As an extremely satisfied Honda Odyssey owner, I started shopping for a new Odyssey since mine is one of the first 1999 Odysseys to roll off the production line. As an aside, I've put nearly 90,000 miles on my Odyssey with no problems to speak of - just a new catalytic converter. I was really attracted to the reliability and functionality of the Odyssey but wanted some of the new features not available when I purchased - i.e. leather, entertainment system. That's what got me in the market again - then I saw the Pilot.

Since I live in Germany I can also get good deals on BMW and Volvo. I test drove the Volvo XC90, the BMW X5 and the Honda Pilot back to back. Hands down, the Pilot was the winner and definitely a better value - it is more spacious, packed with features, and believe it or not rides and drives just as nice or better than the others. I found the Volvo to be 'heavy' to drive with way too many buttons...the buttons were not intuitive and I found I could control the radio, climate, etc much easier in the Honda (less risk of having an accident trying to figure out all the buttons). The BMW had the best ride of the bunch but was too small for me, no third seat and much more expensive with fewer features. The decision came down to the Volvo vs. the Pilot, and other than styling was obvious. Actually, the Pilot styling is growing on me...its kind of rugged, but the interior is what sold me. The Volvo salesman couldn't believe it when I told him I'd chosen the Pilot over the XC90.

Since I ordered my car from Germany I had to get in the production line and then wait for it to be shipped, clear customs, etc. I ordered the Pilot in April and picked it up on the 22nd of July. Yes, my circumstances are probably more extenuating than most.

We still couldn't part with the Odyssey...I'm waiting to see if we truly can replace it. So far, the kids always want to ride in the Pilot, I've been able to haul a ton of groceries in the back and the gas mileage is not much different. Maybe I will sell the van after all.

I've been driving it for a week now and am very impressed. The engine is powerful enough to keep up on the Autobahn with strength to spare - even at 100 mph. Inside is quiet, even at those speeds. There's only a few Pilots over here since they are not sold on the German market...can't say the stying is all that bad since I've gotten lots of comments on my Pilot (Sagebrush Pearl).

Amount Paid (US$): 32495
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: EX - L with DVD