New SUV, Honda Pilot vs. Ford Explorer/Expedition

PhilNH5 · Aug 19, 2003

Re: New SUV, Honda Pilot vs. Ford Explorer/Expedit

( Plan B is to get a tanaeu cover for the supercrew & make that our vacation vehicle. )

I have a Dakota Quad cab that I put a cap on the bed. It has become our primary long distance vehicle. Seats four very comfortably. Gear and usually two dogs go in the back. With all the rain we have had this summer the cap has been invaluable.

I really like this set up.

Phil

cowboydoc · Aug 19, 2003

Hazmat,

If you're looking at spending $30k on the Honda and you do like the Expedtion more I'd look again at the expedition. With all the rebates and the dealer deal we got over $10k off the sticker on ours. The final price on ours was $33,500. This is not an XLT either but the Eddie Bauer top of the line. Sticker was around $44k.

I don't know how you felt but I thought the Honda's were like riding in a tin can compared to the Fords. I didn't like the interiors near as well either.

CountryBoy · Aug 19, 2003

I bought a used Land Rover Discovery Series II,gas mileage is not that great,but a totally awesome all around vehicle,wife loves it and I do too.

hazmat · Aug 19, 2003

Doc,

#1 reason for the Honda over the Expedition is that Wifey likes the Honda better. #2 is that the Expedition won't fit in the garage. I know that I can buy any of the Fords for at or near invoice pricing + $3,000 rebate; this makes them competatively priced with the Honda. The Explorer would be a couple $K cheaper, the Expedition a couple $K more.

I've been very happy with my 2001 F150 Supercrew. Also been happy with the 2001 Honda Civic that the wife drives, except that with 2 dogs we've outgrown it. We are thinking of starting a family in the next couple years as well. Don't think the baby would enjoy getting drooled on while driving to grandma's. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

The interior of the Pilot was bland compared to the Expedition, but comfy enough. I didn't notice a tinny ride on the Honda, but the Explorer did seem to handle a little better.

You always comprimise when buying a car, Since I've already got a truck for the major hauling, I think the more car like Pilot is a good fit.

hazmat · Aug 19, 2003

...likes HONDA more than others superior WIFE

keep Wife happy... 

That says it all John. Do I remember correctly that you/ someone in your family has a Honda?

JohnMiller3 · Aug 19, 2003

( someone in your family has a Honda? )

Last June, I bought a '02 Accord for my wife... I am waiting for the 2004's to hit the lot for trade...

...this June '03, she had ~ 27K + miles... I saw the odometer a few weeks back and ~ 31k...

Now... I'm afraid to look... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Wanted to trade in before the magic warranty expired... doesn't look like it will happen... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif (it would be worth lots more!)

Bird · Aug 19, 2003

( #1 reason for the Honda over the Expedition is that Wifey likes the Honda better )

Forget everything else and buy the Honda. I learned many years ago that no matter how great a vehicle I bought, if the wife didn't like it, there would always be something wrong with it. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

jdrotert · Aug 29, 2003

Just my 2 cents here, but if your looking to spend $30K, look at a slightly used Excursion. Use the SUV depreciation to your advantage. We paid $30k even for a 2001 model with 22K miles on it. Diesel engine, 4x4 even! This truck, when new, sold for $48K!! I get 17-18 MPG on the highway. My brother-in-laws 5.4L Expedition only gets 13-15MPG!! Mine has a 7.3L engine, but the 2003.5 (or is it 2003.75) models have a 6.0L that has a lot more HP and better MPG. Sure is sad that Ford is dropping it after 2004.

BTW, I saw pics of an Excursion that was rear ended, while sitting still, by an F-350 that hydroplaned. The rear was packed in about 6-12 inches. That's it. Sure hate to be in that Honda if a one-ton truck rear-ends it!

John

hazmat · Aug 29, 2003

John,

While I might enjoy the Excursion, there is no way wifey would drive it. It is "her" car that we are shopping for. Too late anyway, we just signed the papers on the Pilot after driving it and the explorer.

Found a dealer outsided of Boston that gave us $1,500 off MSRP. I know, not a screaming deal but a heck of a lot better than the local guy who was willing to give us $100 off MSRP. Also it is the lowest price I've seen anyone get the Pilot for in New England.

We get it in 6-8 weeks. I'll let y'all know how we (she) likes it.