The Pilot is a 4-door, 8-passenger practical sport-utility replete with features that qualify it as the consummate American family outdoors vehicle. It is based on the Odyssey minivan and shares its platform and powertrain with the more luxurious 2006 Acura MDX and 2006 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck. It is available as a 2WD or a 4WD.

For 2006 the Pilot offered a 2WD with its Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) feature for the V6 engine. Exterior updates included a new hood, fenders, grille, headlights, taillights and bumpers. The LX and EX trims were given alloy wheels. A refreshingly new instrument panel design and an adjustable headrest were added on. For 2007 however the Honda Pilot remains unchanged except for the addition of four new exterior colors, which are Dark Cherry Pearl, Nimbus Gray Metallic, Aberdeen Green Metallic, and Formal Black.

Stability control, side curtain airbags for all three rows, and a maintenance minder system are standard across trims. The optional navigation system has a 7-inch screen and a rear-view camera. The EX with leather seating features a standard XM Satellite Radio. Stated power output for the V6 engine is lower due to the adoption of a new SAE horsepower-rating procedure.

The Pilot has a basic warranty of 36 months or 36,000 miles. It competes with the Subaru B9 Tribeca, GMC’s Envoy, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the Ford Explorer, the Mercury Mountaineer, and the Toyota Highlander among others.

The EX trim has an optional leather interior with heated front seats and side mirrors. The entertainment package features a rear-seat DVD video system.

It is one of the most aerodynamic SUVs in its class. It has a 244 horsepower (hp), 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine, with a 240 pound-feet (lb-ft.) of torque.

The Pilot has an EPA fuel economy estimate of 18/24 mpg (city/highway) for the 2WD and 17/22 mpg (city/highway) for the 4WD.

A 5-speed Automatic Transmission (AT), Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and an Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are standard for all trims.

It has a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. for the 2WD and 4,500 lbs. for the 4WD.

Sassy alloy wheels give it a dynamic and practical appeal. Roof rails are standard on the EX trim. The crossbars that turn them into a true cargo rack can be availed as an accessory

Some standard features include variable intermittent windshield wipers, an intermittent rear window wiper/washer, a remote entry system, body-colored body side molding, an integrated glass antenna, projector beam halogen headlights (for the LX only), and body-colored 5-mph impact-absorbing bumpers among others.

The EX with Leather seating option has heated dual power side mirrors, a power moonroof with tilt feature. Standard features available only on the EX comprise of a security system, body-colored dual power side mirrors, machine finished alloy wheels, roof rails, fog lights, and a rear roofline spoiler among others.

The Pilot's bucket seats up front are spacious and cozy. A driver's foot rest is standard on all trims. Visibility is excellent and all controls are easily accessible to the driver.

This Honda has an excellent cargo capacity. In terms of seating and stowage configurations it is extremely versatile and rates much better than its competitors.

Standard interior features comprise of 60/40 split, flat-folding 2nd/ 3rd row bench seats, power windows with auto-up/down driver's window, power door and tailgate locks, a multi-functional center console with a cellular phone cradle, 7 front, middle and rear beverage holders, Cruise Control, grab rails with integrated map lights in the 2nd and 3rd rows, front and rear air conditioning with an air-filtration system, and finally an AM/FM/CD Audio System with 4 Speakers.

The high-end 4WD EX-L consists of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Automatic Transmission with voice recognition and rearview camera with off-road tracking, leather-trimmed interiors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear synchronized automatic climate control system, a multi-functional center console, a HomeLink Remote System, AM/FM/6-disc CD changer/cassette audio system with 7 speakers with a rear subwoofer, XM satellite radio, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and a conversation mirror with a sunglass holder among others.

Its curb weight which is a trifle on the higher side may render it clumsy around corners. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is adequate. Acceleration is excellent and with a 244 hp engine the Pilot performs better than the Toyota Highlander.

The 5-speed AT offers smooth shifts. The 2WD due to its lighter weight and wider track with a slightly lesser ground clearance displays great driving attributes. Fuel economy is noteworthy.

The 2WD versions feature Active Engine Control Mount and Active Noise Cancellation systems that help reduce noise and disturbing vibrations.

Anti-lock brakes perform well. Brake response is smooth and controlled. Electronic brake-force distribution enforces stability and reduces braking distances by regulating the brake force between the front and rear wheels.

Standard safety features comprise of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control, dual-stage dual threshold front airbags (SRS), front side airbags with Passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), three-row side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), 8 front, middle and rear 3-point seat belts, full-frontal, offset-frontal and side-impact protection, 2nd-Row LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), 3rd-row child-seat tether anchors, and an immobilizer theft-deterrent system.