Review: 2009 Honda Pilot

By Author: andyauto auto
Total Articles: 2
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Boxy urban utility vehicles have a strong following in many Asian countries, and have been around for many years. The theme is slowly beginning to take hold in the U.S. and Europe - Scion xB has some conquered, the Ford Flex seems to be struggling and upcoming Nissan Cube hopes to further expand the field - but so far most of the entries are all is relatively small in size. Honda's Pilot, while sharing a lot in terms of appearance, is an order of magnitude larger, both inside and outside. Whether that helps place him in another and more generally acceptable category or Dooms to pariah status is a question for some discussion. At first glance, the 2009 Pilot is nothing new or groundbreaking, but a closer examination reveals some interesting properties. Its basic form of two rectangular boxes stacked neatly, like a child's vision of a school bus. Some beveled edges and a very large grille give the Pilot a modern look, but the shape is decidedly uninspired. However, it is proper shape for maximizing the inner space in a particular set of dimensions. The paradoxical size of this very car-like SUV makes for an intriguing blend of ...
... handling and practical, but inspires little confidence in off-road or towing capability. Some of the less-than-peace of mind of the pilot can be traced to its rather anemic 250hp (183kW) 3.5L V6 engine. Certainly the power would be sufficient, if supported by a sufficiently large torque figure, but this engine must be spun at 4000-5000 rpm before it feels like it does not really work, and then it's gone sip, drinking and slurping fuel directly to the chugging. Watching the fuel economy meter under moderate to hard acceleration or while a steep hill will cause systematic ratings in the 3-5mpg (78-47L/100km) range - hardly in accordance with image 'green car manufacturer' Hondas. Maximum torque is rated at an uninspiring 253 lbs-ft (342Nm) at a lofty 4,800 rpm, but a dual-stage variable valve timing and lift blocks over 90% of this quarrel between 2,000 and 6,000 t / min Everyone familiar with the driving dynamics of a fleet operated 15-passenger who is familiar with the Pilot - it drives larger than it is, although it surprisingly easy parks. It stops well, and without tremendous force on the brake pedal. During sudden maneuvers it feels secure and composed, but it certainly will not win any performance awards. Pilot Push hard, and you will see a number of nagging handling features such as a massive understeer and body roll exposed - both typical of large SUVs and crossovers. The only remaining exit of the petrol V6 is the lack of efficiency in this application - our round-the city average fell more in the lower teens and rarely climbed above 20mpg (11.8L/100km) even on the highway. Efficiency concerns aside, the Pilot is proficient in the most likely target - that is to replace a van with a less intrusive transport. The low ride height in combination with the high seating position for a truck-like driving position with an auto-like entry and exit points. That combination will likely appeal to many people, because that's exactly what a crossover is supposed to provide - the best of both worlds SUV and coupe for those cars look more like tools or necessities than as objects of desire, adoration, or extreme performance. But if the pilot is treated as it should be treated - that is, if a very large car with seating for eight (in some configurations) and space for the dogs, some gear or a month's worth of groceries - then Most find the suspension is properly adjusted and that it is perfectly equipped with a capable but inspiring powerplant. Even with all eight on board the vehicle has a class leading 20.8 cubic feet of rear storage space, including a 2.8-cubic meter hidden under floor bin. These figures lead to 47.7/87.0 cubic feet with one or both rear rows, the Pilot has a mostly boring with minimal interior decoration or embellishment. On our near-entry-level LX model, the acres of beige plastic melt together with the yards of beige fabric with a sort of featureless cocoon making. The sparse black and chrome accents are welcome in breaking the whiteness of the interior, but are independently uninteresting. Seating is spacious and comfortable, but lacking in side and thighs strengthened for the driver. Second row of seats is as wide as the front, but the third row seats are best reserved for children. The large center console and armrest area offer plenty of storage space both within the usual compartment and under a large bread-box-like sliding door that covers the cup holders when not in use. The large space between the driver and front passenger can be a bit isolating, especially on long trips. The cabin noise is very low, which ensures a quiet and comfortable ride, and a good background for the otherwise ordinary stereo. Although the ergonomics are generally good - Honda again has a great-feeling steering wheel and there are plenty of good-sized cupholders - the design is clearly lacking, even compared to many vehicles would find archaic, such as Jeep Grand Cherokee. But let's be honest - the Pilot is difficult to describe as an aesthetic choice. It lacks the brutal harshness of the Toyota FJ Cruiser and the panache of most of the German entries in the SUV field. It also lacks the distinctive shapes and bright faces - how flashy - the U.S. offer, like the GMC Yukon or Ford Expedition. The pilot, in this respect at least, is a class apart. And that's not necessarily a bad thing - once you get past the lack of visual appeal, the Pilot is a well built, easy to ride and useful tool. Together with its low price and plenty of space, there are few vehicles on the market that a family can provide so much utility as this if you move beyond the entry-level models priced below $ 30,000 toward the top of the range that brushes right up against $ 40,000, few vehicles in the class offer the same combination of size and equipment for the price. This is where Honda has chosen the game of its territory - not the most impressive or most sophisticated or the most efficient, but rather as offering the most value, and that they are an admirable job of achieving. It is a shame that they focused on one goal so exclusive. For example, the Honda Pilot too big to play with the modern urban-box utility vehicle, or is it too small and too underpowered to play in the full-size SUV class? The short answer is a bit of both. The long answer is that it is actually a surprisingly convenient, easy to drive vehicle that is an experience many people will appreciate for a price most can afford to offer.
To find the accessories for Honda Pilot visit Honda Pilot Accessories