Comments on: Honda designer reveals 2009 Pilot’s design was influenced by the bean counters

By: BMW M1

BMW M1 — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:51:58 +0000

@ mayer_ray_nagin: hahahahaha. luv the comment about the USB port

Laboz and sj79-guys no need to go all on the offensive

This Honda Pilot is fugly, but then its one of the few ugly ones at Honda.

GM, Ford, Chrysler have the same mediocre products with slightly rehashed styling. Its only now that GM and Ford have made tremendous improvements in their design, quality and reliability. Chrysler is still a loser when it comes to new products.

sj79: I always pondered what is so special with Hondas engines. They are theoretically low-tech, but they are high revving, have ample amounts of HP and at the same time get good MPGs.

As a car owner, I care about the engine tech to some extent, but in the end what matters is how that engine performs.

Also, Honda topped the JD Power ratings for quality and service, even beating Toyota. Its been a long time since any american company was up there.

GM and Ford are/have improving/ed but they still dont have the same reputation as the Japs when it comes to reliability.

Hopefully this trend continues and I get to see lesser and lesser ugly SUVs on the road….pls someone start SWs…I know they dont sell, but a few would be nice

The TL still is one of the most popular used cars (though I guess it will only last till the old model, the new design language at Acura just plain s..cks balls.)

By: DeansterTJ

DeansterTJ — Fri, 30 May 2008 13:08:20 +0000

Well, I had no idea it was THAT unpopular. Holy fuck…

By: nitehawk

nitehawk — Fri, 30 May 2008 04:41:42 +0000

AHAHAHAH mayer_ray_nagin, USB port inspired grill ROFL!

By: global_lightning

global_lightning — Thu, 29 May 2008 21:19:09 +0000

Cylinder deactivation is difficult in a 4 cylinder because of balance and vibration issues.
Honda aren’t known for their stying, and then some are love-it-or-leave-it (My 2007 Civic Sedan: love it!). In its price range, however, most people won’t give the Pilot a chance (which is too bad). I may be wrong if there’s a really compelling reason to buy it and it gets stellar reviews. My guess is Honda will redesign ASAP. This whole blocky look is so out of place for a company known for vision and effiency.

By: xyunya

xyunya — Thu, 29 May 2008 21:05:47 +0000

sj79, 190 HP 4 cylinder engine in Accord EX runs on regular and it is very smooth for 4 cylinder. The “old” 250 HP V6 has 3-4-6 cylinder deactivation. That is quite significant. In theory, the same cylinder deactivation can work on 4 cylinder engine, and I have a feeling it will soon enough. I am not aware of features of modern engine that Honda’s engine lacking. If you think Honda engine technology has nothing to offer check on what motored Dixon last weekend to victory in Indianapolis.

By: lamboz get a life

lamboz get a life — Thu, 29 May 2008 19:52:18 +0000

triplefagboy hates America. Tripleonefag boy hopes that one day we will all be forced to work for an Asian Company as there will no longer be American Companies left in America. Triplefagboy lives with his Mom and is on this site everyday at anytime because he has no job which is why he drives his Mom’s 86 Acura Legend she bought from the Buy Here Die Here lot last year. Tripleonefag is jealous of all whom are normal and have jobs. Tripleonefivefagboy will try and say something creative to my e-mail that will sound like everything else he has ever said or he will steal my past insults and use them back on me due to his lack of creativitiy.

