nice pics and lil writeup.
05-04-2008, 03:36 PM
#247
The Third Ball
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I have more digital cameras then you can shake a stick at. I just didnt bring them.
05-04-2008, 04:01 PM
#249
Nice review.
05-04-2008, 04:03 PM
#250
And I agree with the buttons, thanks for mentioning the layout...honestly it's not that bad people. I can look at the interior pics and tell you the top 6 buttons are for the CD player, you'll only be looking at those when changing the tracks or the discs. It's not as if you're changing tracks and looking for the rear defrost button at the same time.
05-04-2008, 04:38 PM
#251
The sizzle in the Steak
5 speed AT FTL
05-04-2008, 04:53 PM
#252
Senior Moderator
Thanks, Sarlacc! Nice writeup.
05-04-2008, 08:00 PM
#254
^^ yo ron...make a grille for it please 
love the inside, but i still cannot get past that grille and those headlights
im gonna wait before trading my 04 pilot for the pathfinder
love the inside, but i still cannot get past that grille and those headlights
im gonna wait before trading my 04 pilot for the pathfinder
05-04-2008, 08:34 PM
#255
Suzuka Master
Thanks for the pics and writeup Sarlacc!
05-04-2008, 08:46 PM
#256
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Originally Posted by rondog
looks funky, but you know that shape will have the most effiecient space usage of any SUV, looks like a box for cryin out loud! New grille and some 20" wheels would be all it needs.
huge wheels on SUVs =
05-05-2008, 12:35 PM
#257
fap fap fap
those wheels look like 14's on that thing.
i think the new pilot will grow on me but i cant stand that clear blue cover. reminds me of the new camry which has a clear green cover (cheap looking, ugly)
i think the new pilot will grow on me but i cant stand that clear blue cover. reminds me of the new camry which has a clear green cover (cheap looking, ugly)
05-05-2008, 01:38 PM
#259
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Wow, thanks very much for the pictures and write up!
This will be a tough call between the MDX and the Pilot for me. The MDX looks better IMHO and probably drives better than the Pilot. But the Pilot looks like it has a usable 3rd row (which we need, we have 4 adults + 2 young kids in car seats), and is cheaper.
This will be a tough call between the MDX and the Pilot for me. The MDX looks better IMHO and probably drives better than the Pilot. But the Pilot looks like it has a usable 3rd row (which we need, we have 4 adults + 2 young kids in car seats), and is cheaper.
05-05-2008, 03:10 PM
#260
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by pansuria
Wow, thanks very much for the pictures and write up!
This will be a tough call between the MDX and the Pilot for me. The MDX looks better IMHO and probably drives better than the Pilot. But the Pilot looks like it has a usable 3rd row (which we need, we have 4 adults + 2 young kids in car seats), and is cheaper.
This will be a tough call between the MDX and the Pilot for me. The MDX looks better IMHO and probably drives better than the Pilot. But the Pilot looks like it has a usable 3rd row (which we need, we have 4 adults + 2 young kids in car seats), and is cheaper.
Polygamy is against the law.
05-05-2008, 03:48 PM
#262
^ Now that I've seen the accessories, I think I could live with it. Not that I could afford to buy one anyways...
05-05-2008, 05:29 PM
#263
Team Owner
Originally Posted by phile
^ Now that I've seen the accessories, I think I could live with it. Not that I could afford to buy one anyways...
just like why would anyone buy the new TSX when the new accord offers everything + more
05-05-2008, 08:40 PM
#265
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Originally Posted by Dan Martin
Honda is obviously stealing interior design from Boeing...
05-05-2008, 09:56 PM
#268
Originally Posted by Mokos23
well yeah, that's why they called it the Honda Pilot cause you'll feel like you're piloting an airplane when drive the new Pilot with that cockpit design.
05-06-2008, 08:50 AM
#269
Pro
We are trying to decide between the new Pilot and the MDX right now. In order to get the navigation in the Pilot you have to buy the top trim Touring package. I've heard that the price will be ~$37k. Acura just announced incentives on the MDX, and the Tech package can be had for ~$38k.
Though we would like the extra room in the Pilot, they are gonna be scarce until the fall. The dealer we are working with states that they won't get their first Pilot until the end of May, and that they only have 9 coming in between then and August.
It's a tough call when they are so close in price.
Though we would like the extra room in the Pilot, they are gonna be scarce until the fall. The dealer we are working with states that they won't get their first Pilot until the end of May, and that they only have 9 coming in between then and August.
It's a tough call when they are so close in price.
05-06-2008, 08:55 AM
#270
What Would Don Draper Do?
Originally Posted by kcroberge
We are trying to decide between the new Pilot and the MDX right now. In order to get the navigation in the Pilot you have to buy the top trim Touring package. I've heard that the price will be ~$37k. Acura just announced incentives on the MDX, and the Tech package can be had for ~$38k.
Though we would like the extra room in the Pilot, they are gonna be scarce until the fall. The dealer we are working with states that they won't get their first Pilot until the end of May, and that they only have 9 coming in between then and August.
