Opinions on Honda Pilot or Saturn Outlook???

J.,

Personally I wouldn't go with either....If you are looking at either of the two your probably looking at least $30K for either vechile..I just purchased a GMC Acadia in which has plenty of room but not a gas hog for being a 6cylinder and seating up to 7....My spouse and I looked at the Saturn Outlook and didn't like the fact of having to fold down the second seat just to get to the back and was very disappointed as to the lack of space in this vechile..As to the Honda Pilot I am sure they are a good vechile however, just too boxy for my taste....If you haven't boughten a vechile yet, I would suggest to just go test drive a GMC Adacia....I gurantee you will like them and they have that extra space that you are looking for..Good luck and congrats upon buying one....

Hi J., my husband is the Internet Manager at a local Toyota dealership and he can help you get the used car you want. They have a huge selection of minivans and he can give you special internet pricing on new or used minivans. He will will ask you questions to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. He is not pushey so you will not feel pressured to buy. You can give him a call and be sure to tell him that you corresponded with me (B.) on MamaSource. You will not be dissapointed. His number is ###-###-#### and his name is Emanuel.

I have a Honda Pilot and love it. I had a Honda CRV before that and loved it as well. The pilot is so much more maneuverable than a minivan and the third seat is perfect for children if you need room for 8 passengers.

We bought ours at Bankston Honda.

What about a Toyota Highlander? It comes in a Hybrid version which would give you better gas mileage than other suvs. I don't personally own one, but can personally vouch for Toyota camrys. We've had 3 toyotas and when we buy something in January, we're getting another Toyota b'c of their dependability/reliability. I've been the original owner of at least 2 of our toyotas and have driven them up to 220,000 miles (about 13-14 years on each one) or more. We figure that's far enough and buy another one. Toyotas are like the energizer bunny...just keep going, going, and going.

In 2002 we had narrowed our choices to the Honda Pilot and the RAV 4. I test drove both of them and perferred the RAV4. I narrowed it down to those 2 choices by using Consumer Reports. Nothing beats their car buying guide. They also carry info on used cars. If you know what you're looking for it would be easy to find out if the year model you want is a reliable one. The 2002 model was a good model, however I don't know if Honda has made any changes that would improve on it in general.

I have a 2007 Honda Pilot I bought a year ago last month. While I do like it, I don't like it nearly as much as the Hyundai Sante Fe I drove for 5 years before it. Last year I just decided it was time for a new car, gave the Sante Fe to my daughter and bought the Pilot. It is bigger than the Sante Fe, but there were features on the Sante Fe I liked better than the Pilot.

The new Pilots do have the fuel-saver feature tho that if you are driving at a constant speed, it shuts down three of the cylinders and runs on three so you are saving half the fuel. Doesn't matter if you are going 30 or 70. That is a really nice feature with fuel prices the way they are.

I bought mine at Bankston Honda in Lewisville and I have to say that they have one of the most friendly and accommodating service departments I have ever seen (they are even open on Saturday) . . . and this is my 35th car so I have seen a few of them!!

We had a pilot which my DH loved. Unfortunately gas mileage on it was only in the 15-17 mpg range. A little higher on the road trips at about 18-20. Of course that sounds wonderful since I drive a Yukon XL (12-14 mpg). We downed sized the Pilot since I have the Yukon and we only have 2 carseats now.

Hi J.,
We have a Honda Pilot and a GMC Yukon, and we love them both! We've had our Pilot since 2004..it's roomy enough to seat four adults comfortably. As far as 3rd row seating goes, that's too cramped for anyone to get back to, so we always leave that seat down.

Now, I know you're not looking for a Yukon(especially w/gas prices) however, it's VERY roomy and a very comfortable SUV. It's my fav! :) It has the 3rd row seating option, with room in the back for groceries/storage. I also like the fact that with our kids growing, we have enough room to haul them, their stuff, and their friends! :) Plus, the prices on them right now aren't that bad(I'm sure due to gas prices).

Either way, best of luck!
E.
www.mothersnmore.com

Personally, between the two- I'd go with Honda... the reputation is undeniable. Have you considered the Toyota Highlander or Rav4? I'm a Toyota girl.. Toyotas, like Hondas, are the best cars on the road. For the money and years they last, you just can't beat it. Pay attention next time your are driving around, you very rarely see a Honda or Toyota broken down on the side of the road! We have a 99 Camry that we have only replaced- tires, brake pads, two timing belts, and a/c compressor, it has 175,000 miles on it (the 2nd timing belt and a/c compressor were in the last month). We will most likely replace it with another Camry when I go back to work (hubby wants a Lexus, which he fails to realize they are the same friggin' car only lots more money!) Just thought I'd add to your list of pros for the Honda... Good luck!!!