Honda Pilot - un altfel de SUV

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  • #31
    Honda posts double-digit sales jump for Alabama-made Pilot SUV:


    http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2009/11/honda_posts_double-digit_sales.html



    Pilot Touring among best crossovers:

    http://www.middletownjournal.com/lebanon-ohio-cars/auto-news/car-review-1car-review-1-pilot-touring-among-best-crossovers-387409.html





    2010 Honda Pilot: Spread your wings:

    http://www.startribune.com/cars/buy/69151987.html?elr=KArksCiUo3PD:3D_V_qD3L:c7cQKUiD3 aPc:_Yyc:aUU




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    • #32
      YouTube - 2010 Honda Pilot Tour from DCH Honda of Temecula
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      • #33
        YouTube - Honda Pilot 2010






        YouTube - New Honda Pilot 2010 Test FULL HD[/URL]
        tokyodream
        Senior Member
        Last edited by tokyodream; 23-02-10, 19:50.
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        • #34
          No asta da autobuz... si la numa 25000 de euroi...
          http://hondafan.etp.ro/gallery/v/den1grator/

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          • #35
            Pilot merges family utility with elegance


            http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/...entry_id=59572



            The 2011 model of Honda's popular midsize crossover, the Pilot, went on sale this past week with a starting price of $28,045 (plus $710) freight, and ranging as high as $40,395 for the fully equipped Touring model.
            Now in its second generation, the Pilot — which was redesigned for 2009 — remains one of the best family vehicles among a field of competitors that continues to grow.
            For 2011, the Pilot's navigation system is available in the midlevel EX-L model. The system was available only in the top-of-the-line Touring model for 2010.
            A top seller in its segment, the Pilot is nearly as elegant and well-equipped as its premium-brand counterpart, the Acura MDX.
            With room for up to eight people, the Pilot combines Honda quality and longevity with some of the best family-friendly comfort and safety features available, creating a near-perfect around-town or cross-country people hauler.
            As with most crossovers, the Pilot is not designed for serious off-road exploring, but it can hold its own on maintained state and national park roads when equipped with the optional all-wheel drive.
            “The Pilot emphasizes safety, versatile cargo areas and comfortable space for adults and children, while also providing a smart balance between all-weather capabilities, refined driving dynamics and overall fuel efficiency,” said Vicki Poponi, American Honda's assistant vice president for product planning.
            It's quite roomy and comfortable, with nearly 153 cubic feet of passenger space — and a cargo area that can expand to 87 cubic feet with the middle and rear seats folded. 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.
            Some of its competitors, such as the Ford Edge and Jeep Grand Cherokee, have room for only five passengers. But the Pilot, which is based on the same architecture as the Honda Odyssey minivan, makes very efficient use of its boxy cabin.
            Both rear seats hold up to three people, although as in most of the midsize crossovers, the third seat is best left to children. For a third seat roomy enough for adults, consumers need to switch to a large crossover such as the Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave or Ford Flex or choose a full-size traditional SUV such as the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban or Ford Expedition.
            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 is the one that lists for $28,045, and the all-wheel-drive LX is $29,645. The midlevel EX begins at $30,895 with front drive and $32,495 with all-wheel drive. It goes as high as $37,595 with all-wheel drive and navigation.
            The Touring model is $38,795 with front drive, navigation and a rear entertainment system, and the $40,395 brings the Touring all-wheel-drive with navigation and entertainment system.
            All models come with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine rated at 250 horsepower and 253 foot-pounds of torque. It comes with 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 mpg in the front-wheel-drive model and 22 with the all-wheel drive. City ratings are 17 mpg for the front-drive and 16 for the all-wheel drive.
            These ratings are not quite as high as those of some competitors, including the two-wheel-drive Traverse (and its siblings) and Flex, both rated at 24 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 is rated at 20/27.
            The optional Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive is designed to improve traction mostly in rain or snow, but it 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 mud holes or allowing it to negotiate some steep inclines.
            Pilot's ground clearance isn't up to serious off-road standards — it's just 8 inches. That precludes the kind of serious four-wheeling that some of the sport utility vehicles are capable of.
            The vehicle's length is less than 16 feet, which makes it shorter and easier to park than some of its eight-passenger competitors. Some are even as much as 2 feet longer. Honda says the vehicle is “garage friendly.”
            There are various 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.
            In front are 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.
            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 features 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 antilock 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.
            Standard amenities on the base model include 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 trizone 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 and automatic-dimming rearview mirror with rearview camera display.
            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 backup 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 the Express-News Drive section. Contact him at (210) 250-3236; chambers@express-news.net.


            Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/...#ixzz0j1f1VfTR
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            • #36
              Why Everyone Should Drive a Honda Pilot


              http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...ot.html?cat=27

              The Honda Pilot has been the best SUV and the best vehicle that I have ever owned. Being a mother of two children and one large dog, I would recommend the Honda Pilot to anyone looking for a spacious family vehicle that is also durable and dependable. As a family, we are so happy with the Pilot that both my husband and I drive one. Whether we are going on vacation, or bringing things home from the home improvement store, the Pilot offers space and luxury for all of your riding needs.

              Although I drive a 2009 Pilot, my husband has our first Pilot, the 2005 version. Doing a lot of traveling in his line of work, the vehicle has accumulated over 125,000 miles on it since we have purchased it. Never has it once broken down on him or me, or has it left us stranded somewhere. We service the vehicle regularly with oil changes, tires, and normal maintenance routines, but so far we have not had to replace anything of major value, like a transmission or motor. We live in Ohio and get plenty of snow, and the vehicle still has no rust. The interior has also held up nicely with no tears or broken pieces.

              The 2009 Pilot has also been great so far. The all wheel drive model has front and rear obstacle protection, ABS, anti-skid protection, traction control, front and curtain side airbags, and many other convenient additions like a rear automated tailgate. It also has the cylinder deactivation, which will shut down cylinders when the vehicle is set on cruise control to help save fuel. The cross over SUV seats 6-8 people with third row seating. There are many different options on the inside, including wireless cell phone portability and a navigation system.

              Space is definitely not an issue with this vehicle. I have no problem fitting two car seats, sports bags, a week's worth of groceries, two adults, and our golden doodle all into the car at the same time. The Honda Pilot also offers many top safety pick features that allows me to drive at ease knowing that I am driving a vehicle that is safe for my family.

              This vehicle is great for families that need a vehicle that is safe, provides plenty of space, is dependable, and has great longevity. You will be able to drive your Pilot for years, and never worry about a thing.
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              • #37
                Mama, ce merge asta pe santier....cum naiba fac si eu rost de una?

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                • #38
                  trage o fuga in Ucraina


                  sau:

                  http://www.masini2.com/anunturi/rmha48/

                  DEALERI masini din SUA:

                  http://www.hondafan.ro/forum/showthread.php?t=3987
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                  • #39
                    Honda Pilot 2012 launched in Saudi Arabia:

                    http://arabnews.com/economy/corporat...icle563394.ece
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                    • #40
                      Honda Pilot Receives "Family Car of the Year" Award From Cars.com :

                      http://www.abc12.com/story/16534596/...d-from-carscom
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                      • #41
                        Honda Pilot Takes Flight

                        http://www.pe.com/cars/cars-headlines-index/20120201-honda-pilot-takes-flight.ece

