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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Honda Pilot

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Honda Pilot

Overview

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2008 Honda Pilot Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2008 Honda Pilot, the company's largest SUV offering, has earned a reputation for reliability, comfort and performance. Sharing a chassis with the Acura MDX has its benefits, and the Pilot sails into 2008 leading its class in just about every category. Although it offers seating for eight passengers, the Pilot is not nearly as bulky or cumbersome as most full-size SUVs and its silky-smooth V6 engine delivers strong performance coupled with superb fuel economy. The Pilot's uni-body construction permits the use of a sophisticated rear suspension that delivers an impressively smooth ride and agile handling. On the downside, this design limits the Pilot's tow rating to 4,500 pounds for boat trailers and 3,500 pounds for all others.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need the seating capacity of a bigger SUV, but not the usually bulky body and so-so handling that comes with it, check out the Pilot. Interior room is as outstanding as the power output of the V6 engine. And if you desire four-wheel drive, Honda's innovative VTM-4 system offers automatic engagement when needed and a manual locking function for dealing with those tougher situations.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Pilot's strong popularity makes it difficult to bargain on what is already a relatively steep price. Honda's "one package fits all" approach may turn off buyers who like to pick and choose their options. Those who need to tow more than 3,500 pounds will need to look elsewhere.

What's Significant About This Car?

The LX trim becomes the Value Package (VP) trim and the addition of popular features to the EX creates a new Special Edition trim.

Driving the Pilot

Driving Impressions In addition to its other attributes, the Pilot delivers an exceptional combination of road feel, steering feedback and ride comfort. Over practically any road surface, the Pilot maintains its composure...

with ease, riding quietly over smooth pavement with stability and poise. Performance is another Pilot strength, and the Pilot's V6 is capable of producing ample low-end torque along with impressive highway response. Honda's VTM-4 four-wheel-drive system distributes power between the front and rear wheels as needed, but its lack of a two-speed transfer case could inhibit true off-road adventuring. The system does, however, feature a locking mechanism that can be manually engaged at low speeds, ideal for low-traction situations such as mud or deep snow.

Favorite Features

Four-Wheel Drive
Honda's VTM-4 four-wheel drive lets the Pilot go where most big SUVs wouldn't dare.

Navigation
The Pilot's optional navigation unit features a rear back-up camera.

2008 Honda Pilot Details

Interior

The Pilot's interior may make you feel you're in an Acura, as the optional perforated leather seats, navigation system or DVD entertainment package and a host of other creature comforts are all wrapped in quality materials. The Pilot's third-row seat is a bit cramped for adults, but should suit the little ones just fine. With the third-row seat folded, the Pilot gains a huge amount of usable cargo room. The built-in rear back-up camera is a great safety and convenience feature, but is limited to upper-end models equipped with navigation. On the flip side, we applaud Honda for making front side-impact and three-row head-curtain airbags standard on every model.

Exterior

In profile, the Honda Pilot mirrors much of the styling of the previous generation CR-V. A boxy greenhouse tempered by rounded corners, big side glass and a short hood create the Pilot's silhouette. The Pilot's front fenders, grille, headlamp and taillight treatment mimic the look established by Honda's pickup, the Ridgeline. Big flush-mounted headlamps flank an equally large grille and you'll find the Pilot's overall fit and finish is flawless. Built-in crumple zones helped the Pilot perform extremely well in its crash tests.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

As with all Hondas, the Pilot offers its optional equipment packaged within each trim level. The base VP features a 244-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, five-speed automatic transmission, manual front and rear air conditioning, remote keyless entry, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), seven cup holders, dual power mirrors, XM Satellite Radio, AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer, front side-impact airbags, three-row side-curtain airbags, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, power windows, power locks, rear defroster, steering wheel-mounted controls, rear wiper/washer, Vehicle Stability Assist and machine-finished alloy wheels. The EX trim level adds automatic air conditioning, auto-off headlamps, heated side mirrors and an eight-way power driver's seat. The SE adds DVD rear entertainment, power moonroof and a 115-volt outlet.

Optional Equipment

Other than four-wheel drive, options are limited to the EX trim and are offered in a variety of packages. You can order the EX with leather, or with leather and rear-seat DVD player, or with leather and navigation, but you can't order a Pilot with navigation and the rear-seat DVD.

Under the Hood

Honda's more-than-competent 3.5-liter V6 fits the Pilot like a well-tailored suit. Powerful enough to climb hills, dart across busy intersections and pass with confidence, yet fairly easy on fuel, this engine is all about efficiency and quiet operation. An excellent repair history adds piece of mind.

