Honda Pilot
Honda Pilot | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Honda |
Also called | Honda MR-V (Middle East) |
Production | 2002 – present |
Model years | 2003 – present |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Mid-size crossover SUV |
Body style | 4-door crossover SUV |
Layout |
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Related | |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Honda Passport |
The Honda Pilot is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Honda and introduced in 2002.[1]
Primarily aimed at the North American market, the Pilot is the largest SUV from Honda and features three-row seating. Pilots are currently manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama, and the Pilot was produced in Alliston, Ontario until April 2007. The first generation Pilot was released in the June of 2002 as a 2003 model.[2]
The Pilot shares its platform with the Acura MDX, as well as the Odyssey minivan and the Accord sedan. The Pilot’s unibody construction and independent suspension is designed to provide handling similar to that of a car and has integrated perimeter frame rails to withstand towing and light off-road use.
Prior to the introduction of the Pilot, Honda only had the compact crossover SUV CR-V, and the Honda Passport (a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo) which was picktruck-based design. The Pilot is Honda's largest and only three-row SUV, although the 2010 Crosstour surpassed the Pilot in length.[3]
The Pilot is sold in North America, while the Honda MDX (first generation Acura MDX) was marketed in Japan and Australia for several years. The Pilot is badged Honda MR-V in the Middle East. The second generation Pilot is also marketed in Russia, Ukraine, and in the Dominican Republic. The Pilot has been a critical and commercial success for Honda, selling over 100,000 vehicles in 2004, an increase of almost 20% over 2003. The Pilot is also sold in the Philippines [4]
First generation (2003–2008)
First generation | |
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Overview | |
Production | April 2002—March 2008 |
Model years | 2003–2008 |
Assembly |
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Designer | Ricky Hsu (1999) |
Body and chassis | |
Related | |
Powertrain | |
Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 106.3 in (2,700 mm) |
Length | 188.0 in (4,775 mm) |
Width |
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Height |
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Specifications
The Pilot has an aluminum alloy 3.5 L SOHC, 32-valve VTEC V6 engine with timing belt driven camshafts.[5] The engine is rated at 240 hp (179 kW; 243 PS) SAE @5400 rpm and 242 lb⋅ft (328 N⋅m) of torque @4500 rpm. It is mated to a five-speed automatic. For the 2006 model, the power was 244 hp (182 kW; 247 PS) SAE @5600 rpm(4WD), 240 lb⋅ft (325 N⋅m) of torque @4500 rpm. Models from 2005 include a drive-by-wire throttle. The Pilot weighs in at a little over 4,400 lb (1,996 kg), with a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated gas mileage for 2007 of 16 mpg‑US (15 L/100 km; 19 mpg‑imp) city and 22 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg‑imp) highway for the two wheel drive model, and 15 mpg‑US (16 L/100 km; 18 mpg‑imp) city and 20 mpg‑US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg‑imp) highway for the four wheel drive model. The Pilot has front struts with a coil-spring, multilink rear suspension for a flat rear load floor. Front track is 66.3 in (1,684 mm) and 66.5 in (1,689 mm) at the rear. The Pilot has a 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) boat/3,500 lb (1,588 kg) trailer towing capability with the optional dealer installed towing package. The FWD Pilot models feature Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) that deactivates and reactivates multiple cylinders, depending on the engine’s needs. The 2004 Pilot included LED front lights that were not available on European market cars.
Design
Design of the Pilot was by Honda's Ricky Hsu through 1999, when styling was approved. The Pilot can accommodate up to eight passengers in three rows configured as stadium seating. The third row can seat three, but the limited legroom makes it suitable only for small children or adults on short trips. Similar to the Honda Odyssey, the rear seats can be folded into flat surfaces for larger cargo. Options include powered moonroof, DVD entertainment system, and a navigation system.[6][7]
The four-wheel drive system is called Variable Torque Management 4WD (VTM-4). It delivers power to four wheels under acceleration and when wheel slippage is detected. The VTM-4 system has a dashboard switch that locks both rear half-shafts to get the driver unstuck, but it operates in just first, second, and reverse gears, and unlocks at 18 mph (29 km/h). Otherwise, the system operates primarily in front-wheel drive and sends torque to the rear wheels when spin is detected up front. Two wheel drive models have been available since 2005.