                        Already one of the industry’s top selling crossover SUVs, the full-size Honda Pilot received a minor freshening for 2012 to help it remain competitive in a highly contested market segment.
                        Exterior changes are limited to a new front fascia that features a three-bar grille and revised head lamps, with an aggressive looking lower front air dam that help give it a more contemporary appearance. This helps counter what remains boxy old-school SUV styling that flies in the face of modern crossover designs featuring sleeker roof lines. Many buyers still prefer the burly truck-like look, however, and the upright horizontal design has the benefit of maximizing the vehicle’s rear-seat headroom and cargo space.
                        Inside the Pilot’s nicely finished cabin, a revised dashboard and instrument panel help keep things refreshingly simple. The white-faced gauge cluster is large and legible, and while the center stack of controls looks complex at first glance, most systems remain governed by good old analog buttons and dials that are logically arranged and easy to operate, even while wearing gloves. The EX-L and navigation system-equipped models include a large color “iMID” display and steering wheel-mounted controls.
                        With the automatic transmission lever handily located on the dashboard, the center console affords large cup holders and abundant covered storage areas.
                        The Pilot’s eight-passenger cabin is roomy and comfortable, though taller drivers may find themselves wanting a bit more seat travel. Second-row seat room is ample for three adults, with 38.5 inches of legroom and both fore/aft and reclining adjustments ensuring their comfort. The third-row seat is sufficiently roomy for carpooling the kids’ teammates to and from games. Cargo space is limited with the third-row seatbacks upright, though at 18 cubic feet it’s sufficient for most shopping trips. With the 60/40 split third-row seat folded flat this expands to 47.7 cubic feet of stowage and a whopping 87 cubic feet with both rows of seatbacks down.
                        The Pilot’s performance is about average among large crossovers, meaning those looking for anything resembling a sporty driving experience will need to look elsewhere. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine generates an adequate, though not exhilarating, 250 horsepower, and it can shut down select cylinders to maximize fuel economy, which for 2012 is up to 18/25-mpg city/highway. While much of the competition offers smoother six-speed automatic transmissions, the Pilot continues with only five speeds.
                        A well-balanced suspension delivers a smooth ride with the ability to soak up bumps and potholes nicely while maintaining secure handling, even while taking highway on-ramp curves at challenging speeds. The available all-wheel-drive system helps maintain optimal traction on slick or snowy pavement. We found the steering to be heavier than we’d like around town, however, and would have appreciated a bit more power boost at slower speeds, especially when parallel parking.
                        The Pilot comes well equipped even in its base version, with front-side and side-curtain airbags, keyless entry and cruise control. Unfortunately, as in other Honda models, aside from the AWD system, no individual options are offered. Thus, you’ll need to choose a higher trim level to obtain amenities like a navigation system, backup camera, backseat DVD system and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.
                        Even at that, the Pilot keeps close to the basics. While front heated seats are offered, they’re not available for the rear, nor are ventilated seats an option for summertime comfort. Ditto with some of the latest safety features fast becoming widely available, like blind spot and lane-departure warning systems.
                        Still, for those who like to keep things simple, the Honda Pilot delivers value-packed family transportation. Sticker prices start at $28,470 for the base front-drive LX and run as high as $40,820 for a fully equipped all-wheel-drive Touring model.
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                        • #42
                          2012 Honda Pilot Touring: Review notes

                          http://www.autoweek.com/article/2012...IEWS/120319927

                          EDITOR WES RAYNAL: What was that old Volvo ad tagline, "Boxy but good"? That's how I feel about the 2012 Honda Pilot Touring.

                          Personally, I like the chunky look, and I like driving these for the most part. I'm always struck by how smooth Honda engines are, and this is no exception. The V6 is sweet and smooth and the gearbox is silky--though only five speeds seem a little passé these days.

                          It rides and handles OK, and by that I mean it feels tight from a squeaks-and rattles-standpoint, though this is one SUV that I'd actually like to see get a slightly firmer suspension. This car feels a little mushy to me and a wee bit clumsy. In fact, except for the smooth V6, it's a bit un-Honda.

                          There's a ton of room inside and I generally like the design, though the center stack is ginormous, and I still think Honda puts too many buttons on there--witness our long-term Odyssey. Speaking of which, other than the Pilot's all-wheel drive, I don't really see an advantage over the Odyssey (except that in the marketplace, minivans are so unhip).

                          As for the $41,000 sticker, it seems high until I remember that the Nissan Murano that I drove the other day-which doesn't have a third row-is $3,000 more, the GMC Acadia Denali is $50,000-plus, and the Dodge Durango--which I really liked--is $6,000 more. So maybe this Pilot's as-tested price is not so bad after all.

                          Overall, I think the Ford Explorer and the Durango have surpassed the Honda now.

                          ROAD TEST EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: Currently in its second generation, the Pilot received a number of updates for the 2012 model year. On the outside, the SUV got a revised front fascia complete with a new three-bar grille, air dam and wheel designs. The interior sports new gauges, trim colors and a reconfigured center stack that Honda says is more intuitive. For a quieter ride, the body-seam sealing on the unibody connection points was upgraded and new rear-suspension subframe mounts were added, along with body-seam sealants, beefed-up sound-deadening materials and acoustic windshield.

                          From behind the wheel, all of those quieting measures appeared to work. The cabin is buttoned up well from road noise and wind noise to allow for a passenger over the weekend to drift off for a short nap during an expressway run. I would say the ride can be considered carlike, which is in stark contrast to its boxy, trucklike looks. At 80 mph, the Pilot is smooth.

