Honda Pilot - un altfel de SUV

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  • #16
    http://www.king5.com/sharedcontent/n....d3a9f168.html
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    • #17
      Redesigned Honda Pilot Falters in New Round of Testing by Consumer Reports :

      http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=133226


      http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...EXTKEY=I72RSCN
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      • #18
        It's all systems go for versatile Honda Pilot :

        http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/wheels...tml?source=rss
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        • #19
          Pilot's not a city-friendly SUV :

          http://www.boston.com/cars/car_revie..._friendly_suv/
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          • #20
            2009 Honda Pilot Review :

            http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...09/353941.html



            "When the Honda Pilot debuted as a 2003 model halfway through 2002, the Pilot gave Honda a solid presence in the mid-sized crossover SUV market. Generation one had a successful six-year run, but time, market conditions, and customer expectations march on. So Pilot, generation two has made its entrance for model year 2009.

            Completely restyled, it's just enough larger to provide more interior space while still fitting into the mid-size category. Its car-like unibody structure is stronger, more rigid, and more protective of passengers, with easier access. Power is up a bit, but using slightly less fuel, thanks to further use of Honda's Variable Cylinder Management(tm) (VCM(tm)) system. And the lineup has expanded to include a premium model, the Touring, in addition to the entry-level LX, value-leader EX, and core-model EX-L. All have a 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 matched to a sophisticated five-speed automatic transmission, and are offered in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive trim, with AWD being Honda's "Torque On Demand" automatic single-range system.

            The automotive market, particularly the crossover and SUV part, has changed more than a little since 2003. Or, for that matter, since the new Pilot's debut early last summer. Last summer's record fuel prices were followed by last fall's economic disasters. Even before that, SUVs -- including crossovers -- were showing signs of becoming less than trendy. But whether they are fashionable or not, vehicles like the Pilot meet the needs, not just the wants, of plenty of people. SUVs (which now really means crossover for the majority of buyers) are chosen over minivans not only for fashion reasons, but because they are better-suited to inclement conditions and a more adventurous lifestyle. Although the Pilot has no pretension to being a rugged off-roader, it is better-suited to ski vacations or camping trips involving poorly-maintained forest roads than a minivan.

            Honda expects its biggest-ever crossover to appeal to active families, and it may even cut sibling rivalries with the expanded interior space and easier access to the third row, which is larger than in most mid-size crossovers or SUVs, if not as spacious as that of a minivan like the Honda Odyssey. Still, since the most common occupants are expected to be young and small, it should work fine, and maybe even help keep the peace. (And the sunglasses holder above the inside rear-view mirror becomes a wide-angle mirror for monitoring passengers when it's partially opened.)

            There's also another market segment to consider, and that is called "entry luxury". Hence the new Touring model at the top of the lineup. Existing Pilot owners wanted to see something more upscale, so now they have it. Compared to the other models, the Touring gets fancier exterior trim, upgraded interior equipment levels including audio and navigation systems, a power tailgate, and a front corner and rear sonar sensing system. The Pilot's emphasis, according to Honda, is on packaging and function... meaning not to step on toes over at the Acura division, whose cousin MDX has more of an emphasis on style and performance.
            That said, a week with the new Pilot showed it to not only have exemplary packaging and multi-role functionality, but to have plenty of performance as well. It's just enough larger than before to add comfort and carrying capacity without growing too large, and the rear passengers get treated like actual human beings, not afterthoughts. The flip-up liftgate glass, while not new in the industry, is a welcome new Pilot convenience feature. Fuel economy is reasonable for a 4500-pound four-wheel drive vehicle; I got 17 miles out of each gallon of unleaded regular.

            APPEARANCE: If it's only an inch higher and wider, and 2.9 inches longer riding on 2.9 inches more wheelbase, why does the new Pilot look so much larger than its predecessor? Perhaps that's because of the boxier, more traditional SUV, styling, bolder new-look grille, and chiseled lines. While many competing crossovers try to mask their nature and look more car-like, Honda has done the opposite. It's not overdone, and the "skid plate" in front is, knowing Honda thoroughness in engineering, more likely there to help airflow and reduce drag as to prevent rock damage on the trail. But this is a potential kid-hauler that doesn't loudly proclaim "baby on board".

            COMFORT: Comfort is what Pilot owners and potential owners told Honda they wanted, and they get it. If the interior design is decidedly middle-class -- relatively plain, with no hint of artificial wood to be seen -- it's pleasant, and there are those of us who don't see the point of "wood" that was last wood sometime back in the Carboniferous Period. Seat comfort is first-rate, with firm yet instantly comfortable padding and leather covering. Head and leg room is very good, even in the third row, and each part of the second row can be moved fore or aft as needed. With a 60/40 split to both rear rows, cargo vs. people configurations abound. The front buckets are power-adjustable, and the leather-rimmed steering wheel is manually-adjustable for both tilt and reach. It also has cruise and auxiliary audio controls, and the controls for the trip computer. The instrument panel is stylish, but not at the expense of function. The instruments are readily visible and everything important is backlit at night. The navigation system display is large and clear; control is, as has become customary in Honda products recently, by means of a large button with a rotary collar. If this is a nod to complex German systems, it's a definite improvement as it is simple and intuitive in use. It controls the navigation and car information systems (including PDA functions like calendar, calculator, and address book) while the audio and climate-control systems have their own simple, traditional interfaces. The AM/FM/XM/6CD(mp3 and wma-capable) audio system sounds great and has both a minijack and USB port for auxiliary music players. Storage spaces, power points, and vents are conveniently located in the cabin, and there is even storage space under the load floor as the space-saver tire is located outside, underneath. The power liftgate is useful if a bit gimmicky, but the separately-opening glass is convenient for quick bag stowage.

            SAFETY: Honda takes safety seriously and builds all its vehicles to be as safe as possible. So an "Advanced Compatibility Engineering"(tm) front structure is used in front to maximize occupant protection and minimize under- or over-ride during collisions. Full airbag protection is standard, front, front side, and head curtain, with front passenger occupant sensing. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Brake Assist and electronic brake-force distribution ensure quick, consistent stops, and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control keeps the Pilot stable in uncertain circumstances.

            RIDE AND HANDLING: Not only does the 2009 Pilot's enhanced unibody structure increase passenger safety, it also heralds improvements in ride and handling. Which weren't exactly deficient in the original. Suspension is as always, fully independent with MacPherson struts in front and a multilink system in the rear. It's tuned near-perfectly, with excellent absorption of road irregularities and minimal body motion. There is no hiding its 4500-pound mass, but for a medium-large crossover the Pilot is quick on its feet. Road and wind noise are minimal.

