Used Car Review - Honda Pilot (2012-2016)

Myk Belmonte invites you to be the passenger of this aircraft that will be replaced soon.

2012-2016 Honda Pilot

History
Unless you are living under a rock for a long time, manufacturers had released vehicles not aimed at their home country, and the Japanese had done numerous vehicles which aren't available in the Land of the Rising Sun. Honda has several vehicles not for Japan market which includes the Brio and Amaze sub-compacts and Mobilio MPV which targets emerging Asian markets while an Odyssey developed for the US market exists, and let us not forget the Pilot that is assembled and targets American clients.

Replacing the Passport SUV (which is not an original Honda product to begin with, rather than it is a badge engineered Isuzu Rodeo), the Pilot is the largest SUV in Honda's line-up which features three rows of seats and shares its underpinnings with the Accord sedan, Odyssey minivan, and the Acura MDX SUV. While the first generation model of the latter was offered in Japan, the Pilot isn't. Apart from the Philippines, this vehicle was offered in the Middle East, Russia, and Ukraine.

After the short stint of the first generation model, the second generation Pilot that we got was essentially an updated model with some changes inside and outside the vehicle. Just like its American derived competitors, a sole variant equipped with a gasoline engine and 4WD is sold locally.

Value and Costs
Brand new, this is priced at P2,600,000, which is same with the first iteration sold 10 years ago. If you want one, expect one to be priced below P2,000,000 especially the new model had arrived two months ago. Not much units are available in the used car block since this SUV isn't a best seller to begin with plus most owners belong to the upper class income bracket.

A word of warning especially if you want this vehicle, parts may be hard to come by since this is a low volume seller although some components are similar to the Accord and US market Odyssey. Also, prepare to shell out for fuel money since this vehicle runs on a 3.5 V6 engine but a Variable Cylinder Management exists which lessens fuel consumption in several instances.

Exterior and Interior
In a time where vehicle designs stray away from the boxy look, the Pilot is unashamed of it and sticks to it for the second time around although it is more evident in this one. Apparently, the only aspect that does not follow the theme are the wheel arches. This styling makes the vehicle different from its contemporaries which are full of curves. One nifty feature is the rear glass can be opened separately without opening the entire tailgate especially for small errands.

Occupants will be treated to a expanse cabin that even eight people can comfortably sit in. The front portion has the transmission shifter situated beside the steering wheel which gives the center console more space for your goodies. Passengers seated at the back get their own controls for air-conditioning and power outlets for charging their gadgets. Those on the last row no need to call it torture since space is adequate for people while retaining some room for items at the back. Think of this vehicle as an airplane among SUVs, since these types aren't exactly those that you call spacious when it comes to rear room.

Engine
Still the same J35Z4 3.5 V6 gasoline having 253hp at 5,700rpm and 347Nm at 4,800rpm is the only option and that motivates the Pilot. However, one unique factor that can be found is Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system which only utilizes three or four cylinders whenever needed but uses all six during full bore acceleration, therefore minimizing fuel consumption.

Driving Impressions
Riding comfort is better described as floaty and quiet when cruising, traits that can be found among American vehicles. For the driver's part, it is easy to maneuver and nimble despite the bulky size and a back-up camera comes standard.

Verdict
Everybody knows that the Explorer or the likes of the Pajero are sure ball options in the large size SUV market locally, whether new or used. In the case of the second generation Pilot, although there are some redeeming qualities, as a second hand pick be prepared to shell out more if you want one.

Car Profiles - Honda Pilot

HONDA PILOT

Staying away from its boxy stature of old and now possessing an exterior of the current, the third generation Pilot crams every available amenity that is found among high end mainstream branded vehicles. Sure, the engine has Honda's Earth Dreams technology and a lot of other features but the price has to be desired for some.

The Good:

The Bad:

Price Range: TBA

Our Rating:

Last Update: January 9, 2018

Car Profiles - Honda Pilot (2012-2016)

2012-2016 Honda Pilot

The Good: Oodles of space of eight people, lively engine

The Bad: Braking isn't that good

The Say: While a good pick, other rivals do the job well.

Go For: 3.5 EX-L
Avoid: You have no choice

Price Range: Data Not Available
Our Rating: ***

Related Reviews: Used Car Review - Honda Pilot
Latest vehicle profile: Honda Pilot

See the different versions of this Pilot:
2012-2016

Recall Alert - Honda Philippines Recalls Accords, Pilots, and Two Civics

We all know about the mess that was brought by Takata airbags that affected a number of manufacturers around the world in which some had died due to this one. So owners of affected Honda vehicles including 2003 to 2006 Accords, 2006 to 2007 Pilots, and 2004 to 2005 Civics, you need to read this one.

