While I do agree with most of what you are saying, I have to defend the
Pilot a little. As far as the PF seeming peppier. Consider that the Pilot
gets the same MPG while being able to haul twice as much bodies/stuff.
Also, I know it's hard to get away with on a new tester but did you happen
to stomp on it to see how it goes in a real situation? Remember, I said you
have to get the thing past the 4k mark before it really starts to move (240
hp).
Dave

"Tang Wong" <tangwong@adelphia.net> wrote in message
news:qQA_a.1404$Nc.834995@news1.news.adelphia.net. ..
> 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!
> >
> >
>
>