New SUV, Honda Pilot vs. Ford Explorer/Expedition

hazmat · Aug 18, 2003

I've been doing my homework on the web. Wife likes the Honda Pilot but it won't tow the tractor (had to keep this a related topic /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif). Not a huge deal as I've got the pickup for that.

Anybody got one of the above? I'd like to hear your experiences. We are going to go test driving tonight. The pilot is bigger than the explorer, but won't tow as much & doesn't have as many "gadgets" (sun roof, memory seats etc) available.

My brother found this site hondapilot.org it's similar to TBN - but of course, not nearly as great. Being for only one brand, they are all biased as to which is the best SUV. Anything similar exist for the Explorer or Expedition?

EDIT HERE
I'm looking for feedback on the latest generation of Explorers and Expeditions - the ones with Independent rear suspensions. Thanks

cowboydoc · Aug 18, 2003

We've got a 2003 Expedition and love it. The handling is phenomenal. Mileage is as good as the Mountaineer. 15-17 in the city and 17-21 on the highway depending on speed. It has a 4R100 transmission and will easily tow the 9500 lbs. it's rated for. Inside is extremely roomy and nice looking. Much more stable than the mountaineer which was a 2000 and basically a dressed up Explorer. Considering the mileage, towing capacity, room, and handle I would never go back to a mid-size SUV again.

mountain_man · Aug 18, 2003

One of the happiest days of my life was when I sold my wife's 1998 Ford Exploder (Explorer). Issues with tires, engine, drivetrain, steering, radio, alignment, stability, brakes, etc. Nice interior tho...

TresCrows · Aug 18, 2003

"One of the happiest days of my life was when I sold my wife's 1998 Ford Exploder (Explorer). Issues with tires, engine, drivetrain, steering, radio, alignment, stability, brakes, etc. Nice interior tho... "

Yeah, I would ditto that except despite all those things it was a half way decent car. The new Explorer has become a minivan and that more than anything was why we did not get another when it was time for a new car. We put 150,000 on the Explorer, the ac quit for the,oh, 4th or 5th time since new just as we were trading it. Let's just say we got our money worth and then some with that Extended Warranty. Let's see, transmission, two wiring harnesses, two engine seal and gasket replacements, ac numerous times, brakes several times, ABS never did work, wind noise, squeaks and rattles, other than that it was a great car /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
Have you seen the Honda commercial where it shows Honda cars and then Honda watercraft and then Honda Motorcycles and then Honda Racing Sports and then Honda outboards/marine and Honda scooters and then Honda Lawnmowers?
We kinda like the Jeep Liberty and it has a respectable tow rating and so far it has been a much better car than the Explorer though not totally trouble free, still a vast improvement. J

cowboydoc · Aug 18, 2003

In four years and 60,000 miles we never had one problem with our mountaineer.

GaryM · Aug 18, 2003

I have a '97 Expedition that just clocked 90K. Few problems and on my second set of tires. Mileage has averaged 13.6 MPG over the 90K. I plan on keeping it until it's too expensive to maintain.

Inspector507 · Aug 18, 2003

On my second Explorer........a '98 and now an '03. Nothing but good luck so far. Now that the Brother has switched to selling a "bowtie brand" I have no idea what will be in store for the wife in 3-4 years /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

mountain_man · Aug 18, 2003

Also take a look at the book value of a 3 or 4-year old SUV in NADA Blue Book NADA web page or similar. You'll see SUV's really lose their value rapidly (too much supply). Pickup's seem to hold their value a little better.

hazmat · Aug 19, 2003

Thanks for the input guys. Drove the Pilot & the Explorer last night. The Pilot is way roomier than the Explorer. You can really notice the extra 6" in width & Headroom (the explorer had a sunroof). The V8 in the Explorer felt like it had more pep, although according to the reviews on the web the 0-60 times are both in the high 8 secs. Maybe you have to push the gas pedal down further in the honda to activate the V-TEC.

Sadly the Expedition won't fit in our tiny garage /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. Besides which the wife refused to drive it since "We already have a full size truck" /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif. She said she would consider it if I traded in my truck, decisions, decisions /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif. It was a sweet looking ride both inside & out. Ford is awful proud of it as evidenced by the sticker price.

Wifey is now trying to decide if she wants to part with $30K for the Pilot. Plan B is to get a tanaeu cover for the supercrew & make that our vacation vehicle.

JohnMiller3 · Aug 19, 2003

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Wife likes the Honda Pilot )</font>

Hi Stephen,

You have a very smart wife... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Go for the Honda...

If history is any indicator...

resale value superior HONDA,

durability & trouble-free performance superior HONDA

ergonomics and attention to detail superior HONDA

...likes HONDA more than others superior WIFE /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

keep Wife happy... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif