In 2006, Honda Pilot got a make-over. This model was especially made to satisfy customer demands. Pilot’s concept is shared among the Honda Odyssey and Honda Accord. Honda Pilot’s uni-body assembly and independent suspension provides the similar handling experience of a car. This vehicle experiences a rough competition from other pickup trucks such as Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander.
Honda Pilot is a midsized crossover SUV that is offered with four trim levels. The 2011 Honda Pilot have different trims; the Honda pilot EX, Honda pilot LX, the pilot EX-L and the Touring model. All trims are offered with either front wheel drive or 4-wheel drive.
Performance
The Honda Pilot is equipped with the standard 3.5L V6 engine that comes with a front wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive with automatic distribution power to the rear wheel of up to 70 percent. The power train is mated with five-speed auto gear transmission. This power supply is combined with a driver selectable lock characteristic as well that transfers maximum torque to the rear wheel at a speed under 19 MPH. This power train allows the Honda pilot to speed up from zero to 60 MPH in a matter of 9.7 seconds.
The 2010 version Honda Pilot’s available with practical exterior styling. Interior is offered with blocky and rugged. Like the other present Honda vehicles, the central stack of this sedan is full of several control buttons. Using these buttons is made simpler by individually made logical design. Pilot is available with additional seats on the third row as well to maximize load capacity.
Pilot, among other sedans, can seat adults and provide relative comfort to all its passengers. Cushions on the second and third row seats are quite low and they may not be that comfortable for passengers with long legs. This sedan has less compact seating than that of Ford Flex (MSRP $29,355; 17 city / 24 hwy) and Chevy Traverse (MSRP $32,010; 17 city / 24 hwy).
Test drivers mentioned that the 2011 Honda Pilot has an adequate performance and a lot of power. However, its braking capability may not be that strong and it may not be that reliable for situations when the car needs to go on a sudden stop. Therefore, it is best to always observe proper driving manners at all times to avoid accidents.
Trims & Features
Honda pilot LX has 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, automated head light, rear privacy glass, steering wheel, cruise control, telescopic and tilt steering wheel, trailer hitch, front and back air conditioners, split foldable third row seats and AUX-IN pin and CD and MP3 player, seven-speaker audio system.
The pilot EX has an additional of 17-inch wheels made out of alloy, roof rails, floodlights, painted body molding, audio system with six CD chargers, tri-zone automated climate control, eight-way power driver seat, satellite radio and heated outer mirrors.
Honda pilot EX-L trim features heated front seat, improved leather upholstery, back seat DVD components, I-Pod and Bluetooth connectivity and a10-speaker audio system.
Both EX’s add-ons comes with the Touring trim and later include power tailgate, driver memory operation, window sunshade at the back as well as tire pressure gauge.
Safety
The 2010 Pilot is equipped with the latest safety features that ensure safe travel to its passengers. This model comes with stability control, front seat airbag at the side, standard anti-lock disc brakes as well as full-length curtain airbags. The 2011 Pilot has not yet been crash tested. However, in a federal government crash test, this sedan performed perfectly and earned five stars for passenger safety during side and frontal impact. This sedan has earned an outstanding rating as well from IIHS, shortened for Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, for frontal as well as side collisions.
Competition
There are other alternatives to look before making you’re a final decision in getting your Honda Pilot. Among those to consider are the: Toyota Highlander (MSRP $29,245; 18 city / 24 hwy), Nissan Pathfinder (MSRP $28,570; 15 city / 22 hwy), the 2012 GMC Acadia (MSRP $35,080; 17 city / 24 hwy), and the Toyota 4Runner (MSRP $30,305; 17 city / 23 hwy).
Overall Rating
75 out of 100
What others say:
“A responsive, smooth powertrain and surprisingly confident handling make the 2011 Honda Pilot a better on-road performer than its appearance might suggest.”Car Connection
“Generally car-like driving feel, with fine low-speed maneuverability and city-friendly turning radius.”Consumer Guide
“The 2011 Honda Pilot has plenty of family-friendly appeal with excellent crash safety scores and a roomy third row. But outside of that, it comes up as merely average.”Edmunds
“If you’re looking for a true eight-passenger vehicle that offers more on- and off-road capabilities than a minivan, the 2011 Honda Pilot belongs on your list.”KBB
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $28,320.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 gallons | Miles Per Gallon: 17 city / 23 hwy |
| Length: 190.9 in. (485 cm) | Width: 78.5 in. (199 cm) |
| Height: 71 in. (180 cm) | Curb Weight: 4319 lbs (1959 kg) |
| Wheel Base: 109.2 in. (277 cm) | Ground Clearance: 8 in. (20 cm) |
| Max Cargo Capacity: 87 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 8 people |
| Engine: 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC® V6 | Displacement: 3471 cc |
| Horsepower: 250 HP | Max RPM: 5700 RPM |
| Torque: 253 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic |
| 0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds | Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs (4536 kgs) 2WD |
Option:Touring 4WDMSRP:$40,670; MPG:16 city / 22 hwy
| Option:LX 4WD | MSRP: $29,920; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:EX 2WD | MSRP: $31,170; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy |
| Option: EX 4WD | MSRP: $32,770; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:EX-L 2WD | MSRP: $34,270; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy |
| Option:EX-L 4WD | MSRP: $35,870; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:Touring 2WD | MSRP: $39,070; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy |
| Option:Touring 4WD | MSRP: $40,670; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy |
