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What improvements would you like to see on next gen Pilot - Click HERE for Original Thread
gryphon75
Just wanted to see what other's ideas are for the next gen pilot. What kinds of things would make for a better, more user friendly vehicle.

Here are some of mine.

1. Increase length of vehicle by about a foot to add storage room behind third seat and increase space for third row seating.

2. Multi-zone climate control

Any others thoughts?
whizmo
Adding a foot of length to a Pilot essentially makes it the size of a Tahoe, Expediation and Sequoia - this is a completely different class of SUV.

At a time of $3.50/gallon gas and Mideast unrest, I don't think abandoning the mid-size SUV market to pusue the large-SUV market makes a whole lot of sense, although you could argue that Honda should consider a producing new vehicle for this class.

I'd like to see Honda produce either a hybrid or diesel version. While I like the size and utility of a vehicle like the Pilot, the day when I personally am comfortable with using a gallon of gas every 15 miles are over.

There are a number of relatively cheap detail improvements that would be easy to do by Honda and make the vehicle much more friendly:

+ A much better standard stereo - the standard one is perhaps the worst stock stereo I've listened to in a modern car.
+ Aux connector on front of stereo, forgoing the expensive and difficult to install mickey-mouse kits for ipods and the like.
+ Ability to play MC3 CDs.
+ Standard transmission and PS coolers, so the tow kit would be a hitch and nothing more. These items extend the life of the transmission and PS systems even when not towing.
+ Much better road-noise sound deadening. The Pilot's high level of road noise is probably its most glaring problem.
+ Somewhat firmer suspension (or perhaps a sport model suspension option).
+ Increase in engine torque (but not necessarily hp) so engine doesn't have to downshift so much on slight grades.
+ A D4 position (overdrive lockout) on the transmission selector, like the MDX.

- Mark
Robsa
1) Raise the steering wheel/dash up about 3 inches.
2) Quieter would be nice
3) Diesel
787_Pilot
Homelink buttons that only work when you have the keys in the ignition.

http://www.hondapilot.org/forums/sh...&threadid=15441
johnabrown
more effective road noise suppression

more comfortable seats with better quality leather

higher quality interior

mp3 capability
tog
a much smaller center console that is not used as an armrest

this vehicle would be perfect for larger riders if it didn't have that monstrosity in between the front seats
skyline377
AUX in for MP3 player would be nice,
tangotango99
I will ask for a dvd,navi and a better quality stereo
jazcar
Full size spare ... standard equipment
Rear mud flaps ... standard equipment
Poki
Having had a BMW just prior to my '06 Pilot, It had a few items that I would love to have in my Pilot: Rain sensing windshield wipers, auto locking doors and xenon headlights. Maybe these items could be part of a "Limited Edition" along with a quieter interior.

Also, I would like to see a hybrid or diesel version of the Pilot.

Maybe a little more foot room for the third row seat.
beer4799
ventilated seats. My Navi Pilot seems to have everything else I require. Terrific vehicle. I felt it was a little pricey upon purchase but a year and 30K miles later I am really starting to see the value of it.....
FTLOSM
GREAT Thread!

Aux input for mp3 player,

MP3 ability in cd player, (ours wont do that right?) havent tried but didnt see it as a selling feature... I have the in dash cd and the multi-changer & dvd player in my 05 Pilot.

More comfortable seats (on a long trip the pilot isn't nearly as comfy as my old 2001 caravan especially in mid and rear seats).

Driver memory settings for mirrors seat etc, I am 6'6' wife is 5'5' so when I go to drive after her I spend a good 20-30 seconds standing there moving seat back messing with mirrors etc.

I love the heated seats but COOLED seats like our 2003 Navigator had would be nice for these 90+ days lately.

Overall tho the Pilot has served us well here just stuff I would love to see added.

Oh Honda move that darn wiper/turnsignal arm stick on right of wheel back a bit(05 pilot) everytime I drive that car and turn the wheel my knuckles move the windshield wiper/turnsignal stick so I am constantly putting that back into position. Now to be fair I am a big guy big hands, wife has never had an issue with this but I guess it is my big hands getting in the way while driving it.

Being a taller guy 6'6' I would love more leg room in front seats too, but I did buy that seat extender kit for the passenger side (will get drivers side too soon) so that gave me almost 2 more inches of leg room which is nice (thanks to Chris.Reno@onsemi.com for that seat extender kit).


