Honda Pilot Review

2009 Honda Pilot LX SUV

Honda has a knack for creating vehicles that hit a sweet spot in their market segments. Take the Honda Pilot: At its debut, it essentially defined the emerging crossover SUV market. By offering decent if not stunning V6 power, above-average fuel economy, easy maneuverability, plenty of interior comfort and versatility, and seven- to eight-passenger seating, it was exactly the kind of affordable midsize SUV package that families wanted. Most importantly, it was not a minivan.

Of course, a lot more crossover SUVs have come out since the original Honda Pilot. Honda has responded with a full redesign, though we've found this new Pilot to be a little off the mark and can't recommend it as we have in the past. Although we feel the current Pilot has lost some of its luster, a used example of the original Honda Pilot is one midsize crossover you'll definitely want to look at.

Current Honda Pilot

The current Honda Pilot was redesigned for the 2009 model year. This model has moved away from its cheerful previous-generation look toward something more rugged, probably to keep pace with competitors in the growing crossover SUV market. It's available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Third-row seating capacity used to be a problem for the Pilot, but that's been remedied by the addition of extra room for adults. Its boxy shape and a total cargo capacity of 87 cubic feet means that the Pilot can handle just about anything the average family can cram into it.

All Pilots are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque -- increases of 6 hp and 13 lb-ft over the previous generation. A five-speed automatic is the only available transmission. The LX comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories, cruise control and a seven-speaker CD/MP3 audio system. The EX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, an in-dash six-CD changer, tri-zone automatic climate control and satellite radio. The EX-L upgrades to leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof and a rearview mirror-mounted back-up camera. The high-end Touring model includes a 10-speaker audio system and a navigation system. A rear-seat entertainment system is optional for the Touring.

In reviews, we've found that the new Honda Pilot offers a comfortable ride as well as plenty of adult-friendly interior room. But the extra burliness on the outside hasn't been matched under the hood. Hondas are usually known for their power and fuel efficiency, but the Pilot misses the mark, lacking giddy-up and failing to deliver significant fuel economy as a trade-off. Handling is merely adequate, and the ride is trucklike. Stopping distances on our test track were distressingly long, and Honda has gone a little wacky with the instrumentation at higher trim levels, as there are many similar-looking buttons placed in a small area.

Used Honda Pilot Models

The first-generation Pilot was introduced for the 2003 model year, making this Honda one of the first midsize crossover SUVs available with a third-row seat. A 240-hp 3.5-liter V6, matched to a five-speed automatic transmission, was always the only available power source. From 2003-'05, all Pilots sold were all-wheel drive; a front-drive version was offered alongside AWD after that.

Honda originally offered the Pilot in three trim levels: LX, EX and EX-L. The Pilot LX came with a respectable collection of convenience features, while the EX added upgrades like a power driver seat and automatic climate control. The EX-L had leather seating and could be ordered with an optional navigation system or rear-seat entertainment system. Alas, the nav and entertainment systems couldn't be ordered together.

Changes for this generation Pilot were minor, though some important safety features became more readily available as the years went on. For 2005, the V6 was revised, and horsepower increased to 255. This was also the year that stability control became available, but only on the EX-L.

In 2006, some minor changes were made to the Honda Pilot's exterior design. The adoption of revised SAE certification procedures also saw this model year's horsepower rating dropped to 244, but performance was unaffected. ABS and front-seat side airbags were always standard on Honda's midsize SUV, but 2006 models gained a three-row side curtain airbag system with a rollover sensor. Honda also made stability control standard on all Pilots for this model year. For the final model year, the LX trim was replaced by the Value Package, and a new SE trim debuted that slotted above the EX and added a sunroof and DVD player.

In reviews, we found the original Honda Pilot to offer good handling and a smooth ride for a midsize SUV. We also enjoyed its well-organized instrumentation and the quality of interior materials -- both hallmarks of Honda. Although seating accommodated seven to eight passengers, we considered the third row uncomfortable for adults. Cargo capacity, on the other hand, was always sufficient to handle what most families required.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.