| 2009 Pilot, Production Models
- Click HERE for Original Thread
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| pbm317 |
Since none of the other forum sections really get any traffic, I figured it would be okay to post this here...
Here's the article: Left Lane News
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| sigp228 |
| It's not bad looking but obviously higher trim models seem to come with roof rails. Are they standard on the Pilot but are an extra cost accessory for the MDX??? That makes no sense. |
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| phins2rt |
| Makes me glad I've got my X!:29: |
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| LionSpeed |
| Allow me to practice my fav comment re this new pilot. BUTT UGLY. :D |
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| midnightMDX |
| Wow, thats different. I really hate the grill. I wonder how much fuel is saved with the VCM. The interior looks pretty wild. :eek: |
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| Yumitori |
That article doesn’t have the facts right.
“With the 2009 Honda Pilot receiving its official debut in just a week…” Bull****. The Honda dealer show isn’t even until May7th in San Diego. That’s when they put them out on display.
The official release isnt even until late May and that was just changed this week. |
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| KES |
The grill. I am beginning to wonder what Acura's and Honda's fetish is with these grills. The TSX IMO is awful and sorry I am not a fan of the current MDX grill (otherwise one would be in my driveway). I can't imagine what they will do with the TL in the fall.
I must not be keeping up with the new trends ......getting old.
Anyway Acura has lost me as a customer on their new generation vehicles. |
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| LionSpeed |
| KES, I respect your opinion & do think you make a valid point in regards to the "fetish" arena. I myself feel the same way. Has been a huge Honda fan since the late '80's & yes I do see myself tappering away as well, specially to their late designs ('09 RL & '09 TL....). |
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| craniotes |
As ridiculous as this may sound, I like it. First off, even current Pilot owners will admit that they didn't buy their vehicles for their looks -- the Pilot is an automotive appliance first and foremost. Aside from the controversial grille (which, as with my MDX, I like), there's nothing here that deviates from the SUV-norm, or that should have people virtually throwing up in their virtual posts. As an appliance, the 2nd generation version of the Pilot shines, IMO. It's got more interior/cargo room than our beloved MDXs (heck, the third row can accommodate full-size adults), and all the same bells and whistles -- at least judging from the dashboard. True, it won't have SH-AWD, but scorching the skidpad isn't what this thing is all about. It's about soccer practice, trips to Home Depot, hauling the ENTIRE family during the holidays, attacking inclement weather with confidence, and doing it all without complaint.
Me, I'm glad I got my MDX mainly because it handles so darn well, but I'm certainly not going to turn my nose up at the new Pilot -- or any Pilot, for that matter. The real question is how much it's going to cost. If the price hike is similar to the one the MDX posted, Honda might have a bit of initial resistance in the marketplace.
Regards,
Adam |
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| JeffK |
Adam makes some very good points.
I am on my second MDX: When I first looked I compared the MDX to the Pilot. The Pilot was nice but the MDX handled better and that was important for me.
Also the MDX comes with a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty compared to the Pilot's 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. Because of this I was able to lease the MDX for 4 years (under full warranty) vs. 3 years for the Pilot (under full warranty). The difference in the lease payments were less than $20 a month.
When I leased my second MDX, it was just before the new model came out. Discounts plus cash back brought the lease payments within dollars of the Pilot.
I am not sure that the SHAWD is all that important. Good suspension, geometry, etc. have more to do with the overall handling of the MDX rather than the SHAWD.
When my present MDX comes off lease I will definitely look at the new Pilot. While I am not enamored by its looks, the new MDX does, with the sloping back roof line, is not one of my favorites either.
I use my MDX for trips to Vermont in the winter and trips to Home Depot! I no longer have kids around to take to the ball game, so the third row is not important.
What is important to me is handling and fuel economy. With gas going to $4 plus per gallon, gas mileage is a consideration. If the Pilot improves on the MDX (by more than 1 to 2 mpg) it is an improvement.
From the pictures it seems that the base will not have: roof rails, trailer package or fog lights.
JeffK |
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| bbmd |
Trucks like the Pilot serve an utilitarian purpose first of all and that's why the current model was top of its class many years in a row. You don't buy one because you like how it looks or how it handles (if you do, you're a little weird in my book :) ). If they keep the price in the $30k-$40k region, it's going to do as well as the current model.
Unless someone figures out how to completely revolutionize this class, the Pilot is still going to be top choice, no matter how ugly it looks on the outside.
