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2008 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD Road Test

What makes a good SUV? Power? Handling? Maybe even fuel economy? In

A few minor changes have been made to the Pilot for '08, including the new trim names. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

my books, there are a few essential areas that the perfect SUV should excel in, including comfort, capability, convenience, power, practicality, parkability (yes, parkability!), which equate to overall appeal. The 2008 Honda Pilot encompasses all of these attributes and more. Naturally, that makes the Pilot a good SUV.

So what’s so ‘good’ about it? Well, first and foremost it’s a very agreeable SUV to drive. Most people who have driven the Pilot know what I’m talking about. Sit inside and instantly everything feels like it’s in the right place. The gauges are easy to read, the buttons are neatly arranged and there are no foreign symbols that require opening the owner’s manual to decode. Its simple yet effective interior offers its driver and passengers the comfort of leather-trimmed seats, an astonishingly large passenger volume of 153 cubic feet, ample cargo room, umpteen storage spaces and much more.

Visibility is another strength of the Pilot, something that can’t be said for most SUVs big or small, at least when reversing. In fact, I found the Pilot easier to parallel park than most of the vehicles I’ve driven lately. OK, that may not say much for me, but I definitely attribute this ability to being able to see where I was going. The windows

Ease of use makes the Pilot easy to acclimatize to. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

are deep and low, so looking out the side or rear windows was extremely convenient. No park assist required! Not only that, the variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering made for fluid turning, especially appreciated in tighter parking spots.

For its size, the Pilot feels quite lively. It's powered by a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, VTEC (2WD models get i-VTEC) V6 with a solid 244 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The 5-speed automatic transmission with grade logic control doesn’t feel sluggish or as though it could use an extra bit of zing. Mind you, I would probably be begging for more torque and horses if the cabin was full of people and equipment, or if there was a trailer hitched to the back and a drooling dog in the cargo bay. But alas, it is generally just myself and maybe the occasional person - other than the boyfriend - that shares the cockpit with me. However, in the case that I put its hauling power to use there's room for up to 8 people (with the third row seats upright) and it has a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.

VTM-4 active four wheel drive gives the Pilot a safe and secure feeling while on the road. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

The Pilot, interestingly enough is related to most other Honda midsize models, including the Accord and Odyssey. It features a fully independent suspension, consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a rear multi-link system for a smooth and comfortable ride. The great thing about the Pilot is its ability to adapt to various conditions. The variable torque management 4-wheel-drive (VTM-4) system allows its driver to feel more in control even when the 16-inch alloy wheels aren’t. Furthermore, the vehicle stability assist (VSA) with traction control system kicks into play when there's slippage or traction loss on any of the P235/70 R16 all-season tires. It automatically redistributes the power to the wheel with grip, to aid in traction and stability.

It also helps to know that the Pilot is equipped with an array of safety features. For

Overhead DVD player can be fitted from the factory... (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

example, it has 4-wheel ABS and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) with brake assist, plus dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags (SRS), three-row side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, front side airbags with passenger-side occupant position detection system (OPDS), and more. Driving around on the slick mid-winter roads of the hilly West Coast didn’t feel so unsafe after all.

While safety features and engine specifications are core to the Pilot’s personality, I quite enjoyed a few of the interior gadgets throughout. First, it might be a girl thing, but the center console was perfect for putting my handbag in. Ok, I know that sounds a little nerdy, but I loved it. Not only did I have room to stow a drink or a few loose coins, I could also conveniently pop my bag down and not have to take up an entire seat with it. Even my boyfriend, David, recognized the brilliance of such a novelty-sized compartment. It fit all of my purses that I used that week wonderfully. I know it’s just a storage space, but it’s these kinds of details that really work for me.

... but only two wireless headphones. Expect fights to ensue. 115-volt socket housed in arm rest too. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

Although I rarely use it, the third row of seating was a definite bonus, especially since it’s standard on all Pilots. I mean, what kid doesn’t like sitting right at the back?! Heck, if I could fit there comfortably, I would be there, but the Pilot’s was meant for children of a certain age. There’s not enough legroom to sit without fidgeting every few seconds. Mind you, if I put on the rear DVD entertainment system with the 9-inch display, complete with integrated remote controls and headsets with personal surround sound, I might be distracted long enough not to think about my discomfort! Supposedly the next generation Pilot will be big enough on the inside to properly accommodate three rows of full-sized adults. Just the same, not many in this segment offer rear quarters any larger, and fewer still accommodate eight.

As much as I love the Pilot, I have to admit that it’s got a few drawbacks – a few very minor drawbacks, mind you. If I were to upgrade anything I would pump up the power on the seat warmers. Even on high, they barely toast the tush. Then again, not everyone likes their seat burning hot.

It's still a great midsize SUV. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

It felt a little weak, so I request an upgrade on the next-gen Pilot. The exterior color of my tester, Dark Cherry Pearl, also happens to be my least favorite Honda color. I just don’t like it!

Also, the overall styling of the Pilot, as good as it once was, is now looking a little outdated. But the people in charge at Honda aren't concerned about that since the 2009 prototype of the Pilot was just unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, and let me tell you that there's little boring about it.

Maybe it’s my fondness of SUVs in general, or my appreciation of the fine quality products that Honda builds, but the 2008 Honda Pilot felt good, drove well and met my everyday needs for an SUV. Fuel economy is also quite good with an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. I wasn’t paying a fortune to operate it so that always makes my day. It could just make yours too.

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