            PERFORMANCE: Improved fuel efficiency, low emissions, a broad torque band, and low maintenance were key goal of the Pilot drivetrain team. Although the 3.5-liter V6 engine is basically the same as used previously, and it has the same ultra-low ULEV-2 emissions rating, it has a number of and changes that add power and efficiency. Compression is up to 10.5:1 from 10, still on regular unleaded, and 4WD models get a lightweight magnesium intake manifold and active noise-control engine mounts. More importantly, the latest iteration of Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system, intimately tied into the i-VTEC variable valve lift and timing system, is used to deactivate two or three cylinders as power needs demand. Meaning that while cruising at a steady speed and low throttle, as many as half the engine's cylinders won't be using fuel. At that point, a green "eco" lights up on the dash, conditioning the driver to save fuel by keeping the light on. Dr. Pavlov would be proud... Of course, firing on all six and moving quickly, fuel consumption is commensurate with power production. Which at 250 horsepower (at 5700 rpm) and 253 lb-ft of torque (at 4800) is more than merely adequate and can merge the Pilot into traffic or tackle steep grades with ease. The VTM-4 automatic four-wheel drive system operates in familiar front-wheel drive mode most of the time, and sends power to the rear wheels as needed for traction.

            CONCLUSIONS: Honda emphasizes packaging and function in the new second-generation Pilot, making it a versatile and comfortable vehicle."

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            • #21
              Pilot's radical styling makes it unique, perplexing!


              http://www2.canada.com/richmondnews/...d-bc5c850ebd7d

              The 2009 Honda Pilot is a great vehicle, with reasonably good handling for its size and a host of useful features. However, I do admit that the styling is quite radical, and Honda's attempt to mix Honda's traditional styling traits with HUMMER-like design cures resulted in SUV design that is unique and somewhat perplexing.
              For awhile there, Honda designers were taking the conservative route and producing cars that were nice to look at, but nothing special. The first Pilot, introduced in 2003, was one such vehicle. It looked okay, but you weren't drawn to it the way you were to some of its competitors. That was just fine though, because the Pilot's average looks were easily offset by its other superb qualities. As a result, Honda's first large SUV sold very well, lasting well beyond the automaker's typical four-year product life cycle.
              These days, Honda designers specialize in producing cars that are bold and different. The current Civic was different from any other compact car on the road when it was introduced, and the curvy CR-V looks nothing like its boxy predecessor. Then there's the Ridgeline pickup and the Accord, two vehicles dominated by big, bold front ends that generate love-it-or-hate-it reactions.


              The Pilot follows the Ridgeline/Accord path, with a boxy, outsized nose that demands attention. Once you get past it, the rest of the vehicle is quite pleasing to the eye. The question is: can you get past it? There are going to be people who take one look at the new Pilot and can't get used to the styling alone.
              On the flip side, those consumers who love the infusion of character (and others who simply look past it) will benefit from the Pilot's thoughtful, passenger-friendly environment and quiet, comfortable driving experience. They'll also appreciate that the Pilot is more efficient than last year's model, while enjoying a modest increase in power. It's nice to see that Honda, unlike some other manufacturers, doesn't feel the need to overpower the Pilot. This decision will turn away potential owners who need to tow heavy trailers, but those buyers have lots of other SUVs and trucks from which to choose.

              DESIGN:

              The Pilot's exterior styling centres on a prominent front end with huge headlights and a big, chrome grille. The bold front fascia seems out of place on the otherwise relaxed Pilot, which is conservative and rectangular from the doors to the tailgate. In some ways, it looks like a larger version of the previous-generation CR-V.
              There's more to like in the back, where the Pilot's simple tailgate and tail lamps blend nicely, looking very finished. It's quite a contrast to the front of the vehicle.
              Surprisingly, the interior hasn't been designed to Honda's usual standards, feeling overly plastic. The grey/silver gauges and toy-like shifter mounted on the dashboard lack the sophistication found in most Honda vehicles.
              From a quality standpoint, the plastic used in the cabin is average at best. Otherwise, the Pilot's build quality is perfectly respectable.

              PERFORMANCE:

              Equipped with a 3.5L V6 producing 250-hp and 253 lb-ft of torque and a five-speed automatic, the Pilot is not the most powerful vehicle in its class, and that's just fine. There's more than enough power and torque even when the SUV is loaded to capacity.

              The improvements in fuel efficiency over last year's Pilot come primarily from the use of Honda's Variable Cylinder management system, which saves fuel by using only three or four of the V6's cylinders based on power demands. A lot of automakers have similar systems, and Honda's is one of the best.


              The Pilot has a solid feel that you don't always find in crossover SUVs, but remains nimble for its size, with smooth and natural handling that suffers only from a bit of understeer. It's easily one of the best-handling SUVs on the road.
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              • #22
                Interior nou:

                http://www.canadaeast.com/front/article/592629

                2009 Honda Pilot Touring gets a great new cockpit !

                Ah, some fresh air! Honda's Pilot has recently undergone a much welcomed makeover. It comes after years unchanged as the SUV from a manufacturer who originally specialized in small cars and motorbikes.

                1 of 2





                ABOVE: The new Pilot puts design front and center on a higher level than the former. Dual exhaust, a Tonka-toy grille and angry-looking taillamps accent the overall chunky and tough appearance. Pilot once again occupies the rugged and truck-like styling corner of the overcrowded SUV market.RIGHT: The Pilot’s cabin is flexible, roomy and packed full of storage solutions







                The last Pilot was a conservative rig to say the least-- though it found its way into the driveways of many who bought into Honda's promise of reliable quality.
                It was the perfect (and only) Honda for those who required a big machine to haul around their family, gear and toys.
                Despite a plain body and an interior scarcely more exciting than church, it boasted decent mileage, plenty of room and easy, all-weather operation.
                The new Pilot puts design front and center on a higher level than the former. Dual exhaust, a Tonka-toy grille and angry-looking taillamps accent the overall chunky and tough appearance.
                Pilot once again occupies the rugged and truck-like styling corner of the overcrowded SUV market.
                It's inside where things have really been stepped up, though.
                The cabin now embraces a more modern design with its leather surfaces, metallic accents and high-depth, three-dimensional look.
                The instruments use a two-layer design that's back-lit in white, and they wouldn't look out of place on a high-precision laboratory instrument.
                There's an unbelievable amount of storage too-- with a clever pocket or cubby everywhere you'd think to reach.
                The adjustable, bin-like centre compartment contains cupholders, a change organizer and more than adequate room for a wallet, camera, mp3 player and more.
                There's a household outlet, 12-volt outlets, and an auxiliary stereo input, too.
                The second and third seating rows are easily folded flat when 7-passenger seating isn't required, and entry and exit are trouble-free for the first 5 on board.
                The tailgate is motorized, and can be opened and closed from the keyfob.
                The 'Touring' tester represented the Pilot at its most fully-loaded. With no selectable options, it included a flip-down DVD player, 6-CD changer, navigation system, voice command, Bluetooth phone, backup camera and a sunroof.
                A leather trimmed steering wheel houses a full set of controls for the stereo and phone, and a fully automatic climate control system keeps occupants at their desired temperatures.
                Complaints inside?
                The climate and audio controls are small, cluttered and hard to locate at first.
                It's a high tech and futuristic look, but not a layout conducive to quick, intuitive use. Also, visibility at the rear corners is limited.
                After personally testing the Pilot Touring on an 8 hour road trip with a nasty flu, your correspondent can vouch for the merits of its easy-to-use, handy and comfortable cabin. Heated seats put a pleasant end to the chills, too.
                Highway mileage will average about 13 L / 100km in cold weather driving.
                That's reasonable given the 250 horsepower on tap.
                Pilot's not the gutsiest vehicle in its class, even with a slight power bump from last year-- though it does turn in decent figures if driven gently.
                Body roll is kept well in check during quick corners, though the ride can feel excessively tough and truck-like over the rough stuff.
                Pilot doesn't exactly slice through the air either, a characteristic you'll hear as speeds exceed 110 km/h.
                The 3.5 litre VTEC V6 with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) uses trick valve timing and cylinder deactivation to ensure optimized efficiency.
                It's a smooth mill, and one that operates quietly in gentle driving but with a pleasing yelp when opened up.
                Power is channeled through Honda's Variable Torque Management (VTM) four wheel drive system, which operates as a front wheel drive until wheelspin kicks the rear axle into play.
                Traction is rarely an issue, though the system may allow plenty of front-wheel spin and torque-steer in some situations.
                A 'locking' setting can be engaged for off-road duties as needed.
                Ultimately, the sheer number of machines competing for your buck in this market is both a problem and a blessing.
                On one hand, it leaves shoppers with plenty of choice and often competitive pricing.
                On the other, it can make selecting the right machine a noggin-scratcher.
                Pilot Touring comes with no options to consider-which makes the selection and configuration process a breeze.
                In this comprehensive, fully-loaded trim level, it proves a welcomed evolution of the nameplate, as well as a logical step-up for the Honda enthusiast after a big family hauler.

