Review and photos by Chris Chase
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Photo Gallery: 2008 Honda Pilot
Honda surprised no one in 2002 when it announced that it would begin selling a mid-sized crossover SUV called the Pilot: Acura's high-end MDX mid-sized crossover had been on the market for more than a year, and it only made sense that Honda would get its own version to compete against popular sellers like the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Like the MDX, the Pilot used Honda's 3.5-litre V6 engine. While its horsepower output, 240, was the same as the MDX, the Pilot got by just fine on regular gas, where the MDX required premium. Also shared with the MDX was its five-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system. In 2007, a front-wheel drive version of the base model was added to the Pilot lineup.
According to Natural Resources Canada's EnerGuide, the Pilot's fuel consumption was rated at about 14 L/100 km (city) and 9.5 L/100 km (highway).
2008 Honda Pilot SE-L. Click image to enlarge
The Pilot appears to have escaped the problems related to the five-speed automatic transmissions that affected many other Honda models like the Acura MDX (a near mechanical twin of the Pilot) and Honda Odyssey minivan. The plausible explanation is that the Pilot, which came along at least a couple of years after its MDX and Odyssey siblings, didn't get the first generation of that particular transmission; it would have benefited from the same redesigned unit that helped boost reliability ratings in newer versions of the other two models. Nevertheless, there is a Transport Canada recall that applies to 2003 and 2004 Pilots to address this transmission fault.
Other concerns: more than one Pilot owner posting at HondaPilot.org has reported water leaking into the passenger cabin. It's not clear whether this is a widespread issue; read about it here and here.
2008 Honda Pilot SE-L. Click image to enlarge
A vibration in the steering wheel at highway speeds might be linked to a bad motor mount.
A few Pilot owners complain of "weak" sheet metal that dents easily.
Consumer Reports gives the Pilot a "much better than average" used vehicle rating for 2003 through 2006, and a "better than average" rating for 2007.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Pilot's structure was updated for the 2006 model year to improve performance in frontal offset impacts. Nevertheless, all Pilots built from 2003 through 2008 earned the same "good" rating in the IIHS' frontal offset crash test, as well as in the organization's side impact test; side airbags were standard from the get-go in 2003, and side curtain airbags were added as standard equipment in 2006.
In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) testing, the 2003 Pilot earned five stars in every test that organization conducts: driver and passenger protection in frontal impacts, and front- and rear-seat occupant protection in side impacts.
You've learned to expect that used Hondas aren't cheap, right? Good, because the Pilot is no slouch in the way it hangs onto resale value. Canadian Red Book pegs used Pilot prices at $39,175 at the high end (2008) and $15,425 for a 2003 model. Look at a 2006 model, and you'll find that the Pilot is easily worth $2,000 to $3,000 more than a Nissan Pathfinder, for example, an SUV with real truck roots. You'll find the Pilot compares more closely, price-wise, to the Toyota Highlander.
A 2004 or 2005 Pilot should fall nicely within the $18,000 to $22,000 bracket, which seems like a reasonable sum to pay for a comfortable mid-sized crossover like the Pilot.
Though there are some niggling reliability concerns - it's not clear if the updated transmission completely cured the problems that plagued early examples of the five-speed auto, for example - the Pilot looks like a solid used purchase. Just be sure to have a trusted mechanic look over any vehicle you're thinking of buying.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004143; Units affected: 85,1842003-2004: Certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or, in very rare cases, gear breakage can occur. Gear failure could result in transmission lock-up. Correction: On vehicles with 24,000 kms or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to second gear. On vehicles with more than 24,000 kms, the dealer will inspect the transmission to identify gears that have already experienced discolouration due to overheating. If discolouration exists, the transmission will be replaced. It discolouration is not present, the dealer will perform the revision to the oil cooler return line.
Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy.
For information on recalls, see Transport Canada's web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com.
