2009 Honda Pilot Consumer Reviews Page 2

I Love It

Written by: K.Black on 09/19/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I've had my Pilot about 7 months now and have had it on a 3000 mile trip to Colorado and back (I live in California). The Pilot has plenty of power even in the mountains I averaged 23.4 mpg on that trip even with the cruise set at 75mph (which is the legal speed limit in Nevada, Utah and Colorado on the Freeways). I did take it out of cruise when climbing long grades the transmission shifts too much if left in cruise....I was driving 12 hour days and did not get tired at all the Pilot is very comfortable....even around town I get little better than 15 mpg. It does drift to the right if you take your hands off the wheel. But most 4WD's I have driven do the same thing. I'm very happy with my Pilot.

Favorite Features

I do like the mpg feature on the odometer, the rear A/C outlets are a nice feature also.

Suggested Improvements

Better visibility on the sides too many blind spots. Make the rearview camera standard equipment, and if you're putting a trailer hitch on it at least have it wired for it...

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Excellent Vehicle So Far

Written by: Dave on 09/01/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Pilot Touring 4dr SUV 4WD w/Nav (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Looked at the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9, which simply did not stand up to the size and features of the 2009 remodeled Pilot. Bought the Pilot in September of 2008, and have been very happy so far with no problems. Towed a tent camper trailer without any problems -- hardly knew the trailer was behind us -- did not have any issues with sway.

Favorite Features

Very smooth driving with good visibility over the hood. Enjoy the hands-free bluetooth feature -- the clarity on phone calls is superb. Also enjoy the dual front zone climate control. Love the dash-mounted shifter which frees up storage room between the front seats.

Suggested Improvements

Road noise level is above average. The voice recognition system can be frustrating at times. Even with the Touring model, you still need to buy a tow kit consisting of the ball, extension mount and locking pin ($150). Considering the cost of the Touring model, it should come with this standard.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Verry happy

Written by: happy on 08/25/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

We looked around very hard before buying our Pilot and we believe that we got the best for our money. Sure there are other SUV that are better in some areas but the Pilot got our vote because overall it had the most for the money. It stops very fast if you are driving at high speed. It rides smooth compare to others. It is roomier than others and it carries a lot more than what the brochure says, trust me we have tried. Fuel consumption is better than what the brochure says. It does get 25mpg on the highway and fully loaded with 5 people it still gets 24mpg. We just love it.

Favorite Features

3rd row seat has a lots of room. Rearview camera and the ability to pull our 20 foot boat without a problem. By the way that gas mileage is still 17mpg.

Suggested Improvements

Better front look.

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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New SUV Owner

Written by: New SUV Owner on 08/16/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Before buying this, I did long test drives of Toyota Highlander and Pilot back to back. Although the Highlander has better looks, pickup and performance, the steering response was non-existent, it was like playing a video game. Also, the space after the last row on the Highlander was minimal, and the last row did not have a split seat. Pilot on the other hand did not have great pickup, but once you get to the highway speeds, it performed remarkably well. The ride quality and steering response were excellent. The utility factor is awesome, with 110v outlet, ipod link etc. Also, I sat much more comfortably and had a better view of the road than the Highlander. Overall a great family SUV.

Favorite Features

The ride quality, rear camera, Rear Entertainment System, steering response, climatic control and the Eco Drive feature, where the Pilot can run on a lower number of cylinders when all 6 are not required. The enhanced frame containing lot more steel to improve safety.

Suggested Improvements

Improve Gas Mileage and add a few more Horse Power. I get about 19MPG in city, and 22 on Highway. I got about 23 MPG going at about 65. Any faster than that, the MPG drops sharply. When climbing hills, the Pilot loses speed and does not keep up.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Roar baby Roar

Written by: Suny on 08/11/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I got my first Honda Truck in January. My PILOT EXL 4WD 500.00 a month. I love my truck quiet powerful roomy and well design. I like everything about the Pilot. You get your money's worth.

Favorite Features

Heated seats, rear view camera, 3 zones AC and everything else.

Suggested Improvements

Maybe back seats that recline, Third row window that opens and my husband says memory seats other than that, it is just GREAT!!! Good job HONDA.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Happy with Pilot

Written by: weeboo on 08/11/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

We've been happy with our Pilot. We're hooked on the XM radio, love the dual zone climate controls and are very impressed with the overall room of the interior. We were looking forward to having the class 3 trailer hitch, but were sorely disappointed with the fact that just the Honda trailer wire harness is $181 dollars for a 2 foot harness under the bumper(?!). Even more disappointed that the connector under the bumper is a goofy connector that NOBODY carries yet. Happy over all though. We'll just wait to buy a harness from someone not trying to rip off a customer for an overpriced set of wires. Happy with the handling, but our Pilot pulls to the right on level ground at constant speed

Favorite Features

Love the XM radio and sound system. Interior space with the rear seats folded down is great. Love the dual zone climate controls in the front and the separate climate control for the rear passengers.

