Another 2009 Honda Pilot Review

By Richard Russell

Honda has managed to satisfy conflicting and seemingly opposite consumer demands, which is quite a trick!

Existing and potential customers wanted the next generation Pilot mid-sized SUV to not only look more rugged and have more power, but be bigger inside and use less fuel. The first generation Pilot, introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model became an integral part of Honda's truck line, which now includes the CR-V, Element and Ridgeline. These vehicles represent almost one-third of the company's business in Canada and competition in the mid-size segment, where the Pilot does battle, has become pretty intense. So, when it came time for a replacement the pressure was on.

Because the outgoing model was so successful, there existed a database of knowledge and opinions to draw from while considering its replacement. Added to this was feedback from Honda stores as to why consumers who had looked at the existing model, walked away. It came as no surprise both buyers and "intenders" were looking for a vehicle to suit a wide variety of needs and activities, carry both people and their stuff and be able to get them where they wanted to play. These people are looking for a vehicle that can do this but also be used every day, whether commuting or running errands. Safety and fuel efficiency were also top-of-mind concerns.

Another issue that popped up was that the first generation Pilot didn't look rugged enough, that it lacked SUV character. "Don't make it look like a minivan, but do make it look like it can go off road," was an oft-heard phrase.

(Read the full Article here: http://en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/cross_over_special/article.aspx?cp-documentid=8074817 )

Honda has managed to improve power, performance, comfort, space and features while holding the line on pricing. That's how you stay competitive!

REVIEW SUMMARY
Here are the salient points and overall rating of this new model, as established by our reviewer:

PROS
- Lots of inside space relative to the shadow is casts
- Spunky, fuel-efficient high-tech engine
- Good blend of on and off-road ride

CONS
- pretty ugly face
- two many buttons on center stack
- big blank spot on IP without nav system