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                • #23
                  In Rusia:

                  http://fkmotors.ru/cars/model.xgi?&m...ria_id=1493900


                  Elegance 3.5 5AT
                  1471000 руб.




                  Executive 3.5 5AT
                  1727000 руб.



                  1 rubla = 0.0947 lei

                  a = 139.303,70 lei

                  b = 163.546,90 lei
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                  • #24
                    2010 Honda Pilot Rolls In – Blink And You’ll Miss It !

                    http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/ma...-youll-miss-it

                    2010 Honda Pilot Touring
                    Enlarge Photo

                    The Honda Pilot underwent a major update only last year, with the mid-size SUV receiving a complete redesign, new trim levels and a more efficient powertrain. Not surprisingly, Honda has decided to leave the vehicle untouched for the 2010 model year, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot going for it.
                    Up against strong competitors like the Ford Edge, the popular Toyota Highlander, and the all-new Chevrolet Equinox, the 2010 Honda Pilot relies on its already strong reputation for efficiency, comfort, and quality, combining the appearance of a tough SUV with the practicality of a crossover.
                    Standard features across the line include a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine equipped with Honda’s cylinder shutdown technology and delivering a peak output of 250 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. This is matched to a five-speed automatic, with standard 2WD or optional 4WD modes available across the range. Emissions meet CARB's ULEV-2 rating, and the Pilot delivers fuel economy of 17/23/19 mpg (city/highway/combined) in 2WD guise, while the 4WD model slides in just below at 16/22/18 mpg. A 21-gallon fuel tank can comfortably provide a driving range of more than 400 miles on the highway.
                    The Pilot is once again available in four model choices (LX, EX, EX-L and Touring), each offered with standard air-conditioning, cruise control, a seven-speaker CD stereo, and 17-inch wheels. Inside, the vehicle emphasizes an expansive feel with an efficient and modern design that supplies 152.7 cubic feet of passenger space within three rows of seats offering plenty of space for up to eight adults.
                    All models, starting with the base LX, are also equipped with a standard towing receiver and a maximum tow rating of 4,500 pounds on 4WD models and 3,500 pounds on 2WD models. Other features include a tailgate with a lift-up glass hatch that makes quick access to the back of the vehicle easier, as well as hill-start assist to keep your rear bumper off the hood of the car behind you in steep driving.
                    EX adds a tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control and air filtration, a power driver’s seat with ten-way power adjustment with lumbar support, six-disc in-dash CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, body colored side mirrors and door handles, and roof rails.
                    Opt for the Pilot EX-L and you also get leather trim, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, a moonroof, a rear view camera, and an optional 9-inch display screen and DVD entertainment system.
                    Topping out the range is the Touring model, which adds satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, a power tailgate and an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system as well.

                    Aesthetically, the Pilot has always been a very boxy but mildly styled SUVnot a rugged, brutish brick like a Hummer, but more of a tall wagon. That car-like demeanor is what helped the first-generation Pilot break ground in the crossover SUV category back in 2002, and fortunately the latest model still has some of the visual appeal of a more rugged off-roader while holding on to its excellent ride quality and moderate size.
                    Prices rise slightly across the line for the 2010 Honda Pilot, now ranging from $27,895 for the 2WD Pilot LX to $38,645 for the 4WD Pilot Touring, excluding $710 destination.
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                    • #25
                      Priced: 2010 Honda Pilot !

                      http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=149586

                      TORRANCE, California — The 2010 Honda Pilot is just beginning to reach U.S. dealerships, with no discernible changes in styling or equipment but modest increases in the sticker prices.

                      Prices are up by $150-$300, depending on model. Stickers start at $27,895 for the Pilot 2WD LX and range up to $38,645 for the Pilot 4WD Touring, plus a $710 shipping charge. Other trim levels include EX and EX-L.

                      The Pilot continues to offer only a single engine, a 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, and a choice of two- or four-wheel drive.

                      Inside Line says: No changes, except on the window sticker. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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                      • #26
                        2009 Honda Pilot Touring 4WD - Long-Term Road Test Update !


                        http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ad_test_update



                        BY JOHN PHILLIPS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFFREY G. RUSSELL AND JORDAN BROWN
                        June 2009

                        Current Mileage/Months in Fleet: 13,000 miles/5 months
                        Average Fuel Economy/Range: 17 mpg/357 miles
                        Service: $144
                        Normal Wear: $0
                        Repair: $0

                        A Honda Pilot won a six-SUV comparo last November, in part because it possesses the torsional rigidity of an Arctic icebreaker. No surprise that this long-termer was hugely popular during last winter’s numerous blizzards, ably assisted by the locking function of its VTM-4 all-wheel drive, which can send max torque to the rear wheels at speeds up to 18 mph. Speaking of cool, the Pilot’s 50-button center stack allows the cabin temp to be set as low as 58 degrees. Which means the parka you were wearing when you first climbed in doesn’t have to come off 20 minutes into your commute.