By: tripleonefive

tripleonefive — Thu, 29 May 2008 19:33:41 +0000

Im not saying that they are or will be # 1 it seems that Toyota has that spot but I personally like Honda better. Toyota and Honda are neck and neck with quality resale and reliability and they are far ahead of any domestic auto maker
The Pilot does have to grow on you but it looks spacious and it seems like you can actually utilize the utility in SUV
I would purchase one if I didnt already have something better

By: global_lightning

global_lightning — Thu, 29 May 2008 19:05:09 +0000

1115 = HondaNumberOne4Ever

By: tripleonefive

tripleonefive — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:38:11 +0000

First you talk out of your ass and have no proof to back anything up and provide no links to anything
I wouldnt want respect in a room full of nationalist who refuse to admit that Honda and Toyota make a better car
You have no respect and you are talking out of your ass
Please show where the CTS is outselling the Acura and then tell me the resale.
TL is right behind the 3 series in the entry level luxury segment
Please do it with the others mentioned as well

LLN had an article a few months back that stated the Camry was traded in less than 2% for a Malibu and the years of the Camry arent even mentioned. FOr all we know it could have been an 83 Camry lol. Please enlighten me on that and show some evidence a link perhaps

Also C&D and others commented on the cheapness of the interior of the 2009 Pilot. Where when and where was it said that the Lambda’s are better and also show me the resale vs the Pilot and the sales.

Ill have to rehash the post from two months back that showed the 2004-2008 Pilot still selling well and more than two of the Lambda’s

Please stop talking out of your ass and realize that the Pilot is the superior offering

By: sj79

sj79 — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:28:45 +0000

“As far as engineering goes, I do believe that Honda has advantage over other manufactures in engine technology, robotics (which translates into engine management). ”

Where does Honda lead in engine technology? They arent even using direct injection yet and you can get a DI engine in a $23k chevy. The Pilot is coming to the market with a tired 250hp V6 that makes worst in class power. The Highlander has 270hp and for 2009 the Acadia will have 290hp with DI and better highway fuel economy than the Pilot. Honda doesn’t even use a DOHC design on its V6 engine nor does it have a VVt system that is as complex as those used by Toyota, GM and Ford. While the high output 2.4L engine is a nice motor it needs premium fuel and lacks many of the features of more modern engines. Honda does lead the world’s automakers in robot development but that means little to car buying customers.

By: sj79

sj79 — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:24:41 +0000

“The TL MDX TSX are all top sellers High in resale, reliable (proven) praised in every car mag and by consumers”

You are an idiot. Or at least you pretend to be in order to entertain us. The TL isnt even moving 5k units a month. Its getting slaughtered by the CTS and C class in sales. TSX and TL sales have been down for months now. The MDX is the ONLY acura model that is selling well right now. Acura cant even sell 3k TSX’s in most months and the car is only $30k. No Acura model is a leader in its respective class. Acuras sell because they are cheaper than the competition and have nice interiors. Thats it.

By: sj79

sj79 — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:22:12 +0000

“Despite all the good will and wishful thinking of posters here I would like to remind everyone that Honda is dropping Ford from #3 spot in US sales.”

No it wont. Read the article. They are talking FLEET sales. When automakers report sales monthly they report ALL sales and those are the only numbers that count. Fleet sales are a part of the industry and the Big 3 dominate government and company fleet sales. Toyota and NIssan are taking a bigger chunk of rental fleet sales. Passing Ford for one or two months doesnt mean Honda has passed Ford for the YEAR as the #2 brand. Use common sense. Ford has the Flex and F150 coming out this year so they will see some boost in the 2nd half of the year. Plus, Acura is struggling and showing no signs of rebound. Honda’s rise is only due to Ford’s decline due to fuel prices. It has nothing to do with Honda having better quality or resale value.

By: xyunya

xyunya — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:20:21 +0000

Impulsive. I am not angry because Hondas are unattractive. I quite agree with you. 5-6 years ago their cars weren’t much to look at, and I liked their trucks (I mean “trucks” in Honda terms). Today I like Accord and Civic (exterior, I quite dislike interior of Civic) and looks of CR-V are revolting to me. But I do realize that looks are quite subjective and not objective. As far as engineering goes, I do believe that Honda has advantage over other manufactures in engine technology, robotics (which translates into engine management). I am not judging people by what they drive, they drive what their pocket allows them to drive. Kia is division of Hyundai and the reason why Hyundai is #6 company in the world for production volume. I think Hyundai is ahead of Honda in total car volume. I like Honda for another reason: they not only sell cars in US they sell US made cars in US. That can not be said about Kia. I don’t doubt that quality of all cars is actually very high, compare to say 20 years ago. It is at this level of quality because Honda and Toyota efforts: they raised the bar for everyone else. As far as complete car satisfaction: build quality, driving dynamics, looks Honda cars have been on Car & Driver best 10 list for the past 20 years. There is always Honda representative or two on this list. And Honda is a relatively small company.

