| linker |
It seems that every year Honda updates Pilot to pick up a lot of features from MDX
Now to me 2005 Pilot is for sure better than 01, 02 MDX. Now I see more and more Pilots on the street than MDXs.
Stop upgrading Pilots stupid Honda and start upgrade MDX or else nobody wants to buy MDX anymore when Pilot got the same of everything from MDX.
Just my 2 cents |
|
|
| jimbo858 |
| yeah, I kinda agree. I just got a used 02 MDX merely because it was cheaper than getting a new Pilot or MDX. |
|
|
| nightguy |
quote:
Originally posted by linker
Stop upgrading Pilots stupid Honda
Homer, is that you ? |
|
|
| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by nightguy
Homer, is that you ?
Doh!!!:2: :2: |
|
|
| eurohazard |
The post doesn't make much sense to me.
In 03, Acura added 20 HP, and improved the transmission.
In 04, they added 5 more HP, dual exhaust, projector headlights, new tail lights etc.
In 05 they added Bluetooth and Onstar.
These are worthwhile upgrades. Honda is supposed to outsell Acura. It is one of the "special" things about owning an Acura. Not everyone and their mom has one. |
|
|
| jimbo858 |
quote:
Originally posted by linker
It seems that every year Honda updates Pilot to pick up a lot of features from MDX
Now to me 2005 Pilot is for sure better than 01, 02 MDX. Now I see more and more Pilots on the street than MDXs.
Stop upgrading Pilots stupid Honda and start upgrade MDX or else nobody wants to buy MDX anymore when Pilot got the same of everything from MDX.
Just my 2 cents
I think he was comparing new 2005 Pilots with 01,02 MDX'es... |
|
|
| ScoobyT |
quote:
Originally posted by eurohazard
The post doesn't make much sense to me.
Honda is supposed to outsell Acura. It is one of the "special" things about owning an Acura. Not everyone and their mom has one.
I think its the other way around-MDX outselling the Pilot, at leaset in NY area. Also, the X is cheaper to lease $410/mo vs. $435. |
|
|
| NCHeel |
| I dunno. Get riled up when I see so many darn Pilots with the same red paint color as mine.... oh well. Stinking Honda!!! |
|
|
| linker |
Yup when you look at Lexus rx330, its color and features are unique. You don't see the same color in Lexus rx330 and toyota highlander........
Why buy MDX when Pilot got the same of everything plus one seat more than MDX :)))
Example: In 05 Pilot has drive by wire throttle :))), does 01, 02 MDX got that drive by wire throttle feature ?:))))) . Nopeeeeeeeeee |
|
|
| csimo |
| Does anyone know how the 2005 NAV system compares on the MDX vs Pilot? The Pilot NAV used to be far inferior to the MDX, but I don't know if this is still the case or not. |
|
|
| jimbo858 |
IMHO, I still like the look of the 01/02 MDX better than the current 05 Pilot. Also, I like the fact that the service is better at my Acura dealer than it is at my Honda dealer. So, I say FOCK Honda and the Pilot they drove up in. Give me my friggin X anyday!
sides... I like the tailgate spoiler on the X better.:p |
|
|
| anjan |
While the 2005 Pilot has picked up some features from MDX it is still a Honda. Drive an MDX and immediately afterwards drive the Pilot. The difference will stick out like a sore thumb. Its just not the features that make a luxury car, it the overall finish and comfort.
Case in point is the Touareg. Compare it with Cayenne and the Audi Q7 (to be released) and its the same SUV with many common features and yet hugely different pricing. Given that the engines are different, the ride and feel of each of the brands is distinctly different. |
|
|
| nightguy |
quote:
Originally posted by anjan
Drive an MDX and immediately afterwards drive the Pilot. The difference will stick out like a sore thumb.
The feel and handling of the Acura is definitely more refined and car-like than the Pilot. No question about it. |
|
|
| Dr. Ken |
quote:
Originally posted by csimo
Does anyone know how the 2005 NAV system compares on the MDX vs Pilot? The Pilot NAV used to be far inferior to the MDX, but I don't know if this is still the case or not.
Three things:
1. The MDX has voice commands and the Pilot does not.
2. The MDX screen is larger by about 1 inch.
3. The buttons surrounding the screen are different. |
|
|
| eurohazard |
quote:
I think its the other way around-MDX outselling the Pilot, at leaset in NY area.
