| mike277090 |
| Does the Pilot look abnormally small vs. its actual dimensions to anybody else? I currently have a 2002 4-Runner and am looking to get a Pilot to replace it. The inside dimensions of the Pilot are larger than the 4-Runner and the exteriors are basically similar, but for the life of me the Pilot just looks small. Conflict of believing my eyes vs. the #'s. |
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| colorider |
quote:
Originally posted by mike277090
Does the Pilot look abnormally small vs. its actual dimensions to anybody else? I currently have a 2002 4-Runner and am looking to get a Pilot to replace it. The inside dimensions of the Pilot are larger than the 4-Runner and the exteriors are basically similar, but for the life of me the Pilot just looks small. Conflict of believing my eyes vs. the #'s.
It's the width that makes much of the difference. Look at a Pilot and the 4Runner side-by-side from either the front or rear and you will see quite a difference.
Oh - yes, welcome to the board!
:) |
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| mike277090 |
| I just went back and checked and the Pilot is 4" taller, 10" wider, 5 " longer, track 7" wider, and wheelbase 1" longer. Still makes me nervous though. |
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| colorider |
quote:
Originally posted by mike277090
I just went back and checked and the Pilot is 4" taller, 10" wider, 5 " longer, track 7" wider, and wheelbase 1" longer. Still makes me nervous though.
Makes you "nervous" why? They are quite easy to drive - and according to Mrs. Colorider - not the least bit intimidating. |
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| mike277090 |
| I didn't mean nervous to drive. I meant that I carry a lot of cargo and need the cargo capacity. The #'s tell me the Pilot has more capacity than my current 4-Runner, but my brain says it just looks smaller to me. |
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| elbert |
quote:
Originally posted by mike277090
I didn't mean nervous to drive. I meant that I carry a lot of cargo and need the cargo capacity. The #'s tell me the Pilot has more capacity than my current 4-Runner, but my brain says it just looks smaller to me.
Then take some cargo in your 4runner to a Honda dealership and see how it looks in the Pilot. :8: |
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| Scoobs |
I switch back and forth between the two regularly. Where I really notice the difference is the additional headroom in the Pilot and the bigger windshield. Getting in the Pilot seems like getting behind the wheel in a scenic cruiser compared to the 4Runner. My wife says the view behind the wheel in the 4Runner feels like driving a tank compared to the Pilot. I'm not sure how she knows what that feels like?
Suffice to say when I switch from the 4Runner to the Pilot I do not feel like I am driving a bigger vehicle. I find both of them very easy vehicles to drive.
Back when I got the 4Runner I said that it looked bigger than it actually is. The Pilot on the other hand looks smaller than it actually is.
You can fit more stuff in the back of the Pilot than in the 4Runner. I'm speaking from experience here.
The step up into the 4Runner is higher than in the Pilot but the seat cushions in both vehicles are at about the same height, at least that's the way it worked out for me. |
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| waynerd |
I thought the Pilot looked smaller, too, but it'll haul a bunch more stuff in the back than my old Exploder used to. It's looks ARE deceiving! Plus, there are more "nooks and crannies" like the headrest storage compartment in the rear....I put the headrests in the basement (never use 3rd row) and store my emergency supplies like jumper cables, gloves, first aid kit etc. back there. I always needed a box for them in my Exploder.
I wasn't impressed with the 4-runner's interior room because in was so narrow, plus a high lift height. I don't remember about storage compartments. The step-up was MUCH higher for the 4-runner and the design of the side rear windows caused a blind spot.
Take a Pilot for a test and see for yourself. You'll get a better ride, to boot! |
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| 74PILOTMOM |
Crazy isn't it? The Pilot does an optical illusion. You see it on paper, it looks like a CR-V. Park next to one, you know it's not even close.
Get inside the Pilot and she's magically transformed. My friend has a Yukon, that feels no bigger inside. Driving it, is the big difference. The Pilot really drives like a small car. Not intimidating at all.