By: brassmonkey

brassmonkey — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:18:33 +0000

My wife and I looked at the 2008 Pilot since the discounts were so deep. We also looked at the 2009 Pilot, and the sales monkey said, “They are selling for $4000 over sticker since we only have 3 and this is a new model.”

And he said it with a straight face! The interior reminds me of a box lined with vinyl. The “leather” seats are so slippery; is it even real leather? We said no thanks, and went with an ’08 Tribeca. Glad we did.

By: sj79

sj79 — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:17:29 +0000

“The Honda faithful will continue to buy Honda and will not buy GM bc Gm isn’t a proven car company.”

And you arent a proven expert on cars. That is one of the dumbest things I have ever read and that is saying a lot. When you are #1 for 75 years I would say that you are a proven car company. Honda hasn’t really changed its ranking in global sales in years, at least Toyota is using its discounts and propoganda to try and become #1.

The camry is one of the most traded in models for the Malibu you idiot. You have no grasp on the facts at all and it shows everytime you stroke the keypad and post nonsense on this site. There really ought to be minimum level of intelligence required before people are let lose on the internet.

By: sj79

sj79 — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:14:28 +0000

“I have never heard anyone in person or any car magazine/website say such a ridiculous statement.”

And who cares? Your opinion means nothing here. You think because you post a lot you are someone who is respected but that isnt true. The interior of the Enclave is far better than that of the Pilot. C&D and others commented on the cheapness of the interior of the 2009 Pilot. I have seen no such comments about the lambdas, CTS, Malibu, etc. Even if the materials werent cheap (which they are) the design is TERRIBLE. Only a shill for Japanese brands or Stevie Wonder would disagree. We all know which one you are. Stop folling yourself into thinking your opinion is worth a damn. You’re a joke and nearly everything you write is a flat out lie. You are like a racist, except your bias and stupidity is aimed a car brands instead of people. Nothing you say has any basis. You are just like the people in the 70s who refused to acknowledge that the Japanese brands should be taken seriously and clung to the false notion that the Big 3 would always be on top. Times change and product changes. Just as the Big 3 were caught sleeping in the 70s the Japanese (except Mazda) are getting complacent and putting out mediocre products. Sure the blind faithful (like you) will always buy their vehicles but others are going to start to examine all the options. With cheap looking interiors like the Pilot’s you have no choice but to look elsewhere.

By: Carwatcher

Carwatcher — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:53:12 +0000

Admit it Honda…the damn thing is ugly!

By: Impulsive

Impulsive — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:52:49 +0000

‘xyunya’, don’t get angry because Hondas are unattractive … and don’t angry when you know that the quality difference nowadays is neglible between manufacturers. It’s OK that Honda is aesthetically undesirable. Everyone can’t be a head-turner. And if my mom’s 2001 Kia Rio is any testament, it’s built quite well … only problem she’s had since buying is a driver’s door handle needing attention. So your claim of Honda engineering and quality being at the top is only half true … the rest of the world is nipping at its heels … don’t make it out to be rungs better, it’s not.

By: ricky_b

ricky_b — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:48:53 +0000

I really love the interior. Very edgey, especially for a family mobile. BUT WHAT WERE THEY THINKING ON THE EXTERIOR?!? Were the going for the “retro” Explorer look? )Ooo, so 1990′s.) If so, then they succeeded. And this is the platform mate of that jazzy/sexy MDX. Well, I guess we all know which one is the “wall flower” in the Honda family.