For the 2004 model year:
Honda Pilots sold--128,158
Acura MDXs sold--59,505
For the 2003 model year:
Honda Pilots sold--106,917
Acura MDXs sold--57,281
In one small area of the nation, it is possible that the MDX out sells the Pilot, but doubtful. It's interesting to note the 19.5% increase in Pilot sales vs. MDXs 3.5% increase.
I'd like to say another thing. Cars and trucks are supposed to get better as time goes by. They get safer, faster, more fuel efficient etc. Today's Honda Civic is better in almost every way than a 15 year old Honda Accord. But an "Accord" is supposed to be better than a "Civic". In 1990 Honda released the first Variable Valve Timing system we know as VTEC in the 1991 Acura NSX. Just one model year later, VTEC technology found it's way in the Civic VX, EX, and SI models. Did NSX owners cry....I doubt it they had a better car.:rolleyes: |
|
|
| linker |
why do people hesitate to choose between MDX and Pilot ? . They are confused if MDX is good enough for the money spent ? :))
Do people as the same question between Lexus rx330 and highlander ? :) , probably not . They just ask: Can I afford an rx330 ? :). Because there is a clear separation between Lexus RX330 and Toyota highlander.
The gap for Lexus RX330 and Toyota Highlander is the same amount as the gap for Acura MDX and Honda Pilot.
But because people can't justify to spend more money for MDX when in return MDX just offer little things over Pilot.
Hope people got what I am ready want to stress my points here |
|
|
| anjan |
I absolutely get your question but I think that question is just in your mind. The difference between Toyota and Lexus, Honda and Acura, VW and Audi etc are very clear to the buyer. If you scan these forums you'll find discussions and comparisons between MDX and Pilot and affordability is a question. I don't think anyone contends that the vehicles are the same.
Sticking to your observation, go to Toyota.com and configure a Highlander. You'll see that you can get Highlander very close in configuration to the RX330. In the near future you can even get both SUVs with a hybrid engine. |
|
|
| eRauL |
| has someone seen model-year table of comparison between MDX and Pilot? |
|
|
| anjan |
quote:
Originally posted by eRauL
has someone seen model-year table of comparison between MDX and Pilot?
|
|
|
| frostyra |
quote:
Originally posted by linker
In 05 Pilot has drive by wire throttle :))), does 01, 02 MDX got that drive by wire throttle feature ?:))))) . Nopeeeeeeeeee
So this is a meaningful thing? :confused: |
|
|
| mdxx3 |
| From that comparison document, the transmission's final drive ratio on both vehicles are slightly different. Is one for performance, gas savings, or a slightly different transmission design? The RPM in which each vehicle gets the max torque is quite different and this 1K RPM differences is interesting... (either transmission design or programming)... ie. how come the MDX can't have 259 or 260 for torque at around 4500? Or does this mean the Pilot will be even higher revving/noisy before it switches gear each time? (Lots of questions - any transmission experts here?) |
|
|
| csimo |
quote:
Originally posted by mdxx3
From that comparison document, the transmission's final drive ratio on both vehicles are slightly different. Is one for performance, gas savings, or a slightly different transmission design? The RPM in which each vehicle gets the max torque is quite different and this 1K RPM differences is interesting... (either transmission design or programming)... ie. how come the MDX can't have 259 or 260 for torque at around 4500? Or does this mean the Pilot will be even higher revving/noisy before it switches gear each time? (Lots of questions - any transmission experts here?)
Not a tranny expert, but one thing that may account for the differences is the transmission itself. In 2003 the MDX got a new and improved transmission. The Pilot did not.
As of 2004 the Pilot was still running the old transmission design... the same version as a '01-'02 MDX.
I don't know if they changed the Pilot transmission for 2005 or not. |
|
|
| Sly_ |
Huh? I'm sorry but MDX wins hands on in terms of looks, finish and comfort. Also, my 01' MDX is now more stocked up than most '05 MDXs :cool:
Also, up here in Canada, Pilots have a base price of $39K and MDX $51K so its no wonder there's more Pilots on the road...there much cheaper :) |
|
|
| XStatic |
In general the Pilot is tuned to handle more like a truck and the MDX like a car. I test drove the Pilot first and really didn't like how the vehicle handled, the steering response, and the goofy stick on the steering column. On a whim (not expecting to actually buy an Acura) I test drove the MDX. SWEET, 1000% better. I was sold...
