|
Writer's Notes
2003 Pilot
Specifications
Base Price: LX $26,900; EX $29,270 (plus destination of $460)
Engine:3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve 240-hp V-6
Transmission: five-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive
Length/Width/Height: 188.0 x 77.3 x 70.6 in
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Curb Weight: 4416 lb.
Fuel economy:17/22 mpg
Safety features: front and side airbags, headrests and shoulder belts at all seating positions, 5-mph bumpers, child seat anchors
Standard features: AM/FM/CD, adjustable steering column, cruise, A/C, theft-deterrent immobilizer, eight-way electric adjustable driver's seat (standard on EX), heat-reflecting glass (standard on EX), keyless entry.
Honda expects the NHTSA's five-star rating for front and side impacts. Crash performance is underlined by safety features including dual-stage driver and front passenger side airbags and side impact door beams, headrests and three-point safety belts in all seats (including third row) and four-wheel ABS brakes.
Comments or suggestions about this review? Send an e-mail to: editor@autobytel.com
Autobytel Inc. operates the popular automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, and Autosite.com. | | xxx | |
Having established its empire on vehicles like the best-selling Civic, Odyssey and its upscale Acura brand, Honda sets out to conquer new territory in 2003: the mid-size SUV.
Honda Pilot, the newest addition to this automaker's stable, debuted in the spring of 2002, just in time for the summer driving season. Featuring four-wheel drive, the largest cargo volume in its class, third-row seating, a powerful engine and legendary Honda fuel efficiency, the Pilot promises to take passengers on a very comfortable ride.
Built on Honda's "Global Light Truck Platform", Pilot shares its platform with the Odyssey minivan and Acura MDX SUV. True to Honda tradition, the overall design is based on the "man maximum, machine minimum" packaging philosophy, which emphasizes qualities such as ergonomics, convenience and quality.
Pilot represents the "fourth wave" in the SUV market, which has evolved significantly from its roots in truck-based vehicles such as the Bronco and Suburban. The second SUV wave, represented by vehicles such the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder, included models with car-like qualities that were still solidly truck-like. In the third wave, the ute market exploded and segmented into numerous categories, including the CR-V-led mini-SUV segment, says this Japanese automaker.
Now, in the fourth wave, a new segment is emerging. This group of vehicles fall within a "family market" and represent a new balance between "sport" and "utility." Situated in this category, Pilot is poised to compete with the stalwart Explorer, as well as Toyota Highlander and Chevy Trailblazer. Honda sees these vehicles as appealing to the same customer set, primarily families who want a car-like, sporty, versatile SUV to serve everyday driving demands and family vacation travel - not a pure "utility" vehicle to take off-road or use for hauling heavy equipment, like a boat or a trailer.
Exterior
This new ute shares its unibody structure with its upscale Acura MDX relative, with looks that are clean, but visually uninspiring. Honda calls the look "classic SUV," although some drivers may call it "classic boring." Vaguely resembling an outsized CR-V, Pilot is distinguished from a bevy of competitor vehicles with only its prominent "H" badge in the front grille.
In keeping with Honda's attention to detail, however, the truck does boast superior fit and finish. A contrast-color front bumper/air dam and contrast color rear bumper show almost no body seams, and its greenhouse offers 282 degrees of outward visibility, more than any vehicle in the class.
Under the hood
A transversely-mounted, 240-horsepower 3.5-liter, SOHC, 24-valve VTEC V-6, and five-speed automatic transmission, shared with the MDX and Odyssey, is matched to "VTM-4" (Variable Torque Management 4WD), the four-wheel-drive system also featured in the MDX. Although powerful enough to deliver 242 lb.-ft. of torque, it also has terrific fuel efficiency for its class - EPA estimates are 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway and is classified as a Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV).
The 4x4 system is operates in front-drive mode unless slippage is electronically detected, in which case clutch packs in the rear then engage to transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the back wheels. All Pilots are equipped with four-wheel drive, and no two-wheel drive models are planned, so far.
While the term "Honda SUV" might bring to mind a petite vehicle more suited to grocery getting than heavy hauling, Pilot brings new dimensions, with a 106.3-inch wheelbase, the same as the Acura version.
Interior
While the term "Honda SUV" might bring to mind a petite vehicle more suited to grocery getting than heavy hauling, Pilot brings new dimensions, with a 106.3-inch wheelbase, the same as the Acura version. A longer roof provides more interior space; the Pilot's 176.9-cubic feet total interior volume is 15.4 cubic feet larger than the MDX. Believe it or not, Pilot is also built to seat 8 passengers - one more than its luxury cousin - thanks to its third-row seat.
Although billed as a full-sized seat, the third row has little legroom and is better suited to a small child than a full-sized adult. Tiered, "theater-style" seating does provide better viewing for all passengers, however, and, as in the Odyssey and MDX, the third seat disappears into its own well to produce a flat load floor.
Pilot's cockpit is vintage Honda - compact but not cluttered and pleasant, but not elegant. As with the exterior, solid fit and finish is evident. The dash includes three chronograph-like dials in front of the driver, while just to their left are ventilation controls for both the front and rear. All the switches, dials and indicators are precise and ergonomically comfortable and easy-to-use.
Convenient features abound, such as a silver-trimmed steering wheel with integrated audio controls, reading lamps integrated into the passenger grab handles, and the center console's special bracket for a cell phone and a 12-volt power outlet to support it.
Base "LX" Pilots get cloth upholstery while "EX" models have either cloth or leather. The LX driver must manually adjust his seat, while the EX driver gets power-adjustable seats and second-row riders get a "kid's activity tray" for play. EX models are also available with either DVD-based satellite navigation or an on-board DVD entertainment system, with roof-mounted view screen for rear-seat passengers. All seats are comfortable, well shaped and accommodating.
On the road
The Pilot performs well on the highway and around town. Though it's obviously not made for heavy-duty adventure driving, its 3.5-liter V-6 has been tweaked with peak power available 100 rpm lower than in the Odyssey (5400 vs. 5500 rpm) and a slightly more robust mid-range torque curve. Its VTEC variable valve timing system works elegantly, and the five-speed automatic transmission is smooth and capable. The four-wheel drive system works well and invisibly, but there's no low range for the serious muck and muddy. However, clutch packs can be locked with a button on the dash to deliver the maximum 50-percent of torque to the rear wheels, in situations where improved traction is needed.
With 8-inch ground clearance and separate front and rear suspension subframes (MacPherson struts in front, an independent multi-link system in back), Pilot has a good amount of suspension travel for a car-like SUV (7.3 inches in front and 8.2 inches in back). P235/70R-16 all-weather tires are standard.
Built for "moderate duty," Honda's newest addition can tow smaller campers and boats, with a maximum tow rating of 4,500 pounds for boats and 3,500 pounds for trailers, including four passengers and cargo.
Safety
Honda expects the NHTSA's five-star rating for front and side impacts. Crash performance is underlined by safety features including dual-stage driver and front passenger side airbags and side impact door beams, headrests and three-point safety belts in all seats (including third row) and four-wheel ABS brakes.
Overall
Pilot might be the answer for drivers who know they need a minivan and refuse to buy one. With mid-level capabilities, lots of cargo space, decent fuel economy and innocuous styling, Honda's new SUV is a true family car-or SUV, without the soccer-mom connotations of a minivan. With prices starting at $26,900 and peaking around $33,000, Pilot will be sure to add another conquest to Honda's best-selling empire.
--Story by Sue Mead
|
