The 2007 Honda Pilot is a car-based midsize SUV. It's available in two main trim levels: LX and EX. As is typical of Honda offerings, nearly everything comes standard. This includes air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry and a CD player. Going with the EX adds alloy wheels, an eight-way power driver seat, extra interior storage, automatic climate control, HomeLink, upgraded audio with a six-disc CD changer, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
Pilots come equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 244 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models are available, and both are equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. Front-drive Pilots feature Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, which increases fuel efficiency by "shutting off" three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration. EPA ratings for the FWD model are a respectable 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway. Towing capacity for the Pilot is only 3,500 pounds -- well below the ratings for traditional, truck-based SUVs.
The 2007 Honda Pilot seats eight passengers. The fold-flat third-row seat has three sets of adjustable headrests and three-point seatbelts. Legroom for it is tight at 30.2 inches, however, and occupancy is pretty much limited to small children. Lowering the second- and third-row seats reveals an impressively large 90.3-cubic-feet cargo hold. Because of the Pilot's wide stance, there's sufficient clearance between the wheelwells to place wide items flat on the floor. If the second-row seats are in use, cargo capacity is 48.7 cubic feet. With the third row up, there's still enough room for grocery bags, baby paraphernalia or a set of golf clubs.
As the Honda Pilot features a stiff unibody structure and a fully independent suspension, it is quite smooth and comfortable on normal roads. However, with a curb weight of more than 2 tons, there is no denying the Pilot's bulk, and some drivers might find it a bit clumsy around corners. In terms of off-road ability, the AWD Pilot can take on common hazards such as boat ramps, washed-out gullies and rough roads, but not much more.
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