In the 2006 Honda Pilot, fenders dominate the front view, while the clear taillight lenses and a redesigned rear roofline spoiler add an even sportier look to the rear, large wheel cutouts accommodate new alloy wheels (LX, EX), and body-coloured body side moulding and door handles (EX) make for a fluid look. Its aerodynamic design enables the Pilot to slip through the wind, improving performance and fuel efficiency with every mile.
Honda launched the midsize Pilot sport utility vehicle for 2003, billing it as "not too big, not too small." Larger than the company's compact CR-V and youth-focused Element, the Pilot replaced Honda's Passport.
New for 2005 was a 255-horsepower V-6 that operated via a drive-by-wire throttle system. Upper gear ratios in the five-speed-automatic transmission were modified to yield smoother transitions. All trim levels added a tire-pressure-monitoring system.
standard features
More standard features, including a Maintenance Minder and three-row side curtain-type airbags, go into 2006 models. For the first time, a two-wheel-drive version with Variable Cylinder Management is available. The VCM system can automatically switch the Pilot's 3.5-liter V-6 between six- and three-cylinder modes to improve fuel economy.
Under new Society of Automotive Engineers testing standards, Honda's V-6 engine is now rated at 244 hp and 240 pounds-feet of torque. Actual performance is the same.
Three versions are available: LX, EX and top-of-the-line EX-L. Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist electronic stability system and XM Satellite Radio are standard on the EX-L. A new rear camera is integrated into models with the navigation system.
The Pilot shares its powertrain and underpinnings with the sportier, more powerful MDX, and both trace their lineage to the user-friendly Honda Odyssey minivan. But the Pilot has more conservative styling than the MDX and is a little shorter, taller and wider than the MDX.
The Pilot also has more cargo volume than the MDX, although there is only minimal cargo space with the Pilot's third seat in its normal upright position. Moreover, the tailgate has no handy separate-opening glass area.
The cargo area has a fairly low, wide opening and is spacious with the second- and third-row 60/40 split seats folded forward to form a flat deck. The horsepower of the 2005 version's smooth 3.5-liter V6 is up from 240 to 255. The extra power and torque from the single overhead camshaft, 24-valve engine allows quicker merging and passing.
power and torque
The Pilot is no hot rod, partly because it weights a hefty 4,414 pounds. But it reaches 60 mph from a standing start in just under 8 seconds and provides good 65-75 mph passing on highways.
The Pilot's weight does adversely affect fuel economy, which is so-so at an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. However, the fuel tank has been enlarged to 20.4 gallons from 19.2 gallons, providing a Honda-claimed extra 40 miles of driving range.
The Pilot has a softer suspension and smaller (16-inch) wheels than the MDX. The ride is smooth, and handling is decent for a tall, heavy SUV. Brakes have an anti-lock system, and stopping distances are OK during routine driving, with good pedal feel. The revised steering has better on-centre feel. It's a little heavy, but quick enough to help a driver stay out of trouble.
All Pilots now have a tire pressure monitoring system, new magnesium frame steering wheel, driver foot rest and integrated remote key fob. Keyless entry has been added to the LX.
Sources.www.honda.com, www.car.com and www.msn.com
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