                        So far, nothing has broken, nor have any rattles made themselves known. The needlessly complex center stack has drawn attention, and this SUV’s perceived bigness—not so much a perception, in fact, given its 4688 pounds—translates into a kind of awkwardness in urban environments, a trait we little noticed in previous one-or-two-week-long Pilot samples. Sixty mph arrives in 7.9 seconds. Patience is a virtue.
                        Specifications:


                        VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 8-passenger, 5-door wagon

                        PRICE AS TESTED: $39,165 (base price: $39,165)

                        ENGINE TYPE: SOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
                        Displacement: 212 cu in, 3471cc
                        Power (SAE net): 250 bhp @ 5700 rpm
                        Torque (SAE net): 253 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

                        TRANSMISSION: 5-speed manual

                        DIMENSIONS:
                        Wheelbase: 109.2 in Length: 190.9 in Width: 78.5 in Height: 72.7 in Curb weight: 4688 lb

                        PERFORMANCE: NEW
                        Zero to 60 mph: 7.9 sec
                        Zero to 100 mph: 23.4 sec
                        Zero to 110 mph: 35.8 sec
                        Street start, 5–60 mph: 8.2 sec
                        Standing Ľ-mile: 16.3 sec @ 85 mph
                        Braking, 70–0 mph: 184 ft
                        Top speed (governor limited): 112 mph
                        EPA fuel economy, city/highway driving: 16/22 mpg
                        C/D observed fuel economy: 17 mpg
                        Unscheduled oil additions: 0 qt
                        WARRANTY:

                        3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper;
                        5 years/60,000 miles powertrain;
                        5 years/unlimited miles corrosion protection



                        The Pilot has required only one trip to the dealership, at 8664 miles, for routine service—oil and filter change, tire rotation, plus fresh differential fluid. Cost: $144.
                        __________________________________________





                        __________________________________________





                        __________________________________________





                        __________________________________________
                        Our Tony Swan was the first to use the Pilot as a tow vehicle, pulling his Honda S2000 race car to T.C. Kline’s shop in Columbus, Ohio. Race car and trailer together weighed 4600 pounds. “The Pilot does a good job with that kind of load,” Swan reported, “and is happy at speeds up to 75 mph. But there’s little power left over for passing on two-lanes. When we had our long-term Honda Ridgeline, it was the same story, understandable since both are pretty much the same powertrain and weight. I’d put the Pilot’s towing performance nearly on par with that of the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Sierra hybrids.”
                        The Pilot, based on the Acura MDX, is fitted with Honda’s cylinder-deactivation system, able to vary between three, four, and six slugs under differing loads. When the engine switches over, a green light on the dash illuminates. We don’t have any hypermilers on the staff, but the light does have the effect of subtly tempering fuelish driving behavior.
                        As summer arrives, we expect the Pilot will be reserved for vacations on a steady basis right through the fall. It’s already been reserved for a two-week Montana fishing trip in August—signed out by a driver who makes that trip annually and is notably picky about which all-wheel-drive wheels are most appropriate for the Bitterroot Mountains. Notable is the Pilot’s ability to wade through 19 inches of water.
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                        • #27
                          REVIEW: 2009 Honda Pilot EX

                          TEST DRIVE: Honda's Pilot project !

                          http://lfpress.ca/perl-bin/publish.c...67416&s=wheels


                          It's not that I had a bad time or that I've got anything against the 2009 Honda Pilot, but I was left feeling underwhelmed.

                          Glen Woodcock


                          Honda Pilot EX's handling is as good as its looks; it's a good fit for large families. (Sun Media)

                          That may be a little unfair to Honda's medium-priced people mover.

                          Because I live in the middle of nowhere at the end of a steep, 110-metre driveway, I need to be sure I can remain mobile through the winter.

                          So for my weekly testers during the winter, I try to book nothing but SUVs, crossovers and all-wheel-drive vehicles. And, quite frankly, I'm tired of them.

                          My week with Pilot came after a long string of SUVs, in the last week of a cold and snowy winter.

                          As it turned out, the weather that week was balmy and I didn't need Pilot's four-wheel-drive system with variable torque management.

                          And I never need seating for more than four, so the standard third row -- and the extra bulk it requires -- was also lost on me.

                          This is the kind of rig Washington is criticizing GM for building, yet other makers haven't drawn the same ire.

                          Indeed, launch of the first-generation Pilot back in 2002 helped create a new segment of reasonably priced seven- and eight-passenger SUVs designed to get people out of the Detroit-dominated minivan segment.

                          Those original Pilots were built in Alliston; this new generation comes from Alabama. Has assembly quality suffered with the move? For instance, the plastic handle to raise the rear cargo floor cover was broken and the main trunk of the wiring harness was poorly wrapped in electrical tape with the last few centimetres exposed.

                          The base model is front-wheel drive, but all Pilots get the same 3.5-litre DOHC V6 and five-speed automatic with drive-by-wire throttle. Our tester was a middle-of-the-road EX loaded with standard convenience, safety and performance features.

                          Among new standards for 2009: the newest generation of Variable Cylinder Management (VCM); flip-up glass in the liftgate; integrated tow hitch; hill start assist; active head restraints for front-seaters; and tilting/telescoping steering column.

                          Pilot feels reasonably quick under hard acceleration, but its 0-100 km/h time of 8.8 seconds was the slowest of seven in the best new SUV/CUV ($35,000-$60,000) class at last year's car and truck of the year competition staged by the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada.

                          Its 80-120 km/h time of 7.5 seconds was slowest, too, and its 100-0 stopping distance of 47.1 metres, longest.

                          Though Pilot moves a lot of air at highway speeds, the cabin stays quite quiet. Combined with an excellent ride, improved this year by a 75mm longer wheelbase and redesigned unit body construction, Pilot is a very comfortable long-distance cruiser.

                          And there's more than enough room for family gear. With the third row of seats up, cargo space is 595 litres. Overall passenger volume has grown to about 3,060 L.

                          All controls -- for sound system, climate, etc. -- are easy to understand and use.

                          There are bins and receptacles everywhere -- eight, counting door pockets, for the front seats alone -- which give the interior a bit of a cluttered look, but are handy.

                          Fuel use wasn't out of line with similar vehicles, but despite my effort to drive for maximum economy, the green "Eco" light on the panel was off more than on in the hilly country where I live.

                          To sum up, our test Pilot had nice wheels, nice paint and a nice colour. It also was reasonably quick, extremely comfortable, thoroughly competent -- and totally unnecessary for all but the largest families.

                          It's proof Honda's future still lies with smart, sassy small car like Civic and Fit, not seven-passenger SUVs.

                          --- --- ---

                          Fact file

                          2009 Honda Pilot EX :

                          As tested (pre-tax)
                          : $42,220

                          Freight: $1,560

                          Layout: Front engine/4WD

                          Engine/transmission: 3.5-litre V6/five-speed automatic

                          Power/torque: 250 hp/253 lb.-ft.

                          EnerGuide fuel ratings (L/100 km): 13.1 city, 9.1 highway

                          Observed economy (L/100 km): 12.1 over 390 km

                          Warranty: 3 yr./60,000 km basic, 5 yr./100,000 km powertrain

                          Strengths: Ride, passenger and cargo space

                          Weaknesses: Tricky rear hatch opener, difficult to parallel park

                          --- --- ---

                          Report card (out of 5)

                          Economy
                          3.5

                          Value for $ 3.5

                          Styling 3.0

                          Comfort 4.0

                          Performance 3.5

                          Overall 3.5




                          E-MAIL: Glen Woodcock

                          RESEARCH YOUR NEW CAR: autonet.ca/HondaPilot
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                          • #28
                            2010 Pilot still leading the way !