                          Around corners, it doesn't fall over onto its side and feels surefooted for a 4,600-pound vehicle with a high center of gravity. But I do agree with Wes that the Pilot could benefit from slightly stiffer suspension tuning, while maintaining good ride quality. Steering is lightly weighted but responsive to help make the Pilot easy to maneuver around parking lots.

                          I've gone on record with my admiration for this 3.5-liter V6 numerous times, which also sees duty in the Odyssey and the Ridgeline. It's one of the slickest V6s out there, but the five-speed box is a bit of a disappointment when most competitors are rocking six-speed units. In mixed driving, I managed about 17 mpg to match the EPA city rating. On a tank driven almost entirely on the expressway with the cylinder deactivation and all, I saw 19.7 mpg. That's a far cry from the 24 mpg that the EPA gives the Pilot on the highway. I would guess an extra gear would help the Pilot squeak out an extra mpg or two.

                          To be fair, the Pilot, even with its five-speed gearbox, is still competitive with newer midsize-SUV offerings such as the Ford Explorer. When the Explorer is equipped with the 3.5-liter V6, six-speed automatic and AWD, the EPA rating for it in the city is 17 mpg and 23 mpg on the highway.

                          So the Pilot is a comfortable and flexible midsize SUV. The interior is built with nice materials, there are plenty of storage compartments in the massive center console and the seats are supportive and good over the long haul. And, even with the five-speed automatic, it returns competitive fuel-economy figures. I'm sure that Honda is working feverishly on that for the next -generation model, and improving fuel economy is probably at the top of the list of objectives. I guess we'll see when it gets here, which should be within the next couple of years. Until then, the current Pilot is a still more than a serviceable midsize-SUV soldier.

                          EXECUTIVE EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: The real question is, "How much are you willing to pay for your anti-mini vanity?" Secondary to that: "Do you really need all-wheel drive?"

                          The 2012 Honda Pilot Touring edition is a perfectly fine alternative to the Honda Odyssey Touring, offering many of the same features (navigation, rear-seat entertainment) and smart packaging (three rows of fold-flat seating for eight, shifter on the console), but you'll pay for your choice over the long haul.

                          Topping the list is fuel economy--we posted mpgs in the 17s to 19s with the Pilot, not quite the EPA-combined 20 mpg. Our long-term Odyssey averages 22 mpg consistently (smack on its EPA combined number)--a significantly better fuel number over the life of your stewardship. And if your driving includes lots of highway, consider the Pilot's 24 mpg highway versus Odyssey's 28 mpg. Three things--aerodynamics, AWD and what now seems like an antiquated five-speed automatic transmission--contribute to the Pilot's poorer showing.

                          In addition, though this Pilot is stable and quiet, the Odyssey is far more carlike in ride and handling. Finally, a minivan such as the Odyssey is so much more functional and flexible in use and passenger access, and it still includes ample ability to tow and haul loads.

                          All of that said, there's much to like about the Pilot as a reasonable option if you have to have a ute--good V6 power, good ride and bulletproof build quality. Other automakers have now caught up and passed Honda on these measures, however, offering more powerful and fuel-efficient V6s and turbo engines, six-speed automatics at minimum, along with all of the extras. Next time around, the Pilot needs a major makeover to jump back to the head of the class.

                          2012 Honda Pilot Touring

                          Base Price: $41,630

                          As-Tested Price: $41,630

                          Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; 4WD, five-speed automatic

                          Output: 250 hp @ 5,700 rpm, 253 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm

                          Curb Weight: 4,608 lb

                          Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 20/17.4 mpg

                          Options: None

                          For more information: Check out the 2012 Honda Pilot Touring at shopautoweek.com.
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                          • #43
                            http://www.telegram.com/article/2012...104019927/1237

                            2012 Honda Pilot has room to spare

                            Pop quiz: Are you familiar with the Honda Pilot? Don’t feel too bad if you’re not. Honda’s three-row SUV is overshadowed by its popular (and smaller) CR-V sibling as well as several newer and stylish competitors in its larger SUV class. So does this Pilot still have the right stuff?

                            Appearance: For 2012, the boxy Pilot gets a refreshed front fascia, some interior updates and 18-inch alloy wheels on some versions. The new three-bar grille is a big improvement over the thick, two-bar grille that contributed to the Pilot’s dated look.

