| Like its brethren, the CR-V, Odyssey and new | | | | second and third-row seats each comfortably seat |
| Element, the Pilot | | | | three passengers. |
| completes Honda's best-buy SUV and van line. And | | | | Although unused during my test week, second and |
| like any of those | | | | third-seat |
| offerings or anything else in Honda's arsenal, it's hard | | | | passengers can view DVDs from a screen that pops |
| to find serious | | | | down from the |
| fault with the Pilot.Introduced in late 2003, the Pilot | | | | second-seat ceiling. Headphones are stored in a map |
| replaced the Passport and it shares the | | | | accessory |
| same basic chassis and powertrain as the MDX, the | | | | compartment behind the driver's seat.All three Pilot |
| complementary | | | | models have a long list of standard features: tilt |
| choice from Honda's upscale Acura division.My test | | | | steering |
| drive for the week was the top of the line's EX L | | | | wheel, cruise control, 60/40 split folding second and |
| 4-door wagon | | | | third seats, power |
| that includes both a navigation system and second | | | | mirrors, windows and doors locks, remote keyless |
| seat DVD | | | | entry and AM/FM/CD |
| entertainment system. With those additions, the Pilot | | | | player, among other items. The EX and EX-L models |
| further enhances | | | | include a six-disc |
| its position at the forefront of the midsize SUV ranks | | | | changer, steering wheel radio controls, automatic-off |
| that include the | | | | headlights and |
| Ford Explorer, Nissan Murano and Toyota | | | | allow wheels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, |
| Highlander.The three Pilot models all offer a V6, | | | | power sunroof and |
| 255-horsepower engine paired | | | | heated power mirrors are standard on the EX-L |
| only with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The HP | | | | model only.Despite its best-buy status, the Pilot does |
| total represents an | | | | have two less-than- |
| increase of six percent from the 2004 model, further | | | | spectacular considerations: curtain side airbags are |
| adding to the | | | | not available on |
| vehicle's status among the quicker midsize SUVs. It | | | | any model, and its fuel rating of 17 in city driving and |
| has a 0-60 mph test | | | | 22 in highway use |
| rating of 7.9 seconds.Further performance areas for | | | | is fine for its category but hardly an economical |
| the Pilot are all ranked at least average or | | | | plus.Nevertheless, the Pilot overall is an ideal family |
| above. The driver sits "tall" in the vehicle, so steering | | | | vehicle. It's spaciously |
| and handling are | | | | designed, practical and fits well in the Honda family |
| fine for the car's type. But it should never be mistaken | | | | known not only |
| for anything other | | | | performance and reliability, but for a strong position in |
| than a SUV with cornering limitations.Braking is strong | | | | the resale market.2005 Honda PilotSafety features -- |
| and the standard all-wheel-drive system seems well- | | | | Front side airbags, anti-lock 4-wheel disc |
| suited for trails and in inclement weather | | | | brakes, rear-obstacle detection system. tire pressure |
| conditions.Like other Hondas, controls and | | | | monitor, rearview |
| instrumentation as well as styling and | | | | camera.Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 17 mpg (city), 22 |
| indoor space are thoughtful and styled simply. The | | | | mpg (highway).Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 |
| automatic shift lever | | | | years/36,000 miles; |
| is located behind the right side of the steering wheel | | | | Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.Base price range -- |
| and doesn't block | | | | $34,120.James Raia is a syndicated journalist in |
| access to other controls. But it's also too easy to shift | | | | Sacramento, California, who |
| in and out of | | | | writes about sports, fitness, travel and lifestyle topics |
| transmission settings.The pilot is an eight-passenger | | | | as well as the car |
| vehicle, with little compromise. The | | | | review colum, The Weekly Driver. |