Other features include ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and 282° of outward visibility.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/2006-2008_Honda_Pilot_EX_--_12-26-2009.jpg/220px-2006-2008_Honda_Pilot_EX_--_12-26-2009.jpg)
2006 Facelift
Honda revised the Pilot for the 2006 model year in October 2005. Changes to the exterior included a new fascia with a different grille insert and halogen projector headlights, and taillights with clear lenses. The EX trim level received redesigned wheels, and the original EX wheels were now found on the LX trim. On the inside, side airbags were provided in the C pillar, the gauge cluster was updated and the center console featured chrome trim and redesigned storage compartments and cup holders.
Second generation (2009–2015)
Second generation | |
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Overview | |
Production | April 2008 – 2015 |
Model years | 2009 – 2015 |
Assembly | Lincoln, Alabama, USA (HMA) |
Designer | Dave Marek (2006) |
Body and chassis | |
Related | |
Powertrain | |
Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 109.2 in (2,774 mm) |
Length |
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Width | 78.5 in (1,994 mm) |
Height |
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![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/89/2014_Honda_Pilot_wagon%2C_rear_view_01.jpg/220px-2014_Honda_Pilot_wagon%2C_rear_view_01.jpg)
The larger second generation Pilot was unveiled in January 2008 at the North American International Auto Show. Assembled at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama, it was offered in four trims; LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. It received a new 3.6-liter V6 VTEC engine producing 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) SAE net at 5700 rpm and 253 lb⋅ft (343 N⋅m) of torque at 4800 rpm.[8] EPA fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city /23 mpg highway with front-wheel-drive and 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway for all-wheel-drive.
Both drivetrains were equipped with five-speed automatics. The second generation's wheelbase is 109.2 in, with a length of 190.9 in, a width of 78.5 in, a height of 71.0 in and interior space of 153.7 cu-ft. The redesigned headlights lost the previous generation's halogen projectors and return to standard halogen reflectors. Features included new two-position memory settings for the driver's seat, a new power tailgate, and the gear shift was relocated from the steering column to the center console between the front seats. The Touring trim included a 120-volt power outlet and a satellite-linked Honda navigation system.
2012 facelift
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/2012_Honda_Pilot_--_11-10-2011.jpg/220px-2012_Honda_Pilot_--_11-10-2011.jpg)
The 2012 model year introduced a redesigned front fascia, new alloy wheels, and updates to the interior along with changes to the bumper.
2013 changes
The 2013 model year included a standard rearview backup camera, i-MID central dashboard 8-inch LCD screen, USB connector, Bluetooth hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming, and tri-zone climate control.
Safety
The Pilot uses Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering front bracket. For the 2013 model year a rear-view backup camera was made standard. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found the Pilot a driver death rate of 2 deaths per million registered years among the ten lowest released in their report[9][10]
Moderate overlap frontal offset | Good |
Small overlap frontal offset | Poor* |
Side impact | Good |
Roof strength | Marginal (2009-11 models) |
Roof strength | Good (2012 models) |
*vehicle structure also rated "Poor"
Overall: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Frontal Driver: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Frontal Passenger: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Side Driver: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Side Passenger: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Side Pole Driver: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Rollover FWD: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Rollover AWD: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
- †Because of more stringent tests, 2011 and newer model ratings are not comparable to pre–2011 ratings.
Third generation (2016–present)
Third generation | |
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Overview | |
Production | May 2015– |
Model years | 2016 – present |
Assembly | Lincoln, Alabama, USA (HMA) |
Designer | Ben Davidson (2012) |
Body and chassis | |
Related | Acura MDX |
Powertrain | |
Transmission | |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 111.0 in (2,819 mm) |
Length | 194.5 in (4,940 mm) |
Width | 78.6 in (1,996 mm) |
Height | 69.8 in (1,773 mm) |
Curb weight |
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The third-generation 2016 Pilot debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2015, production began during May, and was made available for sale in June.
