2009 Honda Pilot EX-L 2WD user reviews

Pros Honda willing to deal, best reliablility of mid-size SUV/CUV, competition too much money for what you get.

Cons Unique style, gas mileage.

Summary I don't undestand the testing grounds performed on this car in mountain areas. It should be more on flat land. ANyhow, this is a heavy vehicle and when you add passengers, the gas mileage is what it is. The alternative is a minivan that gets the same mileage or a full size SUV that will give you worse gas mileage. I also don't understand what the big deal is for HP, it is about 25 horses less than others but so what, do you really think people care about getting to a red light quicker? The interior is fine, I am not living in my car. It is a Honda, not a GM, so put your money to good use and by a reliable vehicle. I did and I sleep at night better knowing that the quality is there and that I don't have to worry about the car manufacturer going bankrupt.

Pros We had a 2008 Highlander that was totaled after something hit it at night during a high wind advisory. Yeah, totaled it. The Honda is our relplacement and it is much more comfortable and roomy with more amenities than our Highlander Sport for = $.

Cons Power is a little lacking, but my daily driver is a V8 4Runner. The Pilot does get up and go when you mash on it, though. Also, it doesn't tow very much (3500 in the 2wd trim), but then that's what our body-on-frame 4Runner is for.

Summary It feels very well built and is plenty comfortable for long road trips, especially compared to the Highlander. And with leather and bun warmers, we feel like its a luxury car. It is a swiss army knife of vehicles for us and does everything we ask of it. I always felt like we overloaded the Highlander with just my wife and I and our two kids, but I have yet to overload the Pilot, even with the in-laws on board and allot of gear for a 4 hour, multi day road trip. Sure you could buy a Chevy or Ford or go Chinese (with one of the Hyundais or Kia borrego), but why? This vehicle fits our needs perfectly and does it looking good and feeling solid as a rock with decent fuel economy. Not the best looking vehicle, but its built very well and the looks have grown on us. The replacement for my 4Runner will be a 2010 new model 4Runner and I will get the Pilot, and I don't mind that deal at all. As for the Highlander (and its prespects being my next car), let's just say nobody shed a tear when we said good bye.

Pros Excellent reliability, most features in its class, superb value!

Cons Honda should make navigation as an option in trims other than Touring

Summary It is a solid car with quite interior and all amenities that you would find in most cars in its class. It drives very nicely and it exudes a sense of quality when driving it. It does drive like a Honda. For those of you who have never driven a Honda, it means that it does not absorb all bumps on the road, but it does a very good job in providing a good feel of the road and lessening the jarring from the bumps. We have the 4WD EX-L with RES. The only thing missing is navigation, but it is available in the Touring model, if you like that. All other entertainment related options are vailable, including RDS and XM radio. We test drove all other similar SUVs, including the Highlander, but for the combination of features such as size and quality, there was no doubt that the Pilot is an excellent value!Excellent vehicle for the money -- do your homework before you buy...for example, if you read about the car you would know about the differences in towing availability from model to model...Honda does not hide this information.

Pros I have the 09 EXL-RES. With all the options for that trim level. My children love it! The interior is plush compared to others I drove in same price level.

Cons The fuel economy could be better but it is an 8 seater SUV. I don't know how the reviewer was driving but my trip average every day (mostly stop and go downtown driving is 17.5). Got 24mpg on highway trip yesterday.

Summary I love this vehicle- I have had no issues ( have an extended warranty if I do). I have had two Hondas and they have been the best cars I have owned. Probably won't drive anything else. I tested every SUV in the class and the Pilot was the best. Meets all of our needs. I like the boxy look because it stands out with all of the curvy homogeneous looking SUVs and crossovers. Can haul anything I need to and have a luxurious interior for professional needs as well. Third seat has more room than previous models. Got a great deal so basically I got the upgrades for what I would have paid for EX model. I don't agree with anything in this review and can't understand why my MPG is so much better than reviewer's.