The Pilot shouldn't be compared to the Expedition. You should be looking at the new Explorer. The Expedition is nice, but if you are looking at the Pilot, I think the Expedition is a little big for the comparison. I personally like the Expedition because of its' size, the Pilot might be a little cramped. You need to figure out what your needs are first and see which size suv fits them the best. Honda makes a good vehicle so any of the three will be a good choice.

 

Puuuuuuuuulease!!
The Honda is built on a car frame! 'Nuff said.

The Expy is a truck! we have an 02 and it is awesome!! Although, I love driving my truck (SD) better.

 

Well the simple fact that the engines for the 2 Ford options don't have to rev to the moon to get their hp, and torque ratings says it all for me. Which would you rather have?
5.4 v8 (Expedition)
350ft lbs @2500rpms....
4.6 v8(explorer)
282ft lbs@4000rpm
3.5v6(Pilot)
240ft lbs @4500rpm

The pilot and expedition are quite similar in power, but the explorer will have better ability to stop, from the extra engine weight.

 

I own an 04 Pilot and an 87 F-250. We obviously just bought the Pilot and really like it. The handling is pretty nice. It is nible enough around town and not that bad to park. We seriously liked the Explorer, but based on our needs thought the Pilot was a better fit. As far as the Expy, I can't say.

My father in laws 97 has been a mixed bag. Low points: Ford put 3 engines in it for him and it has shifted itself into low range on the freeway. High points: does everything he needs it to do (which includes hauling his camper and enclosed trailer for the 69 Mustang.) I don't like the handling of that generation Expy, the steering if far too light and it sways constantly. But, you get used to it and the new ones have IRS, which should help.

Get the Pilot if you don't tow, get the Explorer or Expy if you do. We obviously have our towing needs taken care of with the F-250.

BTW, I live at 6000' and drive to 10k frequently and it handles the grades fine. You have to let the RPM's go, but Hondas are good at that. Fuel milage has been really good at about 18 MPG in mixed driving. It takes premium fuel, though.

Hope this helps. Don't know abouyt the Expy, but the Explorer and Pilot are both 5-star crash rated, which is why we considered nothing else, i.e. Trailblazer.

 

Slight correction to some posts - the Pilot is based on the Odessey minivan platform. Friends of ours have had one for several months now, and like it very much. I am also impressed - if I wanted a ~street~ SUV that emphasized creature comfort and fuel economy but could cope with slippery roads and deal with an ~occasional~ light jaunt in dirt, I think this would be my choice. But a truck, it ain't. Towing and hauling capacity is pretty minimal. It is AWD, not 4x4, and in place of a low range shift there is an electronic control that I believe basically just changes the drive control program in the computer to favor powering all four.

-Scott

 

Yes, the Pilot has a third seat, but why did they bother? Have you tried to sit back there? Inhumane treatment. Seriously, Honda's are nice vehicles, but if you really need a third seat, please look elsewhere.

 

i have a wife & 2 kids and we like to go on trips therefore space, convience and power were reasons why i choose my xp. you get a lot of great features for a reasonable price: side air bags, largest disc brakes, pull up center seat in 2nd row for infant car seat, fold flat split 2nd, 3rd rows, power 3rd row controls, plenty of space and torque/power, independent rear suspension. i think the new 03 xp has better body style than all of the full size suvs out there other than the escalade. i love honda's for reliability but the their suv lacks style and wasn't big enough for me.

 

The pilot is a lot smaller vehcal than the expedition, the expediton also has a lot more power and more options, if i were considering the two i would go with the expetion, you get a 3 year 36k mile warrenty and you can buy and have it included for a few extra bucks in your monthey payment an extra 7yr 100k warrenty if your worried about anything, but i would test drive both look at both see which one you like better which one you feel more comfortable in its all personal preference