                            G. Chambers Williams - G. Chambers Williams III

                            With its second generation introduced just last year, the Honda Pilot returns mostly unchanged for 2010, and remains one of the best family crossover utility vehicles among a field of competitors that continues to grow.
                            Also a top seller in the segment, the Pilot is nearly as elegant and well-equipped as its premium-brand counterpart, the Acura MDX. Together, these two vehicles pretty much set the standard for the entire crossover segment.
                            They combine Honda quality and longevity with some of the best family-friendly comfort and safety features available from any manufacturer, creating what arguably could be called the perfect around-town or cross-country people hauler.
                            And even though the Pilot, as with most crossovers, is not designed for serious off-road exploring, it can hold its own on most semi-rugged (but regularly maintained) state and national park roads when equipped with the optional all-wheel drive.
                            Honda says the vehicle “combines carlike road manners and around-town driving ease with the most sought-after SUV traits by virtue of its spacious interior, rugged character and all-weather confidence.”
                            “The Pilot crossover offers practical SUV capabilities with the driving sophistication and refinement that people expect from a Honda,” said Honda's chief product planner, Vicki Poponi.
                            “The combination of spacious eight-passenger seating, a comfortable ride and advanced fuel-saving technology help make the Pilot one of the most accommodating vehicles for children, work, errands and for longer trips with family and friends,” Poponi said.
                            That eight-passenger seating is one of the best attributes of the Pilot, considering that some of its midsize competitors have room for just five passengers, and others stop at seven. Both rear seats hold up to three people, although as in most of the midsize models, the third seat is most comfortable for children rather than adults. (To get a third-row seat that adults will enjoy pretty much requires an upgrade to a large crossover such as the Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook/Buick Enclave or the Ford Flex.)
                            Four trim levels of the Pilot are offered: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring, and all-wheel drive is optional on all four.
                            The base LX two-wheel drive lists for $27,695 (plus $710 freight), and the base all-wheel-drive LX is $29,295. Prices range as high as $40,055 for the fully equipped all-wheel-drive Touring model with navigation and a rear DVD entertainment system.
                            Under the hood of the Pilot is a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that has a fuel-saving feature called Variable Cylinder Management. This system automatically shuts off up to three of the cylinders during highway cruising, which helps give the Pilot its EPA highway rating of 23 miles per gallon in the front-wheel-drive model, and 22 with the all-wheel drive. City ratings are 17 mpg for the front-wheel drive and 16 for the all-wheel drive.
                            Still, these ratings are not quite as good as those of some competitors, including the two-wheel-drive Traverse (and its siblings) and Flex, both rated at 24 mpg highway without cylinder deactivation. The competing Toyota Highlander, with room for seven, has higher city and highway ratings than the Pilot, 18/24 (two-wheel drive) with its V-6 engine — and a new four-cylinder version will raise those numbers even higher.
                            The optional Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive is designed to improve traction mostly in rain or snow, but also gives the car some off-road capability. There is no transfer case to provide low-range gearing for extreme trail driving, but the five-speed automatic transmission has a lock mode that provides maximum torque in first and second gears, up to 18 mph, to simulate low range, helping the vehicle extricate itself from mudholes or allowing it to negotiate some steep inclines.
                            Ground clearance isn't quite up to serious off-road standards, though — it's just 8 inches. That precludes the kind of rock-crawling that some of the true sport utility vehicles are capable of.
                            Honda notes that the Pilot has a “garage-friendly exterior size of less than 16 feet, requiring less space to park compared to other popular eight-passenger SUVs by a margin of 10 inches, and in some cases up to 2 feet.” Despite the shorter length, the vehicle has a roomy interior — providing 152.7 cubic feet of passenger space.
                            As with other family-friendly Honda vehicles, the Pilot has lots of interior storage areas, including adjustable compartments in the console between the front seats that can hold small to large items (from cell phones to large purses).
                            A wide center stack in the dash provides easy access by the driver or front passenger to the controls for the audio, heating/air conditioning and optional navigation systems.
                            Up front are quite comfortable bucket seats, while the second and third rows have bench seats with a 60/40 split-folding feature. The second row seat can be moved forward easily for access to the third row.
                            Four child seat LATCH anchors are provided, three in the second row and one in the third row, making this a great vehicle for big families with small kids.
                            Behind the third seat is a 20.8-cubic-foot cargo area, which is larger than that found in most midsize SUVs with a third seat. It includes a hidden 2.8-cubic-foot storage well.
                            When the rear seats aren't needed for passengers, they can be folded flat into the floor to create up to 87 cubic feet of cargo space, and it's wide enough to accommodate items up to 4 feet wide.
                            Honda is at the head of the pack in safety in all of its family vehicles. The Pilot has Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, which is designed to make the vehicle match the bumper heights of most other vehicles on the road.
                            Among standard safety tools are electronic stability control; three-row side-curtain air bags with rollover sensor; driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side air bags; active front head restraints; and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist.
                            This generation of the Pilot has been designated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the vehicle received the best possible (five-star) ratings in front- and side-crash safety tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
                            Among standard amenities on the base model, are front and rear air conditioning with air filtration, keyless entry, tilt and telescopic steering column, cruise control, power windows/mirrors/door locks, AM/FM/compact-disc audio system with seven speakers (including subwoofer) and the Radio Data System, trip computer, digital compass, automatic headlights, heat-rejecting tinted glass and integrated tow-hitch receiver.
                            The Pilot can tow up to 3,500 pounds with two-wheel drive and 4,500 with all-wheel drive.
                            The EX model brings tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control and air filtration, a 10-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, a six-disc in-dash CD changer, security system, XM radio, body-color side mirrors and door handles, alloy wheels, roof rails, fog lights, exterior temperature indicator and a universal garage opener.
                            With the EX-L comes all of those features plus leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, four-way power front passenger seat, one-touch power moon roof, acoustic windshield glass, automatic-dimming rearview mirror with rearview camera display and the availability of the rear entertainment system with 9-inch screen, which also brings a premium audio system with 10 speakers and a 115-volt power outlet.
                            The Touring model offers the navigation system with rearview camera, premium audio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a USB audio interface, a multi-information display, corner and back-up sensors, exclusive alloy wheels, power tailgate and outside-mirror integrated turn signals.

                            Honda assembles the Pilot in Lincoln, Ala.


                            The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III appear Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Drive. Contact him at (210) 250-3236; chambers@express-news.net.
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                            • #29
                              2010 Honda Pilot Touring !

                              http://reviews.cnet.com/suv/2010-hon...?autoplay=true + VIDEO

                              Product summary:


                              The good: The rear entertainment system in the 2010 Honda Pilot allows for many different sources, and the audio system produces surprisingly distinct and strong sound. iPod integration is standard, and comes with a very usable onscreen interface.