Bill :)
FTLOSM
Was talking about this thread to wife at dinner, she added she really misses her caravan rear gate power lift option, I agree when you have a handful of groceries hitting that button was nice and then hitting it again to make it go down (wife is short so it takes effort for her to do it) the power rear gate thing on a pilot would be awesome...

Oh and a key that wasn't as huge as this one or at least that retracted, I dunno about your key but my 05 Pilot key with the lock unlock built in is HUGE! I use that valet key on my ring, I refuse to carry that huge thing even tho the valet one is big too its not as thick.
N_Jay
Pilot XL: (Sequoia Killer)
based on Ridgeline chassis.

Pilot UT (Utility): (Big CR-V)
No third seat, Hidden storage.
Fold and flip second row
Removable second row
Easy clean interior
No center console.
Maybe split rear doors

Pilot UT/XL: Super Big CR-V
Both in one.
GrillinOut
Great ideas on this thread!
Howabout Bluetooth?

I really, really, really like my Pilot and I'm clearing out a Maxima and a Quad Cab Ram 4x4 to get down to 1 vehicle to do it all for my family. This decision weighed on me for a long time and I think speaks very highly of the Pilot. The Maxima runs great, sticks to the road like glue, and is pretty easy on gas, while the truck just looks awesome. I'd like to have a little more of both of these vehicles in the Pilot......larger factory wheels for less roll on pavement, more aggressive tires for better wet traction, and a little more macho look to the front end. Even on the '06 I feel compelled to add something up there, but I'm not sure what.
Also, I don't think I'll ever get used to the skittish nature of default FWD in a moderately high center of gravity vehicle, so primary RWD would be icing on the cake for me....but I know that won't happen, and many on this forum would be disappointed if it did.
Best to ya!
juz
http://www.hondapilot.org/forums/sh...&threadid=12412

There is already a good thread with lots of ideas.
jfrano
Increased towing capacity
jonaz
60/40 front row bench seat, with seating for 3 across the front.

2nd row captain seats (with the middle open to access the third row seats.

6" more legroom for third row.

keypad on drivers door for keyless entry (like they do on Expeditions)

diesel option for increased tow capacity

more low end torque
Robsa
quote:
Originally posted by Robsa
1) Raise the steering wheel/dash up about 3 inches.
2) Quieter would be nice
3) Diesel




I needed to add to my list. How about 3 cylinders shutting while sitting in traffic. I don't understand why the don't do that now. Does anyone know if there is a scientific type reason that this can't be done?
Sportymonk
You may want to look at this thread.

08/09 Design Requests

http://www.hondapilot.org/forums/sh...&threadid=12412
fjwagner
quote:
Originally posted by 787_Pilot
Homelink buttons that only work when you have the keys in the ignition.

http://www.hondapilot.org/forums/sh...&threadid=15441



I like the fact I can use the homelink buttons without the key in the ignition!

I would like to be able to charge my cell phone without the Pilot running.
ThePilotster
quote:
Originally posted by Robsa



I needed to add to my list. How about 3 cylinders shutting while sitting in traffic. I don't understand why the don't do that now. Does anyone know if there is a scientific type reason that this can't be done?


I would link ya to Honda.com... but at this moment the web site is down
Anyway they have cylinder shutdown on the 06 2wd models as standard equipt.
Not yet ready for 4wd:(
ThePilotster
I would go for the ventilated seats! we had a Navigator rental last summer with A/C built in the seat...good stuff

Larger nav like the ridgeline has...7"
That would be it..like it already so we bought 2 this year!
trickijedi
I am still waiting for Honda to come out with a hybrid version for a couple of years now. I was hoping they would come out with it for the '06 model year since Toyota came out with one for the Highlander. That's really the only thing on my wish list for '07. Everything else is on the MDX.:D
fjwagner
quote:
Originally posted by trickijedi
I am still waiting for Honda to come out with a hybrid version for a couple of years now. I was hoping they would come out with it for the '06 model year since Toyota came out with one for the Highlander. That's really the only thing on my wish list for '07. Everything else is on the MDX.:D


I have a tough time justifying a hybrid. I can buy lots of gas for the incremental cost without questions of longer term reliability and battery issues. My preference is still a diesel. We owned a VW diesel van in Norway and it was fantastic. Did not smell, had plenty of power and great mileage.
rocky
Wonder how many ways there are to ask this very same question......
tocohillsguy
quote:
Originally posted by Robsa



I needed to add to my list. How about 3 cylinders shutting while sitting in traffic. I don't understand why the don't do that now. Does anyone know if there is a scientific type reason that this can't be done?