The MDX is really lacking, I missed lots of small features going from my 1998 V70 to the 2003 MDX. But it drives very nicely and carries up to 7 people. I really enjoyed the V70, but I hated to overboosted steering on the XC90. Plus the Volvo was in the shop quite a bit and I was looking for better reliability. |
|
|
| maddawg995 |
Like many people, I was considering the Pilot before purchasing the X. When I test drove a 2004 Pilot, it seemed as if I was driving the 2002 CRV that I had at the time, just bigger. Not that I was complaining though since I was already used to it . It just gave me a sense of blah...
Then I test drove the X and instantly knew it was the one to get. Prior to my decision, I only test drove the Pilot and RX330. The X wasn't even my first choice. Was going to test the FX35, Tourag and X5 (first choice) but didn't even bother after driving the X. The entire process of deciding to change cars, researching, test driving and purchasing took 2 days. A large part of it was because I had already fell in love with the X and couldn't stand the CRV anymore.
The way I see it, the Pilot is like the girl next door and the X a super model. Sure you can go out and have a good time with either one, but the exhilarating feeling you get being with a super model is much different than the girl next door. Unless of course, the girl next door is a super model.
So the moral of the story is, a super model is better than the girl next door. :D |
|
|
| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by mdxx3
From that comparison document, the transmission's final drive ratio on both vehicles are slightly different. Is one for performance, gas savings, or a slightly different transmission design? The RPM in which each vehicle gets the max torque is quite different and this 1K RPM differences is interesting... (either transmission design or programming)... ie. how come the MDX can't have 259 or 260 for torque at around 4500? Or does this mean the Pilot will be even higher revving/noisy before it switches gear each time? (Lots of questions - any transmission experts here?)
Honda revised the Pilot transmission for 2005. They also changed the 4th and 5th gear ratios to allow smoother shifting. In general, a higher final gear ratio value means less speed/more torque for the same engine RPM (but other things such as tire diam. come into play).
Drive by wire was also added which interacts with the transmission electronically to provide smoother shifting.
The gas tank was also redesigned for greater capacity (and ideally less slosh).
Only peak torque/hp numbers are given. To get an idea of usabilty you need the whole curve. In this case, getting to peak torque at 3500 RPM versus 4500 RPM is more desireable. You would ideally want to reach peak torque immediately and then have a flat curve at peak all the way to redline. |
|
|
| gto-dave |
quote:
Was going to test the FX35, Tourag and X5 (first choice) but didn't even bother after driving the X. The entire process of deciding to change cars, researching, test driving and purchasing took 2 days.
I love my X. And it's just an '01. My opinion, you shouldve taken 3 days and at least driven the FX. I have both now.
You can still be proud of your desicion. The MDX is a wonderful ride. |
|
|
| maddawg995 |
The FX was on the bottom of my list. I'm one of those that think it's fugly. I should've tested them all and spent a little more time on it. But what the hell, it worked out great.
On a side note, what's the difference between a Murano and the FX35? Is it the same comparison as a Pilot to a X?
quote:
Originally posted by gto-dave
I love my X. And it's just an '01. My opinion, you shouldve taken 3 days and at least driven the FX. I have both now.
You can still be proud of your desicion. The MDX is a wonderful ride.
|
|
|
| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by maddawg995
On a side note, what's the difference between a Murano and the FX35? Is it the same comparison as a Pilot to a X?
Murano is a FWD built on the Altima platform; FX is a RWD built on the 350Z/G35 platform. There is not nearly as much similarity between the Murano/FX as there is between the Pilot/MDX. |
|
|
| eurohazard |
quote:
On a side note, what's the difference between a Murano and the FX35? Is it the same comparison as a Pilot to a X?
They are totally different. The Murano is based on the Altima front-wheel drive sedan, while the FX35 is based on the G35 rear-wheel drive sedan.
But they do use similar styling cues.