Suggested Improvements

Extend that trailer harness under the bumper another 2 feet so it reaches the hitch mount. $180 bucks for a 2 foot wiring harness? LAME! For the money the Pilot costs, you could include the harness and keep your customers happy. Also, figure out why so many Pilots pull to the right. Ours does too.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Comfy SUV That Can be Put to Work

Written by: le hayes on 08/09/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought my Pilot last winter to replace a Chevy diesel work truck and an aging Chrysler family van. The Pilot does double duty as a business vehicle that regularly tows a 5,000 pound utility trailer and a weekend family cruiser. Very impressed with how well it does both, and I'm very surprised to see the engine occasionally described as underpowered as I've experience nothing of the kind and am very impressed with both the towing ability and quickness from a stop, as well as the highway climbing torque. I'd suggest others try locking out the overdrive for most local driving/climbing if they want to see brisker performance. I have 13K trouble free miles to date and am averaging 18-19 mpg.

Favorite Features

Automatic 4WD, smooth tranny, powerful V6, built-in XM, quiet ride.

Suggested Improvements

Heavier doors, better quality interior materials.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Reliable, Practical, but Boring

Written by: RyGuy on 08/06/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Very Comfortable and spacious. Definitely the best SUV for a family, because you can fit 3 people in both the middle and back rows. The reason we bought this vehicle is because we have two kids in car seats and my wife wanted to be able to sit in the back with them. This is the only SUV we could find that has the LATCH system in the middle seat. So we can put the two car seats together, and my wife can sit on the end. The reason this is handy is so that if others needed to access the third row, you wouldn't have to remove a car seat. That would be a pain! The third row seat is also actually quite spacious for adults. Great family car. The only thing is that it's kinda boring to drive.

Favorite Features

The best thing about this car is that you can put child car seats in all three seats in the middle row, AND also one in back. Great for kids. Also love that you can fit 8 people. It's nice that it has 4 wheel drive. It's basically as handy as a minivan but the 4 wheel drive puts it over the top.

Suggested Improvements

The performance is sluggish. Engine needs more power. Transmission hesitates when accelerating. Gas mileage so far is sub par for having a complex cylindrical shut off system. Averaging about 18 in the city and 20 on the highway. Got better with my Nissan Xterra. Add some excitement please.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Honda Reliability???

Written by: Laura on 07/30/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I really wanted a GMC Acadia. Loved the look, but was a little scared with all the financial trouble. I also heard the GMC was not a reliable as a Honda. Therefore, trying to get the best buy for my money I bought a Honda Pilot. BIG MISTAKE. I have had major issues with the alignment. Feels like I go in ever other week. They (Honda Cars of Katy) keep telling me the Pilot was built to pull to the right. After spending 30K+ I thought I was getting a reliable car. Now after only 4 months of ownership, the paint is peeling in multiple places. The leather is already coming apart at the seams. I thought Honda was supposed to have quality vehicles, but I am sadly disappointed.

Favorite Features

Rearview back-up mirror.

Suggested Improvements

Instead of adding gadgets, try to focus again on quality. Once you have that accomplished, then you can add gadgets.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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2nd EX-L Pilot

Written by: john on 07/20/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

This is my second EX-l Pilot. I had a 2005 with 120K miles on it that my daughter is still driving. Except for tires and timing belt, I had no other issues with the 2005 and expect the same from the 2009. The 2009 seems quite a bit bigger both inside and outside. The third row is much better on the 09 and easier to use, although seldom use. Ride is fine,and so is road noise, it is a truck so will not be as quiet as a car. Fuel economy is 18-20 no matter what. I can't say I am thrilled with the variable ignition because at certain RPM's it seems to jerk like it can't make up its mind. I would not hesitate getting another Pilot.

Favorite Features

Leather is the only way to go. Driver and passenger seats have electric adjustment which is great. Sits high which is an advantage for vision. So far no issues with it.

Suggested Improvements

Smooth out the variable ignition, has a huge blind spot on right. Mileage is in line with what I expected. Changing VTM fluid is costly and seems to be unnecessary unless you pull a trailer a lot of the time. Should have come with a wiring package and receiver, after all it has a hitch built in.

13 out 13 people found this review helpful

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