It's a tough call when they are so close in price.
Though we would like the extra room in the Pilot, they are gonna be scarce until the fall. The dealer we are working with states that they won't get their first Pilot until the end of May, and that they only have 9 coming in between then and August.
It's a tough call when they are so close in price.
05-06-2008, 08:57 AM
#271
Originally Posted by kcroberge
We are trying to decide between the new Pilot and the MDX right now. In order to get the navigation in the Pilot you have to buy the top trim Touring package. I've heard that the price will be ~$37k. Acura just announced incentives on the MDX, and the Tech package can be had for ~$38k.
Though we would like the extra room in the Pilot, they are gonna be scarce until the fall. The dealer we are working with states that they won't get their first Pilot until the end of May, and that they only have 9 coming in between then and August.
It's a tough call when they are so close in price.
Though we would like the extra room in the Pilot, they are gonna be scarce until the fall. The dealer we are working with states that they won't get their first Pilot until the end of May, and that they only have 9 coming in between then and August.
It's a tough call when they are so close in price.
Are you sure you aren't looking at the RDX's price?
05-06-2008, 10:49 AM
#272
Pro
Nope, the quote was for the MDX. I haven't gone in to discuss with the sales guy yet, this is all through email so far. But we have talked and he knows what we are looking for - MDX with navi.
He hasn't told me what the specific incentive is, just a quote for the vehicle. New financing deals are avaialbe as well, but you have to choose between the cash incentive or the interest rate.
He hasn't told me what the specific incentive is, just a quote for the vehicle. New financing deals are avaialbe as well, but you have to choose between the cash incentive or the interest rate.
05-28-2008, 09:44 PM
#274
Senior Moderator
http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-de...-counters.html
Honda designer reveals 2009 Pilot's design was influenced by the bean counters
May28
The 2009 Honda Pilot was met with a lukewarm reception at its debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and it sounds as if Honda designers weren't 100 percent behind the redesign, either. Honda R&D Americas Inc. Chief Designer Dave Marek says the new design "will grow on you," but sounds rather uncertain in his defense of the new model.
The biggest knocks against the '09 Pilot is its boxy exterior and floating front grille. Many feel that Honda has missed the mark as modern crossovers are sleeker and more car like, while the new Pilot looks more SUVish with a rugged exterior.
Marek revealed to WardsAuto that the grille was more influenced by Honda's accounting department than the design department. “The (controversial) grille was a case of taking something that was on something else…and kind of massaging it to fit,” he says. “On the mockup, (it) looks good. When you actually manufacture it, oops! That’s actually what happened."
It remains unclear if the Pilot's questionable design will hurt sales, but the new model does have some pretty big shoes to fill — the previous-generation Pilot consistently sold over 100,000 copies annually.
May28
The 2009 Honda Pilot was met with a lukewarm reception at its debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and it sounds as if Honda designers weren't 100 percent behind the redesign, either. Honda R&D Americas Inc. Chief Designer Dave Marek says the new design "will grow on you," but sounds rather uncertain in his defense of the new model.
The biggest knocks against the '09 Pilot is its boxy exterior and floating front grille. Many feel that Honda has missed the mark as modern crossovers are sleeker and more car like, while the new Pilot looks more SUVish with a rugged exterior.
Marek revealed to WardsAuto that the grille was more influenced by Honda's accounting department than the design department. “The (controversial) grille was a case of taking something that was on something else…and kind of massaging it to fit,” he says. “On the mockup, (it) looks good. When you actually manufacture it, oops! That’s actually what happened."
It remains unclear if the Pilot's questionable design will hurt sales, but the new model does have some pretty big shoes to fill — the previous-generation Pilot consistently sold over 100,000 copies annually.
05-28-2008, 09:44 PM
#275
Senior Moderator
05-28-2008, 09:49 PM
#276
The Third Ball
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Accountants that work for companies...film productions...really they have no fucking clue. All they care about is the bottom line...when they dont realize they are fucking idiots and trip over dollars to pick up pennies.
05-29-2008, 12:15 AM
#278
how handsome I am
Originally Posted by dom
accountants helped design that goofy looking piece of shit with excellent features??
05-29-2008, 01:43 AM
#280
Thanks for pics, gotta show my brother. I kinda know what you're talking about, but I'm not a fan of that indiglo, its the same thing they use on the new Camry's center console. Looks tacky
I like the features and the cargo space, and the console-mounted shifter. Is there a bench seat available in the front? My brother is looking at SUVs with decent MPG and cargo space while being able to seat 7 at the same time.
Only thing is I don't know if he can get over that grill and those gifrigginormous headlights.
I like the features and the cargo space, and the console-mounted shifter. Is there a bench seat available in the front? My brother is looking at SUVs with decent MPG and cargo space while being able to seat 7 at the same time.
Only thing is I don't know if he can get over that grill and those gifrigginormous headlights.
Originally Posted by Sarlacc
I have more digital cameras then you can shake a stick at. I just didnt bring them.