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Honda Pilot History
Honda Pilot
When Honda introduced its big Pilot sport/utility vehicle for the 2003 model year, eyebrows were raised from within and from without the Honda family. Honda, long known for building some of the most fuel efficient cars on the planet, was throwing its hat in the big vehicle ring in a bid to capture a segment of the market the automaker wasn't yet serving.
But unlike truck based utility vehicles, the Honda Pilot is truly a car based model featuring unibody construction, one of the first of large crossover (crossover utility vehicles) brought to the market. Seating as many as eight passengers, the Pilot clearly combines the best of carrying capacity, light duty off road utility and a well appointed interior.
Initially offered in all wheel drive only, by 2006 a front wheel drive model joined the Honda Pilot fleet. That first generation model was a sales success, marketed through the 2008 model year before the latest generation model hit the market for 2009. Popular awards received by the Pilot include "Best Large SUV" from Car and Driver magazine as well as "Top 50 Most Popular Cars" from Kelley Blue Book. Routinely, the Pilot finishes at or near the top in most big SUV surveys.
Today, the Pilot is powered by the same robust 3.5L V6 engine powering the Odyssey minivan. Available in four trim levels the Pilot churns out 250 horsepower while still returning a respectable 23 mpg on the highway. A slightly longer wheelbase and overall length for the current model extends interior passenger room as well as cargo space. Thanks to improvement in off road technology, the Honda Pilot can perform light to moderate duty work due to its locking differential and hill assist feature.
Important features of the current Honda Pilot include tri-zone climate control, power liftgate, four wheel drive system with locking differential, ABS-equipped four wheel brakes, dual memory seating options for the driver and loads of safety and creature comfort improvements befitting a vehicle in its class.
Although technically not a direct competitor with the likes of the GMC Yukon or Ford Expedition, which are truck based sport utility vehicles crafted for off road duty, the Honda Pilot does compete for the hearts and wallets of people who want similar interior room without the attendant fuel gulping. That also means enthusiasts will customize their Pilots accordingly, purchasing aftermarket parts and accessories to enhance their rides.
Popular interior treatments include steering wheel upgrades, door inserts, mirror ornaments, emergency brake handles, fire extinguishers and more. Exterior treatments include body graphics, deflectors, drop center bumpers, skid plates, tailgate nets and more. Plenty of customization options are available for enthusiasts to create the right look and feel for their Honda Pilot.
When Honda introduced its big Pilot sport/utility vehicle for the 2003 model year, eyebrows were raised from within and from without the Honda family. Honda, long known for building some of the most fuel efficient cars on the planet, was throwing its hat in the big vehicle ring in a bid to capture a segment of the market the automaker wasn't yet serving.
But unlike truck based utility vehicles, the Honda Pilot is truly a car based model featuring unibody construction, one of the first of large crossover (crossover utility vehicles) brought to the market. Seating as many as eight passengers, the Pilot clearly combines the best of carrying capacity, light duty off road utility and a well appointed interior.
Initially offered in all wheel drive only, by 2006 a front wheel drive model joined the Honda Pilot fleet. That first generation model was a sales success, marketed through the 2008 model year before the latest generation model hit the market for 2009. Popular awards received by the Pilot include "Best Large SUV" from Car and Driver magazine as well as "Top 50 Most Popular Cars" from Kelley Blue Book. Routinely, the Pilot finishes at or near the top in most big SUV surveys.
Today, the Pilot is powered by the same robust 3.5L V6 engine powering the Odyssey minivan. Available in four trim levels the Pilot churns out 250 horsepower while still returning a respectable 23 mpg on the highway. A slightly longer wheelbase and overall length for the current model extends interior passenger room as well as cargo space. Thanks to improvement in off road technology, the Honda Pilot can perform light to moderate duty work due to its locking differential and hill assist feature.
Important features of the current Honda Pilot include tri-zone climate control, power liftgate, four wheel drive system with locking differential, ABS-equipped four wheel brakes, dual memory seating options for the driver and loads of safety and creature comfort improvements befitting a vehicle in its class.
Although technically not a direct competitor with the likes of the GMC Yukon or Ford Expedition, which are truck based sport utility vehicles crafted for off road duty, the Honda Pilot does compete for the hearts and wallets of people who want similar interior room without the attendant fuel gulping. That also means enthusiasts will customize their Pilots accordingly, purchasing aftermarket parts and accessories to enhance their rides.
Popular interior treatments include steering wheel upgrades, door inserts, mirror ornaments, emergency brake handles, fire extinguishers and more. Exterior treatments include body graphics, deflectors, drop center bumpers, skid plates, tailgate nets and more. Plenty of customization options are available for enthusiasts to create the right look and feel for their Honda Pilot.
