2009 Honda Pilot Consumer Reviews Page 10

What happened Honda?!?

Written by: cpc on 01/22/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I had some pretty high expectations after happily owning two prior Hondas. And let me tell you, I have been pretty disappointed with my Pilot purchase. We placed both Honda and Toyota on top of our list for cars to look at, due to their good designs and quality ratings. We have worked with the dealership to TRY to fix several issues: 1-Known alignment issue with no fix. 2-Interior parts not installed correctly. 3-Rattles in the interior. 4-Steering vibration. 5- Temperature gauge stuck at reading 56 degrees. 6-AC display does not show on or off when running unless you press the button twice. Again, deeply disappointed with all the problems so far, and there is only 2500 miles on it!

Favorite Features

Cool interior and exterior design. More rugged SUV look. Rear backup camera.

Suggested Improvements

What no bluetooth unless I purchase a Touring Edition?! Better gas mileage. Maybe a economy option mode? Come on Honda! I expect better quality from you!

4 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Satisfied Buyer

Written by: Satisfied Buyer on 01/21/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Pilot EX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

After looking at and test driving the Acadia, Outlook, Edge, CX-9, and Pathfinder, I was pleasantly surprised by the redesigned 2009 Pilot. The GM products were "cheap" looking on the inside, and the driving experience was average. The others lost out to either styling, or functionality. A family of four, two large dogs, and all the gear to go away for the weekend fit comfortably in the Pilot. All of the features are easy to operate, and convenient. I honestly could not be more pleased with the vehicle and enjoy driving it. I also found it to be priced significantly lower then its similarly equipped competitors.

Favorite Features

AWD, sliding rear seats to access the 3rd row, abundant storage. "Eco" mode that shuts down cylinders when cruising.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel economy could be improved (just aim to keep the eco light on, and you will do fine), or a hybrid.

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Not nearly as good as expected

Written by: HW on 01/18/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV 4WD w/Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We bought this vehicle with great expectations based on reputation. We are disappointed with it so far. To start, it's vastly underpowered with poor acceleration. Entering/exiting is difficult due to awkward position of the driver's seat, which doesn't move back automatically when entering/exiting. Driver's position is poor as your knees rest on the dash when seated in reach of the steering wheel. Audio system is poorly designed. When watching rear DVD system, the system insists on ProLogic II surround mode. The center channel speaker is located in dash, so people in back can't hear movie dialog unless volume is cranked, which is annoying for people in front.

Favorite Features

Comfortable seats, seat heaters work well, styling, cargo capacity, nice third row seat, ride is pretty good, multiple power outlets including a 115V standard plug, MP3 player input, lots of storage and cup holders, cool blue LED ambient lighting, good head/fog lights, DRLs

Suggested Improvements

Center channel speaker for rear seat, better acceleration, stronger tailgate struts, correct driver seating position, less play in steering, correct electrical issues (rear wiper sometimes works when switched is off), interior plastics scratch/scuff easily, ugly gauges w/ distracting back lighting

4 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Love my pilot

Written by: EL on 01/16/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Pilot LX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I traded my 06 Accord in for a Pilot because of space issues after having our first child. I love my Pilot! The space in the back is amazing (with the back seat laid down). The drive is awesome. My husband keeps saying he can not believe how well it drives. The gas mileage is a bit disappointing but we realized that it would drop drastically from my Accord. we are averaging around 17-18 mpg. One complaint is the fog light inserts. Because of the base model, the just put some plastic caps in them. Not too attractive. And the rear ac/heat controls are only in the back of the middle console, so you can't see them from the front seat to change.

Favorite Features

Drive, space, console, dash.

Suggested Improvements

Make the rear a/c controls also in the front, make fog lights standard.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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2009 Honda Pilot

Written by: Sydney on 01/15/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Pilot EX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I bought this SUV after doing a lot of research and I love the fact that the engine converts down to 3 cyl. when not going faster. I had a 2004 Jeep Liberty before and the Honda Pilot drives so much better. It is very comfortable to drive in and ride in. I love it!!!

Favorite Features

The storage is great. The trunk has a "secret" lift up storage space, the center holds a lot of stuff. Very roomy. All rows are comfortable. Great family car!

Suggested Improvements

There are 4 seats with the latch system for carseats... all 6 backseats could have it. The space between the front seats and the center is just wide enough to drop something but not really wide enough to stick your arm down and get it back out. The back window doesn't open with remote but that's ok

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great SUV Crossover

Written by: HL on 01/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Pilot EX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Purchased the 09 Pilot EX AWD and took it up in the snowy mountains. Handled really well w/ the 4WD. Very roomy for 8 full sized adults. Quiet ride quality.

