2007 Honda Pilot review

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Honda to Unveil Next-Generation Honda Pilot and FCX Clarity at the NAIS

Autodata has reported that sales of the Honda Pilot have dropped this year by 22 percent to 106,743 vehicles through November as compared to the same period last year.

Aside from the next-generation Pilot, Honda also plans of showcasing its FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle and with these two new models the Japanese automaker is hoping to boost its sales by 2.5 percent by 2008.

Honda Expects Slow Sales Growth in the US And speaking of boosting sales, Honda is expecting for sales growth in the US by 3 percent or more for 2008 that is despite the fact that sales of new vehicles are slumping due to the slowing economy and decreasing consumer purchase that is according to a senior executive.

The executive vice president in charge of Honda’s US operations, John Mendel said the he is expecting for industry-wide sales to drop to between 15.5 million and 16 million vehicles in the US next year—the lowest tally since 1998.

Mr. Mendel also told Reuters in an interview, "It's going to continue to slow. I just don't know that we're going to get the big whack that doomsayers would predict."

It is not only Mr. Mendel that is having apprehensions about the coming year but same with other industry analysts and executives who have become very worried with the worsening condition of the housing industry aggravated by a spike in mortgage defaults that could greatly affect vehicle sale in 2008.

Despite all these threats, still Mr. Mendel is positive that both the vehicle industry as well as the US economy would start to improve in the second half of next year. This is also the very reason for the 3 to 4 percent projected sales growth by Honda. Mr. Mendel also said, "I think next year is probably on target for that. It seems to me that if you look back at our history we've tended to prosper more than the rest when times were tough."

The automaker is also positive that even if American consumers would become more selective in their vehicle purchase they have the lineup that could meet up their needs in terms of overall fuel economy and maintaining resale values which according to Mr. Mendel are among the important considerations of shoppers right now.

Value Package and Special Edition Honda Pilot of 2008

According to Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., “The new variations for the 2008 Honda Pilot create an ideal lineup… As with all Honda Value Packages and Special Editions, the included features represent a tremendous value.”

Replacing the Pilot LX, Honda Pilot’s Value Package (VP) has been made available for 2008. Features has been added, including rear privacy glass, machined alloy wheels, XM Satellite Radio, upgraded audio, 6-disc CD changer with three additional speakers (including a subwoofer), steering-wheel mounted audio controls, roof rails, and body-colored door mirrors, door handles, and rear spoiler.

Moreover, the premium Pilot Special Edition (SE) has been added to the Pilot EX. Honda included several new features, such as DVD rear entertainment system, XM Satellite Radio, moonroof, 115-volt power outlet and ambient console lighting. With this upgrade, Pilot would be boosting Honda to extreme heights by 2008.

Honda brought greater fuel efficiency of the Pilot with its 3.5 L, i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM).

Safety comes first as Honda pushes “Safety for Everyone”, offering features for the Pilot which include standard tire pressure monitoring system; anti-lock brakes; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) or electronic stability control; brake assist; advance dual-stage, dual-threshold driver’s and front passenger’s STS airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and three-row side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor.

Comfort and ease aren’t set aside either as the Pilot offers standard interior features which include air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, power windows and door locks, cruise control, keyless entry, 60/40 split three-passenger second row seat, a 60/40 split three-passenger third row seat. Entertainment features are to die for: Honda Satellite-Linked navigation System with voice recognition and 7-inch screen, and a Honda DVD Entertainment System with 9-inch screen.

To avoid the difficulty in viewing the rear end prevalent with SUVs, Honda made an efficient solution with the use of a standard rear-view camera.

The Honda Pilot is also equipped with a tough suspension system that provides comfort in driving. Included in the chassis are power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and 16-inch alloy wheels with all-season P235/70 R16 tires.

Under the hood, powerful engine system has been packed in. Its 3.5 L all-aluminum SOHC i-VTEC engine creates 244 hp at 5750 rpm and 240 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. This just makes the 2008 Honda Pilot a well-engineered version that does not just look tough with its stunning Honda park light, but also performs well enough to be competitive in the SUV segment.

Honda Pilot Gets Two New Variants

The 2008 Honda Pilot VP package will replace the current LX variant in the lineup, while the premium SE model features some additional components exclusive for the Pilot EX.

According to Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., "The new variations for the 2008 Honda Pilot create an ideal lineup. As with all Honda Value Packages and Special Editions, the included features represent a tremendous value."

Honda's Value Package comes with a bunch of exclusive features inside and out like the rear privacy glass, machined alloy wheels, roof rails, and body-colored door mirrors, door handles and rear spoiler. Inside, this package consists of XM Satellite Radio, upgraded audio including a 6-disc CD changer with three additional speakers and a subwoofer, and steering-wheel mounted audio controls. For the Special Edition package, it consists of a DVD rear entertainment system, XM Satellite Radio, moonroof, and a 115-volt power outlet and ambient console lighting. This elegant feature will be added to the standard components of the 2008 Honda Pilot EX like quality Honda grille.

