2008 Honda Pilot Review Summary
The 2008 Honda Pilot is a very practical Affordable Midsize SUV and receives a number 1 ranking by Allcarguides.com. There are very few changes in the 2008 model but the last major set of improvements occurred in the 2003 model and there is a re-launch in 2009. The Honda Pilot is known for providing a comfortable ride, smooth power delivery, utility, abundant interior space, modest price (starting around $30,000) and has excellent crash test scores. The Honda Pilot comes in four trims: Value Package, EX, EX-L and Special Edition. The two new trims in 2008 are the Value Package and Special Edition trim levels, priced from $27,595 and $31,595 respectively. The Value package replaces the former LX trim and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, rear and front air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a seven-speaker stereo with satellite radio and an in-dash CD changer. The Honda Pilot’s sole engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 244 horsepower and 240 torque. The only transmission offered in the Pilot is a five-speed automatic and with front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. It gets 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway which is slightly below some of the top tier competition in its class. Also, it is one of the few SUVs that is categorized as a Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV). The Honda Pilot is facing competition from newer models such as the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, Toyota Highlander, the Mazda CX-9 (which finally edged out the Pilot on Caranddriver’s 5 Best Truck award) was ranked best and Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Veracruz. These all offer a bit more style and sporty handling than the Honda Pilot.
2008 Honda Pilot Review Handling
The Honda Pilot has a stiff unibody structure and a fully independent suspension, which gives it a smooth and comfortable on normal roads. Its steering is described by a few reviews as accurate and not soft feeling. It can navigate rough roads but gingerly and really is not meant for off-roading.
2008 Honda Pilot Review Safety
Standard features in the Honda Pilot are Antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are all standard. The Honda Pilot scored a perfect five-star ratings across the board for front- and side-impact protection in Government crash tests.
2008 Honda Pilot Noteworthy
The Honda Pilot has a third row but this row works better for kids. One cool feature is the Variable Cylinder Management that shuts off three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration to improve fuel economy, comes on the FWD versions. Motherproof noted that the rear seat belts have a number of flaws including difficult shoulder harness riding too high for children and being tough to buckle and unbuckle.