I still remember my first test drive, I was terrified. As soon as I started driving I realized I could easily get used to it, and quickly fell in love :) Parking is a liiiiiiitle tricky at first. Will I fit? Will I fit?:D |
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| aeubank |
The size of the Pilot is one of the best selling points of it. It's not too small (or narrow) like you may find in a Pathfinder or 4-Runner. And has a comfortable ride that the other competition can only dream of. It's got room for 8 and the third row is not optional (like the 4-runner). You get more cargo space, better upright feel, better ride, and (oops I forgot), better resale..
There's a ton of things to like about the Pilot. Now with 2005 with the vehicle stability control, sunroof standard, and basically the same sales price (plus - minus), puts the Pilot at a very competitive price point. The features of the Pilot CANNOT be obtained for under 35k from the likes of 4-runner, Pathfinder, Grand Cherokee, Durango, Trailblazer, Exploder, Yukon, Expedition.
And if they put the variable cylinder mgmt, and possibly a blockbuster like the hybrid Accord V6 (40 MPG!!) in the 2006 model, Honda will have a hard time keeping units in stock. The Pilot is already the value leader in it's class, imagine what Honda could do if it wanted..
Scary to have all of the best cards..
:1: |
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| RipRocK |
quote:
Originally posted by mike277090
Does the Pilot look abnormally small vs. its actual dimensions to anybody else? I currently have a 2002 4-Runner and am looking to get a Pilot to replace it. The inside dimensions of the Pilot are larger than the 4-Runner and the exteriors are basically similar, but for the life of me the Pilot just looks small. Conflict of believing my eyes vs. the #'s.
Just go sit in a Pilot and you'll see. :D My sister-in-law has the same truck and when I drove it once, I couldn't believe just how cramped and small it was inside compared to my Pilot. |
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| PNW-Pilot |
I think it's the design, the 4 runner is based on the tacoma truck, and the sheet metal looks more chiseled, the Pilot more sculpted. I think that relays into a big tough truck vs a people mover,and that is what is making it smaller in your head.
A co worker has a mid 90's 4 runner, and when I see it alone it looks big, park it next to the pilot, and it's a "wee little thing". The numbers don't lie your head just wants to translate the size of the 4runner.
Like others say, take your car down to the dealer and check it out. I think the highlander is bigger then the pilot every time I see it, and then I'm reminded how cramped that cabin was when I drove it. I think jay has mentioned this several times.
Edit: I haven't measured it to confirm it, but I think that the Pilot is the exact same length (+- a few inches) as my 2002 Acura TL. The pilot looks huge and the Acura looks small. But size is misleading. |
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| 74PILOTMOM |
I think it's the proportions too. The pug nose and large windows of the Pilot visually shrink it too.
It's the 188 inches long, where as the Accord is 190. Wow. Amazing designers. |
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| vellinga |
| .....and if either vehicle runs short on interior hauling room, then toss a Thule/Yakima rooftop box on and you have an extra 16+ cubic feet of storage. |
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| PNW-Pilot |
quote:
Originally posted by 74PILOTMOM
I think it's the proportions too. The pug nose and large windows of the Pilot visually shrink it too.
It's the 188 inches long, where as the Accord is 190. Wow. Amazing designers.
Then I wasn't mistaken. I thought at some point the TL was just as long in the garage as the Pilot. Thanks to "no trunk" the pilot has tons more space inside.
I think you might have it there, the hood amount might be just what makes it look smaller then the 4runner, which I think has more hood, so it can fit the v8. |
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| BigDogDad |
I'm also a previous 4Runner owner, great truck, but the Pilot is huge inside. More room for people, more room for cargo and yet when driving it it does not seem bigger.
If it matters to you, the Pilot does have enough room between the rear wheel wells to handle material that is 4 feet wide. IIRC, the measurement is 49 inches. However, the length "only" goes up to 6 feet, not 8, with the hatch closed. And no way I could slide in material that wide into the back of my Runner without putting it in at some sort of angle. |
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| dragoncoach |
| I agree with 74PILOTMOM. The short nose is one of the reasons the Pilot looks small (short). As a matter of fact, it's not much longer than our CRV. It's amazing how Honda maintained the safety of the cabin with such a short nose! As other posters have mentioned, the width of the Pilot is the main reason why the Pilot cargo capacity is so large. I have had many people comment on how much interior room our Pilot has. |
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| Titans Fan |
| We traded a '97 4Runner for the Pilot. The first time I loaded some cargo (tools, ladder, etc) into the Pilot that had just barely fit in the 4Runner, the word "cavernous" actually came into my mind. The Pilot is MUCH bigger inside. :4: |
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| Scoobs |
quote:
Originally posted by BigDogDad
I'm also a previous 4Runner owner, great truck, but the Pilot is huge inside. More room for people, more room for cargo and yet when driving it it does not seem bigger.