By: 61Vette

61Vette — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:49:57 +0000

I couldn’t stand to read all the posts. Let’s get serious: that thing is just plain ugly. You Honda sympathizers can make as many excuses as you want as to why that thing (1) will sell and (2) is better than any American SUV. The truth is that car IS one of the uglier cars to enter the market since the Aztek. I’m not saying it’s as bad, but it ranks up there. Try not to spin my words either. As a car lover I’m simply stating, again, that the design of that thing speaks for itself. It’s ugly. Nothing more, nothing less.

By: shaver

shaver — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:40:36 +0000

Its such a shame that a company with great engineering and quality have to build the fugliest boring line of cars out.

By: tripleonefive

tripleonefive — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:07:03 +0000

Shut down Acura lol. This is why you need to stay on a car website and not in a boardroom. The TL MDX TSX are all top sellers High in resale, reliable (proven) praised in every car mag and by consumers
I can think of many car companies that can’t make that claim. Companies like Saab, Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Hummer, Mercury should all be shut down before Acura.

By: xyunya

xyunya — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:46:49 +0000

Despite all the good will and wishful thinking of posters here I would like to remind everyone that Honda is dropping Ford from #3 spot in US sales. yep, their design desire to be much more elegant, but engineering and quality is still on top of every quality chart. It is a free country and if you don’t like Honda you can buy esthetically pleasing Ford. It will be collectible vehicle in 10-15 years just like Oldsmobile.

By: global_lightning

global_lightning — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:35:27 +0000

If you look at Honda’s sales numbers, just 4 vehicles make the bulk of their sales and are growing: Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey. The Fit is constrained by production capacity and should take off in 2009. They could concievable dump everything else, shutdown Acura, and consolidate around these 5 lines plus the upcoming Global Small Hybrid and the FCX.
Honda needs to get back to its roots: sensible, reliable, economical (but not cheap) transportation.

By: tripleonefive

tripleonefive — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:06:41 +0000

Who says that GM is turning out better engines and interiors than Honda?
I have never heard anyone in person or any car magazine/website say such a ridiculous statement.
Have you seen the Pilot in person to say the plastics are cheap ? Probably not
The Honda faithful will continue to buy Honda and will not buy GM bc Gm isn’t a proven car company.
Until they are no one will switch from Import to domestic

By: HemiRoadRunner

HemiRoadRunner — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:58:28 +0000

It was designed by bean counters or bean pickers?

By: sj79

sj79 — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:56:52 +0000

Forget about the exterior, the real problem with this beast is the inside. Its one of the worst interiors in the segment. The GM triplets, FLex and Highlander have better interiors. Not only are the plastics cheap, the actual design is horrendous. Honda is really striking out lately but the Honda faithful will always support Honda regardless of how mediocre the product. I will NEVER buy a Honda at the rate they are going. Who would’ve thought that by 2008 we could say GM would reliably be turning out better engines and interiors than Honda? Wow.

By: brocky

brocky — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:13:25 +0000

hahaha usb port. Nice. I agree with how this car “grows on you.” I hated it at first but I’m getting used to it’s ugliness. It’s like looking at Chris Bangle’s designs and just saying, “f*ck it… I think I like it now…”

By: elviososa

elviososa — Thu, 29 May 2008 07:19:52 +0000

USB port <<<<<<<<<< AGREED!!

By: Jordan

Jordan — Thu, 29 May 2008 05:12:27 +0000

yeah, this thing is hideous. i like honda, but damn.

By: olds307

olds307 — Thu, 29 May 2008 05:03:16 +0000

GOOD
I hope they lose sales.

By: 56oval

56oval — Thu, 29 May 2008 04:49:08 +0000

New design “will grow on you.” Would that be more like a fungus or a legion?

