Honda Pilot
Encyclopedia
The Honda Pilot is a mid-size crossover SUV
. The Honda Pilot is built in Lincoln, Alabama
, and was also produced in Alliston, Ontario
, Canada
up until April 2007. The first generation Pilot was released in the summer of 2002 as a 2003 model, and in 2006 it received new front and rear fascias
, a redesigned interior, and various standard safety features. The second generation Pilot was released in late 2008 for the 2009 model year.
The Pilot was designed to fill a large American
demand, particularly a larger SUV with third-row seating. Prior to the introduction of the Pilot, Honda only had the compact crossover SUV CR-V
, and the Honda Passport
(a rebadged
Isuzu Rodeo) which is truck-based and intended as a quick-fix, as the company recognized the competition from other refined mid-sized SUVs and crossovers. The Pilot shares underpinnings and the powertrain with the Acura MDX
luxury SUV, and their platforms are shared with the Odyssey
minivan
and the Honda Accord
sedan. The Pilot’s unibody construction and independent suspension
is designed to provide handling similar to that of a car; however, it is also fortified with integrated perimeter frame rails, which helps it withstand towing and light off-road use
. The Pilot was Honda's largest SUV, although the 2010 Honda Crosstour surpassed the Pilot in length.
The Pilot is sold in North America
, while Japan
and Australia
, for several years, got its relative, the Honda MDX
(first generation Acura MDX) instead. In the Middle East
, the Pilot is sold as the Honda MR-V. The second generation Pilot is also available in Russia
and Ukraine
. The Pilot has been a critical and commercial success for Honda, selling over 100,000 vehicles in 2004, an increase of almost 20% over 2003.
In September 2011, 300000 of the vehicles were recalled for a seat belt defect.
V6 engine with timing belt
driven camshaft
s. The engine is rated at 240 hp SAE @5400 rpm and 242 lbft of torque @4500 rpm. It is mated to a five-speed automatic, which, as tested in a 2004 Pilot, results in a 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds and 1/4 mile sprint of 15.9 seconds. For the 2006 model, the power was 244 hp SAE @5600 rpm(4WD), 240 lbft of torque @4500 rpm. Models from 2005 include a drive-by-wire throttle. The Pilot weighs in at a little over 4400 lb (1,996 kg), with a United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) estimated gas mileage
for 2007 of 16 miles per US gallon city and 22 miles per US gallon highway for the two wheel drive
model, and 15 miles per US gallon city and 20 miles per US gallon highway for the four wheel drive model. Also, like the MDX, the Pilot rides on struts up front with a coil-spring, multilink arrangement at the rear designed to allow a flat load floor. It also has the MDX’s wide track — 66.3 in (1,684 mm) at the front and 66.5 in (1,689 mm) at the rear. The Pilot has a 4500 lb (2,041 kg) boat/3500 lb (1,588 kg) trailer towing capability. The FWD Pilot models feature the latest generation of Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which is designed to help improve fuel economy* without sacrificing power. The system achieves this by automatically deactivating and reactivating multiple cylinders, depending on the engine’s needs.
, the rear seats are capable of folding into completely flat surfaces to allow larger cargo inside if necessary. Seats are configured as stadium seating
. Optional amenities that can also be included are a powered moonroof, DVD
entertainment system, and a navigation system
.
The Pilot employs a four-wheel drive
system called Variable Torque Management 4WD (VTM-4). The VTM-4 system delivers power to all four wheels under acceleration and when wheel slippage is detected. The VTM-4 system has a dashboard switch that locks both rear half-shafts to get the driver unstuck, but it operates in just first, second, and reverse gears, and unlocks at 18 mi/h. Otherwise, the system operates primarily in front-wheel drive
and sends torque to the rear wheels when spin is detected up front. Two wheel drive models have been available since 2006.
