The Honda Pilot was designed to fill a large American demand, particularly a larger SUV Car with third-row seating. Prior to the introduction of the Pilot, Honda only had the compact crossover SUV CR-V, and the Honda Passport which is truck-based and intended as a quick-fix, as the company recognized the competition from other refined mid-sized SUVs and crossovers. The Pilot shares underpinnings and the powertrain with the Acura MDX luxury SUV, and their platforms are shared with the Honda Odyssey minivan and the Honda Accord sedan. The Pilot’s unibody construction and independent suspension is designed to provide handling similar to that of car; however, it is also fortified with integrated perimeter frame rails, which helps it withstand towing and light off-road use. The Pilot is Honda's largest SUV, although the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour surpassed the Pilot in length.
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| 2011 Honda Pilot 4WD |
The first Produce in 2003 Honda Pilot is propelled by an aluminum alloy 3.5 L SOHC, 24-valve VTEC V6 engine with timing belt driven camshafts. The engine is rated at 240 hp (179 kW) SAE @5400 rpm and 242 lb·ft (328 N·m) of torque @4500 rpm. It is mated to a five-speed automatic, which, as tested in a 2004 Pilot, results in a 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds and 1/4 mile sprint of 15.9 seconds. For the 2006 model, the power was 244 hp (182 kW) 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. Also, like the MDX, the Pilot rides on struts up front with a coil-spring, multilink arrangement at the rear designed to allow a flat load floor. It also has the MDX’s wide track 66.3 in (1,684 mm) at the front 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. The FWD Pilot models feature the latest generation of Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which is designed to help improve fuel economy* without sacrificing power. The system achieves this by automatically deactivating and reactivating multiple cylinders, depending on the engine’s needs.
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| 2011 Honda Pilot 4WD SUV |
The
New Series 2011 Honda Pilot Replace for its lack of power and so fuel economy with a rock-solid chassis that tackles bumps and other imperfections with little fuss. Its rack and pinion steering is linear and nicely weighted as well, though there's not much that can make this big 'ute feel sprightly when turning into a curve. It snowed on the last day we had with the
Honda Pilot, which gave us the opportunity to test the
2011 Honda Pilot all wheel drive setup. The system can transfer up to 70 percent of the engine's power to the rear wheels when the need arises. We experienced next to zero slip with all-wheel drive engaged, which translated into a lot of confidence when we needed it most. We can't say the same for the Honda Pilot brakes, though. While the pedal felt firm, we noticed that the positive vibe didn't translate into increased stopping power.
Power tailgate on
New 2011 Honda Pilot Touring models gives you push-button access to the vehicle’s cavernous cargo area. Rear storage well is a large 2.8 cu ft, giving you plenty of cargo space, even when you’re loaded up with passengers. Its cover keeps valuables out of view. Drive to get something done. Anything at all. And with its 4-ft-wide fold-flat floor, 87 cu ft of cargo space,1 tie-down anchors, cargo-area bag hooks and a lift-up glass hatch for easy access, the Pilot is a fully functional toolbox.
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| 2011 Honda Pilot 4WD |
Drive comfy. The
Honda Pilot is equipped with enough amenities to ensure that every passenger gets their fair share of pampering. This includes a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, including power lumbar support (EX and above), and 4-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat (EX-L, Touring).Rearview camera on
Honda Pilot EX-L models without Navigation utilizes a portion of the rearview mirror as a full-color camera display when you engage reverse. On models with Navigation, the image is displayed on the vehicle’s navigation screen. Integrated second-row sunshades are standard on the Touring model. Two-position memory on Touring adjusts driver’s seat and outside mirrors. Ports and outlets include a 115-volt outlet and USB Audio Interface 2 on select models. Second row features climate controls and a 12 volt power outlet. Rear entertainment models include RCA inputs for a game console or other video source.
Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES), available on EX-L3 and standard on Touring, lets rear passengers choose their own distinct audio or video source, or plug in a game console.
Premium audio system on
Honda Pilot EX-L with the available RES or Navigation and Touring features 10 speakers, including center channel and subwoofer, surround sound and a 512-watt amplifier. Radio Data System (RDS) on all models can display information on the song currently playing. XM® Radio7 is standard on
Honda Pilot EX and above.Digital music files can be accessed through the USB Audio Interface2 on
Honda Pilot EX-L with available Navigation4 and Touring or through an MP3/auxiliary input jack on all Pilot models.
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| 2011 Honda Pilot |
Drive with a purpose, a mission and the knowledge that you’ve got power to spare. The 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 generates 250 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque – enough to tow up to 4,500 lbs.8 Standard equipment like an integrated Class III trailer hitch, heavy-duty radiator and fluid coolers means the Pilot comes fitted with most of what you need for some serious hauling.
Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology on both 2- and 4-wheel-drive models activates or deactivates certain engine cylinders, giving you power when you need it, more miles between fill-ups and an Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (ULEV-2) rating.9 It’s fuel economy10 cleverly disguised as a powerful engine. During steady cruising, the 2011 Honda Pilot V-6 shuts down the entire rear bank of cylinders resulting in greater fuel efficiency.10 An Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system helps control engine noise. When maximum torque is required – such as when you’re merging onto the freeway or climbing a steep hill all six cylinders are firing to deliver the engine’s full power. When cruising speeds climb, the engine moves from 3-cylinder operation to 4-cylinder mode. The transitions between all modes are nearly seamless to the driver.
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| 2011 Honda Pilot Interior |
Drive determined. The journey may be half the fun, but you still want to get where you’re going. The Pilot’s rigid unit-body construction, independent suspension and variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering help deliver precise handling and a smooth ride. The large wheel and tire combination also helps add to the vehicle’s incredible ride quality and stability. Hill start assist senses when you’re stopped on an incline and will hold the brakes for a brief moment as you transition from the brake to the accelerator to help reduce rollback. 4-wheel independent suspension features a front strut/multi-link rear design for a smooth, carlike ride. The front suspension uses fluid-filled bushings for better ride isolation and vibration control. VTM-4 Lock on 4-wheel-drive models helps when circumstances require use of all available traction. You can manually lock the rear differential with the push of a button located on the instrument panel.
The core Honda belief that every passenger should receive the benefit of advanced safety technologies has led us to become an industry leader in developing and applying robust safety features. The
2011 Honda Pilot is a prime showcase for this philosophy. Brake Assist, a component of the anti-lock braking system (ABS), helps apply full braking force in some emergency situations. Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) helps balance braking forces depending upon dynamic loading. Tire Pressure Monitoring System12 (TPMS) notifies you via the information display when the air pressure in a specific tire is significantly low. Touring models give you an individual pressure readout for each tire.
Six airbags include dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags that can vary their deployment based on collision severity and seat-belt usage, front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), and three‑-row side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor. Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA) system helps sense oversteer or understeer and brakes individual wheels and/or reduces engine power to help keep you on your intended course. Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure is a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle.
A dream is a view of the world not as it is, but as it could be. For over 60 years, Honda has encouraged its associates to aim beyond what is currently possible. All for the purpose of progressing human mobility. This spirit has resulted in advances in environmental technology, like the FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle, that brings us closer to a future filled with blue skies. It guides us as we strive to exceed government safety regulations and has led to industry-changing innovations on the ground, in the water, and, with the HondaJet, in the air. And it pushes us to use premier race circuits as testing grounds for our ideas. Moving forward, our minds are open to new ideas, no matter where they come from.
It’s all about discovering the moment. The instant where everything comes together perfectly. Achieving it is easier when you’re ready for anything. With a powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine, three comfortable rows of seats and up to 87 cu ft of cargo space,11 the new
2011 Honda Pilot is definitely your tool of choice. And if your style leans more towards luxury, a new Touring model adds features like a power tailgate, navigation system5 and Bluetooth 7 HandsFreeLink. If the moment at hand involves up to eight people, a load of gear,1 or any combination of the two, the Honda Pilot is up to the task. The 60/40 split-folding second- and third-row seats give you 16 different configuration options.
The 2011 Honda Pilot exterior screams "utility vehicle," and that theme carries over inside this crossover's large cabin. We mentioned earlier that some feel the interior of the latest Pilot was actually downgraded when the vehicle was redesigned in 2009. You'll get no arguments from us on that point, as the current model's massive center stack and hard plastic materials are outdone by the first generation model's more appropriately sized center console and more appealing materials. And although our tester didn't feature this accessory, the Pilot's dash can be made more attractive by dropping $393 for light wood accents that break up the expanses of dark plastics. Speaking of the center console, we have no idea why Honda designers chose such a massive canvas to place so many tiny and difficult-to-find buttons.
2011 Honda Pilot LX Feature • 250-hp, 3.5-liter, SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)
• 5-speed automatic transmission • Available Variable Torque Management 4-wheel-drive system (VTM-4) • Anti-lock braking system (ABS) • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control • Tire Pressure Monitoring System2 (TPMS) • Front, front side and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor • Active front head restraints • Daytime Running Lights (DRL) feature • AM/FM/CD audio system with 7 speakers, including subwoofer • MP3/auxiliary input jack • Tailgate with lift-up glass hatch • Integrated Class III trailer hitch12 • 8-passenger seatingEX.
2011 Honda Pilot EX Feature
• AM/FM/6-disc in-dash audio system with 7 speakers, including subwoofer • Tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control and air-filtration • Driver’s seat with 8-way power adjustment • XM Radio6 • Chrome exhaust finishers • Fog lights • Roof rails • 17-inch alloy wheels
2011 Honda Pilot EX-L Feature
• Leather-trimmed interior • Conversation mirror with sunglasses holder • Rearview mirror with rearview camera display • Heated front seats • Passenger’s seat with 4-way power adjustment
• Power moonroof with tilt feature • Acoustic windshield • Available Honda DVD Rear
Entertainment System • 512-watt AM/FM/6-disc in-dash premium audio system with 10 speakers, including subwoofer (with RES)• 115-volt power outlet (with RES)
2011 Honda Pilot Touring Feature
• Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System 5 with voice recognition, off-road tracking and rearview camera • USB Audio Interface4 • Interface4• Bluetooth®7 HandsFreeLink®• 8-way power driver’s seat with 2-position memory• Programmable Multi-Information Display• Interface dial with scrolling
and multi-line display• Integrated sunshades (2nd-row) • Power tailgate with lift-up glass hatch • Available Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System • 512-watt AM/FM/6-disc in-dash premium audio system with 10 speakers, including subwoofer • 115-volt power outlet
Rear passengers don’t ask for much. Just make them super comfortable, and give them an easy way in and out. To that end, we located the power sliding door switch right where a second-row sitter would expect to find it. The position of the second-row walk-in levers makes getting to the third row simple, while recline levers offer a quick way to ease back. And there’s one more convenience: a trash-bag ring, sized to use shopping bags.
