The Pilot is Honda’s biggest SUV, powered by a 3.5L VTEC V6 engine, comes with four-wheel independent suspension, and offered only in 4WD form, with trim choices LX and top-of-the-line EX. Introduced in 2003, it received a facelift in 2006.
Pros :
– Roomy interior.
– Car-like ride quality.
– Decent straight-line performance.
– Solid build quality inside and out.
– Competitive pricing.
Cons :
– Lifeless steering.
– Doesn’t handle like its Acura cousin.
– Bland styling.
– Longish braking distances.
– Competitors offer higher towing capacity.
Review :
When the Honda Pilot debuted in May 2003, the sport-utility segment finally had a worthy contender for the title of “Ultimate Family Adventure” vehicle. With its flexible eight-passenger interior, the largest cargo carrying capacity in the segment and best-in-class safety, fuel efficiency and emissions, the Honda Pilot raised the bar in the mid-size SUV segment.
Honda Pilot EX models with leather interior (EX-L) add heated seats and heated side mirrors as standard features for 2004. Navigation is new for 2006. Additionally, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System’ receives an updated database with 48-state coverage and a new route guidance method for unverified roads.
For all trim levels on thePilot, the second row is now adjustable fore and aft, and the slide feature has been improved for easier access to the third row. Also standard on all Pilots are parking brake and seat belt reminder systems – alerting the driver when the parking brake is engaged, or when seat belts are not properly fastened.
The Pilot features a 244-horsepower, 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine and Honda’s innovative VTM-4′ (Variable Torque Management 4WD) four-wheel drive system for improved traction in all conditions. The interior is the most flexible and versatile it is class, with two rows of 60/40 split folding seats and up to 90.3 cubic feet of car space behind the front seats.
The Pilot utilizes highly efficient body crumple zones and advanced airbag technology to achieve the highest possible ratings of five-stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for frontal and side impacts.
In keeping with Honda’s longstanding dedication to environmental leadership, the Pilot is ranked as a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) and has earned an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 17/22 mpg. Additionally, the Pilot is assembled with 90 percent recyclable components.
The Pilot is available in two trim levels, LX and EX. LX models come well-equipped with a multitude of standard features including air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player, driver and front passenger front and side airbags, and power windows, mirrors and door locks. Pilot EX models add aluminum alloy wheels, synchronized front and rear automatic climate control and a seven-speaker, 155-watt, stereo. EX models with leather are available with either a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System or Honda DVD Entertainment System’.
The Honda Pilot also includes a large assortment of family-friendly features, in keeping with its “Ultimate Family Adventure” theme, including a multi-function center console with a large center storage bin, dedicated cell phone cradle, 12-volt power outlet, CD storage tray and removable cup holders. EX models include a second-row fold-down family activity tray that integrates cup holders and a storage tray for pocket-size game machines, markers, crayons or fast food items, including a special holder for fast food sauce containers.
In its first year of production, the Honda Pilot has garnered several prestigious awards from the automotive industry, including Car and Driver “5 Best Truck”, Consumer Reports “Best Pick in Mid-Size SUV Class”, Edmunds.com “Most Wanted SUV”, AMI Auto World “World Family Vehicle of the Year”, and Kelley Blue Book “Top 50 Most Popular Cars.”
The Pilot is manufactured by Honda Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario using domestic and globally-sourced parts.
Competitors :
Ford Explorer
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Jeep Grand Cherokee