I have the 2 wheel drive model and was wondering about the same thing. My theory is that Honda thinks the engine runs too rough at idle with half the cylinders shut down.:confused:
kidvdub
I am a bit disappointed that my 06 does not have a average miles per gallon, average speed or time elapse display function.

"Trip A or B" weak........


Point for VW:D
Honda 0

Maybe 07????
trickijedi
quote:
Originally posted by fjwagner


I have a tough time justifying a hybrid. I can buy lots of gas for the incremental cost without questions of longer term reliability and battery issues. My preference is still a diesel. We owned a VW diesel van in Norway and it was fantastic. Did not smell, had plenty of power and great mileage.



Diesels are good in Europe and Asia but for some reason are not that popular here. I'm guessing diesel cars will always have the tag of "old and existing technology" which doesn't fuel (no pun) most Americans' thinking of "out with the old and in with the new". Hybrid cars have to be manufactured the right way... too much time and money has been spent on its R & D for hybrids to fail. The only question IMO, is whether it will remain a profit source for hybrid car manufacturers.
dawozman1
i Love my pilot its great for hauling friends around after school and anything else i use it for but one thing which is a great feature in suvs is i guess it would be a tailgate or something so the rear door has 2 parts to keep stuff in the trunk, idk how else to explain it im having a brain fart right now, but sort of like on the elements rear door.

Like everyones said, an iPod connector on the front oconcole or something would be great.

Adifferent sized or positioned rear view mirror would help too the current one give an akward view and cuts off some ssports that are visible in most cars.

the rear door seems sort of flimsy when you close it, there should be a handle or some grip spot thats metal and not the plasit by the opener thing where u can close it.

one other main thing is how akward it is to lift up the rear seats from the back. im 6'1'' and i still have to practically get into the back of the car to lift up the rear seats.
deparson
The problem with a Pilot XL (longer wb) model is that Honda America does not have a power plant to put in it.

In that class of truck people are expecting 300+ HP and V8 class torque.

-d
jaycee
I would like self locking/unlocking door locks. It would lock when the cae speed reaches 5 mph and unlock when the ignition is shut off.

Quieter ride.
jumpyg
quote:
Originally posted by Robsa
1) Raise the steering wheel/dash up about 3 inches.
2) Quieter would be nice
3) Diesel



Yeah, um, I don't think "quieter" and "diesel" go together in the same sentence. "Smellier" and "diesel" certainly do, though. :D
787_Pilot
quote:
Originally posted by fjwagner
I like the fact I can use the homelink buttons without the key in the ignition!


Yes, I know its convenient but it also opens up (no pun intended) the possibility of someone reaching or breaking into your Pilot while its parked in front of your house and opening the garage door. Next thing you know, your mountain bike, golf clubs, or tools are missing. :mad:

The homelink buttons in both Mercedes and BMWs have this ignition lock out feature.

787_Pilot
GreenMachine
quote:
Originally posted by 787_Pilot


Yes, I know its convenient but it also opens up (no pun intended) the possibility of someone reaching or breaking into your Pilot while its parked in front of your house and opening the garage door. Next thing you know, your mountain bike, golf clubs, or tools are missing. :mad:

The homelink buttons in both Mercedes and BMWs have this ignition lock out feature.

787_Pilot



How hard would it be to trace the wire and splice it into a power source switched on by the ignition?
RGZ Custom
quote:
Originally posted by GreenMachine


How hard would it be to trace the wire and splice it into a power source switched on by the ignition?



It depends on whether or not the Homelink in the Pilot is designed to maintain the training info when the power is cut. Seems like it should but you never know. Has anyone had to reset the Homelink after the battery has been disconnected for awhile?
GreenMachine
quote:
Originally posted by RGZ Custom


It depends on whether or not the Homelink in the Pilot is designed to maintain the training info when the power is cut.



Good point.

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