All 2008 Honda Pilot models will be equipped with a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) (for 2WD models only. 4WD does not feature VCM). This engine pumps out 244 hp at 5600 rpm and pulls out 240 lb-ft. amount of peak torque at 4500 rpm. 2WD Honda Pilot models achieve an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 16/22 mpg2, thanks to the VCM and other systems like the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and chassis-based Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system that cancels noise and vibration during cylinder deactivation. For the 4WD models, EPA rated the fuel economy at 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

Meanwhile, other standard features found on the 2008 Honda Pilot include tilt steering wheel, Power windows and door locks, cruise control, Keyless entry, 60/40 split three-passenger second row seat, 60/40 split three-passenger third row seat, variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, and 16-inch alloy wheels with all-season P235/70 R16 tires. The vehicle also comes with optional Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and a 7-inch screen, Honda DVD Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen, and Rear-view camera on models with the navigation system.

The Honda Pilot has recently earned a five-star crash safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Thanks to the vehicle's wide range of passive and active safety system including the two outboard Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) attachment points, second and third row seats with child seat anchor tethers, Anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Brake assist, advanced dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags, front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), three-row side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor, tire pressure monitoring system, and power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes.

The New Honda 2008 Pilot

Honda Motors Co., Japan’s second largest automaker and maker of high quality Honda headlight has officially released for sale last week its 2008 Honda Pilot and it’s offered in two new trim levels and prices. The Pilot is now available in two- and four-wheel-drive Value Package or VP plus a new trim level above the EX called the SE or Special Edition.

Trim Descriptions of the 2008 Honda Pilot

2WD VP • 244-hp, 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 engine • 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control System • Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) • 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) • Brake Assist • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) • Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags (SRS) • Front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) • 60/40 split flat-folding second- and third-row bench seats • AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 speakers • Remote entry • Active Control Engine Mount system (ACM) • Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system • Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC) • Direct ignition system with immobilizer • Unit-body construction • MacPherson strut front suspension • Painted 16" alloy wheels • Driver's and front passenger's seat belt reminder • Three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor • Side-impact door beams • Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control • Outboard Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) (2nd-row) • Body-colored body side molding • Projector beam halogen headlights • Front and rear air conditioning with air-filtration system • Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)-on indicator • Maintenance Minder™ system • Privacy glass • Machine-finished alloy wheels • XM® Satellite Radio** • AM/FM/6-disc in-dash CD Changer audio system with 7 speakers including subwoofer • Steering wheel-mounted audio controls • Roof rails • Body-colored rear roofline spoiler • Body-colored side mirrors • Body-colored door handles 4WD VP Adds to or replaces 2WD features: • 244-hp, 3.5-liter, VTEC® V-6 engine • Variable Torque Management® 4-wheel-drive system (VTM-4®) 2WD EX Adds to or replaces 2WD VP features: • AM/FM/ 6-disc in-dash CD changer audio system with 7 speakers, including subwoofer • Projector beam halogen headlights with auto-off • Synchronized automatic climate control system • Machine-finished 16" alloy wheels • HomeLink® remote system† 4WD EX Adds to or replaces 2WD VP features: • 244-hp, 3.5-liter, VTEC® V-6 engine • Variable Torque Management® 4-wheel-drive system (VTM-4®) • Projector beam halogen headlights with auto-off • Synchronized automatic climate control system • Machine-finished 16" alloy wheels 2WD SE Adds to 2WD EX features: • Honda DVD rear entertainment system • 115-volt power outlet (center console) • XM® Satellite Radio** • Power moonroof with tilt feature • Ambient console lighting 2WD EX-L Adds to EX features: • Power moonroof with tilt feature • XM® Satellite Radio** • Rearview mirror with compass • Ambient console lighting • Heated power side mirrors • Leather- trimmed seats and door panel inserts • Heated front seats • Conversation mirror with sunglasses holder 4WD SE Adds to 4WD EX features: • Honda DVD rear entertainment system • 115-volt power outlet (center console) • XM® Satellite Radio** • Power moonroof with tilt feature • Ambient console lighting 4WD EX-L Adds to EX features: • Power moonroof with tilt feature • XM® Satellite Radio** • Rearview mirror with compass • Ambient console lighting • Heated power side mirrors • Leather-trimmed seats and door panel inserts • Heated front seats • Conversation mirror with sunglasses holder 2WD EX-L with Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System Adds to EX-L features: • Honda DVD rear entertainment system with 9" screen and 115-volt power outlet (center console)