                              The bad: The interface for cabin electronics suffers from too many buttons. Fuel economy from the 3.5-liter V-6 could be better.

                              The bottom line: The 2010 Honda Pilot provides room and entertainment for many passengers, but its cabin tech isn't of the highest caliber and innovative engine technologies don't deliver on their promise of increased fuel economy.

                              Specifications: Body style: SUV ; Available Engine: Gas See full specs

                              CNET editors' review:


                              • Reviewed by: Wayne Cunningham
                              • Reviewed on: 07/30/2009

                              Photo gallery:
                              2010 Honda Pilot Touring



                              Honda did a serious makeover on its Pilot last year, resulting in a big SUV with squared-off sides and room for seven passengers. We looked at a low-trim model last year, the 2009 Honda Pilot EX-L, and found it underwhelming due to poor fuel economy and a lack of tech options. This year, we're looking at the 2010 Honda Pilot Touring model with navigation and rear-seat entertainment, a trim level that makes up for the EX-L model's missing cabin tech.

                              Navigating the navigation:

                              The squarish design of the Pilot makes it almost seem like a parody of an SUV. The boxy styling is very intentional on the Pilot, and hearkens back to old Toyota Land Cruisers or Land Rovers. The grille does away with any fancy screen work in favor of a simple hexagon. Wide C and D pillars make the Pilot's cargo area look like a separate piece of the vehicle, a full-size model assembled in chunks.
                              But jumping into the cabin, we get a thoroughly different perspective, a heavy dose of Acura with the profusion of buttons on the steering wheel and stack, and most noticeably with the big joystick/knob used for controlling navigation and audio functions on the LCD. Unfortunately, this interface hasn't been particularly refined during its jump from Acura to Honda, so it keeps some of the flaws, such as the two sets of buttons for two different voice command systems.



                              This control knob has been used in Acura models for years.




                              As we get into the navigation system, we are greeted by the familiar graphics we've seen in other Honda and Acura models. But this navigation isn't up to the standards of the newest version, found in the 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD. The Pilot's system is DVD-based, which can mean slower response times, and it doesn't have any external information, such as traffic or weather. But among its points of interests it has Zagat ratings for restaurants, one of Honda's signature features for years.
                              Most Hondas use a touch-screen navigation system, but the physical controls in the Pilot work very well. We've always found them easy to manipulate in Acuras, and it's no different here. Likewise, the Pilot has Honda's excellent voice command system, our one complaint being that you use a separate set of buttons for the phone's voice command. The route guidance graphics are adequate with this navigation system, but there is no text-to-voice, meaning the system won't read out street names.
                              Among all those buttons on the stack is the shifter for the five-speed automatic transmission. Mounted on the dashboard instead of the console, the positioning seems a little odd, but we found no issue with the ergonomics. And while underway, we found little opportunity to use the shifter, as it doesn't have a manual mode. It does have three low ranges, primarily useful for hill descents or towing.

                              Looking for fuel economy:

                              As we began driving the Pilot, the 3.5-liter V-6, with its 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, proved more than adequate to get the truck moving. We wouldn't call it fast, but it didn't struggle, either. Behind the wheel, the 2010 Pilot showed very smooth operation, something we've come to expect from Honda. The transmission found its way into the right gears and the engine ticked over without complaint.



                              The shifter for the five-speed automatic is on the dashboard, next to the all-wheel-drive engagement button.




                              Honda puts a lot of tech into this engine, trying to wring out maximum efficiency. i-VTEC, which stands for intelligent valve timing and lift electronic control, regulates how the valves operate for different speeds. Honda also equips this engine with its variable cylinder management technology, which runs the engine on three or four cylinders under light loads, such as cruising down the freeway. That latter technology operated seamlessly, with no intrusion on the driving experience.
                              This engine tech only partially succeeds. Honda earns a ULEV II rating for emissions from the California Air Resources Board, an excellent achievement for a big SUV like the Pilot. Although EPA fuel economy figures are 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, during our driving it averaged only 15.6 mpg, with much of our time spent at freeway speeds of 70 to 80 mph.
                              The failure to hit that EPA range is largely due to higher speeds than the EPA's highway test cycle. With a sixth gear in the Pilot's transmission, it would do better on modern freeways, not requiring the engine to work as much. Likewise, Honda hasn't yet gone to direct injection, which could further improve its fuel economy.
                              The 2010 Pilot tries to train its drivers to be more eco-friendly with a little green Eco label that lights up on the instrument panel when you drive in a more fuel efficient manner. We generally saw it light up when coasting--just about any application of throttle turned it right back off.



                              With all-wheel-drive, the Pilot is set for light off-roading.




                              For a big SUV, the Pilot has a very un-truck-like suspension. It uses MacPherson struts in front and a multilink suspension in the rear, leading to a decent ride and accurate handling. As with most big vehicles like the Pilot, the steering is a little dead in the center, making for less work on long, straight highways. And, of course, it's no sports car--we weren't inclined to see how much it would tip in the corners. Our version also came with an all-wheel-drive system, activated by a button near the shifter. Honda calls it variable torque management, as it moves power around to the wheels that need it most.

                              Surprised by sound quality:

                              For safety on the road, Honda includes its Bluetooth hands-free phone system with the 2010 Pilot Touring model. We've seen this phone system before in other Honda models. It handles the basics, but isn't very advanced. It doesn't make use of the car's LCD, which does show navigation and audio information. Instead, if you tell it to make a call, the phone number shows up on a monochrome screen on the instrument panel.
                              With the rear-seat entertainment system present, the six-disc changer on the stack is accompanied by a DVD player, along with controls to power up the rear-ceiling-mounted screen. One particularly nice feature with the rear entertainment system is that back seat passengers can listen to a different audio source, or use the RCA and composite jacks on the back of the console to plug in MP3 and video players.



                              The rear-seat entertainment system can be used for music or video.




                              Honda is generous with the audio sources, and the interface makes selecting music easy. The six-disc changer reads MP3 CDs, allowing for an abundance of music. There is also satellite radio, but the most useful feature we found is the USB port in the console. It reads MP3s off of USB drives, or will handle an iPod cable. With an iPod plugged into the system, the onscreen interface shows lists of artists, albums, tracks, and genres.
                              Having the rear-seat entertainment system gave us an unexpected bonus--a beefed-up audio system delivering excellent sound quality. This system uses 10 speakers, as opposed to the standard 7, and 512 watts of amplification. Along with door speakers and tweeters in the dashboard, it also gets a center channel, subwoofer, and two speakers mounted on the rear pillars, facing into the cabin for a surround effect. We found the sound quality surprisingly good, with distinct notes throughout the frequency range. Bass is very solid, yet doesn't overwhelm the other frequencies.