Favorite Features

4WD, quiet engine and quiet ride quality

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage could be better. Gas sloshing around can be heard in the cabin when the tank is full. Not sure if there are internal fins to keep the sloshing of gas from being heard.

4 out 7 people found this review helpful

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My first SUV

Written by: JerseyGirl on 01/04/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This was my first SUV and I love it! I've always owned sports cars, so it as a bit tough to choose which SUV was practical. It was a decision between the Ford Edge or the Pilot. After test driving the Pilot, I took it home the same night. Within days i was getting acquainted quite well with my Pilot. The interior is very roomy, perfect especially when you have kids or to jam a bunch of your friends for a weekend getaway. Not too happy with the mileage but expected for an SUV. I've already taken my pilot to the nation's capital from NJ for a break in. It was smooth riding all the way down even with icy and hazardous road conditions on I95. Overall this vehicle is safe and reliable.

Favorite Features

The backup camera. Great 3rd row seating (I could fit my 6ft. tall cousin in there with no problem at all.) The dimming rear view mirror.

Suggested Improvements

Of course everyones least favorite the big USB port look. When the back wipers are turned on the whole thing goes along with it (where its mounted on). Wider variety of interior leather choices. I wanted to have black leather to match the formal black exterior but the options were limited.

10 out 12 people found this review helpful

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So Far So Good

Written by: michelle on 01/03/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Pilot EX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I just traded in my 2006 Pilot for the 2009 because I could not find a 2008 SE in my area. That being said, I read all of the reviews and was quite hesitant, but so far I am pleasantly surprised and happy with the vehicle. It is definitely geared more toward its competitors of the Pathfinder and 4Runner in that it drives much more like a truck which will be a disappointment for anyone looking for the new Pilot to be exactly like the old. With that being said, its overall functionality is much more than the previous models in that it is much more spacious, heavy duty and an "all around" family vehicle.

Favorite Features

Storage, Storage, Storage. 2nd and 3rd row seats are much more comfortable and spacious even with child carseats. I found the radio controls much easier to reach being petite woman. The ability to set the driver and passenger temps individually a plus. Love rear hatch window.

Suggested Improvements

Driver's seat can be uncomfortable with the positioning of the headrest. Can't open the rear hatch window from the remote. Road noise could be better and the gas mileage is not as good as old Pilot, but this vehicle is much heavier than the last.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Great SUV, solid performer.

Written by: mistercoffee1 on 01/01/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

After two road trips and a full tank of gas, I'm very happy. With 3-4 adults and 2 kids, the car accelerates well for the type of car it is, and has some good climbing power. Very smooth and very quiet. As far as cylinders shutting off, you can feel it only if you're really paying attention and looking for it - otherwise pretty seamless. After a few test drives as well as an additional 300 miles in, I'd say the braking feels as responsive as you need it to be - smooth when you need a gradual stop, and firm when you need to shed speed quickly. I feel very safe and comfortable in this car, yet it's a great pleasure to drive. Compares favorably against the Lambdas (Acadia, Outlook, etc).

Favorite Features

Love the space in the interior especially the 3rd row; plus you can fit two full car seats in the middle row plus an adult. Latch hookups across the center row and one in the 3rd row (which I love). Very roomy and comfortable. Smooth and quiet as well.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage as with any SUV. The average mileage indicator seems to take into account too much idling (as it refreshes about every 10 seconds). Running boards as a standard feature.

15 out 15 people found this review helpful

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I love my Pilot!

Written by: Leslie on 12/31/2008

Vehicle

2009 Honda Pilot LX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This vehicle has power, and a beautiful, smooth ride. I drove fords for years, and find this vehicle to be exceptional in quality, ride, and feel. The Pilot has a wider wheel base than my Explorer, and rides deep into a turn so you remain seated at normal speeds. I get very little if any pitch, and roll from the suspension. The car is very stable. Lots of interior space as well. The looks of the car are not great, but that is the only part I would want improved. I STRONGLY recommend this vehicle.

Favorite Features

Cubby-holes and storage areas. Plenty of powerports for MP3 and XM radio. Doors open wide, engine is powerful. Pick-up when merging on freeway is excellent! Plenty of power on hills. Compared to my former V8, this vehicle has some serious power, with better gas mileage. ECO mode is great!

Suggested Improvements

Exterior could be jazzed up a bit. Sound system is good, but could be a bit better.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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