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Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

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#21 of 6821 by diploid Dec 14, 2001 (9:55 pm)
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=4468 "Though it shares platforms with the upscale Acura MDX, the new Honda ute will be smaller on the outside yet roomier on the inside, with lots more of what Paluch called 'stuffable storage.'" Wasn't this thing supposed to be 8 inches longer?
#22 of 6821 dipolid by jmurman42 Dec 15, 2001 (6:00 am)
it is supposed to be 9" longer..at least that what Honda tells me.   Jerry
#23 of 6821 robertsmx, re: Low range by rsholland Dec 15, 2001 (7:11 am)
Toyota is in a different position than Honda. They offer both the Highlander and the 4-Runner, so they've got *all* the mid-size 4WD markets covered under the Toyota umbrella. Honda doesn't (or won't) if they offer a High-Range-only model.   They will lose a substantial amount of potential customers, those who need or want a 4-Low Range. Unlike the *Cute-Ute* market, there are a lot of people in the mid-size SUV range who do need/want 4-Low. Unlike what most people think, it's not just needed for off roading. people who pull heavy boats out of the water and up steep boat ramps appreciate having 4-Low too. And—early reports suggest the Pilot will have a 4500 pound boat towing capability. That's a lot of weight to pull up a steep boat ramp with just a 3.5L engine and no Low Range. The *locking 4WD mode* is not the answer here. A low set of gears are.   Also, in the Highlander vs. 4-Runner issue, keep in mind that the 4-Runner is an old design, in serious need of an update. My understanding is that there will be an all-new 4-Runner in the fall. Only then can any accurate comparisons be made as to the in-house Toyota *on-road-ute* vs. *off-road-ute* issue. I see a huge amount of all-new Explorers and TrailBlazers out there. So there clearly is a big market for traditional Low-Range-equipped mid-size SUVs.   Bob
#24 of 6821 Speaking of towing... by rsholland Dec 15, 2001 (8:30 am)
I know the MDX is 100% FWD until it senses a need to engage the rear wheels. I also know that RWD (or full-time 4WD/AWD) is preferred to FWD when it comes to towing.   Case in point is the comparison between the RWD-biased Liberty/Cherokee/Grand Cherokee/Montero and the FWD-biased MDX. All these vehicles use a beefed up unit-body construction, and are considered mid-sized SUVs. Yet the RWD-based 6-cylinder Jeeps and Montero, with a tow package can tow 5000 pounds. The FWD-biased MDX , with a tow package can tow only 4500 pounds—and that is if it's a boat trailer. Other trailers are restricted to 3500 pounds.   BTW, I'm convinced this is due to the FWD vs. RWD, not IFS/IRS vs. solid axles. The IFS/IRS equipped new Explorer, with a tow package can tow over 6000 pounds. The IFS/IRS Montero can tow 5000 pounds. In fact, the IFS/IRS Explorer can tow more than the IFS/solid axle TrailBlazer.   I wonder how the the Pilot addresses this issue? My guess is that more Pilot owners, than MDX owners, will be towing.   Bob
#25 of 6821 Great News Honda Pilot introduction late 2002! by leokadia1 Dec 15, 2001 (10:12 am)
I didn't like the rear end treatment on the Pilot. But once it's introduce I hope it will be a wake up call to all those over sticker Acura dealers and list price inforcers. I will delay my purchase of the MDX base till then, maybe I order a 2003 MDX?
#26 of 6821 by fedlawman Dec 15, 2001 (3:45 pm)
I suspect that Honda dealers will "over-sticker" the Pilot just as they have done with the Odyssey and Acura has done with the MDX.   Of course, if the Pilot stickers at around $25,000 (fat chance), they will sell every one they build for $28,000 without batting an eye....and the Pilot will probably be worth it.   If a well-equipped, mid-level Pilot (LX?) stickers for around $29,900 (my guess), It will be a tough choice between a Pilot for $32,000 or an MDX for $35,000.
#27 of 6821 jmurman by diploid Dec 15, 2001 (9:33 pm)
You have inside info/contacts? Share...
#28 of 6821 Old new name? by diploid Dec 15, 2001 (9:58 pm)
I did a search on google for "Honda Pilot" and apparently the name "Pilot" is already used by Honda as a dune buggy.
#29 of 6821 diploid - Old Name by robr2 Dec 16, 2001 (7:21 am)
I discovered that as well. Odyssey was also the name of a Honda ATV. Perhaps all the good car names are taken??
#30 of 6821 fedlawman by canadacraig Dec 16, 2001 (7:41 am)
Thanks for replying to my message. It's nice to know that it's NOT just ME!! I've ALWAYS been comfortable in Honda's. I've never had a problem - before. It's really quite depressing - to be honest. I WANT Acura's and Honda's to be on my 'most wanted' list. But they're not. Being comfortable is a BIG part of liking a car. It doesn't help a person's self-esteem - either - to feel like a GIANT. [and that's how I feel when I'm driving ANY new Acura OR Honda]   I found it particularly interesting that the FIRST THING you noticed [about the 2001 Accord] was the seat. Can you imagine how uncomfortable you'd be on a long trip?? I think it would be interesting to actually MEASURE the seat in your 1993 Accord and compare those measurements to a seat in a NEW Accord. [or any OTHER new Acura or Honda]   I have also 'wondered why' this is happening. Perhaps seats are smaller [now] because woman are a bigger influence in the marketplace. It's not just Honda seats that are uncomfortable. As I mentioned in my first message - Chrysler has ALSO 'shrunk' their seats. Ever look inside of one of those PT Cruiser's?? The front seats look like doll-house chairs. LOL   If you have time - would you LIKE to measure the seat in your Accord??   Take care Craig!! :o)

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