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Honda Pilot I 3.5 V6 (243 Hp) AWD Automatic
Overall Rating
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 Overview:
Honda Pilot (I). With 328 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2005 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.2 s). The top speed reaches 175 km/h. 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.
The Honda Pilot I was primarily sold in North America and was not tested by Euro NCAP. US safety ratings (NHTSA/IIHS) generally showed good performance for its era, earning high marks in frontal crash tests.
3.5 V6 (243 Hp) AWD Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides robust and reliable performance, with an 8.2-second 0-100 km/h acceleration, perfectly adequate for daily driving and family duties. Smooth power delivery from the V6 is a highlight.
Fuel Economy
Similar to the higher-output version, fuel economy is standard for a V6 SUV of its generation. Expect moderate consumption, especially in urban settings, but acceptable for its class.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior with 8-passenger seating.
- • Reliable and durable V6 engine (J35A6) with VTEC.
- • Comfortable ride quality, suitable for long journeys.
- • Standard AWD system provides confident all-weather capability.
- • Good cargo capacity with flexible seating arrangements.
Cons:
- • Fuel economy is average for its class and era.
- • Outdated interior technology compared to modern SUVs.
- • Exterior styling is somewhat boxy and utilitarian.
- • Automatic transmission can feel dated compared to newer multi-speed units.
- • Limited off-road capability despite AWD.
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Honda |
| Model: | Pilot |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.5 V6 (243 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2002 |
| End of production: | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV, Crossover |
| Seats: | 8 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 243 Hp @ 5500 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 70 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 328 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | J35A4 |
| 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 VTEC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.8 l |
| Coolant: | 6.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 93 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6200 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.2 kg/Hp, 121.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2000-2010 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2557 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 461 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2039 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 73 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4775 mm |
| Width: | 1964 mm |
| Height: | 1793 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm |
| Front track: | 1684 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1689 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 203 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.5 m |
| Approach angle: | 28.5° |
| Departure angle: | 23° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels permanently, and the rear wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 300 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 312 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 235/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J X 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
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