New SUV, Honda Pilot vs. Ford Explorer/Expedition

TresCrows · Aug 30, 2003

"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!"

I think the Honda would do as well as a GM Aztek or a Blazer or a Camaro or a Firechicken or a Monte Carlo (who was Monte Carlo anyway) or a Chevette or a Gran Priz or a Ford Mustang or Tauros or a Ford Escape or Ford Focus etc, etc. This idea that Japanese cars are tin cans is silly. My Tundra is far superior in crash tests to any domestic truck in the SAME class--Prooven, FACT, the Ford failed these tests. I am sure the Honda would aquit itself well. Maybe, not to be a Green Guy, but just maybe there is no need for such large vehicles unless you have a real farm or ranch or run a buisness that needs such a large vehicle. Just thinking out of the box like a Leftie for a bit but some times I see their logic though challenging it might be /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. J

jdrotert · Aug 30, 2003

I do not believe Japanese cars are "tin-cans" at all. I was definitely not taking a stab at Japanese vehicles. They (and all other vehicles) have their place. I need a vehicle to transport the family (two adults, two kids and sometimes other family members), all our gear and tow the boat, the bikes or tractor for a weekend outing. Try to do that with a Honda Odysey (sp?). Lastly, my wife has a cake and candy business. We had a hard time delivering cakes in a crew cab truck, so we traded for an Excursion.

Oh, on the crash stuff, if a one-ton truck is hydroplaning right towards you, take your pick between a Honda Odysey (sp?) and an Excursion. My pick, for the whole family's safety, would be the Excursion. I do agree with the idea that most people don't need such a large vehicle, but with our activities, if fits great! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

F350Lawman · Aug 30, 2003

Maybe, not to be a Green Guy, but just maybe there is no need for such large vehicles unless you have a real farm or ranch or run a buisness that needs such a large vehicle. Just thinking out of the box like a Leftie for a bit but some times I see their logic though challenging it might be . J

As others have pointed out those "Lefties" who cry about big SUVs usually live in LARGE mansions. No hypocrisy there huh?? I mean we don't really NEED all that space do we?

Why don't we all drive whatever we want and live in as big a house as we can afford and stop this SUV bashing garbage. It should be a non-issue and it has been beaten to death by lemming like activists who scurry from demonstration to demonstration in search of the next cause.

You can usually spot them a mile away they're in the econobox with the 100 bumper stickers on the rear driven by someone with a pierced face.

rozett · Aug 31, 2003

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

John, that is exactly what I did two years ago. I bought a 2000 Excursion Limited V10 4x4 with 18k miles, for $30k even. I have never regretted the decision. We have three grown daughters (plus husbands and boyfriends) and travel together often. It is more fuel efficient than taking two vehicles.

The Excursion is arguably the best tow vehicle on the road. We occaisionally pull a 6k pound horse trailer. The X has plenty of torque and a great margin of safety (rated to pull 10K #s). It is basically an F250 Superduty with back seats. The Pilot (and most small SUVs) isn't even rated to pull this trailer.

TresCrows · Sep 1, 2003

"As others have pointed out those "Lefties" who cry about big SUVs usually live in LARGE mansions. No hypocrisy there huh?? I mean we don't really NEED all that space do we?"

Well, I did say it was a challenge /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif and I did not say I actually agreed /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. I saw a magazine today with some really humongous trucks supposedly coming to production. If the car makers keep this up there will be LEGISLATION /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. The first requirement of Freedom is Responsibility.
Hey, saw some pics in that magazine of the new Ford and new Nissan Titan, both are real sharp. The Ford looks to be some serious improvement over the last series. Good job Ford. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif J

hazmat · Sep 1, 2003

It's an 04. Having searched thru hondapilot.org I think we got a decent price. Honda chooses to produce this car in shorter supply than the current market demand thus keeping prices up (good for Honda & their dealers, bad for me). The first dealer I went to even went so far as to show me copies of sales invoices showing he sold it to previous customers for MSRP. The Oddessy sold for MSRP for 4 years after it's introduction.

Honda's also offer higher resale value which also keeps the new prices inflated. Much like John Deeres.

I have no concern over the vehicle's safety. It got 5 stars in every rating save the rollover which is TBD. NHTSA Assuming it's performance is similar to the acura MDX (sister vehicle) it will get 4 stars there, as good as any other SUV. Excursion wasn't rated, probably because it isn't classified as a "light truck".

shady1701 · Sep 1, 2003

I'd get a VW toureg.. 50K but it's the only one with a W-10 cylinder diesel and can get unreal hp.. one i seen in euro was 400hp for the autobahn..

ford's are rolling recalls i'd buy a fire suit and some suppression devices.. be it for the tires,fuel leaks or gas tank explosions.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

TresCrows · Sep 2, 2003

Yeah, Fords are know to be flamable /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. Maybe they should install halon along with the airbags /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. Mr Ford the 3rd said that by 2020 or sooner Ford will be making Fuel cell vehicles. Can you imagine that /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif, talk about a car bomb, holy cow /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif. J

jmc · Sep 2, 2003

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

Hazmat,

Bought a Pilot in October, 13k miles ago. Its about what you would expect from Honda- you kinda forget its there. Good acceleration for an SUV, reasonable mileage, excellent antilock brakes. The second row of seats make my legs numb after awhile. Wish it had a 5 speed.

John

hazmat · Oct 1, 2003

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

Well after 4 weeks of waiting it is here!

The lighting is no good, so you can't really see the color - sagebrush. Kind of a green/grey that shows some blue in the sun.