What is it?
2003 Honda Pilot
What's special about it?
The long-overdue replacement for the Honda Passport arrives this summer boasting full-time four-wheel drive, eight-passenger capacity in three rows of theatre-style seats, a low-emissions 3.5-liter V6 engine and what the Japanese automaker claims is "class leading" cargo capacity. It will be priced to tackle the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander when it goes on sale.
Based on the platform and drivetrain of Acura's MDX, the Pilot is smaller outside but roomier inside than its more luxurious cousin. Designers looked to hard-case luggage for inspiration when styling the exterior and used the stuffable versatility of a backpack to fashion the cabin. The Pilot features a version of the MDX's 3.5-liter ultra-low-emissions V6 engine that provides a 3,500-pound towing capacity (4,500 pounds if towing a boat). It's matched to a five-speed automatic transmission and the innovative VTM-4 full-time four-wheel-drive system from the MDX.
With a handy 60/40-split third-row bench seat that folds into the floor to free up cargo space, the Pilot is capable of transporting up to eight passengers. Lots of family-friendly storage solutions are found inside, from a front center console with a dedicated cell phone cradle and CD storage to a rear "kids' activity tray" that can hold a Game Boy or markers. A 4-foot-wide sheet of plywood will rest flat on the cargo floor when the seats are folded.
Chronograph design inspired the Pilot's gauge cluster, and silver trim highlights the interior. A combination CD and cassette sound system is standard, with satellite-linked navigation and a DVD rear entertainment system optional. The shift lever is column-mounted to maximize storage space between the front seats.
Though it's likely a better performer on the road than off, the Pilot does have eight inches of ground clearance and an electronic locking differential. The wheel track is reported to be the widest in the midsize SUV class and should contribute to a solid feeling of stability. Not only that, the Pilot will likely prove nimble thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and the fact that it's the lightest eight-passenger SUV on the market. Four-wheel disc antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution are standard equipment.
Honda also claims to have engineered the Pilot to achieve five-star crash test ratings for frontal and side impact. Ninety percent of the Pilot's parts will be recyclable, in keeping with Honda's emphasis on environmental responsibility.
Honda plans to sell 75,000 Pilots annually starting in the summer of 2002.
Why should you care?
The Pilot, like the MDX, blends the functionality of a minivan and the drivability of a car with the appearance and go-in-the-snow ability of a sport-utility. Combine these features with Honda's reputation for both reliability and strong resale values, and you have a no-brainer recipe for success. Prepare to wait in line for yours, and to pay sticker or more. — Christian Wardlaw
2003 Honda Pilot
What's special about it?
The long-overdue replacement for the Honda Passport arrives this summer boasting full-time four-wheel drive, eight-passenger capacity in three rows of theatre-style seats, a low-emissions 3.5-liter V6 engine and what the Japanese automaker claims is "class leading" cargo capacity. It will be priced to tackle the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander when it goes on sale.
Based on the platform and drivetrain of Acura's MDX, the Pilot is smaller outside but roomier inside than its more luxurious cousin. Designers looked to hard-case luggage for inspiration when styling the exterior and used the stuffable versatility of a backpack to fashion the cabin. The Pilot features a version of the MDX's 3.5-liter ultra-low-emissions V6 engine that provides a 3,500-pound towing capacity (4,500 pounds if towing a boat). It's matched to a five-speed automatic transmission and the innovative VTM-4 full-time four-wheel-drive system from the MDX.
With a handy 60/40-split third-row bench seat that folds into the floor to free up cargo space, the Pilot is capable of transporting up to eight passengers. Lots of family-friendly storage solutions are found inside, from a front center console with a dedicated cell phone cradle and CD storage to a rear "kids' activity tray" that can hold a Game Boy or markers. A 4-foot-wide sheet of plywood will rest flat on the cargo floor when the seats are folded.
Chronograph design inspired the Pilot's gauge cluster, and silver trim highlights the interior. A combination CD and cassette sound system is standard, with satellite-linked navigation and a DVD rear entertainment system optional. The shift lever is column-mounted to maximize storage space between the front seats.
Though it's likely a better performer on the road than off, the Pilot does have eight inches of ground clearance and an electronic locking differential. The wheel track is reported to be the widest in the midsize SUV class and should contribute to a solid feeling of stability. Not only that, the Pilot will likely prove nimble thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and the fact that it's the lightest eight-passenger SUV on the market. Four-wheel disc antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution are standard equipment.
Honda also claims to have engineered the Pilot to achieve five-star crash test ratings for frontal and side impact. Ninety percent of the Pilot's parts will be recyclable, in keeping with Honda's emphasis on environmental responsibility.
Honda plans to sell 75,000 Pilots annually starting in the summer of 2002.
Why should you care?
The Pilot, like the MDX, blends the functionality of a minivan and the drivability of a car with the appearance and go-in-the-snow ability of a sport-utility. Combine these features with Honda's reputation for both reliability and strong resale values, and you have a no-brainer recipe for success. Prepare to wait in line for yours, and to pay sticker or more. — Christian Wardlaw
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