Anyone have a Honda Pilot? Buick Rendevous? Reviews? OPinions?

[Mom Possible]

We are looking at maybe a 2003 or 2004 Honda Pilot or Buick Rendevous. This will be our first SUV type car and DH has left the choice all up to me. Can anyone tell me their experiences with these cars?

 

[AllyandJack]

I'd like to know, too. Those are on the LONG list of SUVs I'm looking at to replace my precious Blazer. After 4 years and 135,000 miles, it's time to say bye-bye to my very first car.

The Pilot looks nice.....but, I don't want all the bells and whistles. It seems they are all pushing the nav system, leather seats and voice op commands.

 

[twocjsmom]

We have an 03 Pilot and love it. Havent had any troubles at all with it. I like it because its got the room of a true suv, but isnt real high up and is easy to get the kids in and out. The 3rd row isnt really meant for adults for long distances cause it has pretty short leg room, but I usually just keep the 3rd row folded down and use the trunk space.

 

[marybet]

I have a 2005 Honda Pilot and I love it. I don't have the Nav system but I do have the heated leather seats, moonroof, 6 disc cd changer. You can get it without all that and still have a great SUV. We picked the Pilot because it had the best safety ratings. It has an anti roll over thing (not sure what it's called) and side airbags. It has third row seats which are fairly easy to get into, the grandchildren have ridden in them. The thing I like is putting up part of the third row seats and using it for my groceries, the back of the seat keeps the other stuff from rolling around and I leave the small side down for the bigger things.

I don't know if there is much difference between the 2003 and 2004 models and mine but I would highly recommend it.

 

[SleepyMom]

DH has an 04 Pilot, we love it. It has a very smooth ride and lots of room. We are big fans of Honda and highly recommend them.

 

[DVC-Don]

Couple of our neighbors have the Honda Pilots and seem to like them. Don't know anyone with the Buick you asked of.

 

[paslea_pooh]

We have a 2005 Buick Rendezvous Ultra. It drives very well and is comfortable. Never had any problems with it, we bring it in for it's usual maintenance. It seats 6 and we got the DVD player installed and it has the Navigation system which is kinda cool.

 

[Mom Possible]

I have to admit that I am leaning towards the Pilot.

paslea_pooh how is the safety on the Buick? Side air bags? Also I have read that somepoepl have issues with power? What do you think.

 

[Swimnoid]

We have an 05 Pilot and love it, love it, love it. It doesnt have Nav or leather seats. We wouldnt have gotten it except they had a great deal last summer. I think they are running something similar now so go check. We had a Honda CRV before that which we also loved. As soon as we traded the gas prices started going up. OF course, my luck. But for an SUV the mileage isnt too bad, especially on the road. And it is soooo comfortable for long trips. We also have a Honda Civic which is great on mileage so I drive that during the week when the gas prices go up. (We also used to have a Honda Accord....we just LOVE Hondas When its time to replace DH's truck I think we will go for the Ridgeline!)

 

[ChrisnSteph]

I don't know much about those cars, but a friend of mine has a Honda Pilot and recently got into an accident, rolling it twice. It held up really well, and aside from a nasty gash on her arm, she and her dd sitting in the backseat were fine.

 

[Mom Possible]

I don't know much about those cars, but a friend of mine has a Honda Pilot and recently got into an accident, rolling it twice. It held up really well, and aside from a nasty gash on her arm, she and her dd sitting in the backseat were fine.

That helps alot. The main issue I am thinking about is safety for my DD. I think I am sold. It wont be a brand new one but I will see what we can swing. Thanks everyone!!

 

[my3kids]

Go with the Honda. They hold value so much better and will last a lot longer, generally, important since you are buying a used model. The Pilot has been a Consumer Reports pick every year.

 

[zalansky]

Go with the Honda. They hold value so much better and will last a lot longer, generally, important since you are buying a used model. The Pilot has been a Consumer Reports pick every year.

I was going to say pretty much the same thing. IMO, you just cannot compare a Honda with a Buick as far as reliability. Plus the fact that Honda's hold their value a heck of a lot better than a Buick will. I have a 2003 Accord now and have never had one issue with it. But our family has grown so now I am looking into the pilot as well.
Good luck hunting!

 

[paslea_pooh]

I have to admit that I am leaning towards the Pilot.

paslea_pooh how is the safety on the Buick? Side air bags? Also I have read that somepoepl have issues with power? What do you think.

I don't have any problems with Power at all. It has the Side air bags, which is why I am letting my DD commute to college with it in the fall.