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2008 Honda Pilot
Date Published: 11/23/08

2008 Honda Pilot
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MSRP:
$28,395 - 35,645

Invoice:
$24,996 - 32,270

Class:
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle

CG Award: (What's This?)
2008 Honda Pilot
Expert Rating Summary
Category 2WD VP Rating (See All
Ratings)
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle Average Rating
Acceleration 6 5.5
Fuel Economy 4 3.6
Ride Quality 6 5.4
Steering/Handling/Braking 4 4.4
Quietness 6 5.5
Controls 7 6.4
Details 6 5.4
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 7 7.1
Room/Comfort (rear) 6 6.1
Cargo Room 9 8.6
Value within Class 9 5.7
Total Score: 70 63.7
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
2008 HONDA PILOT BUYING RESOURCES
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2008 Honda Pilot Review
The 2008 Honda Pilot adds some new models to its lineup. This crossover seats eight. The entry-level VP model replaces the LX. Other trim levels include uplevel EX, new-for-2008 SE, and EX-L with leather upholstery and heated front seats. All are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A 244-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission is the only powertrain. Maximum towing capacity is 4500 lb. All 2WD Pilots get Honda's Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation. AWD models have a switch that can lock in a 50/50 front/rear power split. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. The 2nd and 3rd seating rows are 60/40 split folding benches. Available navigation is exclusive to EX-L models.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.



News
AWD Pilots may soon join 2WD models with fuel-saving cylinder deactivation. Otherwise, this SUV should see no major change until its first ground-up redesign, which is now mooted for model-year '09. At that point or soon after, Pilot could well add a "clean diesel" V6 being developed for the North American market. The diesel option is strictly our guess at the moment, but it would make sense given the prospect of even higher gas prices and the much greater fuel efficiency of diesel power. We'll keep you posted.
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