                              In sum:

                              The 2010 Honda Pilot Touring is one of the most tech-filled cars wearing the Honda badge, but that's not saying too much. The cabin tech, while very useful, falls short of what can be had in Honda's Acura brand. The two stand-out features were the iPod integration and the audio system, which owes its extra power and speakers to the rear entertainment system. On the performance side, we appreciate Honda's engineering, and the efficiency technologies used in the engine. But in real-world driving, the fuel economy just isn't that good. The smooth operation of the power train is a point in its favor. The interface design for the cabin electronics is problematic, as it has been in Acura models. Too many buttons show the need for simplification.



                              Spec box:

                              Model 2010 Honda Pilot
                              Trim Touring AWD with navigation and rear seat entertainment
                              Powertrain 3.5-liter V-6
                              EPA fuel economy 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway
                              Observed fuel economy 15.6 mpg
                              Navigation DVD-based
                              Bluetooth phone support Standard
                              Disc player Six CD changer with MP3 support, DVD player
                              MP3 player support iPod integration
                              Other digital audio Satellite radio, USB drive
                              Audio system 10 speaker, 512 watts
                              Driver aids Rearview camera, sonar object detection
                              Base price $40,245
                              Price as tested $40,955
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                              • #30
                                2010 Honda Pilot Review !

                                http://www.thecarconnection.com/full...nda_pilot_2010


                                STYLING | 7 out of 10:
                                Expert Quotes:
                                More muscular caricature of its predecessor
                                Automobile
                                big, ugly grille—a visual sore point—is less garish if you pick a slate or silver vehicle
                                USA Today
                                Bluff and hearty
                                Edmunds
                                The 2010 Honda Pilot won't blend in with the crowd, that's for sure. But you'll have to decide whether the Pilot's controversial grille and chunky, sometimes overwrought styling fits you or is just too over-the-top.
                                Edmunds notes that the new Pilot “tries hard to look more like a utility and less like a minivan,” and they call the look “bluff and hearty, like an American wearing a simple white T-shirt,” but point out its “self-consciously truck-style grille that strikes the same note of authenticity as a sumo wrestler wearing a belt buckle from the Salinas Rodeo.”
                                Automobile reports that the new Pilot “looks like a more muscular caricature of its predecessor, with enormous headlights, a menacing grille, and thick C-pillars.” BusinessWeek finds the Pilot “boxy-looking (and, to my eye, stodgy)."
                                Most reviewers focus on the grille for critical comments. USA Today thinks the Pilot is “not swoopy and sexy like the CX-9, nor graceful like the GM's GMC/Saturn models,” in part because of its “big, ugly grille—a visual sore point.” They also consider the Pilot’s proportions “off a bit,” though Cars.com thinks there are some “interesting angles in the liftgate near the taillamps.” Car and Driver contends that “there are more right angles on the thing than you’ll find in a T-square factory,” and the Detroit News adds, “None of its edges are sharp; instead, it's soft and curvy.”
                                Reviewers point to the often-overwrought details of the Pilot's interior, and not always in a positive sense. Motor Trend says the “center stack layout [is] a trifle busy, especially in Touring trim,” and The Detroit News observes that the “center stack, when the navigation system is included, becomes a confusing mess of buttons, switches and knobs.”
                                Although TheCarConnection.com's editors find the instrument panel in the 2010 Honda Pilot to be overly cluttered, at least in initial feel, several reviewers like the look and the layout. Motor Trend thinks its “3D-look analog gauges” are “highly legible,” but Cars.com spotlights the “new dash” and its “white-faced gauges and translucent turquoise trim,” and thinks “the design works well.”

                                Conclusion
                                The 2010 Honda Pilot goes off in its own very polarizing direction; you'll likely either love it or hate it.


                                PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10:
                                Expert Quotes:
                                even more surefooted demeanor
                                Motor Trend
                                engine can run on either three, four, or all six cylinders
                                Automobile
                                ample power and fine throttle response
                                ConsumerGuide
                                transmission never made a harsh shift
                                USA Today
                                The 2010 Honda Pilot performs well—indeed, much better than its tall, boxy silhouette might indicate.
                                The 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and five-speed automatic transmission that come in all Pilots deliver just enough power, according to most reviewers, though the Pilot isn't quick. “With as much as 4,600 pounds to motivate," Automobile says, “Honda figures you'll need something useful from under the hood.” However, the Pilot’s “power arrives a little farther around the tachometer dial than you'd like, and since there are only five speeds in the transmission with which to find it, you have to work the throttle pedal kind of hard to get there.” Motor Trend agrees that power “peaks at a somewhat heady 4800 rpm.”
                                ConsumerGuide goes against the grain here, reporting that the engine “has ample power and fine throttle response in both city and highway driving.” USA Today thinks the “engine sounds sweet when spurred and has a jump-and-run persona.”
                                Automobile points out that the Pilot’s V-6 has “VCM (variable cylinder management),” which means “the engine can run on either three, four, or all six cylinders, depending on how much power is needed,” although TheCarConnection.com notes that even as such, the 2010 Pilot is rated at just 16 mpg city, 22 highway with 4WD. USA Today “managed only about 15 to 19 miles per gallon in various uses — typical but not exceptional for midsize crossover SUVs.”
                                Nearly everyone considers the transmission smooth and responsive. The Detroit News feels that the five-speed automatic transmission “seemed to find its gears smoothly under heavy acceleration,” while Cars.com reports that “during the entirety of my drive, the transmission never made a harsh shift and always seemed to be in the right gear.” USA Today notes that “the only hiccup was a jolt when it shifted simultaneously with cylinders shutting off or kicking in.” ConsumerGuide calls it “smooth and responsive,” adding that it “occasionally hunts for the ideal gear.”
                                By nearly all accounts, the 2010 Honda Pilot handles well. The Pilot “never loses its composure,” ConsumerGuide reports, while USA Today says its “steering stayed on-center nicely and was properly responsive upon command.” However, the paper remarks that the Pilot’s “ride was an odd mix of accommodating smoothness on most surfaces but jerky harshness on slow bumps.” Cars.com asserts that the “Pilot managed to impress on the ride and handling front,” though “steering feel is a little vague when turning the wheel left or right from the straight-ahead position.”
                                USA Today adds that “the handling that's important to most people most of the time—maneuvering in tight spots and parking in crowded lots—was excellent because of a compact turning circle and good visibility.”
                                Few reviewers had much to say about the available all-wheel-drive system, which Honda designates as 4WD. It doesn’t have a low range, but there's a Lock mode for use at low speeds. It can “impart a more confident feel in rain or snow conditions,” notes Edmunds, contending that it's “exquisitely simple and completely affordable, if not exactly trail-rated.”
                                Conclusion
                                The 2010 Honda Pilot doesn't handle with any feeling of sportiness, but its powertrain is reasonably responsive and smooth.


