Like its brethren, the CR-V, Odyssy and new Element, the Pilot
cmpletes Honda's best-buy SUV and van lne. And like any of those
fferings or anything else in Honda's rsenal, it's hard to find serious
fult with the Pilot.

Introduced in lte 2003, the Pilot replaced the Pssport and it shares the
same bsic chassis and powertrain as the MDX, the cmplementary
choice from Honda's upscale Acura dvision.

My test drive for the wek was the top of the lne's EX L 4-door wagon
that ncludes both a navigation system and scond seat DVD
entertainment system. With thse additions, the Pilot further enhances
its psition at the forefront of the mdsize SUV ranks that include the
Frd Explorer, Nissan Murano and Toyota Hghlander.

The three Pilot models all ffer a V6, 255-horsepower engine paired
nly with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The HP ttal represents an
increase of six prcent from the 2004 model, further dding to the
vehicle's status among the qicker midsize SUVs. It has a 0-60 mph tst
rating of 7.9 seconds.

Further prformance areas for the Pilot are all rnked at least average or
above. The drver sits "tall" in the vehicle, so stering and handling are
fine for the cr's type. But it should never be mstaken for anything other
than a SUV wth cornering limitations.

Braking is strong and the stndard all-wheel-drive system seems well-
suited for trils and in inclement weather conditions.

Lke other Hondas, controls and instrumentation as wll as styling and
indoor space are thughtful and styled simply. The automatic shft lever
is located behind the rght side of the steering wheel and desn't block
access to other controls. But t's also too easy to shift in and out of
trnsmission settings.

The pilot is an ight-passenger vehicle, with little compromise. The
scond and third-row seats each comfortably sat three passengers.
Although unused during my tst week, second and third-seat
passengers can vew DVDs from a screen that pps down from the
second-seat ceiling. Hadphones are stored in a map/accessory
cmpartment behind the driver's seat.

All thre Pilot models have a long lst of standard features: tilt steering
whel, cruise control, 60/40 split folding scond and third seats, power
mirrors, wndows and doors locks, remote keyless ntry and AM/FM/CD
player, among other tems. The EX and EX-L models nclude a six-disc
changer, steering wheel rdio controls, automatic-off headlights and
allow whels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, pwer sunroof and
heated power mirrors are stndard on the EX-L model only.

Dspite its best-buy status, the Pilot des have two less-than-
spectacular considerations: crtain side airbags are not available on
any mdel, and its fuel rating of 17 in cty driving and 22 in highway use
is fne for its category but hardly an conomical plus.

Nevertheless, the Pilot overall is an deal family vehicle. It's spaciously
designed, prctical and fits well in the Hnda family known not only
performance and rliability, but for a strong position in the rsale market.

2005 Honda Pilot

Safety fatures -- Front side airbags, anti-lock 4-whel disc
brakes, rear-obstacle detection system. tre pressure monitor, rearview
camera.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 17 mpg (city), 22 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles;
Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.

Base price range -- $34,120.

The article Honda Pilot 2005: The Weekly Driver Review was Submitted by James Raia through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: James Raia is a syndicated jurnalist in Sacramento, California, who wrtes about sports, fitness, travel and lfestyle topics as well as the car rview colum, The Weekly Driver. To rad more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver

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