                            Performance: Peter drove his family to Tallahassee in the Pilot and found it to be a roomy and comfortable ride. Sporty? Hardly, but a more-than-capable people mover and minivan alternative. Lyra’s experience was a bit different. She found the Pilot a bit top heavy — as you might expect from a boxy SUV — with too much body lean. She also felt the driving feel and acceleration were mundane with the Pilot’s 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6.

                            The transmission is a five-speed automatic in an era where the standard is six speeds. The steering feel is good for the 4,600-pound vehicle. We both found the brakes lacking for that weight, however, with a mushy feel. Our tester was a four-wheel-drive, but it’s definitely not for off-roading. Lyra liked that the Variable Torque Management automatically engages when you need more traction. There is also a manual VTM-4 lock for the rear differential to help you get out of any trouble. Lyra has used this feature in her Honda Ridgeline and found it helpful in situations where traction is limited and she is hauling her trailer. The Pilot also has Variable Cylinder Management that activates/deactivates cylinders for better fuel efficiency.

                            Interior: There have been criticisms recently that Honda, which has a reputation for quality interiors, has been skimping on materials. It’s a charge that we’ve just seen minor evidence of in the cars we’ve driven, but it’s noticeable in the Pilot, which has some cheap-feeling cabin plastics. But we liked the crisp, three-gauge instrument cluster (black-on-white faces) and, for the most part, the placement of the controls. But why are the controls for navigation and screen on the bottom of the center stack? It’s a reach.

                            The Pilot comes standard with three rows of seating for eight. The third row is comfortable enough for adults but only on short trips, and getting back there is challenging with its high step-up. With the second- and third-row seats folded flat, there is plenty of cargo space (87 cubic feet). We also liked that the tailgate has a convenient lift-up glass hatch, which is standard on some models.

                            The bottom line: The Honda Pilot has the seating capacity to be a minivan alternative but lacks the style, power and nimbleness of some of its SUV competition.
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                            • #44
                              http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-06/D9V91AP81.htm

                              NHTSA receives 35 complaints on 2005 Honda Pilot

                              The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 35 complaints from consumers related to steering and brake problems with the 2005 Honda Pilot.

                              The sport utility vehicles have not been recalled.

                              The NHTSA says on its web site that it has been asked to open up an investigation into the matter, with one consumer saying that his steering system failed and the vehicle's brakes applied involuntarily. Others have complained that their vehicle's steering pulled, or that the vehicle exited the lane that they were driving in.

                              The Office of Defects Investigation says the first complaint it received was in 2006, with 10 complaints over the past year.

                              A representative for Honda could not be immediately reached for comment.

                              The ODI said it will evaluate the matter to determine whether to grant an investigation.
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                              • #45
                                http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews...t_4wd_touring/

                                2012 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring

                                Hondas and Acuras typically feel smaller and nimbler than their competitors. The Pilot should have the same virtue. It weighs a relatively svelte 4608 pounds (a Chevrolet Traverse, by comparison, checks in at 4956 pounds), and it rides on the same basic platform as the Acura MDX, one of the best-driving crossovers on the market. And yet, for a company that does not sell a body-on-frame truck, Honda sure has managed to inject an old-school SUV flavor into the Pilot. That's not a good thing. The heavy, slow steering and the large, boxy shape make the Pilot feel larger and heavier than it actually is. Even Honda's trusty 3.5-liter V-6, usually a silky engine, wheezes a bit here as if under constant stress.

                                My other major gripe is with the interior. I'm sure families will find much to like about the packaging and roominess, but sitting in the driver's seat, it's very difficult to get beyond the dime-store materials quality. The same mess of rock-hard plastics and cheap-looking graining that mars the new Civic appears here on a much grander scale given the Pilot's size and price.

                                David Zenlea, Assisant Editor

                                I ran some errands in the Honda Pilot and was shocked at how unwieldy it was in around-town driving. The steering is primarily to blame. Its heft makes performing any tight, low-speed turns a chore. It's also totally lifeless, so it takes some practice to aim this SUV where you want it to go. The Pilot's blocky shape, in addition to being aesthetically divisive, also negatively affects its drivability. The tall, flat hood, squared-off shoulders, and large side mirrors obstruct front and side visibility, making it difficult to accurately place the front end.

                                This chunky, oversize theme extends into the cabin where the wide central dash and console visually overpowers the rest of the interior. As David mentioned, the quality and appearance of the plastics are reminiscent of the new Civic, which is no longer a compliment and not something that plays well in a $40,000-plus vehicle.

