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2009 Honda Pilot

1127 messages,  Last post on Apr 24, 2013 at 11:00 AM

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What is this discussion about? Honda Pilot, SUV

Messages Page 48 of 113

#471 of 1127 Re: I am impressed with the list of features... [ceric] by brutus22

Apr 15, 2008 (8:18 am)

Replying to: ceric (Apr 14, 2008 11:51 pm)
Hello,
 
So I scanned through the Honda Pilot mini-site. Was so looking forward to this car and when I saw the redesign I just could not get into the Pathfinder look, I feel they took a huge step back in the styling department and I love Honda's. We ended up buying a Saturn Outlook after test driving the usual crossovers (CX-9, 2007 Pilot, Highlander) and we really are pleased, looks great, drives well, is quiet/comfortable and has every option we could want. In fact seeing this info on the Honda Pilot has re-affirmed my purchase decision. I was thinking the Pilot would just blow away the Saturn interior and have much improved mileage, but in fact it does not. The mileage with all the tricks the great Honda engine has is not any better and the interior while solid does not blow me away.
Somethings I like which I do not have is the USB port and the blinds on the side windows (which I think should be available on all cars IMO, especially sedans that do not have tint). But I would not trade those options for the dual sunroof in my Saturn which is an awesome and a huge selling point and the onstar which we have already used for unlocking the doors for our keys in our car. I can't believe the Pilot does not offer at least the dual sunroof. The split tailgate is nice but honestly I do not see ever using it when you have an auto liftgate.
 
Will the Honda Pilot be a solid vehicle, absolutely. But honestly I do not think it was a huge leap over the previous generation. I mean I think when they first introduced the Pilot what 6 years ago, it was leaps and bounds over everything else. Unfortunately, this Pilot does not make that jump, they really could have done something special and done some ground breaking stuff, including having some tricks to truly get some good mileage.
 
Just my thoughts,
B.

#472 of 1127 Re: I am impressed with the list of features... [brutus22] by batman47

Apr 15, 2008 (9:36 am)

Replying to: brutus22 (Apr 15, 2008 8:18 am)
I respect your comments however I think you forgot that the Pilot has 5-6 years of reliability, 5-6 years of being the best middle-sized SUV in the USA while the Saturn Outlook or VUE their reliability is still to be tested. Reviews pointed out that the transmission in the Outlook can be slow to downshift and dashboard button aren’t user-friendly. The length of the Outlook is about 10” longer than the 2009 Pilot making the turning circle 2” longer than the Pilot. The ground clearance of the Outlook is 1” smaller than the Pilot. The 2009 Pilot is not just a crossover but a vehicle with capabilities from light to middle difficult off-road adventure.
 
Equally the approach and departure angle of the Pilot, i.e. 29/23o is greater than the 18/23o of the Outlook. The workmanship of the Pilot has no comparison. So although there are a few advantages of the Outlook, e.g. better horse power for the same size of engine and rear ventilated disc, I don’t see other advantages. A better ride is provided by the Pilot thanks to its Locking Differential Rear (low speed wheeling) and its sophisticated 4WD mechanism that make the Pilot the winner for 5-6 years. All these factors have encouraged me that I should buy a 2009 Pilot instead of an Outlook.
 
As far as the Nissan Pathfinder is concerned, I think that the Pilot looks much better than the Nissan. The rear of the Pilot could have some resemblance with the rear of the Nissan but that is all. You could say the same with the shape of the Kia Borrego but the general shape of the Pilot is unique. If you like the shape of the Outlook you could buy a Hyundai Veracruz. The Veracruz I think is a pretty vehicle but for me it looks a wimp SUV. If I would buy a SUV that it is not the Pilot I would buy the GMC Acadia. That look a proper SUV.

#473 of 1127 Re: I am impressed with the list of features... [batman47] by ceric

Apr 15, 2008 (10:44 am)

Replying to: batman47 (Apr 15, 2008 9:36 am)
batman47,
After reading three to four reviews on the new Pilot, I (actually they) disagree with two things you mentioned.
- The workmanship of the Pilot has no comparison:
Actually they found the fit and finish of the new Pilot to be lacking. The center dash is too busy (personally opinion, of course)
- its sophisticated 4WD mechanism:
In fact, VTM-4 is one of the simple 4WD/AWD system on the road. It is beauty is actually its simplicity (unlike SH-AWD on MDX).
 
Read the reviews here:
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=755269

#474 of 1127 Re: $ 2009 Pilot and When? [batman47] by ceric

Apr 15, 2008 (10:56 am)

Replying to: batman47 (Apr 15, 2008 4:07 am)
>> Will the 2009 Pilot be 5-speed or 6-speed Shiftable Automatic?
There is no 6-speed automatic from Honda/Acura in production today.
Not to mention, a manumatic one.
 
