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2008 Honda Pilot Full Review
Date Published: 8/22/08
Also in the 2008 Honda Pilot Review:
5.
6.
Honda Pilot Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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.
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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2008 Honda Pilot Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Build quality | Fuel economy |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
| Visibility | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Any Pilot has strong, ready power with especially robust highway merging and passing performance. The transmission's smooth, quick shifts contribute to the powertrain's exemplary behavior.
| 2WD VP | AWD EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Any Pilot has strong, ready power with especially robust highway merging and passing performance. The transmission's smooth, quick shifts contribute to the powertrain's exemplary behavior.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD VP averaged 17.6 mpg. Test AWD EX-L averaged 16.4. Pilot uses regular-grade fuel.
| 2WD VP | AWD EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD VP averaged 17.6 mpg. Test AWD EX-L averaged 16.4. Pilot uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Pavement cracks and patches pass with little impact, though potholes register soundly. Pilot floats a bit and takes a moment to settle after big dips at highway speeds. It never loses its composure, however.
| 2WD VP | AWD EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 5.5 |
Pavement cracks and patches pass with little impact, though potholes register soundly. Pilot floats a bit and takes a moment to settle after big dips at highway speeds. It never loses its composure, however.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Generally carlike driving feel, with fine low-speed maneuverability and city-friendly turning radius. The tires' tall sidewalls contribute to slightly lazy steering response in quick changes of direction. Pilot's high center of gravity means fair body lean in sharp turns, but no undue noseplow. The 2WD models too easily spin their front tires in rapid acceleration from a stop and also tend to torque steer. AWD models are better mannered in this regard and also cope easily with moderately muddy backwoods trails. Braking is strong and stable, though simulated panic stops generate copious nosedive.
| 2WD VP | AWD EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4.4 |
Generally carlike driving feel, with fine low-speed maneuverability and city-friendly turning radius. The tires' tall sidewalls contribute to slightly lazy steering response in quick changes of direction. Pilot's high center of gravity means fair body lean in sharp turns, but no undue noseplow. The 2WD models too easily spin their front tires in rapid acceleration from a stop and also tend to torque steer. AWD models are better mannered in this regard and also cope easily with moderately muddy backwoods trails. Braking is strong and stable, though simulated panic stops generate copious nosedive.
Quietness
Pilot is a quiet and solid crossover. Coarse-pavement tire thrum and highway wind noise are well-muffled. The V6 never rises above a muted growl. Only slight body drumming over washboard roads and lane-divider dots.
| 2WD VP | AWD EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Pilot is a quiet and solid crossover. Coarse-pavement tire thrum and highway wind noise are well-muffled. The V6 never rises above a muted growl. Only slight body drumming over washboard roads and lane-divider dots.
Controls
Hard to fault, though adjusting the illumination of main gauges to less than full brightness makes lighting for other controls too dim for easy reading. The steering-column shift lever doesn't block access to controls, but imprecise action means it often overshoots the Drive position. The navigation system is easier to learn and use than most, but its screen is small and the driver must stretch to reach the main toggle control.
| 2WD VP | AWD EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Hard to fault, though adjusting the illumination of main gauges to less than full brightness makes lighting for other controls too dim for easy reading. The steering-column shift lever doesn't block access to controls, but imprecise action means it often overshoots the Drive position. The navigation system is easier to learn and use than most, but its screen is small and the driver must stretch to reach the main toggle control.
Details
Fit/finish are up to Honda's usual standards, despite the abundance of hard plastic trim.
| 2WD VP | AWD EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Fit/finish are up to Honda's usual standards, despite the abundance of hard plastic trim.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Supportive seats and generous headroom, but taller drivers may want more rearward travel and a steering wheel that tilts higher. 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. Pilot's trucklike ride height means a high step-in.
| 2WD VP | AWD EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
Supportive seats and generous headroom, but taller drivers may want more rearward travel and a steering wheel that tilts higher. 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. Pilot's trucklike ride height means a high step-in.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Second-row bench affords good room and comfort for two adults, three in a pinch. Some competitors offer more usable legroom when a front seat is pushed far back. Third row is hard to access and sized mostly for kids, though even they have little leg space. Tall step-in is a demerit for 2nd-row entry/exit, and narrow passageways hinder access to the 3rd row.
| 2WD VP | AWD EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Second-row bench affords good room and comfort for two adults, three in a pinch. Some competitors offer more usable legroom when a front seat is pushed far back. Third row is hard to access and sized mostly for kids, though even they have little leg space. Tall step-in is a demerit for 2nd-row entry/exit, and narrow passageways hinder access to the 3rd row.