                                Jennifer Misaros, Managing Editor, Digital Platforms

                                2012 Honda Pilot Touring Rear Three Quarter B 2012 Honda Pilot Touring Rear Hatch B 2012 Honda Pilot Touring Interior B 2012 Honda Pilot EX L Rear Three Quarter B 2012 Honda Pilot EX L Front Three Quarter B

                                My only other experience with Honda's 3.5-liter V-6 was in our Four Seasons Odyssey minivan, so I was interested in seeing how this engine fared with the older five-speed automatic and upright aerodynamics of the Pilot SUV. Although the V-6 is as gutsy here as it is in the Odyssey, the minivan's six-speed automatic no doubt would aid overall powertrain smoothness and fuel economy here. We may have griped about the six-speed being clunky with shifts, but it would be better than the frequently hunting five-speed in the Pilot.

                                Transmission aside, the Pilot is a fantastic size -- it is a true mid-size SUV but still manages to smartly package its interior to seat up to eight passengers (one more than the Toyota Highlander). Thanks to the right-size footprint, the Honda handles well for its tall shape, although the high center of gravity made itself well known in sharper turns. On the highway, however, the Pilot settled down and just cruised, proving that it accomplishes its mission as a great family hauler very well.

                                Donny Nordlicht, Associate Web Editor

                                As family crossovers go, the Pilot is a great success. The slab-sided, boxy body makes for a cavernous, kid-friendly interior. I'm not bothered by the quality of the interior plastics in the least. Instead, I notice all of the passenger-friendly features like copious storage cubbyholes; the huge, multifunction center console between the front seats; and the wide, comfortable second-row seats that easily slide and fold for access to the third-row seats. And then I notice that the third row has space for three children rather than just two, raising overall seating capacity to eight. So, from a packaging standpoint, the Pilot is an absolute winner.

                                From a dynamic standpoint, as my colleagues already have explained, the Pilot is not nearly as satisfying as many other mid-size family crossover vehicles, such as the Mazda CX-9, the new Ford Flex, the Dodge Durango, and the General Motors troika of Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave. Although the Pilot trumps the Mazda, Ford, and Dodge in seating capacity (8 rather than only 7), the GM triplets all are available with eight-passenger seating, just like the Honda.

                                The Pilot is based on the same platform as the Honda Odyssey minivan, which weighs about the same as the Pilot but feels much lighter from behind the wheel. The Odyssey also has available seating for eight and gets 19/28 city/highway mpg versus the four-wheel-drive Pilot's 17/24 mpg. As big and comfortable as the Pilot's interior is, the Odyssey's is bigger, more comfortable, more versatile, and far easier to get into and out of, and for parents to strap car seats into.

                                So, as much as I respect the Pilot for what it does well, if I had two or three or four kids and wanted something to haul them around in, I'd buy an Odyssey in a heartbeat. "But what about four-wheel drive?" you ask. A front-wheel-drive Odyssey equipped with good winter tires will take you and your family anywhere you need to go in winter. Now, if you need to tow, or you go off-roading for family camping trips and the like, that's another matter and that might be reason to choose the Pilot over the Odyssey. But if, like most people, you never leave the pavement and you use your family vehicle solely for school runs and highway vacation trips and grocery getting, the Odyssey is perfect and a far more efficient and usable than the big, lumbering, heavy-feeling Pilot.

                                Joe DeMatio, Deputy Editor

                                I drove the Honda Pilot immediately after driving the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and these two vehicles that seem so similar on paper and are so different in real life. Whereas the Highlander drives like a car, the brawny Pilot feels more like a truck. While Highlander's unobtrusive exterior styling practically blends into its surroundings, the Pilot's brawny styling makes no excuses for the fact that this is a large vehicle that takes up its fair share of space.

                                There are some things to really like about the Pilot. It has lots of room for people and stuff on the inside - it seems much larger inside than the Highlander, and total passenger volume numbers corroborate that feeling. The rear cargo area is very spacious with the third row folded, easily accommodating two sets of golf clubs. With the seats in place, there's a decent amount of space back there for full-grown passengers, at least for short stints. In front of the front-seat passenger is a tray that spans the width of the dash for putting items like cell phones, pens, wallets, etc. This is a handy feature, because in many vehicles you end up putting those items in the cupholders to keep them within easy reach, and they take up room for drinks and such. The center console itself also has a decent amount of stowage, but unfortunately the plastic piece that covers the space feels quite cheap.

