2004 Honda Pilot

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If you thought that the 2003 Honda Pilot's earning of a 'Best Buy' status from Consumer Guide was some sort of a misprint, you'd better think again. The Pilot again hammers home its claim as one of the best midsize sport utility vehicles on the road, as the 2004 model gets the very same distinction.

The 2004 Honda Pilot shares the same design with the MDX, an SUV from Honda's premium division, Acura. The most noticeable difference is in the price, not the build quality. The Pilot's body is slightly shorter than MDX's, but it is taller and wider. The two share the same chassis, V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system.

Available Models
The 2004 Honda Pilot is offered in three trim levels: LX, EX and EX-L.

Interior Features
With its increase in height and width-compared to the MDX the 2004 Honda Pilot is able to squeeze in an extra passenger. But really, it isn't a squeeze at all. And if you need to transport long, cumbersome items, the second- and third-row seats are 60/40 split folding benches.

The midsize 2004 Honda Pilot fills up its interior with a nice array of standard features. In the middle of the pack, the EX trim offers automatic climate controls, remote keyless entry, an AM/FM/cassette/CD player, steering-wheel radio controls and a universal garage-door opener.

EX-L models add heated seats and leather upholstery to the mix. They also make a DVD entertainment system and a navigation system available from the options list.

Exterior Features
The 2004 Honda Pilot EX and EX-L models come with standard alloy wheels for a more upscale look. For functional loading and unloading, all Pilot models have a one-piece rear liftgate, but the glass does not open separately.

Performance
The 2004 Honda Pilot makes all-wheel drive the standard configuration. The system Honda uses is called the Variable Torque Management 4-wheel-drive system (VTM-4). The VTM-4 senses wheel slippage before it takes place, adjusting wheel speed to give the Pilot increased 4-wheel traction in poor weather conditions.

The engine under the Pilot's hood for 2004 is one that it shares with a few other Honda models, including the Odyssey minivan. It is a 3.5-liter VTEC V6 model.

The advanced engine is known to maximize the production rate depending on the driving situation. Mated to a 5-speed automatic transaxle, it generates 240 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 242 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm.

Safety and Security
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Pilot its highest rating-five stars-in both frontal and side-impact tests.