PILOT ERROR?
| 2005 Ford Explorer In Motion
Question: I purchased a 2005 Explorer XLT V-6 new for $27,000 with rebate. After four years and 49,000 miles, and following two differential replacements for gear whine, two RR power window repairs (one covered under warranty), and a replacement fuel gauge sending unit, I went looking for a new SUV. I had expected much better reliability from such a mature platform. In 23,000 miles, my replacement $32,000 2009 Honda Pilot EX-L has visited the dealership three times for routine maintenance only. I hope the new Explorer proves more reliable than my 2005 was.
Answer: Ratings and street talk have shown reliability improvements in the current version of the Explorer (2006-present), but the Honda Pilot is most certainly a well-built SUV, and in my opinion a step above the Ford midsize-warranting the added cost. At 23,000 miles, you really can't get an idea of how a truck's going to hold up in the long run. But I have classified info on how the Honda lineup holds true to its quality reputation. A few models may not be bulletproof like those in the past, but the majority of previous platform Pilots pass the six-digit mileage marker with minimal if any needed repairs, aside from normal maintenance. The 2009-and-up models are of similar design, and so far are proving to be just as dependable. At 100,000 miles, you'll have to replace the timing belt on the 3.5-liter V-6, which is about a $1000 job. As mileage inches toward 200,000, a few common repairs include front and side engine mounts (you'll hear a clunk under the hood on acceleration), power window regulators coming apart, power door lock actuators calling it quits, and eventually you'll replace struts and lower control arm bushings. Nobody's even close to perfect, but from my viewpoint, the number of repairs needed on the Honda is far less than that of a large number of SUV models-not just the Explorer.
| 2005 Ford Explorer Rear View
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