2WD EX-L with Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ Adds to or replaces 2WD features: • Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™†† with voice recognition with off-road tracking and rearview camera 4WD EX-L with Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System Adds to EX-L features: • Honda DVD rear entertainment system with 9" screen and 115-volt power outlet (center console) 4WD EX-L with Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ Adds to EX-L features: • Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™†† with voice recognition with off-road tracking and rearview camera

Honda Released Pricing for 2008 Honda Pilot

The 2008 Honda Pilot was recently made available in two new trim levels and prices. Instead of the previous LX base level trim, the Pilot is now offered in two- and four-wheel-drive Value Package trims or VP. Another trim level is also offered above the EX and it is called the SE short for Special Edition.

The value Package also comes with new standard equipment from the 2007 LX which includes a six-disc CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, additional speakers, roof rails, XM Satellite Radio, body-colored side mirrors, door handles and spoiler.

The Special Edition will also add a DVD rear entertainment system, a moon roof, XM Satellite Radio, and ambient lighting which is also offered on the EX trim.

Here is the list of pricing and EPA ratings of the 2008 Honda Pilot:

1. Pilot Value Package (2WD)- 5-Speed Automatic;$27,595;16/22
2. Pilot Value Package (4WD)-5-Speed Automatic;$28,995;15/20
3. Pilot EX (2WD)-5-Speed Automatic;$29,745;16/22
4. Pilot EX (4WD)-5-Speed Automatic;$31,145;15/20
5. Pilot Special Edition (2WD)-5-Speed Automatic;$31,595;16/22
6. Pilot Special Edition (4WD)-5-Speed Automatic;$32,995;15/20
7. Pilot EX-L (2WD)-5-Speed Automatic;$32,045;16/22
8. Pilot EX-L (4WD)-5-Speed Automatic;$33,445;15/20
9. Pilot EX-L and Rear Entertainment System (2WD)-5-Speed Automatic;$33,645;16/22
10. Pilot EX-L and Rear Entertainment System (4WD)-5-Speed Automatic;$35,045;15/20
11. Pilot EX-L and Navigation System (2WD)-5-Speed Automatic;$34,245;16/22
12. Pilot EX-L and Navigation System (4WD)-5-Speed Automatic;$35,645;15/20

Honda Announces 2008 Honda Pilot Pricing

American Honda Motor Corp. has announced the pricing for the 2008 Honda Pilot which goes on sale today. The automaker also introduced two new variations to the lineup: the all-new Pilot Value Package and Special Edition trims.

As with previous Honda Value Package and Special Edition trim levels, these added features, says the company’s press release, represent a significant value without a significant price increase. The Value Package and Special Edition start at $27,595 and $31,595, respectively. Destination and handling charges for all 2008 Honda models are $595.

"The Pilot was a conceptual pioneer within its segment when it was introduced," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "And it continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of customers."

For the first time in its six years on the market, the Pilot is available in two new trim levels, the Value Package and the Special Edition. The Value Package builds on and replaces 2007's value-leading LX trim, adding rear privacy glass, machined alloy wheels, XM® Satellite Radio, upgraded audio to include a 6-disc CD changer and additional speakers, roof rails, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and body-colored door mirrors, door handles and rear spoiler.

The Special Edition on the other hand, supplements the available EX trim, adding in-demand features like a DVD rear entertainment system, XM® Satellite Radio, power moonroof, 115-volt power outlet and ambient console lighting.

About the Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is Honda's second SUV fully built and designed by Honda, released in the summer of 2002 for the 2003 model year. The Honda Pilot is built in Alliston, Ontario, Canada and Lincoln, Alabama, and shares underpinnings and the powertrain with the Acura MDX -- which has a lineage that can be traced to the Honda Odyssey minivan. The Pilot’s unibody construction, however, is fortified with integrated perimeter frame rails, which helps it withstand light off-road use.

The Pilot was designed to fill a large American demand for SUVs. Prior to the introduction of the Pilot, Honda – maker of quality Honda auxiliary fan switch only had the smaller CR-V based on the Civic, and the Passport. However, the CR-V lacked in features many American consumers looked for in an SUV, which are overall size, passenger space, and towing capacity.

The Pilot is at most designed to withstand light-duty off-roading, and has been a best-seller for Honda. Honda sold over 100,000 Pilots in 2004, an increase of almost 20% over 2003. The Pilot is sold in North America, while Japan and Australia get its relative, the Honda MDX instead. In the Middle East, the Pilot is sold as the Honda MR-V.

The New Honda 2008 Pilot

Honda Released Pricing for 2008 Honda Pilot

The New Honda 2008 Pilot

Honda Released Pricing for 2008 Honda Pilot

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