2004 Honda Pilot vs. 2004 Ford Explorer
In comparing the 2004 Honda Pilot's and the 2004 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2004 Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2004 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for used cars. Based on this comparison of the 2004 Honda Pilot's and the 2004 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2004 Honda Pilot is a better car than the 2004 Ford Explorer.
2004 Honda Pilot vs. 2004 Ford Explorer Pricing
A used 2004 Honda Pilot ranges from $2,936 to $9,993 while a used 2004 Ford Explorer is priced between $2,493 to $8,995.
2004 Honda Pilot vs. 2004 Ford Explorer Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2004 Honda Pilot loses 44.4 percent of its value and the 2004 Ford Explorer loses 46.2 percent of its value. This means the 2004 Honda Pilot retains 1.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2004 Ford Explorer.
2004 Honda Pilot vs. 2004 Ford Explorer Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Pilot is 8.8 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Honda Pilot being ranked 1 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 31. Out of 22 Best 7-Seater SUVs, the Honda Pilot is ranked 1 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 5. The Honda Pilot is also ranked 2 out of 30 Best SUVs with 3 Rows while the Ford Explorer is ranked 6 out of 30. The Honda Pilot is also ranked 5 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Ford Explorer is ranked 10 out of 66.
2004 Honda Pilot vs. 2004 Ford Explorer Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Pilot is 9.1 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Honda Pilot a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2004 Honda Pilot’s base engine makes 240 horsepower, and the 2004 Ford Explorer base engine makes 210 horsepower. The Pilot is rated to deliver an average of 17 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 399 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 16 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 418 miles.This gives the 2004 Honda Pilot the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2004 Ford Explorer the advantage in maximum range. Both models use gasoline.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2004 Honda Pilot and the 2004 Ford Explorer have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
Compared to the Honda Pilot, the Ford Explorer offers a much more diverse range of powertrains. While the Pilot comes with a single V6 engine and no hybrid, the Explorer offers both turbocharged 4-cylinder and twin-turbo V6 options, as well as a gas-electric hybrid. Interestingly, Ford’s 4-cylinder is both more efficient and more powerful than Honda’s V6. The Explorer also comes in a capable, performance-oriented ST version. Also notable, the Pilot can accommodate eight passengers. In contrast, the Explorer maxes out at seven (and most versions seat six). The Explorer comes with more standard driver-assistance tech than the Pilot, including blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Explorer also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, whereas it’s optional on the Pilot. The Explorer has a larger touchscreen, but the Pilot has better rear-seat entertainment options. Bottom line: the Explorer offers more variety and performance, but the Pilot enjoys better resale values and reliability scores while carrying an extra passenger.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
2936 - 9993
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.443568
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
2493 - 8995
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.462204
Honda Pilot Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.820432 / 10
Reliability:
9.061297 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.239555 / 10
Reliability:
8.618664 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Honda Pilot Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
9 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 17Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 17Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 25Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 17Ranking
12 out of / 17Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 17Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 17Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 22Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
20 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 30Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
43 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 58Ranking
50 out of / 66Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 56Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 56Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 56Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 25Ranking
10 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
20 out of / 56Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 26Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 49Ranking
46 out of / 58Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
57 out of / 66Summary Review
The Honda Pilot is one of America’s favorite three-row family vehicles. All but two trim levels offer seating for eight passengers, though many buyers opt for the 7-passenger configuration with two large captain's chairs in the second row.
Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Pros and Cons
- Seating for up to 8 in almost every trim
- Family-friendly features galore
- Among the largest interior volume and cargo capacity of this segment’s SUVs
- One of the most “made-in-America” models in this segment (Alabama)
- No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain option available
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
2004 Honda Pilot Trim Levels
EX, EX-L, LX
2004 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Eddie Bauer, Limited, NBX, XLS, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque:
242 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
4500 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
210 hp @ 5100 rpm
Torque:
254 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5780 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4WD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
15 / 21 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
285 / 399 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / 4WD, AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
14 / 19 / 16
Range (city/hwy):
308 / 418 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.4 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.9 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4416 lbs
Width:
77.3 inches
Height:
70.6 inches
Length:
188 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4304 lbs
Width:
72.1 inches
Height:
71.4 inches
Length:
189.5 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P235/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P235/70R16