Honda Pilot 2005: The Weekly Driver Review
Like its popular brethren, the CR-V, Odyssey and new Element, the Pilot completes Honda's best-buy SUV and van line. And like any of those offerings or anything else in Honda's arsenal, it's hard to find serious fault with the Pilot.Introduced in late 2003, the Pilot replaced the Passport and it shares the same basic chassis and powertrain as the MDX, the complementary choice from Honda's upscale Acura division.My test drive for the week was the top of the line's EX L 4-door wagon that includes both a navigation system and second seat DVD entertainment system. With those additions, the Pilot further enhances its position at the forefront of the midsize SUV ranks that include the Ford Explorer, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander.The three Pilot models all offer a V6, 255-horsepower engine paired only a 5-speed automatic transmission. The HP total represents an increase of six percent from the 2004 model, further adding to the vehicle's status among the quicker midsize SUVs. It has a 0-60 mph test rating of 7.9 seconds.Further performance areas for the Pilot are all at least average or above.
The driver sits "tall" in the vehicle, so steering and handling are fine for the car's type. But it should never be mistaken for anything other than a SUV with cornering limitations.Braking is strong and the standard all-wheel-drive system seems well-suited for trails and in inclement weather conditions.Like other Hondas, controls and instrumentation as well as styling and indoor space are thoughtful and styled simply. The automatic shift lever is located behind the right side of the steering wheel and doesn't block access to other controls. But it's also too easy to shift in and out of transmission settings.The pilot is an eight-passenger vehicle, with little compromise. The second and third-row seats each comfortably seat three passengers.
Although unused during my test week, second and third-seat passengers can view DVDs from a screen that pops down from the second-seat ceiling. Headphones are stored in a map/accessory compartment behind the driver's seat.All three Pilot models have a long list of standard features: tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 60/40 split folding second and third seats, power mirrors, windows and doors locks, remote keyless entry and AM/FM/CD player, among other items. The EX and EX-L models include a six-disc changer, steering wheel radio controls, automatic-off headlights and allow wheels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof and heated power mirrors are standard on the EX-L model only.Despite its best-buy status, the Pilot does have two less-than-spectacular considerations: curtain side airbags are not available on any model, and its fuel rating of 17 in city driving and 22 in highway use is fine for its category but hardly an economical plus.Nevertheless, the Pilot overall is an ideal family vehicle. It's spaciously designed, practical and fits well in the Honda family known not only performance and reliability, but for a strong position in the resale market.2005 Honda PilotSafety features -- Front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, rear-obstacle detection system.
tire pressure monitor, rearview camera.Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 17 mpg (city), 22 mpg (highway).Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.Base price range -- $34,120..
James Raia is a Sacramento, Calif., journalist who writes about sports, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the automotive column, The Weekly Driver Review.To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver ReviewTo subscribe to his free electronic newsletters, visit the web site: www.ByJamesRaia.comTrek Dog, a New Concept in Vehicle Access Systems for Pets to Debut at the New Orleans APPMA Show
Dogs love car rides but lifting them in and out can be a pain for both the owner and the dog and jumping out of vehicles can damage dog's joints.
There are dog ramps to ease the pain but they are so large and bulky that once you stow the ramp there is no room left for Rover. Nu-Tec Designs, which specializes in innovative hitch products, has found a solution to that problem with Trek Dog?, a patent pending, highly portable vehicle access system that provides pet owners with the first compact, lightweight, stable and multi-functional solution to get their pets in and out of their vehicles.
Trek Dog will be featured in the new product showcase at the American Pet Products Manufacturers Associations (APPMA) 2004 Annual Pet Products Trade Show March 17-19 in New Orleans, LA."Current pet ramps are six feet long and simply rest on the edge of the tailgate or cargo area. They can sag & wobble making many dogs uncomfortable or unwilling to use them, and veterinarians reluctant...
Suv > Trek Dog, a New Concept in Vehicle Access Systems for Pets to Debut at the New Orleans APPMA Show
Ford Recalls Escape Hybrids
Ford Motor Co. will recall 6,164 Escape hybrid sport utility vehicles built at Claycomo plant. According to the U.S. traffic agency, said units need to be inspected due to the reported possibility of drivetrain shaft fracture. Said fracture is attributed to the improper installation of the shaft.
The recall will include all front-wheel drive version of the gasoline-electric 2006 Ford Escape hybrid SUVs which are manufactured from July 28, 2005, through April 21, 2006.
The recall of said vehicles is scheduled on or before Oct. 23.
According to Kristen Kinley, Ford spokesperson, Ford built about 20,000 Escape Hybrids in the 2006 model year. However, only 6,164 of it will be inspected Ford. The information was given by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Said inspection is triggered by a handful of reports that have swarmed Ford. The company has in fact identified 14 reports of the problem through its internal...
Ford Recalls Escape Hybrids
Suv > Ford Recalls Escape Hybrids
Keyboard Cleaning
Keyboard CleaningThere are several ways to clean a keyboard. If it is simply clogged with dust, hair and other various particles, you can use a screwdriver to remove a few keys from each side of the keyboard and then use the can of compressed air to blow all of the stray particles out of the keyboard.Just be forewarned - it is difficult to pry out large keys such as the shift keys and the spacebar without breaking them, so you should probably stick to the smaller keys. To remove a key easily,...
keyboard Suv Honda Pilot 2005: The Weekly Driver Review
Suv > Keyboard Cleaning