By: snoboardguy21

snoboardguy21 — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:51:58 +0000

Really, the rest of the vehicle looks better than the old one. And boxy is not out, it’s just doesn’t scream, “Hey, look at me, I get good gas milage.” I’d much rather have a boxy SUV and a sleek coupe than a sleek CUV. I say it’ll get a new face in a year or two and all will be well.

By: Impulsive

Impulsive — Thu, 29 May 2008 02:15:23 +0000

‘amac’, this excuse by this monkey is bullshit … it has ZERO to do with accountants, everything to do with Honda … everything they now have is aesthetically undesirable. EVERYTHING.

‘sharpie’, ditto.

By: sharpie

sharpie — Thu, 29 May 2008 02:01:59 +0000

Eye-sore. And pleaseeeeeeee… you are blaming car design on Accountants? Did they carve the 1:1 clay model too? No excuse Honda. Fire the chief of the design department NOW!

By: autonut

autonut — Thu, 29 May 2008 01:52:03 +0000

t-ak-box, I think gas prices saved new CR-V. I own 2 older models (original and Mk II) and the current one is rubbing me wrong way. I though it is disaster, but it sells better then water in Sahara. Also, it is drives better then anything else, which probably does not hurt and fuel economy is the best in class. To boot it is 2-3 large cheaper then comparably loaded RAV-4.

By: autonut

autonut — Thu, 29 May 2008 01:44:18 +0000

xyunya, johnny, agree on diesel 100%. But it’s ain’t a beauty and since it’s bot a girl alcohol is hardly a cure. Designers screwed up and this is perfect example of Americanozation of Honda: instead of honestly admitting “we screwed up” – “it’s accountants fault”. How accountants screwed up design? I am not friend of accountants, but it has to be some sort of reason and I see none. I think bullshit like that send AMC, Ford, and Chrysler into death spiral.

By: amac

amac — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:31:38 +0000

I’ve noticed that the front ends of most new Hondas have been butt ugly. The new Accord’s grille, the hideous front end of the CRV, that hideous monster they call a truck… and now the Pilot. I think Honda is in the midst of a style crisis. What gives?

By: olds307

olds307 — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:43:14 +0000

In Soviet Russia, bean counters influence YOU!!

By: t-ak-box

t-ak-box — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:30:41 +0000

I thought the CR-V would be a total flop with its crazy design but somehow it turned out to be a success. With that being said I think the same will happen with the new Pilot, Gas prices will be the only thing that might slow sales for this model.

By: DrFill

DrFill — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:29:18 +0000

It’s ugly, but not half as ugly as the CR-V, and they can’t build enough of those.
It will sell just fine, but the 15k sales a month days maybe behind it.
DrFill

By: F451

F451 — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:09:36 +0000

Chief Designer Dave Marek just pulled a big boner in the world of the Japanese, and it will not bode for him in the company. First off, he is full of crap as the bean counters are so integrated in the Japanese corporate life that he was influenced by them from the get-go, and if he just got that revelation after-the-fact, he doesn’t belong in Honda.

By: Commodore

Commodore — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:09:31 +0000

“if the mpg #’s are good, it WILL sell. It’s reliable and it’s a honda, what more do you want?”

Um… a car that is not ugly? And did you honestly try to put “good mpgs” and this thing in the same sentence? Because if anyone wanted good fuel economy, they wouldn’t be buying a SUV. And before you say that “some people need them” and that they will buy the Japanese ones because they have good fuel economy, I want to remind you that the Silverado and Acadia/Outlook/Enclave have the best fuel economy in their classes.

By: tripleonefive

tripleonefive — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:06:21 +0000

The design is fine and has grown on me
It take s Honda a few times to get really nice styling like with the CR-V
Either way they sell and they are great cars and trucks. Its a better choice than some unreliable GM Ford or Chrysler
Hopefully the next one will resemble the MB GL class

By: shaver

shaver — Wed, 28 May 2008 22:28:10 +0000

That is one sorry looking SUV, I predict an emergency restyle next year. Word to the wise, dont buy any Honda with a V6 (excluding NSX).