The exterior is sleeker in appearance compared to its boxier predecessor. Added to the exterior are optional LED headlamps with automatic high-low beam switching, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and LED brake tail lights. New features also include heated rear seats, ventilated front seats and a panoramic roof. Alloy wheels became standard.
New safety features include Honda's LaneWatch passenger side mirror camera, as well as Blind Spot Indicators, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), with Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). Additional options include Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control and standard multi-angle backup camera.
The revised 3.5-liter V6 engine has direct-injection and start-stop system, a 6-speed automatic is standard while a ZF 9-speed automatic is optional. With all-wheel drive models the amount of engine torque sent to each rear wheel is variable. EPA-estimated fuel economy is improved with FWD 6-speed models registering 19/27/22 mpg, and AWD models registering 18/26/21 mpg (city/highway/combined). 9-speed models see fuel economy of 20/27/23 mpg in FWD configuration and 19/26/22 mpg in AWD.[15]
Overall dimensions are larger, while weight is down approximately 300 pounds with noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduced. Structurally 21.3% of the Pilot's body is composed of 980, 1300 and 1,500 MPa ultra-high-strength steels, 5% is from aluminum or magnesium, an additional 34.5% is 270 MPa mild strength steel used in areas to minimize repair costs.[16]
Safety
Moderate overlap frontal offset | Good |
Small overlap frontal offset | Good1 |
Side impact | Good |
Roof strength | Good2 |
- 1 vehicle structure also rated "Good".[18]
- 2 strength-to-weight ratio: 5.22
Overall: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Frontal Driver: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Frontal Passenger: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Side Driver: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Side Passenger: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Side Pole Driver: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Rollover FWD: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Rollover AWD: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Sales
Calendar year | US sales |
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2002 | 52,062 |
2003 | 106,917 |
2004 | 128,158 |
2005 | 143,353 |
2006 | 152,154 |
2007 | 117,146 |
2008 | 96,746 |
2009 | 83,901 |
2010 | 102,323 |
2011 | 116,297 |
2012 | 114,848 |
2013 | 126,678 |
2014 | 108,857 |
2015 | 136,212[21] |
References
- ^ "2009 Honda Pilot vs. Ford Flex and Four Other Crossovers - Comparison Tests". Caranddriver.com. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
- ^ "2004 Car Cutaways" (PDF). Automotive News. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
- ^ Giametta, Chuck (2010-03-21). "2010 Car Comparison: Chevrolet Traverse v Honda Pilot v Toyota Highlander". iGuida. Archived from the original on 2013-05-07. Retrieved 2015-01-07.
- ^ "2009 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD Comparison Tests". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
- ^ "Honda Pilot 2003–2008 (faclifted 2007) review". Samarins.com. Retrieved March 28, 2009.
- ^ "Patent USD460022 - Vehicle body". google.com. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
- ^ "All-New Honda Pilot Sport-Utility Vehicle Set to Debut Next Year Pre-Production Model to be Shown at NAIAS". honda.com (Press release). 2001-12-13. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
- ^ "2009 Honda Pilot - Specifications - Official Honda Site". Automobiles.honda.com. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
- ^ "Death rates fall as vehicles improve". iihs.org. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
- ^ "Driver death rates". iihs.org. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
- ^ "Honda Pilot Crash Test Ratings". IIHS. Archived from the original on 2013-01-15. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
- ^ "Honda Pilot 2003 - 2016". Honda Merchandise. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
- ^ "2011 Honda Pilot SUV FWD". NHTSA. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
- ^ "2011 Honda Pilot SUV AWD". NHTSA. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
- ^ "Honda Pilot Fuel Economy". FuelEconomy.gov. Archived from the original on July 8, 2015.
{{cite web}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ "2016 Honda Pilot only 34.5% mild steel, has very specific repair dos and don'ts". Repairer Driven News. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
- ^ "Honda Pilot Crash Test ratings". IIHS. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
- ^ Overview of Year versions
- ^ "2016 Honda Pilot SUV FWD". NHTSA. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
- ^ "2016 Honda Pilot SUV AWD". NHTSA. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
- ^ http://hondanews.com/releases/american-honda-sets-new-all-time-annual-sales-record
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)