The Pilot's safety mechanisms are the VTM-4 system, ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brake
s, rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel independent suspension and 282° of outward visibility. The foundation for the Pilot is a highly rigid unibody
with reinforcing structures and energy absorbing crush zones. The Pilot's structure is designed to deform progressively in front, side and rear end collisions.
in Lincoln, Alabama
. It receives a new 3.5L V6 VTEC engine producing 250 hp SAE net at 5700 rpm and 253 lbft of torque at 4800 rpm. EPA fuel economy is 17 miles per US gallon city/23 miles per US gallon highway for the front wheel drive transmission and 16 miles per US gallon city/22 miles per US gallon highway for the 4 wheel drive transmission. Both transmissions are five-speed automatics
. The new wheelbase is 109.2 in (2774 mm), with an outside length of 190.9 in (4849 mm), a width of 78.5 in (1994 mm), a height of 71.0 in (1803 mm). It has a new grill shape. Much of the interior has changed, receiving a tri-zone automatic climate control system, new two-position memory settings for the driver's seat, a new power tailgate, and moved the gear shift from the steering column to the center console between the front captain's chairs. The Touring trim offers a new 115-volt power outlet and a Satellite-Linked Honda Navigation System.
Many critics praised the larger and roomier design, although the redesigned "truck-like" exterior garnered some controversy. USA Today
described the styling is "[n]ot swoopy and sexy like the CX-9
, nor graceful like the GM's GMC/Saturn models, but easier on the eyes than the Toyota Highlander and the Hyundai Veracruz,but criticized the high hood line saying that the Pilot "makes it hard to see where the path goes when cresting an off-pavement hill." Autoblog concluded that "the new unit is generally a much better vehicle than the 2008 model" and "the driving experience is vastly improved".
The 4WD utilizes a unique Variable Torque Management four-wheel-drive system which automatically engages when the system senses loss of traction. The system has a manually locking rear differential which can also be engaged by the driver (when vehicle is in first, second, or reverse gears) and will stay engaged up to 18 MPH, or is shifted from aforementioned gears, then unlocks and reverts back to the automatic engaging.
The Pilot also has a Hill Start Assist system which maintains brake pressure when the brake pedal is released, giving the driver time to engage the accelerator. The Pilot also uses a Grade Logic System which holds the engine in a lower gear when on steep inclines for better hill-climbing torque and increased engine braking when going down steep inclines.
The second-generation Pilot's four-wheel drive system enables it to wade through 19 inches of water.
Sport utility vehicle
A sport utility vehicle is a generic marketing term for a vehicle similar to a station wagon, but built on a light-truck chassis. It is usually equipped with four-wheel drive for on- or off-road ability, and with some pretension or ability to be used as an off-road vehicle. Not all four-wheel...
. The Honda Pilot is built in Lincoln, Alabama
Lincoln, Alabama
Lincoln is a city in Talladega County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 4,577. It was named for Major General Benjamin Lincoln, who served in the American Army during the Revolutionary War.-Geography:...
, and was also produced in Alliston, Ontario
Alliston, Ontario
Alliston is a settlement in Simcoe County in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is part of the Town of New Tecumseth since the 1991 amalgamation of Alliston and nearby villages of Beeton, Tottenham, and the Township of Tecumseth...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
up until April 2007. The first generation Pilot was released in the summer of 2002 as a 2003 model, and in 2006 it received new front and rear fascias
Facelift (automobile)
The automotive facelift comprises changes to a car's styling during its production run — often including new sheetmetal and/or interior design) with minimal changes to its underlying mechanicals — allowing a carmaker to freshen a model without complete redesign.A facelift retains the...
, a redesigned interior, and various standard safety features. The second generation Pilot was released in late 2008 for the 2009 model year.
The Pilot was designed to fill a large American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
demand, particularly a larger SUV with third-row seating. Prior to the introduction of the Pilot, Honda only had the compact crossover SUV CR-V
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a compact suv, now called crossover, manufactured since 1995 by Honda. It was loosely derived from the Honda Civic to satisfy a public demand for a sport-utility vehicle from Honda. There are discrepancies as to what "CR-V" stands for, with Honda sources in different markets...
