2003 Honda Pilot 5Door EX-L Navigation
New All-New SUV from Honda

Susan Frissell

It’s hard to imagine the world in need of another sport-utility-vehicle, unless of course, you happen to be one of the few automobile manufacturers that doesn’t have one. At least in this category. So it is with the all-new 2003 Honda Pilot SUV (http://www.hondacars.com), developed under the theme of the "Ultimate Family Adventure Vehicle."

Well, Honda’s developing a new area in SUV’s: the 4^th Wave in the evolution of the SUV market.

Combining the best of the truck-and-car based vehicles and eliminating compromises of both, according to Frank Paluch, Large Project Leader for the Honda Pilot.

With its VTEC V-6 engine, four-wheel-drive technology and a five-star safety rating, the Honda Pilot will probably appeal to a lot of folks. Especially those families, or the active-lifestyle group that need space, four-wheel-drive and versatility.

Our test vehicle came well-equipped , although without any options. The Honda Pilot EX-L Navigation version is a vehicle with all the bells and whistles, including 5-speed automatic transmission, leather (L), eight passenger seating and eight-way power driver’s seat. Front driver/passenger airbags, as well as side airbags are those with an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) designed to prent side airbag deployment if a child or smaller adult is seated in the vehicle.

Also additional on the EX version are a second row kid’s activity tray, optional leather, three-person, second row split 60/40 seats with individual fold. Second row seats can be flattened for cargo, and adjusted to seven positions, including recline. These are easily operated as the bottom seat cushion folds down and forward and the back seat folding down. The third row seating area is also a 60/40 split, six-position reclining seat. Lower anchors and tethers for children safety seats are located on the second-row seats, and anchors are located on the third-row seats.

Pilot’s instrument panel, although somewhat sporty, is Honda-esque. A beveled, three gauge instrument cluster resembles a chronograph watch and the speedo is located in the center of the display, overlapping the tachometer. The gear selection indicators are also located on the dash which we find helpful when shifting into position. One needn’t look down to the gearshift.

All controls are easily operated and are centered in the console area. Vents for heating and air conditioning are also located in the back for passengers that came in handy on cool evenings. The center console offers lots of extra storage space and can be used different ways. Its versatility comes in handy when toting all kinds of stuff around, from cola cans to coffee mugs of various sizes. We kept our CD’s in the large bin, and the cell phone on the removable cell phone cradle. A 12-volt auxiliary power outlet is also located here. The cup holder easily accommodated a large gulp size mug as well as a standard size one.

We found the stereo system in our test Pilot to be better than other Honda vehicles we’ve driven; namely, the CRV. Little static or other interference. The CD’s didn’t skip each time we hit a bump either. Not so in a CRV we drove of late.

Honda’s Navigation System is fairly easy to operate, and accurate on all our trials. The remainder of the stereo system in our EX-L model included cassette/6-CD changer, AM/FM with seven speakers. On the EX models, Honda adds two 1.5-cm tweeters (front console), a rear-mounted 25-cm bass woofer and a five-channel, 155-watt amplifier. The FM antenna is built into the rear side glass and one built into the roof. The EX model also comes equipped with control paddles to operate the stereo system on the right hand side of the steering wheel. While this might be handy for some, we found it a tad irritating. When trying to turn the corner (with a couple of fingers gripping the steering wheel), we’d inadvertently hit the controls, killing the music!

The 2003 Honda Pilot is available in five models: LX,$26,900; EX, $29,270; EX (with Leather), $30,520; EX (with Leather and Rear Entertainment System), $32,020; and EX (Leather and Navigation System), $32,520. Destination and Handling is $460 per vehicle.

With a vehicle of this size, one might think a V8 engine is needed. Not so. We found the VTEC V6 more than adequate to carry this SUV around. In fact, we much prefer it. It’s quieter and very responsive. Having driven Honda sedans with the VTEC engine, we know how responsive it can be.

Pilot takes bragging rights for having the largest cargo volume in its class (90.3 cu. ft.), versatile eight-passenger seating, and best-in-class acceleration and performance. The theatre style seating is new in this type of vehicle and is a comfortable type of seating for passengers and driver alike. With an available factory-installed DVD Entertainment System, the family can enjoy DVD’s over long drives.

Honda Pilot is aimed at the mid-size SUV buyer, primarily families. Their aim: active, outdoor family with college-educated parents, three kids and a household income of around $85,000. Honda aimed for more refinement, improved handling and more utility and comfort when designing Pilot. To say Pilot offers dependability above the rest is unnecessary. Anyone who’s ever owned a Honda knows this story. Although it’s too soon to tell with the Pilot, maintenance records are likely to be above average.

Copyright 2003. Susan Frissell. Women With Wheels. All Rights Reserved.