Edit: msu79gt82...you beat me to the answer....you're quick! |
|
|
| gto-dave |
msu79gt82, Dude! there you are again. FX not ugly. It's freakin' awesome at every angle! Murano is a completely diff vehicle. even the 3.5 that Nissan uses throughout their line behaves quite differently in each vehicle. Mine is so super smoothy silk.
BTW M-Dawg, you dont know until you get behind the wheel. I'm glad you're happy with what ya got. |
|
|
| uncming |
| I did just test drive an 05 Pilot and it felt like it drove very closely to an MDX(Had an 04 Before it was totalled). I know totally subjective - but one thing even my wife noticed, was how much more refined the MDX on the interior than the Pilot was...I think that convinced her to go back to a MDX |
|
|
| crxb |
| I had an 04 Pilot for a yr. Just replaced w/ a 189 MDX. The steering is tighter in the mdx, handling is better, acceleration is much more linear. Overall a much more refined ride. The Pilot was more truck like. Yes they are close, but not the same. |
|
|
| CarolinaGirl |
Speaking of exterior body only ...
I don't think the exterior of the MDX and the Pilot look much alike at all.
I do think the exterior of the FX35 closely resembles the Murano. I don't think Nissan makes enough of an exterior distinction between some of the Nissan/Infiniti models. |
|
|
| mullysalt |
If they were the same why wouldn't they be sold for the same price?
Two very different SUV's here, drive both of them and then you'll be able to see and feel the differences. |
|
|
| JL_SS |
I can't address the 2005 MDX but we previously owned a 2003 that we lemoned. Because the service is horrible at the local (40 miles away) Acura dealership we opted for the 2005 Pilot this time. The Honda dealership is 5 minutes away and offers service experiences that equal Lexus (almost). Funny, because the dealerships are owned by the same person.
The 2005 Pilot received a lot of enhancements (throttle by wire - shifts a lot smoother, tightened steering feel, more power, VSA, etc) that aside from the interior/exterior I would be hard pressed to tell whether I was driving the 2003 MDX or the 2005 Pilot. Although soundproofing does appear to be better in the 2005 Pilot than the 2003 MDX and the 2005 Pilot takes bumps a lot smoother while still handling as well as the 2003 MDX. Now I don't know how much better a 2005 MDX is over a 2003 so I can't extrapolate that comparison.
The MDX will always look better than the Pilot and have more features, but I think they are more or less converging mechanically. |
|
|
| uncming |
Haivng just picked up my 05 MDX (And recently test drove a 05 Pilot) they have made great improvements to the "feel" of the Pilot. I remember remarking to my wife during the test drive that it does drive a lot like our 04 MDX(Which was wrecked).
When we were visiting friends in Texas, they had a first year Pilot and it felt like riding a pick up truck...
But the MDX interior just feels so much better appointed and less utilitarian(Those fishnets like design on the sides of the door really bothered my wife)
Pilot defienietely bigger - but MDX more refined |
|
|
| eurohazard |
JL_SS and uncming I agree with both of your statements. I feel very little difference in the way the MDX and Pilot drive and handle.
If it were solely up to me, I'd be driving a loaded Pilot. I felt the Pilot offered the stuff I needed for a lot less cash. But my wife could not get past the "CR-Vish" looking interior of the Honda Pilot. I could not argue with the "which one looks better" logic. The MDX is the clear winner in the looks department. |
|
|
| CSHDMD |
| THE 05' MDX has side curtain airbags while the Pilot does not. Every other Honda has them CRV, Ody. etc... |
|
|
| crxb |
quote:
Originally posted by CSHDMD
THE 05' MDX has side curtain airbags while the Pilot does not. Every other Honda has them CRV, Ody. etc...
|
|
|
| eurohazard |
quote:
why i traded a pilot for an mdx
You seriously traded a Pilot for an MDX just because of side curtain airbags? Come on! |
|
|
| nightguy |
quote:
Originally posted by eurohazard
You seriously traded a Pilot for an MDX just because of side curtain airbags? Come on!
Interesting but not outrageous. Consider that one type of crash where you are most vulnerable is getting hit from the side like if you get T-boned in an intersection. The head protection in the split seconds after the crash is invaluable. The curtains can also help prevent ejection if the vehicle rolls over after a side impact event. Since the SUV is probably the vehicle type most likely to roll over, it's not a bad idea at all.