, and the Honda Passport
Honda Passport
The Honda Passport was a compact SUV produced by Isuzu, released in 1994, as Honda's first entry in the truck market for the United States. Built and designed solely by Isuzu, who sold it as the Rodeo, it was seen as a "quick fix" entry into the growing SUV market in the United States...
(a rebadged
Badge engineering
Badge engineering is an ironic term that describes the rebadging of one product as another...
Isuzu Rodeo) which is truck-based and intended as a quick-fix, as the company recognized the competition from other refined mid-sized SUVs and crossovers. The Pilot shares underpinnings and the powertrain with the Acura MDX
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX, or Honda MDX as known in Japan and Australia , is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Acura since the 2001 model year. The MDX was the first crossover SUV to have third-row seating. It is related to the Honda Pilot. The alphanumeric moniker stands for...
luxury SUV, and their platforms are shared with the Odyssey
Honda Odyssey (North America)
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan manufactured by Japanese automaker Honda since 1994.The Odyssey had originally been conceived and engineered in Japan, in the wake of country's economic crisis of the 1990s – which in turn imposed severe constraints on the vehicle's size and overall concept,...
minivan
Minivan
Minivan is a type of van designed for personal use. Minivans are typically either two-box or one box designs for maximum interior volume – and are taller than a sedan, hatchback, or a station wagon....
and the Honda Accord
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a series of compact, mid-size and full-size automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, and sold in a majority of automotive markets throughout the world....
sedan. The Pilot’s unibody construction and independent suspension
Independent suspension
Independent suspension is a broad term for any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically independently of each other. This is contrasted with a beam axle, live axle or deDion axle system in which the wheels are linked – movement on one side affects...
is designed to provide handling similar to that of a car; however, it is also fortified with integrated perimeter frame rails, which helps it withstand towing and light off-road use
Off-roading
Off-roading is a term for driving a vehicle on unsurfaced roads or tracks, made of materials such as sand, gravel, riverbeds, mud, snow, rocks, and other natural terrain.-Off-road vehicle:...
. The Pilot was Honda's largest SUV, although the 2010 Honda Crosstour surpassed the Pilot in length.
The Pilot is sold in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, while Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
and Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, for several years, got its relative, the Honda MDX
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX, or Honda MDX as known in Japan and Australia , is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Acura since the 2001 model year. The MDX was the first crossover SUV to have third-row seating. It is related to the Honda Pilot. The alphanumeric moniker stands for...
(first generation Acura MDX) instead. In the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
, the Pilot is sold as the Honda MR-V. The second generation Pilot is also available in Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
and Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
. The Pilot has been a critical and commercial success for Honda, selling over 100,000 vehicles in 2004, an increase of almost 20% over 2003.
In September 2011, 300000 of the vehicles were recalled for a seat belt defect.
Specifications
Like the first-generation MDX, the Pilot is propelled by an aluminum alloy 3.5 L SOHC, 24-valve VTECVTEC
VTEC is a valvetrain system developed by Honda to improve the volumetric efficiency of a four-stroke internal combustion engine. The VTEC system uses two camshaft profiles and electronically selects between the profiles. It was invented by Honda R&D engineer Ikuo Kajitani, and was the first system...
