Honda Pilot Hailed as one of the best Family Vehicles
TARRYTOWN, N.Y., July 6, 2011 – The Honda Pilot is ringing in ten model years with lots of accolades and more excellent reviews from the press. Debuted by Honda in 2002, the Pilot is still named the "top family hauler" due to its eight-passenger seating, versatile cargo space, and smooth, powerful ride.
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The Seattle Post Intelligencer writes, "If the 2011 Honda Pilot is on your list of models to consider, and you check it out first, you might not have to look any further."
Pilot has power with a pleasant ride
The Pilot is considered a family-friendly alternative for parents who want to drive something more stylish than a clunky minivan. And with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Honda Pilot comes with a lot more power.
U.S. News and World Report notes that while the Pilot does have considerable power, Honda has managed to keep the ride pleasant, quiet, and smooth. The publication also listed the Pilot's numerous "clever interior storage features" and "spacious third row [which] can fit adults" as features that give the SUV an edge over the competition.
A proven record of Honda safety
In fact, U.S. News and World Report named the 2011 Honda Pilot as one of its best "Affordable Midsize SUVs". But Tarrytown Honda manager Chris Mendicina says that's not all it has to offer.
"It's so easy to get caught up in all the Pilot has to offer on the inside that buyers may not realize its incredible safety record," says Mendicina.
The Honda Pilot has earned a 9.4 out of 10 safety rating from U.S. News. Edmunds.com cites the Pilot's "perfect crash-test scores" as a top reason for buyers to consider it.
Edmunds also gave the Honda Pilot the "2011 Best Retained Value" award.
Upgrades for 2012
For 2012, Honda has made some tweaks to the Pilot's exterior appearance and fine-tuned the engine technology. But for the most part, the company is sticking with what has made this SUV so popular for the last decade.
That includes four customizable trims and tons of options. The Pilot is loaded up with comfort, technical, and entertainment packages that are usually found on luxury cars which sell for thousands more. Some of these include:
- Power steering, door locks, windows, and seating with memorized settings for 2 drivers
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Interior air filtration
- Three-zone climate control
- Ten-speaker stereo system with subwoofer
- DVD player with remote control
- Audio, video, and MP3 input
- XM satellite radio
- USB connectivity
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Voice-activated navigation system