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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Honda Pilot

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

Overview

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2011 Honda Pilot Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.5

Upon its introduction, the Honda Pilot quickly earned a reputation for reliability, comfort and practicality. With seating for eight persons and ample room for all their stuff, this crossover echoed what people liked about SUVs without the heft or poor fuel economy as trade-offs. Benefiting from a complete redesign in 2009, the 2011 Pilot carries on offering a spacious interior, plenty of convenience-oriented features and respectable gas mileage. However, with the growth of the mid-size crossover in the last few years, the Pilot faces more competition than ever, and now must stand out from the likes of the Mazda CX-9, Chevy Traverse, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Veracruz and the new Ford Explorer.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a true eight-passenger vehicle that offers more on- and off-road capabilities than a minivan, the 2011 Honda Pilot belongs on your list. It can accommodate three child seats in the second row and comfortably fit two adults in the third-row seat.

You May Not Like This Car If...

With the Pilot's limited stand-alone option choices, you will have to opt for a higher trim if you want a premium sound system, USB port, moon roof or heated front seats. Those looking for a base model with a few choice extras that won't break the bank may be more interested in the Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer.

What's New for 2011

For 2011, Honda's voice-activated satellite navigation system is now available on both the EX-L and Touring trims.

Driving the Pilot

Driving Impressions For such a large vehicle, the 2011 Honda Pilot delivers a surprisingly calm and capable driving experience. The suspension is firm, but not bouncy, making the ride stable with minimal...

body roll considering its SUV stature. The steering is precise and well-isolated when going over bumpy roads at almost any speed. While In-cabin noise seems noticeably quieter than many large crossovers we've tested, it's more an intuitive rather than scientific observation. Another big difference between the Pilot and it competitors is its responsive engine. Although the Highlander moves along just as quickly when it comes to getting onto a freeway or traversing rocky terrain, the Pilot seems to accelerate more quickly than its American competitors and their respective V8 offerings.

Favorite Features

Rearview Mirror Camera Display
Available on the EX-L trim, this 2.5-inch LCD display – conveniently located in the rearview mirror – shows you what's behind the vehicle while in reverse.

Second Row Seating
The 2011 Honda Pilot's second row offers excellent room for taller passengers and also provides LATCH systems for three child seats.

2011 Honda Pilot Details

Interior

Benefiting from Honda's simple but elegant design philosophy, the 2011 Pilot's interior emphasizes maximum room with minimal clutter. Ergonomics and simplicity are the key themes, as the radio and climate controls are placed within easy reach and gear selection is operated via an instrument-panel mounted shifter. Passenger legroom is generous in all three rows – a rarity in some three-row vehicles – as is head and shoulder room. Cargo space is still abundant thanks to multiple storage spaces and under-floor storage in the trunk area. And, for the occasional wider load, the vehicle is broad enough to accommodate four-foot wide items when the seats are folded flat.

Exterior

The 2011 Honda Pilot has a rugged, boxy SUV look that gives no hint of its car-like driving dynamics. A long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs create a purposeful stance, while the use of Honda's high-strength Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure in the front helps absorb energy and mitigate frontal impacts. Other conveniences include a standard integrated tow hitch and a lift-up glass hatch on the tailgate. Aesthetically, the bold front fascia stands out, especially the six-sided grille, and the large 17-inch wheels fill out the wheel wells in style.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base 2011 Honda Pilot comes with sport cloth seats, remote entry system, automatic headlights, power windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 17-inch wheels, front and rear air conditioning, an integrated rear cargo net and under-floor storage, auxiliary input jack and an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and a subwoofer. The EX, EX-L and Touring Pilots add an eight-way power driver's seat, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, daytime running lights and heated side mirrors. Exclusive to the EX-L is a rearview camera with a display screen imbedded in the rearview mirror.

Optional Equipment

Most of the additional features for the 2011 Honda Pilot are tied to trim level and are not available as stand-alone extras. These options include a 512-watt AM/FM/six-disc CD premium audio system with ten speakers, leather seats, power moonroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, corner and rear backup sensors, power tail gate, side mirror turn signals, navigation system with voice recognition and rearview camera, 115-volt power outlet, a USB port and second-row integrated sun shades. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is available only on the EX-L and Touring trims.

