2009 Honda Pilot is available in 2wd and 4wd, three packages: EX,LX and TOURING, and much needed new body. I LIKED THAT… The Pilot handles with ease. I takes the bumps and curves smoothly with little under or oversteer. It’s got ROOM. The seats move forward easily, with adjustments in the second row to accomodate the third row guests. There is plenty of leg and headroom in the second and third row seats, for the average drive. I wouldn’t want to be the adult sitting in the third row for 2000 miles. The air vents are placed low, so air is not blowing down on anyone. With all three rows of seats up, you have room for more than an umbrella stroller. There are four, yes 4, power outlets! Cupholders (6), bag hooks (4) and seatbelts for seven. I don’t mind the shifter on the dash, typical Honda. The huge bin/console can hold a purse, and if anything spills you can get to it to clean it up. I agree with those who would prefer knows for the temperature and fan controls, which are easier to find, since they aren’t on the steering wheel.
I DIDN’T LIKE… The power is there, although 110 degree heat, 100% air blowing from front and rear vents, the engine hesitates before responding. There is minor exceleration noise from the engine compartment but no noticable transmission hunting.
The styling is UNIMAGINATIVE. I think the “Element” grill is not sophisticated enough for this truck. I get that Honda may have been trying to transition their Ridgeline and Element customers to the Pilot, but at 30K starting price and the Touring pushing 45K, I’m out on cute.
The only part I really didn’t like was the gas mileage. From the company that leads the race in alternative fuel: Hydrogen, Natural Gas and Electric, 16 and 22, for an estimated 18 average is not acceptable. The Sticker reads “avergae annual fuel cost 2200.00 ? Since when does gas cost $2.80 a gallon? I guess they can keep those lower annual fuel costs until Congress makes them fess-up. All in all the Pilot delivers what it promises as a family hauler, in comfort and Honda-style. The fuel economy is what it is. The price value ratio, well it’s priced like a Honda. You get what you pay for, no big rebates or phoney interest rates and limited production to make you want it more. The price is fair when you compare the Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada, Chrysler Apsen or DOdge Durango. The GMC Arcadia or Enclave may actually be a smart alternative for the money.
Check out my 2009 Honda Pilot Test auto review video; www.youtube.com
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