Honda Pilot I (facelift 2006) 3.5 V6 (248 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Honda Pilot:

The Honda Pilot is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured by Honda since 2002 for the 2003 model year. Primarily aimed at the North American market, the Pilot is the largest SUV produced by Honda. As of 2025, the Pilot is manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama, and the Pilot was produced in Alliston, Ontario, until April 2007. The first generation Pilot was released in April 2002 as a 2003 model.
The Pilot shares its platform with the Acura MDX, as well as the North American market Odyssey minivan. The Pilot's unibody construction and independent suspension are designed to provide handling similar to that of a car, and it has integrated perimeter frame rails to permit towing and light off-road use....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I (facelift 2006) Overview:

Honda Pilot (I (facelift 2006)). With 325 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1955 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. A vehicle that combines characteristics of SUVs and hatchbacks for versatility. With seating for 8, it’s perfect for larger families.

3.5 V6 (248 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers strong, smooth acceleration suitable for a family SUV, though not overtly sporty. The V6 provides ample power for highway cruising and merging.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is average for a large V6 SUV of its time, with urban consumption being a notable consideration. The FWD variant is slightly more efficient.

Best Use Case: Suburban / Highway

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and versatile 8-seater interior
  • • Highly reliable V6 engine (J35A9)
  • • Good resale value
  • • Comfortable ride for a family SUV
  • • Decent towing capacity for its class

Cons:

  • • Dated interior design by modern standards
  • • Average fuel economy for a V6 SUV
  • • Not particularly agile or sporty handling
  • • Limited off-road capability despite 4WD system
  • • Some road noise at highway speeds

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I: 2004 - 2005).

General:
Brand:Honda
Model:Pilot
Generation:I (facelift 2006)
Modification (Engine):3.5 V6 (248 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:2006
End of production:2008
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV, Crossover
Seats:8
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:248 Hp @ 5750 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:71.4 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:325 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:J35A9 More details about the engine J35A9
Engine displacement:3471
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC i-VTEC
Engine oil capacity:4.3 l
Coolant:7.3 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:89 mm
Piston Stroke:93 mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Maximum engine speed:6300 rpm.
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9.8 l/100 km
Emission standard:ULEV-2
Weight-to-power ratio:7.8 kg/Hp, 128.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6 kg/Nm, 168 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1934-1976
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:2480 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:450 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1585 kg
Fuel tank capacity:77 l
Size:
Length:4775 mm [Same length.]
Width:1968 mm [4mm more]
Height:1811 mm [18mm more]
Wheelbase:2700 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1689 mm
Rear (Back) track:1694 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):198 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.5 m [above average]
Approach angle:28.1°
Departure angle:22.5°
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs, 300 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc, 312 mm [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size235/70 R16
Wheel rims size16
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

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