For 2006, Pilot has only gotten better, adding
a maintenance-minder system, reverse parking-assist
camera, standard stability control and side-curtain
airbags for all three rows. The exterior also
got a freshening up.
Offered in two well-equipped trim levels (LX
and EX), all-wheel or two-wheel drive, the Pilot
is powered by a 244-horsepower V-6 paired with
a five-speed automatic transmission. Standard
features on the LX include keyless entry, cruise
control, power windows/mirrors/door locks, air
conditioning and third-row seating. Upgrade
to the EX and you'll get eight-way adjustable
power seating, steering-wheel audio controls,
HomeLink, automatic climate control and more
storage spaces. Options include a leather package
on the EX, which adds heated front seats, XM
Satellite radio and the ability to add either
a navigation or DVD system (unfortunately, you
can't get both). I tested the top-of-the
line two-wheel drive EX with leather and navigation
system. Most controls are intuitive and easy
to use, but the odd placement of the stereo's
volume and tuning controls had me switching
stations when I wanted to turn it up. Also,
the headlights do not turn on automatically,
but the interior accent lights do, creating
a potential hazard for the driver who could
mistakenly believe the headlights are on when
they aren't.
Great for active families, the Pilot is a soccer-mom
car that dads will love to drive. Both the second-
and third-row seats can be folded flat to create
a whopping 90 cubic feet of cargo space. Leg
room in the second row is ample, but as with
most SUV third-rows, the last row of seating
is best suited for children. Even with a full
passenger load of eight, there is a respectable
amount of storage space behind the third row.
Just throw your golf clubs in the back and drive
the kids' carpool on the way to the course.
My only complaint is that you have to remove
the third-row head restraints to fold the seats
down.
Performance on the Pilot is adequate. Drive
quality is smooth and comfortable, and the vehicle
handles well for its size. Two-wheel drive models
come equipped with the Variable Cylinder Management
system, which shuts down two of the six cylinders
when the extra power is not needed, for example
during deceleration or highway cruising. This
saves on fuel-economy while not compromising
horsepower.
Typical of Honda, safety features are excellent
and, as mentioned, have gotten better for 2006.
Airbags abound and all models include anti-lock
brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist. The government
awarded the Pilot its highest rating of five
stars in all crash tests, and the Insurance
Institute for Highway rated Pilot "Good,"
its highest rating.
Generally, you can't go wrong if you choose
a Honda and the Pilot is no exception. In the
crowded field of mid-size sport utilities, Pilot
is the cream of the crop.