V6 engine with timing belt
Timing belt
A timing belt, or cam belt , is a part of an internal combustion engine that controls the timing of the engine's valves. Some engines, such as the flat-4 Volkswagen air-cooled engine, and the straight-6 Toyota F engine use timing gears...
driven camshaft
Camshaft
A camshaft is a shaft to which a cam is fastened or of which a cam forms an integral part.-History:An early cam was built into Hellenistic water-driven automata from the 3rd century BC. The camshaft was later described in Iraq by Al-Jazari in 1206. He employed it as part of his automata,...
s. The engine is rated at 240 hp SAE @5400 rpm and 242 lbft of torque @4500 rpm. It is mated to a five-speed automatic, which, as tested in a 2004 Pilot, results in a 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds and 1/4 mile sprint of 15.9 seconds. For the 2006 model, the power was 244 hp SAE @5600 rpm(4WD), 240 lbft of torque @4500 rpm. Models from 2005 include a drive-by-wire throttle. The Pilot weighs in at a little over 4400 lb (1,996 kg), with a United States Environmental Protection Agency
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
(EPA) estimated gas mileage
Fuel economy in automobiles
Fuel usage in automobiles refers to the fuel efficiency relationship between distance traveled by an automobile and the amount of fuel consumed....
for 2007 of 16 miles per US gallon city and 22 miles per US gallon highway for the two wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and...
model, and 15 miles per US gallon city and 20 miles per US gallon highway for the four wheel drive model. Also, like the MDX, the Pilot rides on struts up front with a coil-spring, multilink arrangement at the rear designed to allow a flat load floor. It also has the MDX’s wide track — 66.3 in (1,684 mm) at the front and 66.5 in (1,689 mm) at the rear. The Pilot has a 4500 lb (2,041 kg) boat/3500 lb (1,588 kg) trailer towing capability. The FWD Pilot models feature the latest generation of Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which is designed to help improve fuel economy* without sacrificing power. The system achieves this by automatically deactivating and reactivating multiple cylinders, depending on the engine’s needs.
Design
The Pilot is capable of transporting up to eight passengers. The third row seats 3 but legroom is limited, allowing transportation of small children or adults on short trips. Similar to the Honda OdysseyHonda Odyssey
Honda Odyssey can refer to three motor vehicles manufactured by Honda:* Honda Odyssey , a minivan sold in Japan and other parts of the world* Honda Odyssey , a minivan sold primarily in the United States and Canada...
, the rear seats are capable of folding into completely flat surfaces to allow larger cargo inside if necessary. Seats are configured as stadium seating
Stadium seating
Stadium seating or theater seating is a characteristic seating arrangement that is most commonly associated with performing-arts venues, and derives its name from stadiums, which typically use this arrangement...
. Optional amenities that can also be included are a powered moonroof, DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
entertainment system, and a navigation system
Automotive navigation system
An automotive navigation system is a satellite navigation system designed for use in automobiles. It typically uses a GPS navigation device to acquire position data to locate the user on a road in the unit's map database. Using the road database, the unit can give directions to other locations...
.
The Pilot employs a four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
system called Variable Torque Management 4WD (VTM-4). The VTM-4 system delivers power to all four wheels under acceleration and when wheel slippage is detected. The VTM-4 system has a dashboard switch that locks both rear half-shafts to get the driver unstuck, but it operates in just first, second, and reverse gears, and unlocks at 18 mi/h. Otherwise, the system operates primarily in front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and...
and sends torque to the rear wheels when spin is detected up front. Two wheel drive models have been available since 2006.
The Pilot's safety mechanisms are the VTM-4 system, ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brake
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
s, rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel independent suspension and 282° of outward visibility. The foundation for the Pilot is a highly rigid unibody
Monocoque
Monocoque is a construction technique that supports structural load by using an object's external skin, as opposed to using an internal frame or truss that is then covered with a non-load-bearing skin or coachwork...
with reinforcing structures and energy absorbing crush zones. The Pilot's structure is designed to deform progressively in front, side and rear end collisions.
