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SUVs Honda Pilot Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005
6821 messages, Last post on Oct 21, 2009 at 8:45 AM
You are in the Honda Pilot Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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Replying to: fx35awd (Jan 30, 2007 11:09 am) Just a note - there is no need for multiple postings of the same message.  tidester, host |
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Replying to: toca (Mar 05, 2003 6:50 am) Seems the particular "New York Taxi Cab" oil test I read might have been in Popular Mechanics. No difference in 3000 and 6000 mile oil changes, as far as engine wear, even in the stop and go of the taxi fleet. I forget at what mileage they were tearing the engines down for inspection. They were using several different brands of oils and filters over a 2-3 year time frame. As I remember, the synthetics maintained the best lubrication and viscosity qualities, the Pennsylvania oils next , then Texas type. The Parophyn based oils such as Quaker State tended to gum up parts of the engine that were not rubbing on something. I've seen inside the valve covers of police car engines that had a contract with Quaker State, 10 or so years ago. There was lots of sludge build up. Engines had failed. The shop foreman said the oil passages had clogged and bearings could not get proper lubrication. The money saved through the "DEAL" with Quaker State was costly on the other end. Engines were lasting about 60K. These were American built V8s and mostly Ford 302s. However, I bought a used 87 Montero with 75K miles on the clock. The guy said he had been using Quaker State and changing it religiously at 5000 miles. Inside the valve covers was shinny as new with no visible sludge. I took his word that it had been changes with a high degree of regularity. I traded for a new Ram when the Montero had near 125K and it still ran fine, and used less than 1/2 quart between 5000 mile changes. Dealer has our Hondas set up for 3750 mile changes and sends us reminders. They use a synthetic "semi" blend of "Penn State" and it looks about the same color when drained as it was when added. My understanding is that Straight Synthetic oils should not be used until 3rd+ oil change and the engines have 10K+ miles on them . The synthetics are more slippery and engines have a hard time "Breaking In" with it. Kip |
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Replying to: canadacraig (Dec 14, 2001 1:26 pm) |
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Need some help. 2005 Pilot EXL, the center row seat, on the passenger side (single seat) won't slide forward as you move the latch on the side of the seat, so that someone can get to the 3rd row seats. Is there a lock somewhere that needs to be undone. Tried moving the seat forward by pulling up on the lever under the seat cushion, but it won't move either. The only way to get into the third row is by folding the seat flat down and climbing over it. Anyone have any ideas before I take it back to the dealer? TIA, Spyder. |
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Replying to: plldude (Feb 11, 2006 11:17 am)
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Hey all, just wanted to relate my experiece with my plain-looking but sturdy Honda Pilot. Type: 2003 Honda Pilot AWD LX 53,000 miles Pros: 1) Utility, utility, utility (people are amazed this is an 8 person crossover, and it delivers, even if it's not the most comfortable in the 3rd row); 2) pretty dependable; 3) looks better with age; 4) peppy - you can punish guys on the highway if you want; 5) cargo capacity plus seats are very easy to use/fold (amazing with seats down); 6) safe (all the airbags you could ever want); 7) i don't think the headlights are bad; 8) AWD works great in the wet (i have NEVER hydroplaned, etc in this thing); 9) smooth and sweet with great passing power and speed; 10) interior lighting (complete and impressive); 11) the little things Honda doesn't forget (lights automatically turn off to preserve the battery, lots of storage space everywhere including cell phone holders and outlet plugs) Cons: 1) stereo (first thing I replaced, OEM speakers are good and deserve a 2nd chance with a new head unit); 2) mileage (I can only blame myself, but the Pilot is heavy and driving habits really matter, especially in the city; 3) high-speed vibration issues at 75+ mph (improved dramatically with Continental Conti-tracs); 4) hesitant transmission (particularly when going downhill, definitely not efficient in upshifting to lower rpms) - this did improve with changing the fluid, but not completely; 5) looks (you won't impress girls with this thing, lol); 6) cheapy interior: the aluminum-lookalike paint scratches easily and there is quite a bit of scratchable/cheap plastic, but fit/finish is impeccable (no creaks here) Verdict: 11 major Pros, and 6 nit-picky cons. Looks like a winnah! |
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Replying to: jd000 (Feb 25, 2007 5:29 pm) Most car parts places sell power ports you can easily install yourself. Find a place to mount it, run the wires directly to the battery thru the fuse that usually comes with this type thing. Presto! You have a 24/7/365 live power outlet and have not done anything to cause future problems with the car wiring. Kip
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Replying to: kipk (Mar 06, 2007 7:21 am)  I don't feel my needs are unique. While on vacation I _NEED_ to travel with refrigerated medication and _NEED_ constant power for the little Coleman powered cooler in the rear of the ODY. (This is easily done in a GM product) A 90 day supply of this medication is $5000 so I cannot risk not having constant power. What do folks do who have MOBILITY needs? For example, how does one power the hoist that lifts the electric scooter in the back of the vehicle? Power needed for this has to be properly done and when it is, I cannot see how it becomes a warranty issue. The switched outlets isn't just a Honda oversight (IMHO), Toyota, Chrysler products and perhaps other do the same thing. GM can do it, why cannot others? |
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Hi, We have been looking for an '03 Pilot for a few months, and got a call from a local dealer who said he has an '03 EX-L with leather seats which are heated and a moonroof. I was under the impression that the '03s didn't come with these options, and from what I've read under other posts, I expect that this is a Canadian model. Does anyone have any advice regarding the Canadian vs. US models? How about difficulty in finding repair parts, or issues with quality? Thanks!
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Replying to: jandd4 (Mar 15, 2007 11:22 am) When we bought ours in Georgia, a moon roof was not a factory item. It is possible that heated seats were part of a package we didn't get. I believe your Honda dealer can "RUN" the vin number and tell you how it was equiped when new. He can also tell you which Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) apply to that vehicle and whether or not they have been done. There were several TSB that were important, regarding the engine timing belt, transmission lubrication, seat belt sensor sensitivity, etc.. We have enjoyed the dickens out of our Pilot. For some reason the 03's seem to have less "Quirks", squeaks, water leaks, popping noises, and get better mileage than later models. I would get an extended warranty!  Kip |
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