3.5-liter V6
244 horsepower @ 5750 rpm (2WD), 244 horsepower @ 5600 rpm (4WD)
240 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 (2WD), 15/20 (4WD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Honda Pilot vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2008 Honda Pilot Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 769 Ratings for the 2003 - 2008 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.1/10

One of my favorite vehicles of all time.

By Linda (FL) on Wednesday, June 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 104,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Reasonable price -- not great."

Cons: "Heating & fan systems - not easy repair access."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Excellent record for running well. Comfortable, handles well, reasonably good gas mileage. Holds a lot. Very safe car. My only complaints are: some things are hard to get to to repair -- such as electrical harness, and parts of the AC and heating systems, making those repairs expensive when needed. But really no repairs needed except when the car became over 90,000 miles, and also, when mice ate the wiring in the electrical harness. Very good car -- we are buying another one."

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Just what I wanted.

By JP (MA) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 57,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Big, safe, reliable, comfort"

Cons: "None really come to mind."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I did my research for a bout 1 year prior to buying. I knew a larger SUV was what I wanted. I always came backto the pilot. I have a 2006 EX that I bought in 2012 with 48,000 miles. I absolutely Love this vehicle. I have 2 kids, and my 2 kids have friends! spacious, safe, reliable and doesnt drive like an eight-seater. The gas mileage is not as bad as you might think. The 4WD is a MUST in New England. Great feature. I would highly recommend this SUV for a family."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Honda -- reliable

By Terry (FL) on Saturday, April 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 94,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Reliable"

Cons: "Leather tears"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"This car is my third Honda. I wouldn't own anything else. My only complaint is the front leather seats on both sides have tears in the seams."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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pilot my 3rd honda

By jbong (CA) on Monday, April 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 220,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"owned 4 hondas, civic at 256k b4 i let go., an accord 99 108 b4 i sold it , 03 pilot that has 220k. critiques are always saying not so nice control panel, sluggish engine, all i can say is Reliability. M y pilot 03 , i was averaging 23,000 miles a yr on my first 7 yrs and belts, spark plugs, oil change, tranny oil breaks and rear wheel differeftial fluids are the on maintenance i do. My civic was the first honda that set the tone for me. i am driving another pilot now 2011 model and all i can say to the consumers. if u r looking 4 a vehicle that will last for at least 10 yrs . then my advice is get a honda. by the way i accumalated high mileage on my hondas with 9 deployments serving the usnavy for 23 yrs."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Overall Great Car, will buy again.

By Happy Camper (MA) on Saturday, April 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 110,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Auto 4WD/Front WD/Rides smooth/Great space/Safe"

Cons: "Towing week, Ground Clearance Low for 4WD"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"At 110,000 miles this is still a great car. Still has great pick up and rides smooth. It feels roomy and comfortable for the front and 2nd row. Third row is great for 2 teenagers or 3 younger children. Adults would only last for short trips(not a lot of leg room). You have to pick between 8 passengers or Cargo space, but if you are carpooling kids you always have enough room and the extra friend gets to go. (8 seats vs 7 seats in most mid sized SUV's) 3rd row goes down completely flat and makes for great cargo space. The 4WD works great when it kicks in on it's own for dirt roads, snow or muddy conditions. Beach travel is possible, however it does not have a high clearance so beach travel is limited if the sand is very dry and soft. If looking for a rugged 4WD this won't do it. The towing on the 2007 is week and can only do small utility trailers and small pop ups/campers/boats. I have read that the new models have added towing capability. I average about 20mpg with about 50/50 in town and highway driving. Overall this is a sturdy, dependable vehicle. I will definitely by getting another one."

6 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Nice for traveling, well built

By jsierra (CA) on Saturday, April 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Good road car, versatile for all-arond needs"

Cons: "Mileage, driver knee space"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"The only real downside to this vehicle is the mileage. The best we can ever expect, which will come on a full day of steady freeway travel, is 20-22 mpg. This is a great road car. A few times a year we have travel days of 400-500 miles, and it performs well. Plenty of power on hills or for passing, smooth riding, reasonably quiet. We have only needed to use the 3rd row seat a few times, but it has been great to have it when we need it. The 3rd seat is wider than the 2008 Toyota Highlander, which is one of the reasons we chose the Honda. We have not yet had any repair bills, just regular maintenance. We replaced the original tires at about 40,000 miles. It still has the original break pads, which is impressive at over 70,000 miles. Two minor issues: It is easy to drop things between the seats and the center console and almost impossible to retrieve them. We keep a stick handy to work into the gap to push items out. We may try folding a towel and placing it in this space. The other issue seems to be common in other Hondas we have owned. The knee space for the driver is minimal. To have the most comfortable knee space, the seat needs to be moved back to where the arm reach is too long."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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