The Honda Pilot is Honda's second SUV designed and built in-house. It is produced in Alliston, Ontario, Canada and Lincoln, Alabama. The vehicle is based on the Acura MDX, which is derived from the Honda Odyssey minivan platform. It was introduced with the intention of filling the large demand for SUVs in the US. When it was launched, Honda only had the smaller CR-V which was based on the Civic. However, the CR-V lacked in features such as size, passenger space, and towing capacity. The Pilot can handle light off-roading, and proved to be quite popular with Honda selling over 100,000 vehicles in 2004. In North America, it is sold as the Pilot, while in Japan and Australia it is the Honda MDX and the Middle East, it is known as the Honda MR-V.
Specifications
The Pilot is powered by an aluminum alloy 3.5-liter SOHC, 24-valve VTEC-V6 engine that delivers 240 horsepower and 242 ft-lbs of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, allowing the vehicle to go from 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds and 1/4 mile in 15.9 seconds. The 2005 version of the Pilot has an increased power output to 255 hp with 250 ft-lbs of torque which includes a Drive by Wire Throttle System. It weighs in at around 4,400 lbs. and has an EPA-rated gas mileage of 17/22 city/highway. The VTM-4 four-wheel drive system provides power to all four wheels while also aiding in traction.
Design
The Pilot can accommodate up to 8 passengers. The seats can fold completely flat to allow for a larger interior cargo space. Optional features include a moonroof, DVD entertainment system, and a navigation system. It is equipped with strut suspension in the front, and a multilink arrangement with coil springs at the back. It also has a towing capacity of 4,500 lb (boat) and 3,500 lb (trailer). The safety features include a VTM-4 system, ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and 282 degrees of outward visibility. The unibody is specifically designed to absorb impact in collisions.
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