Cargo Room
Ample load volume once you begin to fold down the seatbacks. Both rear rows drop easily to form a flat deck, and some rear shoulder belts detach for cargo-carrying convenience. The 3rd-row headrests must be removed to fold the rearmost seatback; they store in a lidded floorwell just ahead of the tailgate. Lack of opening liftgate glass disappoints. Ample interior storage includes a versatile front console, two-tier front-seatback pouches.
| 2WD VP | AWD EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.6 |
Ample load volume once you begin to fold down the seatbacks. Both rear rows drop easily to form a flat deck, and some rear shoulder belts detach for cargo-carrying convenience. The 3rd-row headrests must be removed to fold the rearmost seatback; they store in a lidded floorwell just ahead of the tailgate. Lack of opening liftgate glass disappoints. Ample interior storage includes a versatile front console, two-tier front-seatback pouches.
Value within Class
Pilot is the Honda Accord of midsize SUVs--pleasant, practical, and family friendly. There's no question about this wagon's laudable balance of utility and comfort, refinement, and power. Toss in Honda's reputation for reliability and resale value, and Pilot is a Best Buy.
| 2WD VP | AWD EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 9 | 10 | 5.8 |
Pilot is the Honda Accord of midsize SUVs--pleasant, practical, and family friendly. There's no question about this wagon's laudable balance of utility and comfort, refinement, and power. Toss in Honda's reputation for reliability and resale value, and Pilot is a Best Buy.
Total Score
| 2WD VP | AWD EX-L w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 70 | 73 | 63.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 53 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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2008 Honda Pilot Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/12/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD VP 4-door wagon | $28,395 | $24,996 | $635 |
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| AWD VP 4-door wagon | $29,795 | $26,261 | $635 |
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| 2WD EX 4-door wagon | $29,745 | $26,939 | $635 |
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| AWD EX 4-door wagon | $31,145 | $28,204 | $635 |
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| 2WD SE 4-door wagon | $32,395 | $28,610 | $635 |
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| AWD SE 4-door wagon | $33,795 | $29,875 | $635 |
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| 2WD EX-L 4-door wagon | $32,045 | $29,017 | $635 |
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| AWD EX-L 4-door wagon | $33,445 | $30,282 | $635 |
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| 2WD EX-L 4-door wagon w/DVD | $33,645 | $30,463 | $635 |
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| AWD EX-L 4-door wagon w/DVD | $35,045 | $31,728 | $635 |
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| 2WD EX-L 4-door wagon w/navigation system | $34,245 | $31,005 | $635 |
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| AWD EX-L 4-door wagon w/navigation system | $35,645 | $32,270 | $635 |
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
VP
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine w/cylinder deactivation, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front and rear air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, 2nd- and 3rd-row split folding seats, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, active noise reduction, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails, rear spoiler, 235/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential. Deletes: cylinder deactivation, active noise reduction.
EX adds to LX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate controls, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, universal garage door opener, 2nd-row tray, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, roof rails, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential. Deletes: cylinder deactivation, active noise reduction.
SE adds to EX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, DVD entertainment system, conversation mirror.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential. Deletes: cylinder deactivation, active noise reduction.
EX-L adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: DVD entertainment system.
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential. Deletes: cylinder deactivation, active noise reduction.
EX-L w/DVD adds to EX-L:
Comfort and Convenience Features
DVD entertainment system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential. Deletes: cylinder deactivation, active noise reduction.
EX-L w/navigation system adds to EX-L w/DVD:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview camera.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: DVD entertainment system.
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential. Deletes: cylinder deactivation, active noise reduction.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2008 Honda Pilot Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda Pilot 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 71.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4453 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 87.6 |
| 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. | 40.1 |
| 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. | 244 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 240 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed automatic | 15/20 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| 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 | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| 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:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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Also in the 2008 Honda Pilot Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Honda Pilot Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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