When the new 2009 Honda Pilot turned up as a concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January, most observers were decidedly underwhelmed. Unlike many other recent crossovers, notably the GM Lambdas, Honda chose to go with a decidedly more utilitarian look for the second-generation Pilot. As Honda officials explained when we gathered for a preview drive of the 2009 Pilot, they wanted to retain the "Utility" in CUV and a big part of that involved maximizing the useful interior volume within the Pilot's relatively modest exterior dimensions. That means a boxy shape that provides room for up to ... Read More

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Report: NHTSA opens safety investigations into Toyota, GM and Honda crossovers 1339196340

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is evidently keeping itself very busy these days, as the federal agency has just announced it is launching or renewing investigations into Toyota, Honda and General Motors crossovers. 2006-2008 model year Toyota RAV4 crossovers are under review for allegations of rear tie-rod rust which can result in ...
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Recalls: Honda recalls 554,000 CR-V and Pilot crossovers over lighting issue 1333128540

Honda is recalling 554,000 crossovers to repair the low-beam headlights. The models affected are the 2002-2004 Honda CR-V (pictured above) and 2003 Pilot. A possible fault with in the headlight switch wiring could cause the low beams not to work. We don't need to tell you why that's hazardous. Honda will notify owners beginning in late April, at which ...
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Recalls: Honda recalls 2012 Pilot, Acura MDX crossovers over possible fuel leak 1330012920

American Honda is recalling some 8,709 crossovers due to a possible fuel leak. The 2012 Honda Pilot and its upscale platform-mate, the Acura MDX, are affected by this recall, which is expected to begin in mid-March. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the vent shut float valve cases in the fuel tank assemblies of these ...
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Recalls: Honda expands airbag recall again, still searching for 640 airbags 1322852400

Honda is still looking for a few needles in its haystack of 2001-2003 models, as it expands a recall that dates back to 2008. The recall concerns defective driver's airbag inflators, and it's a serious issue, one that has already resulted in a dozen injuries and at least one death. The recall covers the 2001 and 2002 Accord, 2001 to 2003 Civic, 2001 to ...
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Report: Honda to boost vehicle and engine production in Alabama 1321398060

Honda seems to believe that America's car-buying slump is coming to a close. According to Automotive News, the automaker has announced that it will spend $84 million to grow engine and light truck production at its Lincoln, Alabama assembly plant. The money will be used to help create an additional 100 jobs and should see the facility increase its total ...

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Cars.com $37,000 SUV shootout yields unexpected results [w/poll] 1318877880

Cars.com recently lined up seven new vehicles for a $37,000 SUV shootout. The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, 2012 Dodge Durango, 2012 Ford Explorer, 2012 Honda Pilot, 2012 Kia Sorento, 2011 Mazda CX-9 and 2011 Toyota Highlander all squared off against one another in a range of evaluations, including a one-day highway drive and family testing. If you happen to ...
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Recalls: Honda recalls 347,000 Pilot models over seatbelt issue 1315836000

Honda Motor Co. is recalling nearly 347,000 examples of its Pilot crossovers worldwide for a potential issue with the front seatbelts. Honda says the recall, which affects 2009-2011 model year Pilot models built in Alabama, is "due to a manufacturing error on a small number of front seat belts, where the stitching connecting the lap section of the belt ...
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Official: Honda reveals modestly tweaked 2012 Pilot 1314885420

A nip, a tuck and, actually, quite a bit more is in store for the 2012 Honda Pilot. The most noticeable change that's evident with a quick glance above is the reworked front end staring you in the face. Honda has changed the grille while also making the lower fascia appear wider through the use of black plastic. Overall, the front end updates help to ...
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Consumer Reports 'chronicles decline in Honda's design competitiveness' [w/poll] 1313018880

Consumer Reports created quite a stir on the Internets when it announced that it would no longer recommend the Honda Civic. The reason? The consumer advocacy institution cites issues such as the brakes, fit and finish and sporty handling all diminishing for the 2012 model year. In other words, the Civic isn't as good as the model it replaces. Now ...
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Official: 2012 Honda Pilot to get new gearbox and revised face, Ridgeline adds Sport model 1311625740

Honda is giving the company's Pilot a mild refresh for 2012. The SUV will ditch its bulky front fascia for a slightly more restrained nose with a three-bar grille replacing the thick-chrome grin of the 2011 model. In addition, Honda plans to squeeze a little more fuel efficiency out of the SUV with a new transmission, saying it will boast the highest ...