                                COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10
                                Expert Quotes:
                                a quiet and solid crossover
                                ConsumerGuide
                                seats “a bit stiff to operate
                                USA Today
                                better accommodations across the board
                                Motor Trend
                                third row has “adult-size space
                                Edmunds
                                In summing up the interior of the 2010 Honda Pilot, reviewers report good interior space and a usable third-row seat but take some issue with interior materials.
                                For 2009, Honda “added 2.9 inches to the length and wheelbase, made it 1.0 inch wider and nearly an inch taller,” Motor Trend reports. “Collectively, the changes upped cabin volume by 4.1 cubic feet.”
                                For a vehicle of this size, it's unusual to have a third row that can be used by adults, but Honda has done it. Edmunds clarifies that Honda creates a space for adults "by raising the hip point of the seat itself, so there are 1.9 inches more legroom and a far more comfortable seating position.” The Detroit News also points to the impressive third-row space: “As a full-size adult, I could climb back into the third row with little hassle and fit comfortably there.” Motor Trend agrees; “Still best for a trio of younger folk, the innermost sanctum now truly is capable of carrying two average adults in reasonable comfort,” they attest. Only Cars.com differs on this point, with the reviewer feeling that it is “still on the small side for adults.”
                                Moving up to the second row of the 2010 Pilot, the Detroit News reports, “The second row felt spacious and the front offered lots of room,” and Motor Trend notes it “retains 3.0 inches of basic fore/aft adjustability.” USA Today thinks the “second row slides fore-aft and has good leg and knee space,” but the seat’s folding features are “a bit stiff to operate.”
                                Meanwhile, those in the front seats are likely to be comfortable even for long road trips. “Its well-formed front buckets gain an extra 20 mm of seat travel, and the driver's perch power-adjusts on all but the LX,” states Motor Trend. The Pilot also gets “a steering column that now tilts and telescopes,” they note. Cars.com says the “front bucket seats have moderately firm cushioning that proved comfortable.”
                                Storage inside the 2009 Honda Pilot is made easy with two rows of folding seats in back, and numerous storage bins, along with the cargo area behind the third-row seat. In eight-seat configuration, the Pilot still has “class-leading 20.8 cubic feet of rear stow room, including a 2.8-cubic-foot concealed underfloor bin,” Cars.com says, and “47.7/87.0 cubic feet with one or both back rows flopped.” The third-row seat folds completely into the floor of the Pilot, sources add, and there’s space enough “for a couple golf bags or a folded stroller behind the 3rd row,” ConsumerGuide promises, also noting that “ample small-items storage includes a versatile front console, two-tier front-seatback pouches, and plenty of compartments and cubbies.”
                                Honda has a reputation for quality, but the interior of the 2010 Honda Pilot falls off a bit in the details. Some trim pieces are noticeably cheaper than in the past, and Cars.com observes "an exposed cutline in one of the dash pieces and a slightly misaligned trim piece on the instrument panel hood.” They also point out the dash plastic is “hard to the touch, which is unusual considering that many automakers are using soft-touch materials in cabin designs.” ConsumerGuide also notes the “abundance of hard plastic trim.” Only Automobile Magazine comments on the interior materials in a positive light, saying that “its thick-rimmed steering wheel and supportive seats make the Toyota [Highlander]'s cockpit feel cheap by comparison.”
                                Conclusion
                                The 2010 Honda Pilot has great seats and the space to accommodate adults in all three rows, but it's not perfect when it comes to materials and interior details.

                                SAFETY | 9 out of 10:
                                Expert Quotes:
                                Five stars, frontal and side impact tests
                                NHTSA
                                Good," frontal offset, side, and rear tests
                                IIHS
                                high-strength-steel content in the unit body jumped from 13 to 52 percent—the most in any current Honda
                                Motor Trend
                                The 2010 Honda Pilot has achieved only the top ratings in all categories of crash testing from both the federal government and the insurance industry. In NHTSA (federal) tests, the Pilot achieved five-star protection in all frontal and side tests, and it got top "good" ratings from the insurance-supported IIHS in frontal offset, side, and rear tests. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick for 2009, an accolade that it's expected to also get for 2010.
                                Safety gear in the 2010 Honda Pilot includes “antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, side-impact airbags for the front seats, three-row side curtain airbags, and active head restraints for the front seats,” Cars.com reports. It also offers Brake Assist, which The Detroit News says “uses a computer to determine if the driver is slamming on the brakes and then increases brake pressure electronically to help provide maximum stopping power.”
                                Visibility can be an issue in the 2010 Honda Pilot, depending on the size and seating position of the driver. “Thick rear roof pillars block the driver's view to the rear corners,” ConsumerGuide observes, “but large windows and typically tall SUV driving stance mean good visibility otherwise.” USA Today adds that “the high hood line that accommodates the big grille makes it hard to see where the path goes when cresting an off-pavement hill.”

                                A backup camera is standard on the 2010 Honda Pilot EX-L and Touring models with the nav system. On models without navigation, the available rearview camera projects an image into “a small screen on the inside rearview mirror,” USA Today says. “Never did seem as intuitive as the big-screen backup image.”
                                Conclusion
                                Top crash-test results and a full range of safety features in the stout 2010 Honda Pilot promise excellent protection, with visibility the only concern.

                                FEATURES | 7 out of 10:
                                Expert Quotes:
                                doesn't serve budget-minded buyers
                                Cars.com
                                superbly redesigned center console
                                Motor Trend
                                Touring is “most expensive Pilot ever
                                BusinessWeek
                                If you're happy with some of the most popular conveniences, the standard-features list is quite complete in the 2010 Honda Pilot, and it excels with plenty of handy interior storage options. If, however, you're tempted by some of the options, they might only be available in the more expensive models.
                                Families will be happy to see that the interior of the 2010 Honda Pilot handles most needs when organizing and stowing toys, electronics, and other loose items. Motor Trend reports that the Pilot has a “superbly redesigned center console that provides twice the capacity of any competitor's, multiple bins, supersize cupholders, [and] 12V powerpoints.” The Detroit News also notes that the standard feature list for the 2009 Honda Pilot includes "a flip-up glass hatch on the back door; integrated tow hitch; hill start assist; four car-seat latches,” as well as a “tilt and telescopic steering wheel.”
                                If your shopping list includes a number of must-have tech features, you might be disappointed to find that you'll have to move up to the more expensive EX-L and Touring models to get popular items like Bluetooth, a power tailgate, or a navigation system. Also, the Touring model is the only Pilot to get a USB port that teams up with Apple’s iPod to integrate your music library with the crossover’s sound system.
                                Cars.com lays out the case against Honda’s packaging of options: “Rather than being optional equipment that you can add to any trim level, many popular features are limited to more expensive trims.” Features like a power moonroof and a DVD entertainment system are “only available on the top two trims, EX-L and Touring.”
                                “While this feature-allocation strategy may be fine for buyers looking for a higher-end Pilot,” Cars.com argues, “it doesn't serve budget-minded buyers who aren't eager to step up to a higher trim level just to get one feature they're interested in.” BusinessWeek points out that the Touring edition “will sell for about $40,000, making it the most expensive Pilot ever.”
                                Conclusion
                                The 2010 Honda Pilot has an extensive list of standard features, but those who want popular tech features are going to have to make some tough choices on whether they'll spend thousands extra for them.

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