Toyota Highlander vs. Mazda CX-9 vs. Honda Pilot

[3LOU5]

Would like some opinions on them please.

We *were* thinking of replacing our aging Odyssey with a Sienna SE, but I am having second thoughts. Would like to try something different like a mid-size SUV with 3-row seating.

Thanks in advance.

[JST]

I don't have much to offer except that I'd look at a GM Lambda, too. They drive surprisingly well and my inlaws love theirs (much more than they liked their Pilot).

[Jeff_DML]

We test drove the new CX-9, drove nice for a mid-sized SUV. My only big complaint was the big center console that got in the way of me as a driver.

[3LOU5]

Originally Posted by JST

I don't have much to offer except that I'd look at a GM Lambda, too. They drive surprisingly well and my inlaws love theirs (much more than they liked their Pilot).

While they might drive "surprisingly well", their reliability remains suspect. I have a coworker who has an Acadia, and she's had nothing but problems with it.

I'm more interested in the long-term reliability of the vehicle, and not so much with the driving dynamics. I tend to keep my vehicles on the lengthy side.

[3LOU5]

Originally Posted by Jeff_DML

We test drove the new CX-9, drove nice for a mid-sized SUV. My only big complaint was the big center console that got in the way of me as a driver.

I've seen a review of the smaller SUVs such as the RAV4, CRV and CX-5. The Mazda took first place because of the way it handled, and I'm sure that trait has been handed down to its bigger brother.

I've never been in the inside of a CX-9, and have no idea of its reliability compared to something like the Highlander.

[ZBB]

We went to the local auto show over Thanksgiving since my wife is planning on getting a new car this summer.

The surprise of the show was the CX-9. It's very nice inside, and we took it on the short test drive loop and it drives very well... it's now on her short list.

[ff]

We have the current generation Pilot, and like it. Very roomy, good visibility, quiet, more than enough power, and very good on gas for this size vehicle (24-27 MPG pretty regularly). The interior is classic, modern Honda, with good quality materials and well designed layout. And our three teenagers fit in the middle seat with plenty of leg and hip room. The third seat is totally usable, too.

My only complaints are the light steering and crappy "eco" tires. You won't be winning any slalom contests with it.

Despite being one of the first batch of new body style Pilots to roll off the assembly line, it's been perfectly trouble-free in the first 32K miles. In true Honda fashion, it's had oil changes, gas, and nothing else.

[John V]

My brother and I both have Mazdas and the reliability has been outstanding. Sounds like you're looking to buy new, but one advantage to Mazdas in the used market is they don't tend to hold their value as well as Toyotas and Hondas, so they're a good value when purchased used. The materials Mazda uses seem to hold up very well over the years. We're almost seven years and 170,000 miles in, and the car looks nearly new inside and out.

I've recently worked on some newer Hondas (two Civics) and have been pretty disappointed with the engineering and the problems they've had. It used to be that Hondas were pretty much immune to electrical and drivetrain gremlins, but both of these cars needed engine mounts very early in their life and both had O2 / catalytic converter problems. I don't have any direct experience with the Pilot. In general Hondas are excellent.

I'd rather shoot myself in the foot than own a Toyota.

[Jeff_DML]

Originally Posted by John V

My brother and I both have Mazdas and the reliability has been outstanding. Sounds like you're looking to buy new, but one advantage to Mazdas in the used market is they don't tend to hold their value as well as Toyotas and Hondas, so they're a good value when purchased used. The materials Mazda uses seem to hold up very well over the years. We're almost seven years and 170,000 miles in, and the car looks nearly new inside and out.

I've recently worked on some newer Hondas (two Civics) and have been pretty disappointed with the engineering and the problems they've had. It used to be that Hondas were pretty much immune to electrical and drivetrain gremlins, but both of these cars needed engine mounts very early in their life and both had O2 / catalytic converter problems. I don't have any direct experience with the Pilot. In general Hondas are excellent.

I'd rather shoot myself in the foot than own a Toyota.

True about Mazda's resale but the CX9 just came out so will be tough finding a used one.


>>>>

I haven’t shot myself Minus the waterpump our highlander has been reliable, oil and gas.

[JST]

Originally Posted by John V

My brother and I both have Mazdas and the reliability has been outstanding. Sounds like you're looking to buy new, but one advantage to Mazdas in the used market is they don't tend to hold their value as well as Toyotas and Hondas, so they're a good value when purchased used. The materials Mazda uses seem to hold up very well over the years. We're almost seven years and 170,000 miles in, and the car looks nearly new inside and out.

I've recently worked on some newer Hondas (two Civics) and have been pretty disappointed with the engineering and the problems they've had. It used to be that Hondas were pretty much immune to electrical and drivetrain gremlins, but both of these cars needed engine mounts very early in their life and both had O2 / catalytic converter problems. I don't have any direct experience with the Pilot. In general Hondas are excellent.

I'd rather shoot myself in the foot than own a Toyota.

Agreed on the Toyota, but anyone who comes to me a) thinking that they want a Toyota, and b) caring mostly about reliability, my answer is *always* "buy the Toyota." It has nothing to do with whether the Toyota is actually reliable--it has to do with whether I want to shoulder any responsibility for suggesting anything else.

No one ever got fired for buying IBM.

Lou, buy the Toyota.