Honda quality shines through in versatile Pilot
This week, we test drive Honda’s popular 2004 Pilot, a vehicle that combines the best qualities of an SUV, minivan and station wagon. Based on a “car-like” platform that is similar to the Acura MDX, Pilot offers roomy cabin enhancements and a 240 horsepower V-6 engine that helps enhance Honda’s reputation for sturdiness, value and finesse.
Consumers will appreciate the 3.5-liter, SOHC, 24-valve V-6 engine, complete with an aluminum block and heads to keep weight down. Although not overly powerful, the engine pulls adequately at just about every rpm range (except redline, of course). Add Honda’s proven VTM-4 four-wheel-drive system, and you have a vehicle that will literally take you anywhere in any kind of weather.
We’d like to see more power for 2005, because if fully loaded, the 240 horses might start to labor a bit due to the Pilot’s heavier curb weight.
Inside, Pilot features an eight-passenger interior that feels even bigger than it actually is. Honda’s “Safety for Everyone” commitment finds all expected safety features, including Vehicle Stability Assist and front and side airbags. A well-done instrument panel with easy-to-operate controls makes Pilot a joy to drive. Entertainment comes thanks to a six-disc CD changer with seven speakers, while numerous power outlets, cup holders, hooks and tie-downs add to the ease-of-operation and amenities factors. As for seating, “fixed firmly yet comfortably” is the norm with all Honda vehicles, and Pilot is no different. In an otherwise very quiet cabin, there’s just a hint of road noise when not enjoying the stereo.
The suspension finds MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear, with stabilizer bars fore and aft. The result is a very comfortable ride with great off-road capabilities, too. Large four-wheel disc brakes with an electronic brake distribution setup (anti-lock) help stop the vehicle with no problems, even under higher speed situations.
Standard features are numerous, with front and rear air conditioning, heated seats, eight-way power driver seat, 16-inch tires and wheels, all the powers, keyless entry, rear wiper and lots more. Fold-down second- and third-row seating adds tremendously to cargo carrying ability, and we also like Honda’s “one price, get everything” deal on this Pilot EX-LAV model.
On the road, the Honda Pilot is similar to other top name SUVs, but then moves a bit further ahead with great handling, good crash-test results and that overall Honda feeling of security. It corners well with very little “lean” in sharp corners, and offers four-wheel-drive traction and stability in all types of weather.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 106.3 inches, up to 90.3 cubic feet of cargo room, 4,430-pound curb weight, 3,500-pound towing capacity, 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway EPA numbers, and a 20.4-gallon fuel tank.
The Honda Pilot has won several prestigious awards from the automotive industry, including Car and Driver’s “5 Best Trucks”; Intellichoice’s “Best Value of the Year”; Edmunds.com’s “Most Wanted SUV”; AMI Auto World’s “World Family Vehicle of the Year”; and Kelley Blue Book’s “Top 50 Most Popular Cars.”
Honda Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario, uses domestic and global sourced parts to manufacture the Pilot. Our Pilot came fully loaded, with not one option to push the price higher. With the $460 destination, the final tally came in at $33,330.
We rate Pilot a solid 8.5 on a scale of 10, with 10 highest.
Likes: Comfort, interior room, secure feeling, Honda quality.
Dislikes: Run-of-the-mill looks, questionable power with full load.