I have a Nissan Pathfinder and recently test drove a Pilot while shopping
for a minivan. I had considered
trading the Pathfinder for a Pilot. But the ultimate decision was to keep
the Pathfinder and bought an
Odyssey. I like the handling of the Odyssey. It is excellent for its size
and the engine provides ample
power.

I did not like the Pilot. Period. The engine was not tuned for a heavy
vehicle and the extra drivetrain
for the 4WD is robbing too much power. Handling is vague or too soft. The
Pathfinder, even though only
150 HP, felt peppier and steering was quicker and more precise.

"Dave" <dave1027@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:b4GdnXndF66PcKiiXTWJkg@comcast.com...
> I have had mine on dirt roads and slick launch ramps. It's fine. It has
> the automatic 4 wheel drive and I don't even think about it. I've not had
> it in snow, yet. On the road, it is very smooth. Almost too smooth as
the
> suspension is quite soft. It could use stiffer shocks because it has an
> almost Buick-like ride. The Pilot is a dream to park and maneuver in
close
> quarters. Maybe because of the silky smooth steering and short wheelbase.
> The tranny does shift a lot. That could be because when it does need
power
> it must get into the higher rpm, VTEC range to make serious power. It
does
> get up and scoot when you demand it do so.
> Dave
>
> "Steve Lee" <dont@thinkso.com> wrote in message
> news:n2k7jv4kdr3p87nf87ftop2gdcgliu0e5j@4ax.com...
> > Go check out www.honda-pilot.org and do a search for the 4Runner.
> > Just recently, someone posted a question much like yours there and the
> > members discussed in detail the differences between the two cars.
> > Worth a look for sure to make an informed decision. Good luck!
> >
> > On Fri, 08 Aug 2003 05:35:36 GMT, "zorro" <stanislavski@hotmail.com>
> > wrote:
> >
> > >Thank you for the input...My nextdoor neighbour is crazy about toyotas
> and
> > >thinks that the 4runner is a good vehicle..but I did sit in a Pilot and
> > >thought that it was an excellent vehicle just with all the room and the
> way
> > >that it was organized.
> > >"Steve Lee" <dont@thinkso.com> wrote in message
> > >news:l236jvkpeugc70rbf8i3dpfelcteo4da5v@4ax.com.. .
> > >> On Wed, 06 Aug 2003 21:51:41 GMT, "zorro" <stanislavski@hotmail.com>
> > >> wrote:
> > >>
> > >> >Have you driven a Pilot and what are they like? What are they like
off
> > >> >road...say a good dirt road, logging road or a mudd, snowy road?
How
> are
> > >> >they for hiway driving or in the city ? How are they on gas and do
> they
> > >> >compare to a Toyota forerunner Thanx
> > >>
> > >> If you plan to do some serious off roading, then the Pilot's not the
> > >> vehicle for you. You should be looking at SUV's which have truck
> > >> chassis, such as the 4Runner, Pathfinder, and those big boxy SUV's
out
> > >> of Detroit.
> > >>
> > >> You'll know which ones are truck based SUV's when you testdrive them.
> > >> They ride just like a truck. The Pilot, the Highlander and a few
> > >> others that are car based SUV's have a smoother ride and better
> > >> handling. Good luck!
>
>