>> Pricing?
$28,000 to $40,000 MSRP (plus extra options on all packages)
 
>> available date?
June at your dealerships.
 
Much info on
http://automobiles.honda.com/2009-pilot/
including what is standard on what package...
read on.
 
Personally, several things missing on the new Pilot are a deal-killer for me
- smart-key entry and start system
Once you had it, you will not buy another car w/o it. 8-)
- amber signal lights.
I will also not buy a vehicle w/o amber signal light.
- HID headlights
It is much brighter, save energy and last longer.
 
Gone are the days when Honda/Acura can charge beyond MSRP for their vehicles.
Deals are everywhere. For example, MAZDA CX-9 can be had for $2000 BELOW INVOICE now (being near model year-end). Competition is good for everyone. So are more choices.

#475 of 1127 Re: $ 2009 Pilot and When? [ceric] by nimrod99

Apr 15, 2008 (12:50 pm)

Replying to: ceric (Apr 15, 2008 10:56 am)
I totally agree with your position on amber turn signals.
As an engineer, I consider the fact that not using amber to denote the turn function is a major safety violation.
US auto manufacturers do it because, well, lets face it, Ford and Chey and Dodge are junk.
 
For a Japanese car manufacturer to implement red turn signals is a crime. I have always purchased Japanese cars due to their excelence in engineering and attention to detail.
 
So for me, the 2009 Pilot is a no go. As I have said many times before. If Honda engineers can't get the turn signals right (which is such an easy thing to do) what other significant engineering feature have they overlooked?.
 
It also puzzles me that the Accord now has amber turn signals, yet the pilot doesn't.
Probably attributed to the fact that the Pilot was designed in the USA by US based engineers who have become lazy. What Honda needs to do, is send the Pilot Design team back to Japan to get whipped into shape.
 
Thank heaven for Toyota. At least they use amber turn signals.

#476 of 1127 Re: $ 2009 Pilot and When? [nimrod99] by toledo73

Apr 15, 2008 (1:53 pm)

Replying to: nimrod99 (Apr 15, 2008 12:50 pm)
Agree with you on lack of amber. Much more visible. But, after looking at the pics, I wouldn't consider this Nissan Xterra look alike any way

#477 of 1127 Re: $ 2009 Pilot and When? [ceric] by batman47

Apr 15, 2008 (1:55 pm)

Replying to: ceric (Apr 15, 2008 10:56 am)
The smart-key entry and start system is debatable because this facility is usually given as an option, I think. That Honda doesn’t offer this feature as a standard, perhaps after a market study, deemed it as superfluous. I personally I can live without it.
 
The signal mirror not being amber, it appears from the production model (photos) that the glass (flashing) is transparent and perhaps is a question of changing the signal mirror bulb to something amber. The Pilot concept seems to have red flashing signal mirror.
 
The HID front lights are also a debatable item. Good working HID are hard to maintain. HID involves two mechanism and one of these are prone to deteriorate making oscillate the light. The replacement costs a lot of money and I could justify HID if you have the money to keep the lights in good working order

#478 of 1127 Re: $ 2009 Pilot and When? [nimrod99] by batman47

Apr 15, 2008 (2:27 pm)

Replying to: nimrod99 (Apr 15, 2008 12:50 pm)
Please check this photo of a 2009 Pilot (production model):
 
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com
 
It appears from the photo that the signal mirror is just transparent. It is quite different than the Concept where the signal mirror, indeed looks as red.
 
Are you not overreacting (like for example red is a criminal act, and so on)?

#479 of 1127 Re: $ 2009 Pilot and When? [batman47] by ceric

Apr 15, 2008 (3:28 pm)

Replying to: batman47 (Apr 15, 2008 2:27 pm)
I don't think he was referring to the signal mirror lights.
He was talking about the signal lights in the back.
Remember the 1999/2000/2001 Odysseys? They all have red signal lights.
Starting from 2002, Honda changed them to amber. Why?
It appears to me that Honda never learned the lesson from it (styling over function?)
Maybe 2-3 years later, they will somehow change the signal lights to amber again.
Yes, there is always the MMC (mid-model change) 2-3 years into the future.
 
Smart key is costly. Not every Acura model has it. Keep the key in your pocket or purse, and you can do whatever you need with the vehicle. No looking for keys with your hands full. Smart-key is also much more secured (encryption and code rolling).
Imagine that your vehicle "recognizes" you as long as you have the Smart-key near you.
 
HID: All my vehicles with HID lights have no issues at all after 7 years. The only downside is that some thieves are targeting HID headlights to steal...

#480 of 1127 new pics by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Apr 15, 2008 (4:01 pm)

Photos are hitting the airwaves. Several handy to view ones are up at Straightline.
 
Nice big empty in back:
 

Messages Page 48 of 113

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