                                The Pilot's 250-hp V-6 isn't a powerhouse, but it was more than sufficient to pass a couple of slow-moving vehicles on two-lane roads in rural Oakland County over the weekend. The brakes, however, are a little soft, with a fair amount of pedal travel before you feel them bite.

                                Amy Skogstrom, Managing Editor

                                It's disingenuous to talk about the driving dynamics of the Honda Pilot because it's a big, three-row SUV. Who cares how it feels in corners? I'd say the relaxed steering and somewhat spongy suspension are pretty much ideal for a seven- or eight-passenger family hauler. You will never have fun behind the wheel of the Pilot, but at least you will be extremely comfortable. I will vouch for the 3.5-liter V-6 and five-speed automatic as a solid powertrain that provides ample power for this vehicle.

                                I'm less impressed by the Pilot's design because, frankly, it looks quite boring. Dressed in silver paint, our slab-sided Pilot barely stands out from the crowd of crossovers and SUVs. The interior, too, is filled with gray and black plastics that are barely memorable. At least the roomy cabin is littered with cleverly designed storage compartments, logical gauges, and easy-to-use electronics.

                                2012 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring

                                MSRP (with destination): $41,800
                                PRICE AS TESTED: $41,800

                                ENGINE:
                                3.5-liter V-6
                                Horsepower: 250 hp @ 5700 rpm Torque: 253 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

                                TRANSMISSION:
                                5-speed automatic

                                DRIVE:
                                Four-wheel

                                WHEELS AND TIRES:
                                18-inch aluminum wheels
                                Michelin Primacy MXV4 235/60R18 (102T) all-season tires

                                FUEL ECONOMY (city/highway/combined):
                                17/24/20 mpg

                                CURB WEIGHT:
                                4608 lb

                                CAPACITIES:
                                Doors/Passengers: 4/8
                                Cargo (rear seats up/ 3rd row down/2nd row down): 18.0/47.7/87.0 cu ft
                                Legroom (front/2nd row/3rd row): 41.4/38.5/32.1 in
                                Headroom (front/2nd row/3rd row): 39.3/39.8/38.2 in
                                Towing: 4500 lbs

                                EXTERIOR/INTERIOR COLOR:
                                Alabaster Silver Metallic/Black

                                STANDARD FEATURES:
                                Hill start assist
                                Variable-assist rack-and-pinion power steering
                                Immobilizer theft-deterrent system
                                Driver's and front passenger's dual-stage airbags & three row side curtain airbags
                                Vehicle stability assist
                                ABS w/ electronic brake distribution & brake assist
                                TPMS
                                Leather-trimmed interior
                                Honda navigation system w/ voice recognition & rearview camera
                                FM traffic
                                Hard disk drive
                                DVD rear entertainment system with 9-inch display & wireless headphones
                                AM/FM/CD premium audio system w/ 10 speakers
                                Bluetooth hands-free calling and streaming audio
                                USB audio interface
                                Tri-zone automatic climate control
                                10-way power driver's seat, 4-way power passenger's seat
                                Memory seat and mirrors
                                Heated front seats
                                Auto dimming rearview mirror
                                Tilt & telescopic steering column
                                Second-row sunshades
                                Cruise control
                                Trip computer & compass
                                Floor mats
                                HomeLink system
                                Power tailgate w/ lift-up glass hatch
                                Power moonroof w/ tilt feature
                                Front and rear parking sensors
                                18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60R18 all-season tires
                                Remote entry w/ security system
                                Auto on/off headlights
                                Fog lights
                                Heated power door mirrors
                                Integrated class III trailer hitch
                                Chrome exhaust finishers

                                OPTIONS ON THIS VEHICLE:
                                None

                                KEY OPTIONS NOT ON THIS VEHICLE:
                                None

                                ADDITIONAL SPECS:
                                For 2012, the Pilot received a minor facelift that included new front and rear bumpers, a revised three-bar grille, and update interior trim.

                                COMPARE TO:
                                Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Veracruz, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander
                                Iubesc masinile japoneze. Ele nu mint, nu inseala !
                                ACURA & HONDA SUV FAN CLUB ROMANIA - http://daimyo.ro/index.php?action=forum

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