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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 family SUV

By Flash (AZ) on Tuesday, June 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great features, nice looks and seating for eight"

Cons: "Smaller cargo area and o.k. fuel economy"

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

"I am married with three children and this vehicle has been great for all our travel needs in the two years we have had it. No issues have risen in that time and the only thing we have had to do is the regular maintenance and fuel. It;s only draw back is cargo space. We have always made due, but that is the only complaint I really can come up with. My kids fit comfortably and the power is more then adequate for this vehicle. Fuel economy is good, but we all want more of course. If they could get this SUV to 30 miles per gallo I would be buying one of hese again in the next body style."

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Excellent drive and comfort, LOVE THIS VEHICLE!

By pmerch1 (NH) on Tuesday, June 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,800

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: "All around driving quality in the city and highway"

Cons: "gas mileage (I know it's an SUV but it's bad)"

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

"The Pilot is the best car I have owned being close to my 2000 Pathfinder. It drives great and is very easy to tow the kids around...beats driving a minivan! The towing is okay with a boat meaning I would not travel long distance with my 20 ft bowrider. It's fine but not great on hills and such. OUr family loves this vehicle and always look forward to drive it. It's a long term keeper! Great value and does not depreciate like other competitors out there."

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Fuel Saver and Comfortable.

By Marky (MD) on Saturday, June 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "stylish"

Cons: "expensive with gadgets"

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

"The Honda Pilot is very fuel efficient. Looking to save gas on your road trips? This is the car for you. With a plethora of room in the back and very good fuel efficiency. This car gives you the real meaning of saving money. The best type to get is the EX-L with the RES because getting the touring would cost a little more but youre paying for some of the gadgets you dont need."

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A wonderful vehicle.

By Levi (NJ) on Thursday, June 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

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

Pros: "Great Honda engineering, reliability and quality."

Cons: "Some road noise but good tires help."

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

"A wonderful and RELIABLE vehicle. Upgraded tires to reduce road noise--which was a good move. Clothes hangers in awkward position. A helpful option would be to have rear bumper poximity detector when backing-up (either with or without back-up camera feature.) We love it!"

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So far so good

By Jd (FL) on Monday, June 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 200

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Price starts at $28000 - $39000"

Cons: "The water rolls off hood funny when rains ."

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

"It was between highlander,pathfinder,ridgeline,Tacoma,or pilot.we chose the 2013 pilot.Drives great .Tight turns,great gas mileage so far.Exl model with leather and sunroof.Very little road noise.back up camera is helpful.would definitely buy again.be sure you hold their feet to the fire when you deal with the salesman and ask for manufactures invoice.we got ours for over $6000 under MSRP .Make sure you get ALL incentives and wait till last day of month.Do your homework and get a great deal.Also don't be afraid to walk away from table and go somewhere else .The invoice will be helpful and should be a good starting point on price ."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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