2006 Facelift
Honda revised the Pilot for the 2006 model year. Changes to the exterior included a new fascia with a different grille insert and headlights, and taillights with clear lenses. The EX trim level received redesigned wheels, and the original EX wheels were now found on the LX trim. On the inside, side airbags were provided in the C pillar protecting rear passengers (in addition to those for the front seat passengers), the gauge cluster was updated and the center console featured chrome trim and redesigned storage compartments and cup holders.Second generation (2009–present)
The new, larger Pilot is available in four trims; LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. It is assembled at Honda Manufacturing of AlabamaHonda Manufacturing of Alabama
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama is an automobile manufacturer located in Lincoln, Alabama. It builds vehicles for Honda sales in North America. Production began on November 14, 2001, with the plant producing its two millionth vehicle on September 3, 2010...
in Lincoln, Alabama
Lincoln, Alabama
Lincoln is a city in Talladega County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 4,577. It was named for Major General Benjamin Lincoln, who served in the American Army during the Revolutionary War.-Geography:...
. It receives a new 3.5L V6 VTEC engine producing 250 hp SAE net at 5700 rpm and 253 lbft of torque at 4800 rpm. EPA fuel economy is 17 miles per US gallon city/23 miles per US gallon highway for the front wheel drive transmission and 16 miles per US gallon city/22 miles per US gallon highway for the 4 wheel drive transmission. Both transmissions are five-speed automatics
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
. The new wheelbase is 109.2 in (2774 mm), with an outside length of 190.9 in (4849 mm), a width of 78.5 in (1994 mm), a height of 71.0 in (1803 mm). It has a new grill shape. Much of the interior has changed, receiving a tri-zone automatic climate control system, new two-position memory settings for the driver's seat, a new power tailgate, and moved the gear shift from the steering column to the center console between the front captain's chairs. The Touring trim offers a new 115-volt power outlet and a Satellite-Linked Honda Navigation System.
Many critics praised the larger and roomier design, although the redesigned "truck-like" exterior garnered some controversy. USA Today
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
described the styling is "[n]ot swoopy and sexy like the CX-9
Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is a full-size crossover SUV manufactured by Mazda at their Ujina 1 plant in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.The CX-9 is built on the Ford CD3 Platform shared with the Ford Edge, and it uses the same 3.7L V6 engine used in the Ford lineup. Although outwardly similar, the CX-9 and Mazda...
, nor graceful like the GM's GMC/Saturn models, but easier on the eyes than the Toyota Highlander and the Hyundai Veracruz,but criticized the high hood line saying that the Pilot "makes it hard to see where the path goes when cresting an off-pavement hill." Autoblog concluded that "the new unit is generally a much better vehicle than the 2008 model" and "the driving experience is vastly improved".
2012 update
For the 2012 model year, the Pilot received a redesigned front fascia, new alloy wheels and updates to the interior.Off-road capability
The Honda Pilot has a capable off-road system which comprises three individual systems: the Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive system with locking differential, Hill Start Assist Control system and Grade Logic Control system.The 4WD utilizes a unique Variable Torque Management four-wheel-drive system which automatically engages when the system senses loss of traction. The system has a manually locking rear differential which can also be engaged by the driver (when vehicle is in first, second, or reverse gears) and will stay engaged up to 18 MPH, or is shifted from aforementioned gears, then unlocks and reverts back to the automatic engaging.
The Pilot also has a Hill Start Assist system which maintains brake pressure when the brake pedal is released, giving the driver time to engage the accelerator. The Pilot also uses a Grade Logic System which holds the engine in a lower gear when on steep inclines for better hill-climbing torque and increased engine braking when going down steep inclines.
The second-generation Pilot's four-wheel drive system enables it to wade through 19 inches of water.
Awards
- Car and DriverCar and DriverCar and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
magazine's Best Large SUVCar and Driver Ten BestCar and Driver magazine annually nominates a list of what it considers the Ten Best cars and Five Best trucks.All production vehicles for sale in that calendar year are considered with these restrictions:# The vehicle must be on sale by January...
for 2003 through 2008 - Intellichoice "Best Value of the Year"
- Edmunds.com "Most Wanted SUV"
- AMI Auto World "World Family Vehicle of the Year"
- Kelley Blue Book "Top 50 Most Popular Cars"