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June 1, 2008 2008 Honda Pilot SE-L 4WD Review by Rob Rothwell , Auto123.com |
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| The Pilot is Honda's mid-size 8-seat crossover SUV, designed with the North American market in mind. It arrived as a 2003 model, and is available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD). Capable AWD system enables sure-footed light-duty off-roading The Pilot's unibody construction has been strengthened with integrated perimeter frame rails to help it endure light-duty off-road hardships. Despite an absence of low-range gearing, increased traction is only a click away; Honda's VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management 4WD) system can be activated with via a dash-mounted button.
Once engaged, VTM-4 locks the rear half-shafts together, up to a speed of 29 kph, while also delivering power to the front wheels. When VTM-4 is not engaged, power is delivered to the front wheels unless slippage is detected, at which point power is shifted rearward. Although this week's testing didn't challenge the Pilot with much more than gravel surfaces, I have in the past relied upon VTM-4 technology to get me home in a brutal snowstorm, finding it to be seamless in operation and highly effective in function. V6 delivers gusto and refinement but lacks impressive economy Honda's aluminum alloy 3.5 litre 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC V6 workhorse has been supplying smooth reliable power to many of its products for years. This is a sweet mill, which in the Pilot's application produces 244 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm and 240 pound-feet of torque @ 4,500 rpm- and it does so on regular fuel. The engine's output arrives early and holds firm throughout its rev band providing the Pilot with plenty of get-up-and-go both off the line and in the passing lane. Hills are also easily overcome during romps through mountainous terrain. When paired with FWD, the engine is equipped with Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology. This program deactivates two or three cylinder (depending on power demands) to improve fuel economy.
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