If it matters to you, the Pilot does have enough room between the rear wheel wells to handle material that is 4 feet wide. IIRC, the measurement is 49 inches. However, the length "only" goes up to 6 feet, not 8, with the hatch closed. And no way I could slide in material that wide into the back of my Runner without putting it in at some sort of angle.
I'm 5'11". When I set the driver's seat where I like it there is 80" from the inside of the closed rear hatch to the back of the driver's seat. 6' 8". In a pinch I could put the seat farther forward. Granted that's not 8 feet but it is more than 6 feet.
I just measured. Surprisingly the width of the opening of the rear hatch on the Pilot is @50 inches. The width of the 4Runner is @51 inches. It's even wider once you get past the hatch. The length between the hatch and the back of the driver's seat is not as great as in the Pilot as the flip up bottom seat cushion of the second row cuts down on the space. |
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| Oldoarsman |
I drove a 2001 4 Runner for about a year....I found it too cramped and started having knee and joint pain from driving it. I'm 6'5' tall with most of my height in my 37" inseam legs.
Whe the Pilot was introduced, I decided to take one for a test drive and the rest is history....I put 9,000 miles on the 4 Runner in the year I owned it, and put 23,000 on the Pilot over the same time period.....it's much more comfortable to drive, has excellent ergonomics, the transmission is smooth, the engine is very quiet...and it's a very comfortable vehicle for a guy my size.....definitely a keeper!:D |
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| Gromulus |
For those of you still comparing the Pilot to previous generation 4Runners, you should investigate the new generation (2003 -2005) Runner - and even it's Lexus GX470 big brother. While it is still body-on-frame construction, it's larger and more comfortable on road than previous generation 4Runners. It is also one of the most off-road capable (for those of you who actually venture off gravel roads and snow!) stock vehicles on the planet while still maintaining a fairly smooth and quiet (much less road noise than the Pilot) ride. Of course the crossover Pilot has more interior room, slightly better gas mileage (compared to the V6 Runner), and a softer ride compared to the Runner - but these are the trade-offs for a real SUV. Top notch reliability and one of the best residual value retentions of any vehicle don't hurt the 4Runner either!
I frequent both Honda Pilot and Toyota 4Runner/Lexus GX 470 forums and get a kick out of both groups. Here is a quote from another forum with a different point of view than most people on this forum:
"The whole crossover segment is a joke, including highlanders, pilots and the like, they tout them as being the best of both worlds, car and suv, when really they are the worst. These vehicles are not real trucks so they lack rugged frames, real ground clearance and traditional 4wd w/ lo, but they are high enough that they no longer handle as well as a normal car would. So you end up with a vehicle lacking any off-road ability yet shackled with similar poor handling of suv's. Granted with unibody and lower weight they do handle better that most truck based utes, but certainly not the best of both worlds."
Toyota and Honda make the most reliable vehicles in the world. As an owner and supplier to both companies, I easily give the edge to Toyota. Probably why they are the fastest growing auto company in the world and have dominated long-term reliability ratings for the past decade plus.
My signature: Still evaluating both the Pilot and 4Runner/GX470 for the past several months, but leaning heavily in favor of the Runner in Limited V8 trim. |
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| PNW-Pilot |
If you get the 4Runner make sure you get the V8. The V6 version has much worse then average reliability, while the V8 has better then average (near best or the best in class).
While toyota like honda will get the first year bugs out of the system, I still would not bother. I agree that the 4runner is a offroad monster, but if your looking at taking any car/mimivan based SUV offroad that person is missing on a few cylinders. |
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| little-al |
Park a Pilot next to a second gen Suburban, and you'll realize how HUGE the Pilot really it.
I did so a few months back and was surprised to realize that the Pilot is taller and wider than my Suburban, although it isn't as long.
