2008 Honda Pilot Review

All 2008 Honda Pilots are available with either front-wheel drive or a VTM-4 four-wheel drive system that provides front-wheel drive on dry pavement but sends power to the rear wheels in low-traction situations. It also includes a lock mode to consistently send power to the rear wheels for low-speed, low-traction situations such as snow or sand. Power for all Pilots is provided by a 3.5L, all-aluminum V6 making 244 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic.

Front-wheel-drive Pilots also get the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which deactivates three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising or deceleration. Pilots with VCM also get a sophisticated, audio-system-based active noise cancellation system, along with an active control engine mount system to help cancel out any extra noise and vibration that the system introduces.

The Pilot has an independent front and rear suspension and uni-body structure, along with four-wheel disc brakes and standard 16-inch alloy wheels, all to give sharp handling and a carlike ride. Front side air bags, three-row side-curtain bags with a rollover sensor are standard on all Pilots, as are anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and brake assist.

The base VP, includes air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, a sound system with six-disc changer and steering-wheel controls, roof rails, and power windows and locks. There's seating for eight, with both the second and third rows 60/40-split and foldable to expand the cargo area when they're not in use.

The EX adds automatic climate control, power heated mirrors, upgraded front seats, fog lamps, and more cargo-storage extras, such as a tray for the second row, seatback pockets, and a cargo net, tie-downs, and grocery-bag hooks for the cargo area. The new SE model adds a DVD rear entertainment system, a moonroof, XM satellite radio, ambient console lighting, and a 115-volt AC power outlet.

The EXL steps up to more luxury equipment, including leather upholstery and a leather steering wheel, a synchronized climate control system, and a moonroof. Top options on the EXL include a rear DVD entertainment system and a voice-recognition navigation system that comes with a rearview camera system.
New Value Package (VP) and Special Edition (SE) models of the Honda Pilot sport ute are available for 2008. The VP replaces the LX model as the base model in the lineup, while the SE slots between the EX and top-of-the-line EXL. The SP model now includes machined alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, XM satellite radio, steering-wheel audio controls, and an upgraded audio system with CD changer and subwoofer.

Otherwise the Pilot is carried over to 2008 with few other changes. see less