Under the Hood

The 2011 Honda Pilot's engine comes equipped with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, allowing for an uptick in horsepower and torque, as well as improved fuel economy. This VCM technology, similar to the system used in the current Honda Accord, allows the vehicle to seamlessly run on three, four, or six cylinders, depending on driving conditions and requirements.

3.5-liter V6
250 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
253 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 (2WD), 16/22 (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.

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2011 Honda Pilot Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 220 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

8.8/10

Great Vehicle, Great Value.

By Former Benz-GL450 Owner (AL) on Sunday, July 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,200

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: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "comfortable, great MPG, great value for the $"

Cons: "plastic feeling on the interior, black helps"

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

"I grew tired of the cost of owning my GL-450 and decided to look at the Pilot. I thought at first that I was going down in vehicle. I have found that I enjoy the room, the ride, and more than ever the cost of owning this vehicle. Great MPG for the size. I am very happy with my new vehicle."

5 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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I max out the pilot

By Marc (VA) on Friday, July 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

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: Not Rated
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "8 comfortable seats, 5000 lb towing capacity"

Cons: "Not free"

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

"I bought the Pilot EX-L AWD and it has worked out for every demand I have for it. I have 6 kids and everyone has a reasonably comfortable seat with all 8 people in the car with a stroller in the trunk. This includes 2 car seats and a booster. Front passenger leg room is great as I am 6'1"+. The stereo is better than my 06 MDX. The Aux input allows smart phone to switch between GPS and music and phone so the NAV package might sync via Bluetooth but that is a pretty minor perk for several thousand more. The center console is more useable than any other vehicle I have owned. Towing: I pull an 18 ft bow-rider. You can feel it is back there but there are no problems with highway or city handling and I have never slipped on the ramp. Clearance and hitch height is also very good. Seats fold down easily. Extra room in the floor of the trunk. Having the separate flip up back window allows loading and unloading of the trunk without having everything fall out, all over the driveway. So this vehicle pretty much does it all and does it well. No mechanical problems at all, but only 2 years old. When I bought the pricing was a good 8 grand better than the highlander. Reliability ratings pretty much knock this out of the park over everything else with comparable room and gas mileage."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great Vehicle and Family Car - Super Safe -

By earnold (IL) on Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 64,500

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: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Cons: "Little under powered for towing"

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

"Overall my wife and I love this vehicle. We will probably always have one in the household. The drive is smooth and noise is minimal. Lots of room for two small children and the third row seat will allow for separation as they get older. Maintenance cost are what I would expect for a larger vehicle. (Larger tires and brakes cost more...) Good looking and versatile."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great Vehicle and Family Car - Super Safe -

By earnold (IL) on Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 64,500

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: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Cons: "Little under powered for towing"

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

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Excellent choice for growing family of 5

By joe (LA) on Sunday, June 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

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: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "child access, ride comfort, looks great!!!"

Cons: "could use a little more HP for high traffic areas"

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

"I recently purchased a touring pilot and have no regrets. I needed something for my wife and I and our three kids to get around comfortably and the pilot is definitely the answer. My kids love it and are very comfortable getting in and out and with their seating area. My wife and I love driving it, although I would agree it could have a little more horsepower, for the most part it's nimble enough to get in and out of traffic, but could be a little more responsive at the accelerator. The car drives fantastic and handles well, especially on the road system we have in the south. It makes for a pleasant drive daily. I would highly recommend this vehicle for it's user friendliness, well defined control layout and ease of access in and out of the vehicle. In fact the vehicle is so impressive inside and out that a good friend of mine took one look and test drive, of my pilot, and bought it the next day!!!!"

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Just hit 195,000 miles!

By Cindy (CA) on Friday, May 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 195,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Roomy, easy to drive, low maintenance"

Cons: "Wish the gas mileage was a little better"

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

"I love my Honda Pilot...it's a 2007 and I just hit 195,000. Considering getting a new one because I "anticipate" issues at this mileage; but, everything still is GREAT!"

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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See all 220 reviews