Honda Pilot
Like its popular brethren, the CR-V, Odyssey and Element, the Pilot completes Honda's best-buy SUV and van line. And like any of those offerings or anything else in Honda's arsenal, it's hard to find serious fault with the Pilot.I last reviewed a Pilot in 2005, less than two years after it debuted as the replacement for the Passport. My weekly test drive this time around was the top of the line EX L 5-door Touring model. Redesigned after a six-year tenure of the previous offering, the 2009 Pilot is one inch wider and three inches longer in overall length and wheelbase.The new Pilot is available in four trims: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring with all-wheel drive. All versions include Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation. It shuts down cylinders while cruising to save fuel.The three Pilot models all offer a 3.5-liter, V6, 250-horsepower engine paired only with a 5-speed automatic transmission.The Pilot is at least average in all performance areas. The driver sits "tall" in the vehicle, so steering and handling are fine for the car's type. But it should never be mistaken for anything other than an SUV with cornering limitations.Braking is strong and the standard all-wheel-drive system seems well suited for trails and in inclement weather.Like other Hondas, controls and instrumentation as well as styling and indoor space are thoughtful and styled simply. The automatic shift lever is located behind the right side of the steering wheel and doesn't block access to other controls. But it's also too easy to shift in and out of transmission settings.The pilot is an eight-passenger vehicle, with little compromise. The second and third-row seats each comfortably seat three passengers. Although unused during my test week, second and third-seat passengers can view DVDs from a screen that pops down from the second-seat ceiling. Headphones are stored in a map/accessory compartment behind the driver's seat.All Pilot models have a long list of standard features: tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 60/40 split folding second and third seats, power mirrors, windows and doors locks, remote keyless entry and AM/FM/CD player, among other items. The EX and EX-L models include a six-disc changer, steering wheel radio controls, automatic-off headlights and alloy wheels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof and heated power mirrors are standard on the EX-L model only.One new feature in the Touring model seemed odd and not particularly useful at first, but I was mistaken. A small screen with a rearview camera is inset in the rearview mirror. It took awhile to appreciate, but the more I used it, the more the idea seemed ideal.Also unique to the Touring edition: A power tailgate, front and rear obstacle detection system, wirelesscell-phone link and navigation system. A DVD entertainment package is available on EX-L and Touring models.Consider the Pilot's many new features, it only further enhances its position at the forefront of the midsize SUV ranks that include the Saturn Outlook and Toyota HighlanderAs the large Honda SUV, the Pilot is also a good choice for its vast cargo area. The Mazda CX-7 and new Chevy Traverse are among seven mid-size SUVs with more overall cargo space. But the Pilot is next among the 34 mid-size SUVs listed in the national rating publication, Consumer Guide. In addition to good overall cargo space, there's a seemingly endless array of compartments, trays and pouches.Despite its best-buy status, the Pilot does have one less-than-spectacular consideration. Its fuel rating of 17 mpg in city driving and 23 mpg in highway use is fine for its category but hardly economical.Nevertheless, the Pilot overall is an ideal family vehicle. It's spaciously designed, practical and fits well in the Honda family known not only performance and reliability, but for a strong position in the resale market.Safety Features Driver and front seat passenger front and side and third-row side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, tire pressure monitor.Fuel Mileage Estimates 17 mpg (city), 23 mpg (highway).Warranty Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price $33,595.00
