Last year, I looked at both cars and ended up with an 03 Acura MDX. My wife and I took a good look at the two and decided that the MDX is perfect for us. I wanted to get the Pilot only because it seats 8 compared to MDX which only seats 7. Both SUVs are nice but the MDX has a more luxurious feel to it and in my opinion rides much nicer. We only bought the Base MDX. We decided that the $3500 + difference between the Touring is not worth it. So, we've decided to use the money for roof rack, side-steps, and DVD entertainment center. I installed both the roof rack and the sidesteps and the entertainment center I had it professionally done. I have seen the 04s and they are absolutly nice. Go for the MDX. It is worth the extra money.

 

MDX doesn't have HIDs.

Also, how is $31k the same as $39k???

The Pilot @ $31k even includes the $2k navi while the MDX with navi is closer to $41k....

I doubt Acura uses any different grade leather from Honda or any other materials. It's all based on the image and the extra year of warranty. Not to say those little things are not worth the money, but that's up to the buyer to decide. I still think the MDX looks much better than the Pliot, but the Pilot looks a much better deal.

Just checked the site:

Acura MDX + navi (no other options) $41,200.00

Honda Pilot EX + navi (no other options) $32,870.00

(Both have leather, auto everthing, etc.)

 

pilot SUT!!!

 

This post only establishes that you have not been or seen an MDX because you are just wrong on many different levels.

1) Mdx has HID (2004+)
2) Acura leather is indeed different
3) The MDX-P with navi could be had at $35000 (you are quoting the MOST expensive MDX-T price FULLY loaded)

 

Here are some standard features on the base MDX-P ($34-$35K). Ask yourself what you are missing from this list on your top of the line Pilot ($30K)

http://www.acura.com/models/model_sp...asp?module=mdx

For $5K it really is a long list.

 

I can't see where they list HIDs for the MDX, but I'll take your word for it.

I looked at the list and I don't really see anything drastically different, that is worth $5k+. I have test driven the MDX-P/T and Pilot EX back to back. (I ended up buying an RX330 instead for different reasons.) But, IMO I saw the Honda Pilot as a better buy and it is an MDX clone for much less $$$. I just can't see how it's so much better when they are the same machine except for some minor details, none mechanical of course.

http://www.hondacars.com/models/specificat...ModelName=Pilot

 

This is what makes car buying so subjective. A "better buy" is relative and only relevant to the person laying out the cash. The Miata is probably a better buy than the S2000. A Corvette a better buy than a Porsche, etc.

The Pilot is a fantastic buy without question. However, there are features and upgrades that the MDX brings to the table that made it the best buy for us. I cannot go through feature for feature and assign a dollar amount to how much better it is. I just know that the overall package was more in-line with our desires for an SUV. GX470 folks will likely say the same as will Cayenne folks, etc.

 

I just bought an MDX for the family .. and yes the price of an MDX is higher but my experience is that Acura, at least in NY is VERY flexible on their selling prices where Honda does not discount off of MSRP.

In my opinion you would be better off buying a used '02 - '03 MDX instead of a new Pilot. Also I am not sure if anyone has mentioned that Acura service is VASTLY superior to Honda service.

 

charlie - we have a 2003 mdx with all options except for NAV..... it is not a very exciting vehicle for the $ no matter how you look at it.

260hp is at least enough to get out of it's own way..... no street racing (well...i did beat a cavalier one time even with 7 people in the MDX).

Ours just got 19mpg on a 240 mile trip at about 79mph, so it is decent on gas.

I think one benefit to the pilot is the steering column shifter.... the acura is on the floor...... you can squeeze in another person if you were into that with the Honda....??

I am pretty sure ours doesn't have HID's.?? I never drive it...it is boring.

get a used typhoon!!!!!

 

hey michael A -

i thought you were selling your S2000 about 2-3 months ago???? no buyers or you decided that Evo's are pretty cool??