Was checking out the photos on the honda website of the updated 2006 Pilot and it looks pretty good. They moved it upscale a little bit and also added a few goodies, including the cylinder deactivation six-cylinder providing 24mpg on the highway, which isn't too bad for a fat SUV.

Any comments from previous owners or friends of friends owners? Any comparable alternatives for around $30k or less?

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/exteri...ModelName=Pilot

 

Buy it, you won't be sorry.

 

Not liking the lighs as much as the older models. Our family has an 03 and theres nothing really comparable to it for 30k other than the Highlander. The Highlander is smaller and only seats 5 though... so it isn't really a contest at all. Just get it, theres nothing to worry about it at all.

 

The Pilot is not an excellent off-roading machine, but as far as regular use for an SUV, it's simply one of the very best in many aspects, such as driving like a car and not truck. That's why it's won Car and Driver's Best SUV in 2005. My sister has an '04 and it's pretty great.

 

I loved my 03 mdx and I love my 05 Pilot even more.

 

i have driven a shitload of pilots and they are great. in my opinion they are one of the best driving suvs out there. everytime i drive a suburban or any number of other vehilces it feels very foreign to me, but a pilot feels very natural and car like

 

plus they hold thier value well, they are reliable, they dont look too shabby etc etc etc

 

how's the transmission on those? I know Honda has been having transmission problems on their V6 5 spd auto accords, TL's, CL's, etc.......

 

the pilot is a really great vehicle. if i ever wanted an SUV, i'd likely get that. however, i have absolutely no need for one, nor do i think i ever will. i dont haul anything, i never go off road, and if/when i get a family, a big sedan/hatch will be just fine. i personally greatly dislike SUVs in general.

 

the general take on it is that it's nothing spectacular, but does everything well, yup... that's a Honda