2005 Honda Pilot: Road Test
Archived Review
2005 Honda Pilot EX
2005 Honda Pilot ▼
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- MSRP: $27,550 -$34,320
- Invoice: $24,787 -$30,871
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Our road test for the 2005 Honda Pilot includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Honda Pilot from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Honda Pilot, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Honda Pilot help you decide if a 2005 Honda Pilot is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.9 |
Strong, ready power. Especially robust highway merging, passing performance. Transmission's smooth, quick shifts contribute to powertrain's exemplary behavior. No opportunity to time 2005 Pilot, but feels quicker than '04 version, which did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph in test of EX model. That compares with 8.4 sec for test V8 Ford Explorer, 8.1 for AWD V6 Toyota Highlander.
FUEL ECONOMY
| EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.9 |
Test EX-L averaged 16.4 mpg in mixed driving. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel for Pilot.
RIDE QUALITY
| EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.1 |
Few SUVs of any stripe absorb bumps as well as Pilot. Cracks, patchy pavement pass with little impact, little noise. Pilot floats a bit, takes a moment to settle after big humps, dips at highway speeds, but never loses composure.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.8 |
Generally carlike driving feel, with fine low-speed maneuverability and city-friendly turning radius. But tires' tall sidewalls contribute to lazy steering response in quick changes of direction. And high center of gravity means fair body lean, noseplow in sharp turns. Antiskid system a laudable addition, but shouldn't be limited to costliest model. Braking strong, stable, though simulated panic stops generate copious nosedive. AWD easily copes with moderately muddy backwoods trails.
QUIETNESS
| EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.8 |
As refined as any rival. Quieter, more solid than most. Coarse-pavement tire thrum, highway wind noise well-muffled. V6 never rises above muted growl. Only slightest body drumming over washboard roads, lane-divider dots.
CONTROLS
| EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.3 |
Hard to fault, though adjusting illumination of main gauges to less than full brightness renders lighting for other controls too dim for easy reading. Steering-column shift lever doesn't block access to controls, but imprecise action means drivers often overshoot Drive position. Navigation system easier to learn, use than most, but screen is small and driver must stretch to reach main toggle control. Cabin has fine fit/finish, but hard plastic surfaces abound.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.7 |
Supportive seats. Generous head room. But taller drivers may want more rearward travel and a steering wheel that tilts higher. And shorter drivers may find thigh bolstering too prominent. Thick front roof pillars block driver's view to some angles, but large windows and typically tall SUV driving stance mean good visibility otherwise. Trucklike ride height requires most occupants to hoist themselves aboard.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.2 |
Second-row bench affords good room, comfort for two adults, three in a pinch, but some competitors offer more usable leg room when a front seat is pushed back. Third row is hard to access and sized mostly for kids, though even they have little leg space. Tall step-in a demerit for 2nd-row entry/exit, narrow passageways hinder access to 3rd row.
CARGO ROOM
| EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.8 |
Ample load volume once you begin to fold down seatbacks. Both rear rows drop easily to form a flat deck, and some rear shoulder belts detach for cargo-carrying convenience. But 3rd-row headrests must be removed to fold rearmost seatback; they store in lidded floorwell just ahead of tailgate. Lack of separate-opening liftgate glass disappoints. Ample interior storage includes versatile front console, 2-tier front-seatback pouches.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 5.6 |
Pilot is the Honda Accord of midsize SUVs--pleasant, practical, family friendly. Honda has little excuse for denying it such an important safety feature as head-protecting curtain side airbags. But there's no question about this wagon's laudable balance of utility and comfort, refinement and power. Toss in Honda's strong reputation for reliability and resale value, and Pilot is a bona fide Best Buy.
Total Score
| EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 67 | 55.1 |
Total Score: 67
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