2003 Honda Pilot

7428 Views 38 Replies 28 Participants Last post by richardallen, Jun 16, 2002

oceanMDX

Discussion Starter · Mar 3, 2002

Here's Honda Canada's web site regarding the Pilot: http://english.honda.ca/athondaca/press_releases/hondaauto_2002_Pilot.asp

Does anyone know for a fact that the Pilot will be longer than the MDX?

1 - 20 of 39 Posts

Acura3

· #2 · Mar 14, 2002

Length

latest edition of Automobile indicate same length but a third row bench that will somehow accomodate 3. Automobile despite identical engines show a slower estimated 0-60, perhaps due to higher coefficient of drag?

MIKEinTN

· #3 · Mar 14, 2002

Looks like......

I know there are a lot of people who were considering an MDX are hoping to get a Pilot. From what I have seen they might be pretty disapointed if they think they are almost getting an MDX.

What the pictures I have seen on the web, the Pilot looks much more like a CRV on steroids.

The instrument panel looks quite a bit different, much more spartan than the MDX, including a shift lever on the collum instead of on the floor.

The looks are not as good as the MDX, again, it really looks like a larger CRV.

I guess Honda wants to make a clear distinction between the MDX and the Pilot and I think they have been successful.

As a proud MDX owner I am glad they have made them this much different from the MDXs.

Just my $.02

MIKEinTN

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DaleB

· #4 · Mar 14, 2002

Along those lines, I think the 3.8L engine in the 2003 will move the MDX that much more away from the Pilot.

oceanMDX

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 26, 2002

Some news regarding the pilot

I read the following on another discussion board and decided to post it here:

"Last week I had a chance to attend the Q&A session for the Honda Pilot at the Alliston plant in Ontario, Canada. The company I work for supplies equipment to Honda and I so happen to be there for the free preview to Honda employees, etc.
The Pilot will go on sale in June 1 (US) and June 15th in Canada. There will be only 2 models in the first year, EX and EX-L. EX is everything but leather seating. EX-L incl. leather. Some interesting facts: automatic shifter is on the dash board similar to the CR-V. They had only the one model, no manual to show. The interior layout is similar to the MDX, except no navigation screen. The center console has an area for your cell phone and charging. The engine will be 240hp, same engine as the Odyssey, not th MDX engine (I guess the MDX engine has more torque?). Towing is same as MDX, 3500lb, with boat 4500lb. Both models will not have a sunroof in the first year. An LX model will appear in the second year. Pricing was between $38 to 40,000 Canadian (MDX is $48,00 MSRP Canadian). "

Interesting, but the automatic shifter is on the steering column and not on the dash board - which is probably what the guy meant.

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rmayes100

· #6 · Apr 4, 2002

One thing I haven't seen mentioned in comparison between the new Pilot and the MDX is the suspension. That's often what sets apart luxery type vehicles from their more afordable counterparts (if you've ever driven an Accord and a TL you probably know what I'm talking about). I would imagine that the Pilot will ride more like the CR-V or the Odyssey and less like the MDX.

jediwebdude

· #7 · Apr 13, 2002

I agree with MIKEinTN...it looks like a CRV on steroids from the front. The back looks like a Nissan Pathfinder.

One Acura salesperson told me they expect MDX demand to decrease when the Pilot rolls out. He also informed me that the 3.8L engine rumor for the 2003 MDX is strictly a rumor.

DaleB

· #8 · Apr 13, 2002

jediwebdude said:
I agree with MIKEinTN...it looks like a CRV on steroids from the front. The back looks like a Nissan Pathfinder.

One Acura salesperson told me they expect MDX demand to decrease when the Pilot rolls out. He also informed me that the 3.8L engine rumor for the 2003 MDX is strictly a rumor.

Well, Honda makes money either way.

Latest ' rumor ' is 2004 will be the big transition for the X as far as power.
2003 should see some improvements, not that it needs many.

Pauls MDX

· #9 · Apr 13, 2002

I heard the same

The big changes are 2004!!!

Geoff

· #10 · May 3, 2002

I was really worried that when the Honda Pilot came out that it would be so much like the MDX and that it would just be like I had two fully loaded MDX's on my hands. I'm glad that Honda made such a clear distinction between the two. I just finished reading a motortrend review of the pilot in their June issue and they thought it was really good. I does seem to be living up to the Honda standards!

"02 Mahogany MDX, touring with lots of options

"02 Mesa Biege MDX, touring with lots of options

kahuna

· #11 · May 3, 2002

The June issue of AutoWorld Magazine has an article with some Dimensions. Compared to the MDX, the Pilot is a half inch shorter in overall length, two inches taller and an inch wider.

Length: 188.0 in.
Width: 77.3 in.
Height: 70.6 in.

Cargo Capacity: 90.3 cu.ft.

One comment worth noting:
"The MDX is boutique stylish. The Pilot looks like it came off the dress-for-less at Target."

srpbep

· #12 · May 4, 2002

Hey Geoff ... is that a typo or you own 2 '02 MDXs?

kytang

· #13 · May 8, 2002

Saw the new Pilot

I hope everything people said about Honda Pilot is true.

I saw couple of new Honda Pilots in transit (on their way to dealership, I guess). I did not get out of my MDX and look closely of these new Honda Pilots. I did pull next to one of them. They looks very similar to MDX size wise. I am very interested in how Honda is going price the new Pilot.

As a MDX owner, I really hope Honda makes enough distinction between these two cars. Otherwise, MDX will really stand for Many Dollar eXtra!!!

Pauls MDX

· #14 · May 25, 2002

Don't like the pilot

I believe it a cheaper version of the MDX, I'm sure alot of people who want to save pennies will go for it. The MDX is much more classier and fewer to see on the road. I'm sure you will see much more pilots than MDX's!!!!:2:

dmyles

· #15 · Jun 2, 2002

Re: Saw the new Pilot -- ME TOO

kytang said:
I saw couple of new Honda Pilots in transit (on their way to dealership, I guess). I did not get out of my MDX and look closely of these new Honda Pilots. I did pull next to one of them. They looks very similar to MDX size wise. I am very interested in how Honda is going price the new Pilot.

I saw a Silver Pilot this morning in Rochester, NY. All of a sudden, I noticed what I thought was a new CR-V pulling up really fast in my rear view mirror. I got out of its way and as it passed me, I immediately knew it was the Pilot even before I saw the back because of its size. I wondered if I'd misunderstood the release date, but since it had no tags, I too presume it was in transit on the way to a dealer. However, I did wonder if they were driving it around town just to garner interest.

I would've like to have seen the interior first hand, but of course didn't. While I don't really have anything against it overall, my gut reaction was to agree with Edmunds' review (I think), which said its drawback was the "anonymous" styling. It just seems really bland and boring--- like a big box. The projected price tag ($30K?) was also a shock to me as I expected it to be a good bit lower than the MDX---- not just $5-8K.

rliggayu

· #16 · Jun 2, 2002

Yes it does look like a CRV on steroids:16:

No matter what happens I think our MDX will always be unique in style and a "POSER":18: :29:

PsychoKnight

· #17 · Jun 2, 2002

Re: Re: Saw the new Pilot -- ME TOO

dmyles said:
The projected price tag ($30K?) was also a shock to me as I expected it to be a good bit lower than the MDX---- not just $5-8K.

I was actually thinking the Pilot wouldn't cost that much less.

I have the MDX factory service manual and a penchant for taking things apart, or at least perusing engineering diagrams. When I compare the drive train & suspension from my Ford Explorer manual, and a friend's Montero book (both 4X4), I was rather impressed with the complexity of the systems. There are far more interacting prescision components and electronic controls than most SUVs. I think the the only brands that come close are the Land Rover and new GMC Envoy models.

When I began hearing about the Pilot, I thought to myself, "With all the additional components and assembly issues, how much cheaper can they really make them? Can't possibly compete with Explorer, Montero, Rodeo, or Pathfinders." There's a lot more to the MDX than bells and whistles that you see from the driver's view. I think the $5-8K discount reflects the deletion of luxury items, but the base platform of the vehicle is expensive by design.

It seems to me that people who are price conscious in this cost category are going to have a hard time in being willing to pay for a sophisticated AWD if they don't really need it. Honda could have reduced the price by another 2-3K if they had a simple FWD option. Most people who want an SUV don't have a priority for a AWD or 4WD system, only a fraction do. And the cost of repairing a AWD/4WD drivetrain can be significant.

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frostyra

· #18 · Jun 2, 2002

I saw a white one with dealer tag on the road yesterday afternoon, headed toward the Honda dealer. Looked OK, but not nearly as good as the MDX. I agree with dmyles -- kinda bland.

srpbep

· #19 · Jun 3, 2002

Greed Rules

Heard from the local Honda dealer yesterday. I had inquired about the pricing, specifically "how much over MSRP were they gonna ask". Well, the salesrep informed me [sounded like arrogant boasting] that they had just sold their first one for [get this] $4,000 OVER MSRP.

Need to understand that I have found this dealer "high" in the past, but this is simply outrageous IMHO. If anyone is curious, I would be happy to share the dealership name.

I really think that Honda Corporate should step in. Dealers have had a hayday with the Odyssey, MDX, and now Pilot. I find it difficult to understand why people are willing to pay so much for a vehicle knowing that the "novelty" will wear thin. I was willing to pay MSRP for the X but no more knowing that anything over MSRP eventually would simply be "money wasted". As I understand it, some are now able to buy the MDX below MSRP or at least get some options included at MSRP.

Pauls MDX

· #20 · Jun 3, 2002

Pricing

I'm still seeing the Acura wanting over MSRP by only $1000 in New York area. They are settling for MSRP, but not even considering under. I believe by next month MSRP will be a standard on the MDX in the Northeast. The Honda Pilot is starting at the $1000 over MSRP on the luxury DVD version and $750 on the luxury Navagation model. These appear to be standard before negiotion has started. At first I thought the Acura people will be getting nervious but after seeing and hearing all the details of the Pilot, there is really no comparison. In comparing luxury, appearance, and overall interior the MDX blows it away. The overall body and lines are so much more impressive on the MDX. :21: :29:

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