This review of my 2009 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring Edition w/ RES & Navigation is from an actual OWNER (me) and not someone who just reviews products to make extra $$$.

Before I purchased my Pilot I test drove a few other makes and models:
- Lexus RX
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Toyota Highlander Limited
- Mazda CX-9

Each of these vehicles were nice but each had options that I did not like. The Lexus RX has a very dated body style and for the same options as the Pilot Touring, is well into the $50k range.

The interior of the Nissan Pathfinger seemed very cheap and looked almost "plastic" even though it was leather interior.

The Toyota Highlander Limited is a NICE vehicle but seemed very cramped to fit just six people in it. The body style resembled a minivan, in my opinion.

The Mazda CX-9 - Really nice ride but the interior seems very cheap and the bottom line is that it is made by FORD. American made quality scares me and for $40k loaded, the Pilot is a better choice for the Honda quality reputation and the feature set.

For my Pilot Review, I will list the PRO's and CON's that I prefer, not just what the vehicle offers.

In terms of the PRO's-

- Ride - Wow, talk about nice and smooth. Kudos to Honda here. Feels like your driving a family sedan. There is a CON though which I will discuss below.

- Back-Up/Parking Sensors - Had to have these since I have a five year old. The best part is that you can turn the sensors on and off by the push of a button. Also, this is a standard feature!!

- Rear View Camera - To go along with the Back-Up Sensors you get the Rear View Camera. Great Feature. On the Touring model the Navigation unit gives you a nice 7" view to check when you are parking or backing up. I love this since my wife likes to back over things and cannot park :)

- Rear DVD Entertainment System - Great system and Honda actually moved the DVD closer to the rear passengers. On the older model Pilots the DVD unit was further away. Comes standard with two wireless headsets.

- Navigation - Did not really need this but is came with the Touring model we chose. Over the last week, I have come to love it. Like all Navi's it gets you to your destination but this one comes with Bluetooth for hands free talk and dialing as well as a phonebook for all your contacts. There are a few negatives that I will list in the CON's section of my review. This is a Standard feature on the Touring model.

- Moonroof - Another Standard feature on the Touring model - Does the job in the summer time

- Large Cabin Space - This is the main reason that I bought the Pilot. When I test drove it I noticed you can easily fit three adults in the second row seats and the manual states you can fit three adults in the 3rd row seats. No longer are the days where a vehicle says it fits seven or eight and its referring to an Adult driver and 6 children. There is a CON which I will mention below.

- Rear Climate Controls - I love the design of the Second Row Climate controls. They are fully functioning with On/Off, High-Low controls unlike some other makes and models.

- Standard Tow/Trailer Hitch - Great standard feature on the Pilot. You get a Class III Hitch. Saves you up to $500 or more to add one third party.

- Seat Comfort - Huge item for me. All the seats are very comfortable but now Honda has made conturing headrest that rest forward so you can rest your head and drive comfortably. The drivers seat is nice plus they both are heated by the press of a button. The Drivers seat is 8-Way Power adjustable and the Passenger seat is Powered as well- Most vehicles offer the Drivers this feature but the Pilot now give the Passenger the power seat option.

- Power Tailgate - Did not even know I had this until my wife accidentially activated it. The tailgate opens and closes by itself. Perfect for holiday shopping or if your just lazy like me :)

- Fog Lights - Every time I buy a vehicle I have to upgrade or go to a higher model to get fog lights. They are standard on the Touring and are flush mounted. They light the road very well.

- 10 Speaker Surround Sound Stereo with 6 Disc in-Dash Changer and ipod hookup - Surprisingly the sound system is GREAT. The 10 speakers make a world of difference when listening to the radio or CD.

The above are the CONS as to why my wife and I bought our Pilot.

Now for the CON's; in order of concern-

- MPG - In this day and age when fuel is in such high demand, Honda's EPA for the Pilot is only 16/22/18. To me, this is unacceptable. I was expecting more than 16 in the city especially since I get that on my Ridgeline and the Pilot has Variable Cylinder Management. Thumbs Down to Honda Here

- Exterior Styling - My wife loves the exterior bodystyle but I think it looks like a a bit boxy. Honda was striving for more space, which they got but the styling could have been more "rounded" for better terms.

- Navigation - Great feature but Honda took away the touch screen and now has a dial to key in what you are looking for. It is a pain to say the least and time consuming comapred to the touch screen. I am hoping I will warm up to it after I use it more.

- Large Cabin Space - Has I mentioned above, GREAT improvement but all SUV manufacturers should do away with the Third Row. If you use it, your cargo space goes away. If you are carrying all large adults, the third row is not comfortable. With the Pilot you can get two average size adults and a child back there comfortably.

- Ride - Very smooth and fun to drive. The only problem is ROAD NOISE. Honda dropped the ball here. You can really hear the road on the freeway and its not minimal but VERY noticable! On side streets or in the city its fine.

To summarize, I love our new Honda Pilot Touring Edition. The price was right (if you negotiate well) and the features are great. Honda needs to work on a few things which they are known for such as road noise and third row seating. Other than that, very sounds vehicle.

I paid $35,200 (Plus TTL) , over $1,000 BELOW factory invoice. So there is margin to be had in the Touring model so hold your ground on the price you want. Edmunds TMV price is just over $39k which is crazy.

If you really want to appreciate what the Pilot Touring has to offer. Drive other makes and models and compare the price for the features you get. You will comeback to the Pilot everytime, at least we did.
Amount Paid (US$): 35,200
Condition: New
Model Year: 2009
Model and Options: 4WD Touring Edition w/ Navigation & RES