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2005 Honda Pilot Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2005 Honda Pilot Review:
2005 Honda Pilot Review
Honda's midsize SUV adds power and features for 2005. Pilot shares its basic chassis and powertrain with the costlier MDX at Honda's upscale Acura division, but it seats eight vs. seven, and has 8.8 cu ft more cargo volume. It also has softer suspension settings and 16-inch wheels vs. 17s. Pilot offers LX and EX models, plus a top-line EX-L with leather upholstery. The only engine is a V6 with 255 hp, an increase of 15 hp for '05. A 5-speed automatic is the sole transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard. The AWD system lacks low-range gearing, but a dashboard button locks in an even front/rear power split. Pilots include antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and, for '05, add a tire-pressure monitor. An antiskid system also is new as a standard feature exclusive to the EX-L. Front side airbags are standard, but curtain side airbags are unavailable. Pilot has 60/40 split folding bench seats for the 2nd and 3rd rows, plus a liftgate with fixed glass. EX-L includes heated front seats and mirrors. Fuel-tank capacity increases to 20.4 gal from 19.2 for '05, EX and EX-L replace a single-CD player with an in-dash changer. A navigation system and rear DVD entertainment are exclusive EX-L options, but are not available together.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.
News
Pilot will be freshened for 2006. The changes won't be major, but Honda says they will include the mileage-boosting cylinder-deactivation feature already offered on the Odyssey minivan, which uses the same basic V6. In addition, all '06 Pilots are likely to add no-cost curtain side airbags and perhaps the antiskid system now restricted to top-line versions. This would be in line with Honda's new policy of making such features standard for most all Honda/Acura models by 2007.
A fully redesigned Pilot is apparently on tap for 2008, with a new 3.8-liter V6 likely. Other components and even some body/chassis structure could come from Honda's new 2006 Ridgeline pickup.
A fully redesigned Pilot is apparently on tap for 2008, with a new 3.8-liter V6 likely. Other components and even some body/chassis structure could come from Honda's new 2006 Ridgeline pickup.
2005 Honda Pilot Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Build quality | Fuel economy |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
| Visibility | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
Test EX-L averaged 16.4 mpg in mixed driving. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel for Pilot.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 55 | |
| High Score | 67 |
2005 Honda Pilot Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/08/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-door wagon | $27,550 | $24,787 | $515 |
|
|
|||
| EX 4-door wagon | $30,120 | $27,097 | $515 |
|
|
|||
| EX-L 4-door wagon | $32,320 | $29,074 | $515 |
|
|
|||
| EX-L 4-door wagon w/DVD | $33,820 | $30,422 | $515 |
|
|
|||
| EX-L 4-door wagon w/navigation system | $34,320 | $30,871 | $515 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front and rear air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, cupholders, split folding 2nd- and 3rd-row seats, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, 235/70R16 tires.
EX adds to LX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate controls, 8-way power driver seat, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls, universal garage-door opener, 2nd-row tray, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, roof rails, alloy wheels.
EX-L adds to EX:
Safety
Brake assist, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated power mirrors, power sunroof.
EX-L w/DVD adds to EX-L:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
EX-L w/navigation system adds to EX-L:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2005 Honda Pilot Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda Pilot 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 70.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4414 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 90.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /212 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 255 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 250 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 17/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Honda Pilot 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | 8/80,000 on Civic Hybrid battery pack and IMA. In CA, hybrid components are covered by a 10/150,000 warranty. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | Towing available only for warranty-covered breakdowns |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Canada
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Also in the 2005 Honda Pilot Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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