I was surprised, but I think it is because the designers of the Pilot have played some tricks with perspective by making some of the key features(lights, windows, grill, etc) quite large, and that tricks us into think it proportionally is a smaller vehicle.
It is not :p I assure you :D
al |
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| Gromulus |
quote:
Originally posted by PNW-Pilot
If you get the 4Runner make sure you get the V8. The V6 version has much worse then average reliability, while the V8 has better then average (near best or the best in class).
While toyota like honda will get the first year bugs out of the system, I still would not bother. I agree that the 4runner is a offroad monster, but if your looking at taking any car/mimivan based SUV offroad that person is missing on a few cylinders.
Yes, I assume you are speaking of Consumer Reports. This stems form a fuel pulsation damperl TSB on 29,500 2003 V6 Runners that Toyota fixed before it became a recall.
I would be and am more worried about Honda's/Acura's continuous transmisison problems. (How many Pilots, TLs, Accords, and Odysseys were recalled?) Great cars but I still worry about their trannys. The only major problems I ever had with Hondas have been the transmission. Probably why I am worrying about pulling a 2500# camper with the Pilot even though it is rated at 3500# (4500# for a boat) with the tranny and oil coolers. |
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| rocky |
| Tranverse engines (as in the Pilot) are more space efficient than longitudinal set ups like the 4 runner, releasing alot of space to the interior |
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| PNW-Pilot |
Not to mention that the floor is flatter on transverse, because of the lack of a large drive shaft. Depending on the rear axel setup, there might not be the ability to add a 3rd row. The design of the Pilot is definitely better for family hauling, can't deny that.
I also like Toyota's, only other make I'd own, the 4runner is great, I wanted one, but the price and the gas mileage wasn't there.
I'd agree on the transmission, I'm worried about the TL, but if the transmission is the only thing that goes wrong, I"m way ahead of the game from other car makes. The power train on the V8 is very proven it's from the tundra. I'd still stay clear of the v6, only for the fact that I think that large displacement v6's (>3.5L) will have design issues. |
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| osteome |
quote:
Originally posted by Gromulus
.... but they are high enough that they no longer handle as well as a normal car would. So you end up with a vehicle lacking any off-road ability yet shackled with similar poor handling of suv's.
I would not expect to autocross a Pilot....but then again, If I were to jam 8 people into an Accord or a Camry, the handling would probably be "shackled" too.
The Toyota and Pilot are good choices...but there are entirely different vehicles. Since we commute on pavement and Costco is not located in the woods, we choose the MPG and ride of the Pilot over a "true" SUV.
If there was not a market for the "cross-overs", then they would not exist, as we would all be religiously driving the truck based versions.
Just my two cents. |
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| BigDogDad |
quote:
Originally posted by PNW-Pilot
I also like Toyota's, only other make I'd own, the 4runner is great, I wanted one, but the price and the gas mileage wasn't there.
The 4Runner was also on my short list, but I wanted third row seating and a moonroof which strangely is not a possible combination in the 4Runner. Plus the Pilots VTM-4 always being there ready when you need it is fantastic. |
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| 74PILOTMOM |
quote:
Originally posted by BigDogDad
The 4Runner was also on my short list, but I wanted third row seating and a moonroof which strangely is not a possible combination in the 4Runner. Plus the Pilots VTM-4 always being there ready when you need it is fantastic.
I wonder how many of us were close to biting on the new 4 back in '03? Just before we looked at the Pilot, we were really interested in the 4runner. I naively assumed it would have a 3rd row. As soon as we found out it wasn't available, I knew Toyota was out, and I needed to visit the Honda dealership, plus, the Pilot wasn't ridiculously priced like I expected it to be. WhAt? An 8 seat 4 wheel drive SUV for the price of a fully loaded Accord? How the heck?
I'm still amazed how big she is inside, for how big she ISN't outside. No one gets into my Pilot for the first time without saying "WOW! It's so big inside!" (Especially notable when there's a child in the 3rd row, and they seem miles away.)
I just saw a Pilot parked next to a 95 jeep Cherokee, I sure wish I would have taken a pic. The Pilot looked like a MONSTER truck next to the very smallish looking Jeep. Now those things alone, look bigger than they are. |
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| glbanks |
I've only had my silver '05 EX-L a week, but I'm more than satisfied.
