2007 Honda Pilot

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The midsize Honda Pilot is a capable and comfortable, seven-passenger SUV.

The midsize Honda Pilot is a well-equipped, well-mannered and practical SUV that shares its platform and powertrain with its more-luxurious sibling, the Acura MDX, and the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck. All three, in turn, are based on the Odyssey minivan. It's available with front- or four-wheel drive.

The Honda Pilot is the automaker’s first midsize SUV. It debuted as a 2003 model and became an immediate success. According to CNW Marketing Research, it remains one of the top-selling models in its class, thanks, no doubt, to a lower ride height than most truck-based SUVs, sophisticated ride and handling and bulletproof Honda reliability (Consumer Reports rates it as much better than average).

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A 3.5-liter V6 engine more than adequately powers the Honda Pilot, with acceptable fuel economy. FWD models incorporate Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system. This feature automatically and imperceptibly shuts down half the engine's cylinders when not needed, such as under light acceleration or at cruising speeds, to boost the vehicle's fuel economy just a bit.

Front-drive versions also include Active Engine Control Mount and Active Noise Cancellation systems to reduce noise, vibrations and harshness in the passenger cabin. A smooth-shifting, five-speed automatic remains the only available transmission on all models.

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The Honda Pilot's available Variable Torque Management-4WD system combines the best aspects of 4WD and all-wheel drive. As with most AWD systems, most of the engine's power goes to the front wheels most of the time. The system sends power to the rear wheels automatically when needed, but when conditions become seriously slippery, the driver can engage and lock 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels at the push of a button. Because it lacks the low-range gearing offered in most truck-based SUVs, the Pilot is not suited for serious off-roading. Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist system is standard on all versions.

Honda Pilot Vehicle Summary

Inside its spacious and comfortable cabin, the Honda Pilot is able to seat as many as eight passengers with a third-row seat that easily and conveniently folds into the floor when additional cargo space is needed. With the third-row seat upright, the space that it folds into serves as a handy well for carrying groceries and other objects that might otherwise roll around the vehicle. Head-curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats are standard across the line.

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The optional navigation system incorporates a bumper-mounted rearview video camera that displays a rearward view on the system's monitor to ease parking and help avoid hitting objects behind the vehicle that may otherwise be obstructed from view. A backseat DVD entertainment system is optional and includes a larger-than-average LCD screen.

A redesigned version of the Honda Pilot isn’t anticipated until the 2009 model year; it will likely offer additional power from a larger V6 engine, among other improvements.