That said, I myself wouldn't trade up but it did help upsell me to the MDX. |
|
|
| crxb |
quote:
Originally posted by eurohazard
You seriously traded a Pilot for an MDX just because of side curtain airbags? Come on!
just watching those slow motion films of the dummy's head hitting the side window glass in cars w/o the side impact airbags. As compared to the surviveability of the same impact w / side impact airbags in place. (not to mention the vsa, nav, xm, onstar,... our 04 pilot did not have) |
|
|
| Grace G |
and I have to say the MDX is a bit tighter and smoother feeling IMHO.
I drove them both yesterday and was wondering if my preference for the MDX was the emporers new clothes syndrome. I drove a LR 3 inbetween so I wasn't sure.
I went back and drove them back to back at different dealerships today. I felt like the Honda seemed like an MDX w/ 50k miles on it.
The interior trim is superior and digging through the brochures I also caught that the side airbag thing-and having children this is a feature I am interested in.
The price differential isn't that great either. The salespeople are interesting-some claim the lease deal is up this month, some say it runs until July (both Honda and Acura).
It really irks me that the colors are the same in Honda and Acura. They even have the same names! The only difference is that the pearl white is not available on the Honda-which is why I want that color. You don't find that in other lines. I think they could put better paint on this car. I currently drive an Audi allroad, and the paint is gorgeous. |
|
|
| CSHDMD |
| The side curtain air bags were a major factor for my wife and I in choosing the MDX over the Pilot. Our current family car (Volvo S80) has them and since almost every other Honda has them, it's clear that the manufacturer considers them an important safety feature; it is likely that it will be added to the Pilot in a year or so. If we got the Pilot, I feel as if I'm exposing my kids to an increased risk and if they added that feature for 06' I'd be upset. |
|
|
| wmquan |
I totally support the idea of buying a vehicle with side curtain airbags over one that doesn't have them.
That said, their benefit MAY not as pronounced for smaller kids in the back. They are designed to protect the heads of larger occupants. If you look at most designs, the significant cushioning, or "sweet spot," is up around the center of the side window. Even when in a child seat, many children don't get up this high.
The IIHS side-impact tests use a dummy that is roughly the size of "a small adult female" or an average 12 year old boy.
The bags do have a secondary benefit of reducing the amount of glass in the vehicle, but their primary protection comes from cushioning the head against the vehicle's structure (including the window) and the intruding vehicle (e.g. the grill of an SUV t-boning you).
Frankly, there could be greater benefit for smaller children with conventional, chest-height, side air-bags in the 2nd row. NHTSA testing has shown that children are not at risk from those airbags unless they are severely out-of-position. Unfortunately, these are only available on some German makes, e.g. Audi, MB, and BMW.
Again, one should always get a vehicle with side-curtain airbags in today's marketplace. Honda was late putting them in the MDX, and they are late putting it in the Pilot. |
|
|
| SirJOW |
I can't believe you guys do not mention one of the MDX's strongest points against the Pilot. I would have purchased a Pilot (more bang for the buck) if it not for their INTERIORS!
Come on, the MDX's interior is a heck of a lot better than the Pilot's and most every other SUV out there. It's interior is like that of a luxury sedan. The Pilot's interior, along with other SUV's, is like that of a pick-up truck or a minivan. |
|
|
| eurohazard |
quote:
I can't believe you guys do not mention one of the MDX's strongest points against the Pilot. I would have purchased a Pilot (more bang for the buck) if it not for their INTERIORS!
Actually I said almost the same thing! On page 3, I wrote "If it were solely up to me, I'd be driving a loaded Pilot. I felt the Pilot offered the stuff I needed for a lot less cash. But my wife could not get past the "CR-Vish" looking interior of the Honda Pilot. I could not argue with the "which one looks better" logic. The MDX is the clear winner in the looks department." |
|
|
| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by SirJOW
...
Come on, the MDX's interior is a heck of a lot better than the Pilot's and most every other SUV out there. It's interior is like that of a luxury sedan. The Pilot's interior, along with other SUV's, is like that of a pick-up truck or a minivan.
The MDX's interior is certainly better than the Pilot's. But better than "most every other SUV out there?" I think not. Especially when you compare it to other luxury SUV's. Cheap, hard plastic dash that's textured to look like it's covered with soft-touch material. Fake wood. Leather that's still too thin and creases too easily.
I think the MDX's interior is "acceptable." But like a luxury sedan? Well, a cheap luxury sedan, maybe. The TL has a better-quality interior than the MDX. Hopefully the next-gen MDX will exceed the TL. |
|
|
| td284 |
The Pilot's interior is much more practical in terms of storage and cubbies--the console is particularly functional with a nice cell-phone spot.
The MDX is more luxurious, but overdue for a freshening. I cringe every time I look at that plood, especially on the doors. It looks like a Kia or Hyundai. But the overall quality is excellent and the nav system can't be beat. |
|
|
| jjrom |
I test drove both vehicles. The Pilot, in my opinion had a smooth (almost cushiony) ride, and was not very responsive in sudden [intentional] maneuvers. Was not crazy about the looks of the instrumentation and dash. At higher speeds, the vehicle was not very stable.
When I test drove the MDX, totally different feel. sporty, yet near luxurious ride; very responsive in turns and quick maneuvers; impressed with looks of dashboard in Touring. At higher speeds, the MDX was very stable, steering was accurate and predictable.
I did not take long for me to make the choice. |
|
|
| SteveJ |
| It's important to note that the MDX has better tires than the Pilot. The difference between the Michelin on the MDX and the Goodyear on the Pilot could account for much of the difference in feel. I'm currently shopping Pilot vs. MDX. If I would go the Pilot route, I would have to get the EX-L because that's the only option level that includes the stability augmentation, whereas it's standard on the MDX. I'm comparing the Pilot EX-L with the base MDX. There is less than a $2000 price difference between the two because the Honda dealer is talking list price whereas the MDX dealer is allowing $3K off list. Everything is just a bit nicer with the MDX. I haven't done a comparison of the sound systems, but the MDX is probably better. My wife will have a lot to do with the final decision. I could go either way and not feel bad about it. Honda doesn't do a very good job explaining the advantages of stability augmentation on slippery roads. I think it would be a big help in icy conditions. We also own a Corvette, and the "active handling" is a big safety advantage on the track. |
|
|
| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by SteveJ
It's important to note that the MDX has better tires than the Pilot. The difference between the Michelin on the MDX and the Goodyear on the Pilot could account for much of the difference in feel. I'm currently shopping Pilot vs. MDX. If I would go the Pilot route, I would have to get the EX-L because that's the only option level that includes the stability augmentation, whereas it's standard on the MDX. I'm comparing the Pilot EX-L with the base MDX. There is less than a $2000 price difference between the two because the Honda dealer is talking list price whereas the MDX dealer is allowing $3K off list. Everything is just a bit nicer with the MDX. I haven't done a comparison of the sound systems, but the MDX is probably better. My wife will have a lot to do with the final decision. I could go either way and not feel bad about it. Honda doesn't do a very good job explaining the advantages of stability augmentation on slippery roads. I think it would be a big help in icy conditions. We also own a Corvette, and the "active handling" is a big safety advantage on the track.
If the Honda dealer is talking list price then go somewhere else, people are buying Pilots for well below invoice. See:
HondaPilot.org |
|
|
| SteveJ |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
If the Honda dealer is talking list price then go somewhere else, people are buying Pilots for well below invoice. See:
HondaPilot.org
Thanks for the link. I haven't explored at length, but at first glance there seem to be fewer transission complaints with the Pilot, which is hard to understand since I think both use the same transmission. Does the Pilot require premium fuel? I couldn't find that in the brochure specs. The MDX salesperson said there would be no trouble getting the MDX serviced at a Honda dealer if we were on a trip. Comments on this? Thanks. |
|
|
| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by SteveJ
Thanks for the link. I haven't explored at length, but at first glance there seem to be fewer transission complaints with the Pilot, which is hard to understand since I think both use the same transmission. Does the Pilot require premium fuel? I couldn't find that in the brochure specs. The MDX salesperson said there would be no trouble getting the MDX serviced at a Honda dealer if we were on a trip. Comments on this? Thanks.
The Pilot does not require premium fuel, but then again, a lot of MDX owners do not use premium fuel.