I bought a new Lexus RX330 last year, and I love it, but if I get it dirty or allow the dog inside, I run the risk of losing the warm meals and clean sheets to which I've grown so accustomed. My wife ("I don't want a Lexus truck!", she said.) now drives the RX330 more than her Town Car. So, with the wife somehow holding the keys to the two "L" cars, I went shopping for my own vehicle with which to carry the dog and tow my dirt bikes.
Despite having four Honda motorcycles, I went straight to Toyota, without even considering the Honda Pilot. I was sure I wanted a Highlander... until I drove one. Although conceptually similar to the Lexus RX330, I found it cramped and uncomfortable on several levels. I was far more comforable in the Sequoia, but was turned off by the stylinig and price. The dealer talked me into driving a 4Runner as well, but it quickly turned me off. I ride motorcycles off-road, not trucks.
The only one I really liked was the Sequoia, but I was still balking at the price and its weird looks when the strangest thing happened... the salesman started comparing it to a Honda Pilot! With the seed planted, I turned to my huge pile of CONSUMER REPORTS magazine and read all I could find on the Pilot. I was surprised to find that it was rated higher than any of the Toyotas, and 2nd only to the Lexus RX330! And that was based on the 2003 Pilot, which has less horsepower and no vehicle stablization! So I trotted on down to the local Honda dealer and find the Pilot stuffed with so many features that are optional on the Toyotas, it seems almost too good to be true. When I discovered how roomy and comfortable it is inside, and how peppy the engine is, I was almost sold within minutes.
At first I decided to get an EX, but my wife talked me into the L package. It then took several visits to get the best deal I felt I could get (base EX-L for $30,500 ($32,300 out the door)), and another day to get the vehicle I wanted (silver without either option), but I'm very happy with it. It seems every bit as peppy as the Lexus RX330, yet is much larger AND it gets slightly better mileage!
Luckily for me, the Pilot hasn't quite the prestige or presence of the Lexus, so my wife may not start driving it. I'm a little afraid of what will happen if she does. She's small, but she likes roomy vehicles (hence the Town Car). I thought adding a trailer hitch would turn her off, but the CURT hitch is far less visible than the Honda or Hidden Hitch (it was also a snap to install), so that didn't work, either!
Oh well... thank you Mr. Toyota salesman for turning me on to the Honda Pilot! Ya done good!
I've already customized the grill, and am working up a sports stripe package for the 2-3/16" tall channel along the sides. |
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| BigDogDad |
quote:
Originally posted by glbanks
I've already customized the grill, and am working up a sports stripe package for the 2-3/16" tall channel along the sides.
Congrats on your Pilot! You made an excellent choice... and picked a great color too!
Uh... did you say you "customized the grill". Sounds great, Don't leave us hangin'...
:needpics: |
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| glbanks |
Wow! You're embarrassing me with your great Smiley setup, and I don't even know how to post pictures here.
I simply added chrome strips across the main bar (two on each side of the big H emblem) using self-stick wheel molding trim from an auto parts store ($12.95 for a 20' roll, available in chrome or gold), and then patiently painted the face of the meshwork grill with a bright silver paint applied with a small artist's brush. This is not a chrome tape, but a semi-round molding with a very tenacious adhesive on the back. I used the gold trim on a home-made trailer about three years ago, and it still looks great.
Having never seen a grill like this, I thought I had an original idea until I found photos here of some similar looking grills.
I've not seen any photos with the sport stripes like I have planned, though, so maybe at least that much is original. I'm also going to black-out the pillar right behind the rear side doors, much like the Chrysler Pacifica. |
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| il38694 |
| Please post a picture of the sports stripe when you get it done. Thanks in advance. |
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| 74PILOTMOM |
quote:
Originally posted by glbanks
Wow! You're embarrassing me with your great Smiley setup, and I don't even know how to post pictures here.
I simply added chrome strips across the main bar (two on each side of the big H emblem) using self-stick wheel molding trim from an auto parts store ($12.95 for a 20' roll, available in chrome or gold), and then patiently painted the face of the meshwork grill with a bright silver paint applied with a small artist's brush. This is not a chrome tape, but a semi-round molding with a very tenacious adhesive on the back. I used the gold trim on a home-made trailer about three years ago, and it still looks great.
Having never seen a grill like this, I thought I had an original idea until I found photos here of some similar looking grills.
I've not seen any photos with the sport stripes like I have planned, though, so maybe at least that much is original. I'm also going to black-out the pillar right behind the rear side doors, much like the Chrysler Pacifica.
WOW! Ambitious! Blacking out the C pillar will really make the Pilot look longer. Sounds neat. We're all eager for pics here if you can't tell ;) So far I'm loving the chrome strips from member, Ratso. And VTM-4 emblem from wwong. Have fun with it :) |
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| glbanks |
I'll have pictures for sure, but someone will have to teach me how to post the phtos here.
I'm supposed to pick up my stripe kit tomorrow, so I should have it installed and the photos taken by sometime Friday.
2005 Honda Pilot EX-L (silver)
2005 Honda CRF250X dirt bike (red)
2004 Honda CRF230F play bike (red)
(product reviewer for the above CRF's at www.crfsonly.com)
2001 Honda Gold Wing touring bike (Illusion Red)
1997 Honda 300 4x4 ATV (red with mud trim) |
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| BigDogDad |
quote:
Originally posted by glbanks
then patiently painted the face of the meshwork grill with a bright silver paint applied with a small artist's brush.
Having never seen a grill like this, I thought I had an original idea until I found photos here of some similar looking grills.
That must look great. Sounds like you'll be driving one unique Pilot pretty soon. Let us know how it turns out. |
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| glbanks |
Well, it's done! I've posted 'Before and After" pictures in the gallery.
Please let me know what you think.
The lower stripes were easy, but covering the pillar withot traping any bubbles underneath was a bit... uh... that is... a bit difficult.
I drove down and showed it to the Honda dealer, and he asked me to do the same thing to a brand new gold one! |
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| BigDogDad |
quote:
Originally posted by glbanks
Well, it's done! I've posted 'Before and After" pictures in the gallery.
Please let me know what you think.
The lower stripes were easy, but covering the pillar withot traping any bubbles underneath was a bit... uh... that is... a bit difficult.
I drove down and showed it to the Honda dealer, and he asked me to do the same thing to a brand new gold one!
Nice job! It's unique. I like the 4x4 on the front bumper and door. Hard to tell by the pic, but did you cut the lower stripe to let the paint show thru or was that added ontop of the stripe? Tough to see how the grill is painted, need a close-up.
The pillar came out great, nice subtle look to it. Almost hard to notice at first which is the way it should be. Are you going to tint the front windows to complete the "blacked out" look?
I noticed your name on the door in the background, is this your line of work? geez, didn't know you were a ringer here! Congrats! |
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| glbanks |
Thanks for the kind words, BigDog.
I had originally planned to have the stripe cut to let the vehicle color show through for the "4x4" lettering, but that would have made it more difficult to install the stripe at just the right spot, so I ultimately opted to just add the lettering on top of the stripe. Luckily, the silver vinyl is a good match to the Pilot's color.
My name on the door of the motorcycle trailer? I raced Motocross and Observed Trials (Southeastern USA Expert Champion in 1975) here and in Europe for a number of years, but I was never good enough for the Pro level, so it was always just for fun. I was sponsored by Kawasaki a few years, though. I'm 57 now and although I still enter a race now and then, I'm no longer competitive except in the Over 50 class, which is rarely used due to having too few entries. Now I'm just a trail rider who races with other old farts in the woods. I have a KTM 200 EXC racing bike, a Honda CRF250X trail bike, and a Honda CRF230F playbike. (And a Honda 4x4 ATV, a Honda GL1800 Gold Wing touring bike, and a Kawasaki 1200 sport bike.) |
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| BigDogDad |
quote:
Originally posted by glbanks
My name on the door of the motorcycle trailer?
Oh man, I'm going to have to change my name to "BlindDog"! I just looked at the pic again... The trailers doors remind me of a 4x4 place I know, they have a ton of graphics on the fronts doors advertising their work & products. I guess I just figured that you did this for a living. I must be ready for the weekend! |
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| djhansensr |
| The black-out of the pillar looks really nice. What a difference! |
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