Autoblog

Review: 2009 Honda Pilot Touring

Dan Roth — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Crossover, Honda, Reviews

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Honda Pilot Touring

My family has fallen in love with Bruno. Yes, we named it. Clearly, the Honda Pilot has left an impression. Size is the first thing you notice, solidity the second - there's not a whiff of the gelatin-jiggles that afflict most of this CUV's body-on-frame competitors. The Pilot is also loaded up with thoughtful, family-friendly touches everywhere you look. It's big, accommodating, and solid. What else? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: In The Autoblog Garage - 2009 Honda Pilot Touring

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Review: 2009 Honda Pilot Touring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Honda Pilot designer says number-crunchers won out

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Honda

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Pilot

After reading what Honda R&D Americas Inc. Chief Designer Dave Marek has to say regarding the 2009 redesign of the popular Honda Pilot CUV, we sense that he might not think of the boxy model as his team's best work. We've heard our fair share of comments regarding the new Pilot's design, many of which are less than flattering. It seems as if Marek has heard the same detractors, and he explains away some of the more controversial elements, such as the floating front grille. Marek says of the grille, "[it] was a case of taking something that was on something else... and kind of massaging it to fit. On the mockup, [it] looks good. When you actually manufacture it, oops! That's actually what happened. It's hard to foresee." He follows that statement with, "I think when (the '09) is out on the road, people will appreciate it." Reading between the lines, it sounds like this may be a design of which he's not particularly proud. Thanks for the tip, Robert!

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Honda Pilot

[Source: Wards Auto]

2009 Honda Pilot designer says number-crunchers won out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 May 2008 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Honda Pilot holds the line on pricing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Honda

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Pilot

After getting a short stint behind the wheel of the newly redesigned 2009 Honda Pilot, we declared it a pretty thorough improvement over its predecessor. Regardless of how you think it looks, the newest crossover from Honda is a pretty darn good vehicle. So, we're rather happy to report that Honda saw fit to hold the line on pricing compared to its previous-generation 2008 Pilot. Starting at $27,595, plus destination and handling, the base model Pilot for '09 starts off at exactly the same point of entry as the 2008 edition. Next up is the Pilot EX at $30,395, while the leather-equipped Pilot EX-L will run you $33,595. At the top, the new Pilot Touring edition, which includes standard navigation, starts at $36,795. Four-wheel-drive adds $1,600 to the price of any trim and takes a small bite out of EPA fuel economy with the Pilot coming in at 17/23 (19 combined) miles per gallon on two-wheel-drive models and 16/22 (18 combined) miles per gallon on four-wheel-drive models.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Honda Pilot

[Source: Honda]

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2009 Honda Pilot holds the line on pricing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 May 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Honda Pilot

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:47:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Honda, First Drive

2009 Honda Pilot - Click above for high-res image gallery

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 eight (at least as defined by the seat-belts) inside.

While the Pilot won't be challenging the Buick Enclave or Mazda CX-9 for style points, it isn't too painful on the eyes. It's more a case of being almost invisible. The greenhouse is actually strongly reminiscent of the first generation Jeep Liberty, only longer. In spite of the rather barn like shape, it's actually more aerodynamic than the original Pilot, resulting in substantially less wind noise. In fact, the Pilot has a whole range of improvements that reduce noise, which we'll explore a bit later. There are also some things that might be considered a step backwards. Read on after the jump to learn about our first drive in the new Pilot.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Honda Pilot

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First Drive: 2009 Honda Pilot originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Honda Pilot

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Honda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Pilot.

The 2009 Honda Pilot has been spied in production guise, and unlike the bulldog that inspired the front grille, it's less than lovable. With styling pulled directly from the Honda Pilot Prototype shown in Detroit, the new unibody 'ute from Honda should arrive later this year with ACE safety features, a V6 lump with cylinder deactivation and seating for eight passengers of varying size. The interior is an evolution of the outgoing model, with a massive center stack that's far more butch that the one it replaces, along with a new multifunction steering wheel similar to that found on the redesigned Accord. Overall, we're not entirely smitten with the slap sides and grotesque nose, but you can check the gallery below to make up your own mind.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2009 Honda Pilot

Spy Shots: 2009 Honda Pilot originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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