I'm fine with the overall aspect. It's just the over sized headlights that ruin it for me. |
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| shootist |
quote:
Originally posted by JeffK
..I am not sure that the SHAWD is all that important. Good suspension, geometry, etc. have more to do with the overall handling of the MDX rather than the SHAWD.
...
What is important to me is handling and fuel economy. With gas going to $4 plus per gallon, gas mileage is a consideration.
JeffK
Jeff,
I can't praise the Shawd enough. It will raise the hair on the back of your neck, it's so good. I have nearly left my seat on a few turns, it's so good.
You really can't appreciate it until you learn to trust it. After you trust it to not kill you, you can carve a corner like a slot car. |
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| JeffK |
OK when I take my '06 in for its 15,000 mile service, I will ask for an MDX with SHAWD.
But will it handle like my prior two Boxsters and my current Z4????
(Consumer Reports did not think so when they tested the RL!)
JeffK |
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| Needsdecaf |
quote:
Originally posted by JeffK
OK when I take my '06 in for its 15,000 mile service, I will ask for an MDX with SHAWD.
But will it handle like my prior two Boxsters and my current Z4????
(Consumer Reports did not think so when they tested the RL!)
JeffK
No, and my son will never be the King of England either.
:rolleyes: |
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| hammermdx |
quote:
Originally posted by Wah
fugly.
+1 Honda designers have their heads up their butts. |
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| Quality_Freak |
Jeffk
If you bought the first generation MDX and handling is important...I would highly recommend the second generation MDX (this SUV handles like sports sedan because of the SH-AWD. Trust me, I got rid of my M roadster (one of the best handling cars I have ever driven) and am quite content with the second gen MDX. No pilot even comes close in handling to the MDX. |
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| Quality_Freak |
JeffK,
I just read your other post...I test drove the Z4 and my opinion is that the MDX handles better than the Z4. Again, this is coming from a guy who had a 1999 BMW M roadster and gets invited to BMW test drives all the time.
When I was test driving the X5...that even handled better than the Z4. For some reason the Z4 had too much body roll for me.
Test drive the 2nd gen MDX right after driving your Z4...you will not be disappointed. |
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| Desant |
It looks to me like 3/4 Nissan Pathfinder (not a compliment) and 1/4 mini Chevy SUV. Doesn't look appealing to me.
It is hard to judge over the pictures though - I will hold off till I see this one in person. |
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| JeffK |
Thanks for the input.
The BMW Z4 is coming off lease in the fall.
My wife will be driving the Saab and I the MDX.
In a perfect world I would like to get the MDX to replace my present MDX and an Infiniti M35X to replace the Saab.
But so far my bride (of over 32 years and going strong!) still likes to have a sports car in the garage.
So she drives the Z4 less than 6,000 miles in two years and the Saab another 3,000 per year total 5,000 miles per year and I am leasing both!
O the price of peace and harmony in our house!
Jeff |
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| sgtglok |
Looks like a bastard child of Honda Element and Nissan Pathfinder...
There is fugly, and then there is Pilot 09. |
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| RSM |
quote:
Originally posted by JeffK
Adam makes some very good points.
I am on my second MDX: When I first looked I compared the MDX to the Pilot. The Pilot was nice but the MDX handled better and that was important for me.
Also the MDX comes with a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty compared to the Pilot's 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. Because of this I was able to lease the MDX for 4 years (under full warranty) vs. 3 years for the Pilot (under full warranty). The difference in the lease payments were less than $20 a month.
When I leased my second MDX, it was just before the new model came out. Discounts plus cash back brought the lease payments within dollars of the Pilot.
I am not sure that the SHAWD is all that important. Good suspension, geometry, etc. have more to do with the overall handling of the MDX rather than the SHAWD.
When my present MDX comes off lease I will definitely look at the new Pilot. While I am not enamored by its looks, the new MDX does, with the sloping back roof line, is not one of my favorites either.
I use my MDX for trips to Vermont in the winter and trips to Home Depot! I no longer have kids around to take to the ball game, so the third row is not important.
What is important to me is handling and fuel economy. With gas going to $4 plus per gallon, gas mileage is a consideration. If the Pilot improves on the MDX (by more than 1 to 2 mpg) it is an improvement.
From the pictures it seems that the base will not have: roof rails, trailer package or fog lights.
JeffK
I have an 01 X. I am interested in getting an 07 or 08 X. Is it better to lease or to buy? When I bought my X used, I spent $40 grand. Includes extended warranty and taxes. After only 2 years, I see it selling for around $20 grand. I don't know the situation if I will be leasing. |
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| craniotes |
Well the "first drive" reviews are out, and overall it looks as though Honda has scored another hit with the new Pilot.
