2008 Honda Pilot Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　The 2008 Honda Pilot sees two new trim levels as the Value Package replaces the LX and a new Special Edition debuts. The former boasts a few more features than the outgoing LX, while the latter is essentially a cloth-upholstered EX with a sunroof and DVD player.

　　

zzdcar says

　　Although the aging 2008 Honda Pilot faces many newer rivals, it remains a strong choice for a midsize crossover SUV thanks to its versatility, strong reputation for quality and high safety ratings.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Honda Pilot Value Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$203/mo  for Pilot Value Package

　　Pilot Value Package

　　Value Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A) - $27,595 MSRPValue Package 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A) - $28,995 MSRPEX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A) - $29,745 MSRPEX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A) - $31,145 MSRPSpecial Edition 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A) - $31,595 MSRPSpecial Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A) - $32,995 MSRPEX-L 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A) - $32,045 MSRPEX-L 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A) (Most Popular) - $33,445 MSRPEX-L 4dr SUV w/Rear Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A) - $33,645 MSRPEX-L 4dr SUV w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 5A) - $34,245 MSRPEX-L 4dr SUV 4WD w/Rear Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A) - $35,045 MSRPEX-L 4dr SUV 4WD w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 5A) - $35,645 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Sensible folks who place function over form will agree that a minivan remains the most efficient mode of family transport. Quite simply, a big, front-wheel-drive box offers more passenger and cargo capacity compared to a like-sized SUV. But most image-conscious Americans find minivans seriously lacking in the cool factor -- something that SUVs, with their muscular bodies and big tires, have in spades. Those looking for a combination of minivan utility with SUV image should consider a midsize crossover SUV, such as the 2008 Honda Pilot.

　　At its debut back in 2003, the Pilot was one of the first midsize crossover SUVs, meaning it was (and is) car-based rather than truck-based. As such, it provides more cabin room than a truck-based ute, as well as a fully independent suspension. The latter typically provides better handling and a smoother ride than a solid rear axle setup can. Other charms of the Pilot include seating for up to eight, a strong yet fuel-efficient V6, the option of all-wheel drive and impressive crash test scores.

　　Now in its sixth model year, this generation of the Pilot is due for replacement (likely in 2009) and faces stiff competition in the form of newer rivals such as the spacious triplets from GM (Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook), the Toyota Highlander, the Mazda CX-9 and a pair of Hyundais -- the Santa Fe and upscale Veracruz. Of course we'd advise back-to-back test-drives of them all, but one shouldn't count the Honda out just yet. Far from being an old dog no longer in the hunt, the 2008 Honda Pilot still counts solid engineering and an enviable reputation for overall quality and resale value among its strengths. As such, it remains a sensible choice for buyers needing a jack-of-all-trades crossover SUV.

　　

Performance & mpg

　　All Pilots are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 244 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. The sole transmission is a five-speed automatic and buyers may choose between front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, which "shuts off" three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration to improve fuel economy, comes on the FWD versions.

　　Fuel-economy ratings for the FWD model stand at 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway for 2008. It is one of the few SUVs classified as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV). Towing capacity for the Pilot is 4,500 pounds -- about 1,000 pounds greater than many crossover rivals, but well below the ratings for traditional truck-based SUVs like the Ford Explorer or Dodge Durango.

　　

Safety

　　Antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are all standard. In government crash tests, the Pilot earned perfect five-star ratings across the board for front- and side-impact protection. In frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Pilot received the highest rating of "Good."

　　

Driving

　　As the Pilot features a stiff unibody structure and a fully independent suspension, it is quite smooth and comfortable on normal roads. However, with a curb weight of more than 2 tons, there is no escaping the Pilot's bulk, and compared to more modern competitors, it can feel a bit clumsy around corners. In terms of off-road ability, the AWD Pilot can take on common hazards such as boat ramps, washed-out gullies and rough roads, but not much more.

　　

Interior

　　With its three-passenger third-row seat, the 2008 Honda Pilot seats eight. But that last row is best left to small kids, as legroom is tight. Cargo capacity with the second- and third-row seats lowered is respectable at 88 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, cargo capacity is 48 cubic feet. With all seats occupied, there's still enough room for grocery bags, baby equipment or a set of golf clubs. The cabin features good ergonomics, straightforward controls and high-quality materials, but the design is getting long in the tooth and looks dated compared to newer crossovers.

　　

2008 Honda Pilot models

　　The 2008 Honda Pilot is a midsize crossover SUV. Four trims are offered: Value Package, EX, EX-L and Special Edition. The Value package replaces the former LX trim and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, air-conditioning (with a separate unit to cool the rear seats), cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a seven-speaker stereo with satellite radio and an in-dash CD changer.

　　Stepping up to the EX adds an eight-way power driver seat, extra interior storage, automatic climate control and HomeLink. Satellite radio is not available on the EX. One may also choose an EX with leather seating (EX-L), which also comes with a sunroof, satellite radio and heated front seats. A navigation system with rearview camera or a DVD entertainment system are available on the EX-L -- but you can't get both.

　　The Special Edition slots between the EX and EX-L in terms of pricing and equipment. It has a cloth interior, but compared to the standard EX, adds a sunroof, satellite radio, a rear DVD entertainment system and a 115-volt power outlet.

　　

2008 Pilot Highlights

Trim: Value PackageEXSpecial EditionEX-LValue Package

　　

Base MSRP	$27,595
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$203/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles