Honda Pilot vs Mazda CX-9 vs Toyota Highlander

472 messages, Last post on Nov 21, 2009 at 5:09 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Car Comparisons, SUV

2009 Honda Pilot vs. 2008 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander - Although we've been hearing about a mad dash to get out of sport-utility vehicles and into fuel-efficient compacts, the reality is that seven- and eight-passenger crossover SUVs like the 2008 Mazda CX-9, 2008 Toyota Highlander and 2009 Honda Pilot aren't going away anytime soon. (more)

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#132 of 472 Re: [sethnaga] by msam Jul 30, 2008 (2:35 am)
Replying to: sethnaga (Jul 29, 2008 6:15 pm) sethnaga, Reliability-wise, that is what I would have figured. Yes, I am still doing my research on the Acura MDX. Up until the 2006 model, I am seeing a number of consumers report transmission issues and the rear impact rating to be poor. It seems like the major problems have been addressed in 2007, but still if you even look at the consumer reviews on edmunds, people are reporting way more problems than have been reported for these other 3 vehicles that I am considering. Of course, as far as the Pilot goes, we have to wait a bit more. I am considering the Acura and not many other luxury SUVs because it offers adult 3rd row seating with enough space behind the third row as well. It is not about whether I willl be able to afford the vehicle and the premium grade fuel. It is about - do I feel comfortable (not from a money standpoint) spending that much initially and on a regular basis. Replies to this message: sethnaga (Jul 30, 2008 5:29 am)
#133 of 472 Re: [msam] by sethnaga Jul 30, 2008 (5:29 am)
Replying to: msam (Jul 30, 2008 2:35 am) msam If you are considering buying an MDX, you should buy NOW, because the current rebates are very attractive. I have negotiated 37,800K for a MDX with Tech and power tail gate which is 7200 below MSRP. There is a rumor that Honda may throw in another 1000 to 1500 rebate by 1st of Aug. If that is the case, we are looking at 8000 below MSRP - a killer deal for an MDX I purchased a 2007 pilot last year drove it for 12000 miles and sold it last week. While Pilot is good, it performs and looks more like a minivan. I have negotiated RX 350 for 38K, but the model is changing in another 6 months, it does not have 3rd row seat, FWD/AWD is a joke compared to MDX SH drive and you can't operate the Navi while the car in motion. The maintenance cost is also very high. No company has achieved zero defects. So few will have issues. We can't base our decisions because some had issues. If you read RX 350 forums, (Rx 350 is the most reliable SUV), one of the biggest issue in 2008/2009 RX 350 model is the rattle noise. Most of Toyotas ride like a boat and do not have personality of a sporty ride. However if you are not comfortable with premium Gas, you need to look at others, but you will be trading of the Performance. IMHO currently MDX has the best balance of price. handling, reliability, style and gas millage currently in the market
#134 of 472 Re: [ceric] by aviboy97 Jul 30, 2008 (6:54 am)
Replying to: ceric (Jul 29, 2008 1:51 pm) Mazda has the solution for the aux / Sirius Radio / Nav working in perfect harmony. There is a switching box necessary if you are to activate the Sirius radio and you have nav in the car and you still want your aux jack to work. The reason Mazda does not equip the car with it already is because it is expensive, and a small percentage of owners actually have all three systems. If you Mazda dealer had any know how, they would tell you this. Replies to this message: maltb (Jul 30, 2008 8:16 am) citivas (Jul 30, 2008 1:08 pm) nxs138 (Jul 30, 2008 6:23 pm) ceric (Jul 30, 2008 11:01 pm) cx7lover (Jul 31, 2008 7:15 am) citivas (Jul 31, 2008 10:47 am) and 2 more...
#135 of 472 Re: [aviboy97] by maltb Jul 30, 2008 (8:16 am)
Replying to: aviboy97 (Jul 30, 2008 6:54 am) I think he was referring to the full iPod integration, not the AUX input jack. Currently, that can't be combined with SAT but the word on the street is that this will change for '09.
#136 of 472 What new for CX9 - 2009 by ceric Jul 30, 2008 (9:14 am)
Official Mazda news release excerpt ... New or enhanced for 2009 CX9: * Trip computer standard on all models * Bluetooth phone capability added to Sport model * Sirius satellite radio added to Moonroof, BOSE® Audio Package and Rear Seat Entertainment System Package * Auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink® added to Grand Touring model * Heated seats and heated outside mirrors added to Sport Power Seat Package * Trailer tow preparation standard on AWD ... So it seems that my trip computer complaint has been addressed. The "sub-par electronics" issue might be taken care of with 2009 model. "2009 Pilot vs 2009 CX9 vs 2009 Highlander" should be a better comparison. Let us know what is new for 2009 Highlander if anyone knows. Replies to this message: msam (Jul 30, 2008 1:50 pm) ceric (Jul 30, 2008 4:26 pm)
#137 of 472 by claireb Jul 30, 2008 (9:21 am)
Well, originally, I was going to buy a Honda Pilot, but I was put off by three things. A friend has 2008 model and she says she doesn't like the visibility (blind spots); she has also accidentally knocked her keychain while driving and turned the engine off while driving on the freeway - has happened to her twice now. Lastly, I don't like the look of it anymore, I much prefer the CX-9. (Personally, I also have to say that the CX-9 is a huge improvement over my old car - Ford Windstar - in so many ways I can't count them - maybe if I was coming from a high end car I would pick at it more, but for me this has so many advancements that to me even the navigation system seems amazing ) Replies to this message: ceric (Jul 30, 2008 9:33 am) citivas (Jul 30, 2008 1:12 pm) ceric (Jul 30, 2008 4:37 pm) and 1 more...
#138 of 472 Re: [claireb] by ceric Jul 30, 2008 (9:33 am)
Replying to: claireb (Jul 30, 2008 9:21 am) Well, claire, If money is less of an issue, buy CX9 or Highlander with SmartKey access. There is no key to knock of while driving.... The SmaryKey is such a convenient feature. Once you have it, you will understand. SmartKey is not available on Pilot. (Most Acuras don't have it except for RL). Unfortunately, SmaryKey is always part of an expensive package. Replies to this message: citivas (Jul 30, 2008 1:12 pm) ceric (Jul 30, 2008 4:37 pm) citivas (Jul 30, 2008 6:05 pm)
#139 of 472 Re: This Pilot Owner is Flying to Veracruz [prosource1] by vrm Jul 30, 2008 (11:19 am)
Replying to: prosource1 (Jul 08, 2008 6:12 am) As a 06 Pilot owner, the failure of my air conditioning system with only 51,000 miles and the general arrogance displaying by Honda towards consumers in both customer service and the abysmal design offerings by Honda force me to go elsewhere, I'll either buy the quality offering by Hyundai in the 'Veracruz' or wait for the 4-cylinder Santa Fe in 2010. I feel your pain. Does the 2006 Pilot have a documented problem with the A/C system? Or is this an isolated case?
#140 of 472 subie by nikbert Jul 30, 2008 (12:10 pm)
no love for tribeca? is it really that bad...? Replies to this message: msam (Jul 30, 2008 1:07 pm)
#141 of 472 Re: subie [nikbert] by msam Jul 30, 2008 (1:07 pm)
Replying to: nikbert (Jul 30, 2008 12:10 pm) I considered the Subaru long and hard. It seems to be actually very good. No third row curtain air bags put me off. I was hoping the 2009 model would have it, but from the information I have, that is not the case.