The general consensus is that it's "no MDX", but that it improves upon the original in pretty much every measurable category. Ironically, tne complaint that came up had to do with the fit and finish of the interior -- C&D commented on the relatively cheap feeling plastic and large gaps. This is interesting, given that many here have leveled the same complaint against the MDX.
Ultimately, even if the 2nd generation were out when I was in the market for an SUV last September I wouldn't have chosen it over the MDX. As much as I love to save a buck, the driving dynamics of the MDX are worth the extra scratch to me. Still, if Honda can keep the price in the $28K-$40K ballpark that's being bandied about, the new Pilot should be clogging the highways and byways of suburban America in no time at all. In fact, I'll be recommending this CUV to my neighbors in CT who currently drive an aging Suburban (in deference to their four -- count 'em, four -- kids).
Regards,
Adam |
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| JeffK |
Can you post links to the driving reviews of the new Pilot?
Many thanks.
JeffK |
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| ductman |
It is nice to know that Acura finally decided to diffentiate the Pilot
and the Mdx
1.No 300 hp motor, 250 for pilot
2. Old style vtm for Pilot
3. no hid lights
The questions remains though, the Pilot with nav and res will sticker close to 40k, a base mdx is also around 40k, which one would you rather have, nav and res with the pilot or no nav or res with the mdx for approx the same cash? |
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| LionSpeed |
First, it's not even a fair comparison. Nevertheless, I would pick the base MDX over the newly loaded or rather BUTT UGLY loaded design '09 Pilot 10 times over. ;)
Now, if you are comparing the 2nd gen MDX Sport with the '09 Infiniti FX 50, 390HP, then I have something that I can work with. ;) |
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| craniotes |
I love driving, and I'll be damned if I'm going to get cheated out of that pleasure just because I need the space and capabilities of a CUV. As such, my bias is towards the MDX, which is precisely what Honda is banking on. The average Joe in the street doesn't care about 300hp, SH-AWD, or the size of his rims; he cares about interior space, cargo space, and as much MPG as he can get reasonably get for an 8-passenger CUV. For his hard earned $40K, the Pilot is the clear winner (well, that or an Acadia...). For the rest of us we've got our MDXs.
So yeah, I'd take a base MDX, throw in a Garmin, pair my BT headset to my Treo, strap a portable DVD player on the headrest and call it a day.
Regards,
Adam |
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| acurrate |
| form and function, I'll go for the 2nd gen pilot. It has everything, nav, dvd, power liftgate, and even front and rear sensors that MDX doesn't have from factory. All that for about the same price as a base MDX. Yes it's not too easy on the eyes, and no 3.7L 300HP SH-AWD, but with two car seats in my second row I doubt I will rev up to 6K to see 300HP and take turns using SH-AWD. |
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| craniotes |
quote:
Originally posted by acurrate
form and function, I'll go for the 2nd gen pilot. It has everything, nav, dvd, power liftgate, and even front and rear sensors that MDX doesn't have from factory. All that for about the same price as a base MDX. Yes it's not too easy on the eyes, and no 3.7L 300HP SH-AWD, but with two car seats in my second row I doubt I will rev up to 6K to see 300HP and take turns using SH-AWD.
Thus perfectly illustrating the two different segments of the market that Honda is shooting for with these vehicles. You don't give a crap about carving up corners (which admittedly doesn't make a whole lot of sense with the entire family in tow), but hey, the extra bells and whistles -- to say nothing of the additional cargo/interior space -- sure are nice.
My neighbor in CT looks at it exactly the same way, which is why I'm going to be recommending that he take a long hard look at the new Pilot when it comes time to trade in his aging Suburban. I should point out here that he thought I was nuts to drop the extra coin on the MDX when the Pilot (1st gen in this case) did everything one could reasonably want in a CUV.
Regards,
Adam
PS - And accurate, let's not forget that the new Pilot Touring also has built-in window shades in the rear doors as well as true iPod integration with the nav system. I wonder if these goodies will trickle "up" to the MDX...
Regards,
Adam |
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| BrianV |
| Reminds me of a Jeep Commander (not necessarily a good thing). |
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| highmath |
| Looks good to me.... I love the interior, its new and different. sets it apart from others. I would consider buying it, IF i wasn't drooling over the current TL-S model. Just waiting to see the 09 TL debut...:1: |
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| KES |
| What are your thoughts on the 09TL. Hopefully SH-AWD. I just hope the front grill is not like the new TSX. I think this may drive me to grab one of the last 08 models. |
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