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Honda Pilot 2005: The Weekly Driver Review
   
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Things To Know Before You Buy A Car
Sooner or later most people buy a new car. It doesn't matter if it's your third new car or your first, it almost always happens sometime.
There is an art to buying .....
Like its brethren, the CR-V, Odyssey and new Element, the Pilot Sooner or later most people buy a new car. It doesn't matter if it's your third new car or your first, it almost always happens sometime.
There is an art to buying .....
completes Honda's best-buy SUV and van line. And like any of those
offerings or anything else in Honda's arsenal, it's hard to find serious
fault with the Pilot.
Introduced in late 2003, the Pilot replaced the Passport and it shares the
same basic chassis and powertrain as the MDX, the complementary
choice from Honda's upscale Acura division.
My test drive for the week was the top of the line's EX L 4-door wagon
that includes both a navigation system and second seat DVD
entertainment system. With those additions, the Pilot further enhances
its position at the forefront of the midsize SUV ranks that include the
Ford Explorer, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander.
The three Pilot models all offer a V6, 255-horsepower engine paired
only with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The HP total represents an
increase of six percent from the 2004 model, further adding to the
vehicle's status among the quicker midsize SUVs. It has a 0-60 mph test
rating of 7.9 seconds.
Further performance areas for the Pilot are all ranked at least average or
above. The driver sits "tall" in the vehicle, so steering and handling are
fine for the car's type. But it should never be mistaken for anything other
than a SUV with cornering limitations.
Braking is strong and the standard all-wheel-drive system seems well-
suited for trails and in inclement weather conditions.
Dangers Of Following To Close In A Work Truck
When driving as work truck you must be aware that stopping distances are much greater than when driving an automobile. At the Departments of Vehicles in most States, they recommend the two second rule. Use a two second following .....
Like other Hondas, controls and instrumentation as well as styling and When driving as work truck you must be aware that stopping distances are much greater than when driving an automobile. At the Departments of Vehicles in most States, they recommend the two second rule. Use a two second following .....
indoor space are thoughtful and styled simply. The automatic shift lever
is located behind the right side of the steering wheel and doesn't block
access to other controls. But it's also too easy to shift in and out of
transmission settings.
The pilot is an eight-passenger vehicle, with little compromise. The
second and third-row seats each comfortably seat three passengers.
Although unused during my test week, second and third-seat
passengers can view DVDs from a screen that pops down from the
second-seat ceiling. Headphones are stored in a map/accessory
compartment behind the driver's seat.
All three Pilot models have a long list of standard features: tilt steering
wheel, cruise control, 60/40 split folding second and third seats, power
mirrors, windows and doors locks, remote keyless entry and AM/FM/CD
player, among other items. The EX and EX-L models include a six-disc
changer, steering wheel radio controls, automatic-off headlights and
allow wheels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof and
heated power mirrors are standard on the EX-L model only.
Despite its best-buy status, the Pilot does have two less-than-
spectacular considerations: curtain side airbags are not available on
any model, and its fuel rating of 17 in city driving and 22 in highway use
is fine for its category but hardly an economical plus.
Car Service Contracts: Full Service Or Foolish Service
Upon purchasing a car, one may also be required to avail of an auto service contract to do away with untimely and expensive .....
Nevertheless, the Pilot overall is an ideal family vehicle. It's spaciously Upon purchasing a car, one may also be required to avail of an auto service contract to do away with untimely and expensive .....
designed, practical and fits well in the Honda family known not only
performance and reliability, but for a strong position in the resale market.
2005 Honda Pilot
Safety features -- Front side airbags, anti-lock 4-wheel disc
brakes, rear-obstacle detection system. tire pressure monitor, rearview
camera.
Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 17 mpg (city), 22 mpg (highway).
Motorcycle Ramp
The Ups and Downs of a Motorcycle Ramp
Motorcycles are toys for grownups that some take to a professional level by motorcycle .....
Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; The Ups and Downs of a Motorcycle Ramp
Motorcycles are toys for grownups that some take to a professional level by motorcycle .....
Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.
Base price range -- $34,120.
To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver