- #854 of 1334
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Re: AWD Off Road [master1]
by erik_h
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Jan 06, 2006 (6:10 pm)
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Replying to: master1 (Jan 06, 2006 4:29 pm)
My RX is "Full-time four-wheel drive is also available with a viscous center coupling that directs torque to the wheels with the most traction whenever slippage occurs." according to edmunds own review. In truth it is front biased and only invokes the back tires when the fronts start to loose traction and only up to a certain amount (say 60%), not much different from the Pilots. It does well enough on Sand and Snow, but it is not even close to a true 4x4 like a Jeep or 4Runner.
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- #855 of 1334
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Re: olive interior [sunil]
by dkdriver
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Jan 06, 2006 (9:26 pm)
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Replying to: sunil (Jan 04, 2006 6:41 pm)
Sunil - We live in San Jose - I called dealers from Salinas to Tracy, and all were getting new shipments in January, including several Sagebrush Peal, which I was seeking with Nav (last week the only one in CA was in AltaDean Southern CA). We wanted the 2.9% and my husband liked the Steel Blue, so I picked one up in Tracy on Monday, the last day of the financing incentives. I'm not thrilled with this color, but the 2.9 with zero down is good for us. I'd recommend Santa Cruz Honda, Capitol Honda (San Jose), Sunnyvale Honda, and Tracy Honda (loved the buying experience there). The dealers can tell you what is coming in. We paid $400. over invoice, but that might come down given the new inventory coming in. Good luck! 
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- #856 of 1334
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Securing a new 2006 Pilot EX-L with Nav
by newpilotboy
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Jan 06, 2006 (10:03 pm)
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I recently purchased a new 2006 Pilot 4WD EX-L with Nav. I had the dealer installed an additional alarm - Audiovox Pro9232a (the one they offer), and LoJack Early Warning System.
1. Any experience with this alarm? How does it really differ with the one the Pilot came with?
2. Would I be notified by the Lojack system if a flat bed truck steals the Pilot?
3. Should it have been better to have Ravelco installed instead? (I live in New York City!).
I love the Pilot! Thanks for any input!
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- #857 of 1334
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Re: noise problem [podze1]
by kabill
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Jan 06, 2006 (10:48 pm)
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Replying to: podze1 (Jan 05, 2006 1:35 pm)
Let us know what the dealer says about the window noise. I've heard excess window/windshield noise on all the Pilots I've driven (6-7, at least) at about 60 mph--mostly on the passenger side. The problem is, some are worse than others, so it's not like times past when you could order a Honda and expect it to be exactly like all others of that model/type. I ordered my CRV and have had no problems for over 100000 miles. I still like the Pilot, but I will not order one but will continue to test drive till I find the right combo of features with minimal glass noise. The quietest one I drove was not a color I wanted.
Good Luck,
Will
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- #858 of 1334
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Re: Securing a new 2006 Pilot EX-L with Nav [newpilotboy]
by steve_ HOST
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Jan 07, 2006 (7:29 am)
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Replying to: newpilotboy (Jan 06, 2006 10:03 pm)
Congrats on the new Pilot. You may want to browse the Security systems (Lojack, alarms, engine immobilizer, etc.) discussion while waiting on responses in here.
And please report on your deal in the Honda Pilot: Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion.
Steve, Host
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- #859 of 1334
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Re: AWD Off Road [snorris]
by kabill
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Jan 07, 2006 (10:02 am)
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Replying to: snorris (Jan 04, 2006 4:05 pm)
I've only driven Pilots on pavement so I have no personal experience with their AWD ability, but one of the reasons I got interested in them was that their drivetrain was the same as the Acura MDX which won Motor Trend's "Sport Utility of the Year" award a few years back (2002 maybe?). Knowing the strenuous paces MT puts theses candidates through, and how tough a vehicle has to be to win that award, how could the Pilot be marginal or anything other than stellar in this department, since it shares the MDX AWD system? Opinions please.
Will
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- #860 of 1334
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Re: AWD Off Road [kabill]
by markjenn
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Jan 07, 2006 (11:28 am)
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Replying to: kabill (Jan 07, 2006 10:02 am)
It's a huge strech to infer that the Pilot is a good off-road vehicle from a single all-around SUV award from a magazine four years ago. And MT's awards are widely considered to be the most "fluffy" and influced by ad revenues - several of their "Car of the Year Awards" have been for vehicles that are real dogs.
I've never seen any publication (including MT) say that either the MDX or Pilot is a very good off-road vehicle. Between the unibody, part-time AWD, lack of low-range, lack of diff locks, independent suspension, etc., there just isn't a level of off-road equipment here to compete with a 4Runner, Pathfinder, or Grand Cherokee, let alone a serious off-roader like a Wrangler. The Pilot/MDX are basically jacked-up Odyssey minivans with a light-duty VTM4 system to the rear wheels. They're fine for light-duty off-road and snow but that's it.
- Mark
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- #861 of 1334
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Re: AWD Off Road [markjenn]
by kabill
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Jan 07, 2006 (12:46 pm)
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Replying to: markjenn (Jan 07, 2006 11:28 am)
I do appreciate your response, Mark, and I would never infer that AWD compares to 4WD off-road. I've owned both. The exposed underbody of the Pilot, alone, would suggest that it was not meant for serious duty. I wouldn't use it for that. But, for what it's worth, MT (like 'em or not) DID describe the MDX drivetrain (and hence the Pilot's) as more than capable in it's off-road tests, however long ago that was, which I hope would make the Pilot more than adequate to handle what I would need it for-northern (ND, MN) winter driving.
Thanks,
Will
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- #862 of 1334
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Re: AWD Off Road [erik_h]
by master1
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Jan 08, 2006 (1:34 pm)
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Replying to: erik_h (Jan 06, 2006 6:10 pm)
Ok, but the Highlanders system is permanent, always 4X4. It doesn't just come on when wheels slip, its always on.
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- #863 of 1334
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Re: AWD Off Road [master1]
by tsy
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Jan 09, 2006 (12:00 am)
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Replying to: master1 (Jan 08, 2006 1:34 pm)
The Highlander is always on 50-50 front to rear until it senses slippage in which case it redirects torque to the wheels with more traction. Honda's system is in FWD until it senses slippage and redirects torque to the wheels with more traction.
In real world situations they will both do fine in poor weather and light off roading. In poor conditions the Honda allows you to lock in AWD, kinda like a surrogate 4WD. In situations where traction is a major issue (mud, uneven surfaces, steep inclines) neither SUVs will do well. Their AWD systems weren't designed for it. You will need 4WD as opposed to AWD (if you don't know the difference look it up) and a more (or less, depending how you look at it) suspension.
But since most SUV's never see anything beyond rain and snow on pavement (I've gone offroad a handful of times at most when I had my Suburban and Sequioa), most people don't need more than AWD and would rather have the more comfortable and roomy SUVs (like the Pilot and Highlander) that get better gas mileage.
Hope this helps
tom
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