I hadn't followed the Pilot transmission problems in the early years but there have not been complaints of tranny failures in the last 4 or so months that I have been keeping track of the Pilot board also. A lot of the MDX failures are 2001/2002 models and I believe that the first year Pilot (2003) had this drivetrain. I think the 2003 MDX tranny received minor design changes. I would imagine that the transmissions are pretty much the same now that they have had to make mods to both to eliminate the failures.
A Honda dealer can do any maintenance on the MDX but not warranty work. Our local Acura and Honda dealership are owned by the same person but are 40 miles apart. I live near the Honda dealership and could drop the MDX off at Honda and they would drive it to their Acura dealersip and back for warranty work. |
|
|
| SteveJ |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
The Pilot does not require premium fuel, but then again, a lot of MDX owners do not use premium fuel.
I hadn't followed the Pilot transmission problems in the early years but there have not been complaints of tranny failures in the last 4 or so months that I have been keeping track of the Pilot board also. A lot of the MDX failures are 2001/2002 models and I believe that the first year Pilot (2003) had this drivetrain. I think the 2003 MDX tranny received minor design changes. I would imagine that the transmissions are pretty much the same now that they have had to make mods to both to eliminate the failures.
A Honda dealer can do any maintenance on the MDX but not warranty work. Our local Acura and Honda dealership are owned by the same person but are 40 miles apart. I live near the Honda dealership and could drop the MDX off at Honda and they would drive it to their Acura dealersip and back for warranty work.
Thanks for the input. I'm going to do a bit more research on both vehicles. After looking at the transmission problems thread in the "Problems" section of this site, I had not come to the conclusion that owners of newer models had nothing to worry about. I think that the lack of an identifiable issue with the Pilot transmission has to be a good sign. I experienced a major change in driving feel on our Corvette when I switched from the OEM Goodyear runflats to Michelin Pilot Sports. The car was much more pleasant to drive in everyday situations as well as more predictable on the track. To really make a good comparison of the driving feel of the MDX and Pilot, I'd have to find a new Pilot with the same Michelin tires the MDX has, which isn't going to happen. I'll just have to go with the fact that between the two, the MDX has a better, more responsive feel on the road. |
|
|
| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by SteveJ
Thanks for the input. I'm going to do a bit more research on both vehicles. After looking at the transmission problems thread in the "Problems" section of this site, I had not come to the conclusion that owners of newer models had nothing to worry about. I think that the lack of an identifiable issue with the Pilot transmission has to be a good sign. I experienced a major change in driving feel on our Corvette when I switched from the OEM Goodyear runflats to Michelin Pilot Sports. The car was much more pleasant to drive in everyday situations as well as more predictable on the track. To really make a good comparison of the driving feel of the MDX and Pilot, I'd have to find a new Pilot with the same Michelin tires the MDX has, which isn't going to happen. I'll just have to go with the fact that between the two, the MDX has a better, more responsive feel on the road.
I have driven both the 2005 Pilot and 2003 MDX extensivley. These handle and drive comparably because the 2005 Pilot finally inherited a number of features that the MDX has had for a while(throttle-by-wire, VSA, etc). However, the MDX has been tweaked and improved since 2003 and I have read posts by others comparison shopping that the 2005 MDX handles and drives better than the 2005 Pilot. The Pilot tends to be smoother while the MDX is sportier. |
|
|
| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
I hadn't followed the Pilot transmission problems in the early years but there have not been complaints of tranny failures in the last 4 or so months that I have been keeping track of the Pilot board also. A lot of the MDX failures are 2001/2002 models and I believe that the first year Pilot (2003) had this drivetrain. I think the 2003 MDX tranny received minor design changes. I would imagine that the transmissions are pretty much the same now that they have had to make mods to both to eliminate the failures.
I'm pretty sure the 2003+ MDX tranny is a rather different, more compact design than the earlier MDX and the current Pilot. There were some modifications in mid-2004 Pilots to improve oil flow in the transmission and some further modifications in gearing in the 2005 Pilot but I hadn't heard that this amounted to a transmission that was more or less the same as the current MDX. It's not clear from the anecdotal reports here that the newer, more compact MDX tranny has been more reliable. Not aware of any hard data.
Good luck! |
|
|
|