Honda Pilot - Generation 1.2 (2006-2008)

HONDA PILOT (2006-2008)

Larger than the CR-V, the Pilot is basically the most expensive vehicle in Honda's line-up. Only a few were sold since it was meant as a limited edition vehicle. Only one variant is available, the EX with a 3.5 V6.

See the overview of this Pilot

See the latest model of the Pilot

Honda Pilot - Generation 2.2 (2012-2016)

HONDA PILOT (2012-2016)

While the first generation Pilot brought here nearly 10 years ago was a limited model, this one is relegated to the regular line-up. Only one model is available similar to most rivals, the EX-L with a 3.5 engine similar to the Accord

See the overview of this Pilot
See the latest model of the Pilot

Used Car Review - Honda Pilot (2006-2008)

While the latest model is a decent seller, Myk Belmonte revisits the previous model which failed to gain market share.

2006-2008 Honda Pilot

History
Honda is in a mixed bag when it comes to building SUVs. Their first attempt in that category was the Crossroad, basically a rebadged Land Rover Discovery Series I. Their attempts are mixed from the fail (second generation Crossroad) to the success (CR-V).

Replacing the Passport (an Isuzu Rodeo with Honda badges) that was sold in the United States, the Pilot was developed 100% by Honda and was first launched in 2003. Components are shared with the Acura MDX, Honda Odyssey (North American version), and the Honda Accord that results to a car like handling and driving. Cosmetic updates were done in 2006 and the second generation model was available in 2009.

With the premium SUV market in the rise, Honda Cars Philippines fielded in the Pilot in 2006. Our market basically had the updated version in the US, but only a limited number of units were available. It was discontinued at the end of 2008, or in easy words, the last unit to be sold. The second generation Pilot was brought back in June 2012 (or nearly six years after the original Philippine release).

Value and Costs
At par with other Japanese rivals, the Pilot costs less than half of its P2.6M price when it was new. For just a snip below or above a million bucks, one can get a functional and reliable SUV for less cash.

With this vehicle having a V6 engine under the hood as well as its limited status, maintaining one can be expensive. But remember, contemporaries having V6 gasoline engines would command the same price for taking care of one.

Exterior and Interior
For Filipinos, an SUV must be good looking or gwapo. But the Pilot fails to pass that criteria since it resembled the first generation CR-V that gone on drugs. Nothing special to write about the exterior.

One strength of this vehicle is the interior space which is friendly for every people from each strokes of life. Senior citizens would love the Pilot since entering and going out is easy and the cabin accommodates eight people, although the third row is best left for children. Interior quality is decent but materials are made of hard plastic, which is not a good characteristic of a P2M vehicle. Controls are logically placed and within the driver's reach. Lest we forget, the Pilot uses a column shifter behind the steering wheel.

Engine
Since this is a US developed vehicle, a gasoline engine comes standard. And 2006-2008 Pilots around the world have the J35A6 3,471cc which carries 244hp at 5,600rpm (from 240hp of the previous models) and 325Nm at 4,500rpm (downgraded from 328Nm of 2003-2005 units). There is available power in the lower revs but the engine has the tendency to delay power delivery since it takes time to reach the right power band.

Driving Impressions
It drives like an Accord (or an odyssey), and we're thankful for that. The steering is dull but the all around independent suspension (and a stability control) keeps things planted. Standard among Pilots is the Variable Torque Management 4WD that powers the front wheels all the time and pressing the lock button can distribute power 50:50. Fuel efficiency isn't something to be proud of.

Verdict
An object of utility than desirability (the same say goes to my Mitsubishi Endeavor review months ago), the Pilot is great, but fails to excel on any aspect. If it were introduced much earlier, it could have been eating the dust of competitors. For everything else, rivals are much better buys.

Car Profiles - Honda Pilot (2006-2008)

2006-2008 Honda Pilot

The Good: Excellent power train, seats 8 in comfort

The Bad: Bland looks, expensive maintenance costs

The Say: Comfortable to be in, but there are other lower priced alternatives that can do the job.

Go For: 3.5 V6 EX
Avoid: None

Price Range: P950,000-P1,150,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: Used Car Review - Honda Pilot (2006-2008)
Latest vehicle profile: Honda Pilot

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2006-2008