Making its debut in 2003, the Honda Pilot is an eight-passenger mid-size SUV that derived inspiration from its counterpart in Honda's luxury division (the Acura MDX) and counts the Ford Explorer, the Nissan Murano and the Toyota Highlander as its fiercest rivals. The 2004 and 2008 Pilot belong to the model's first generation.
Trims
With the 2004 Honda Pilot, there are two main trims: the basic LX and the more upscale EX, which included alloy wheels, keyless entry, power driver's seat, automatic climate control and upgraded audio with steering-wheel controls. The EX also has an alternative incarnation: the EX-L, which comes with leather upholstery and the available option of either adding a rear-positioned DVD player or a navigation system. The 2008 Honda Pilot added some new models to its lineup, scraping the LX line in favor of VP and adding a sports-oriented SE version while retaining the EX and EX-L trims.
Engines and Fuel Economy
Both the 2004 and 2008 Pilots have 3.5-liter V6 engines, although that of the latter has more horsepower. All 2004 trims come in all-wheel drive, although some of the 2008 trims have front drive. On average, the 2004 Pilot gets better fuel mileage than the 2008 version.
Safety Features
The 2004 Honda Pilot has power door locks, an anti-theft system, an anti-lock braking (ABS) system and driver, front side and passenger airbags. The 2008 version also has electronic brake assistance, traction and stability control, and side head curtain airbags, with electric parking aid standard for the EX-L with navigation system trims.
Interior
Each SUV is big enough for eight passengers. Standard features that can be found in the 2004 and 2008 Honda Pilot are air conditioning, cruise control, tachometer, tilt steering, AM/FM tuner with CD player, and a second- and third-row folding seat. The 2008 version has added features such as a tire inflation/pressure monitor and subwoofer; the SE and EX-L trims possesses even more features such as driver multi-adjustable power seats and sunroofs. Exclusive to the EX-L lineup are second-row sound controls and accessories, front heated seats and leather.
Exterior
Both vehicles have rear spoilers, power windows and power-adjustable mirrors, interval and rear wipers and rear window defoggers. Automatic headlights and deep-tinted glass are standard on the 2008 SEs and the 2004/2008 EXs, with fog lights added to the latter. All trims for both SUVs come with the standard 16-inch alloy wheels, save for the LX and VP trims from 2004 and 2008, respectively; their wheels are made of steel.
Conclusion
It can cost up to twice as much to get a 2008 Honda Pilot rather than a 2004 one. However, the 2008 version generally has more features and is more likely to have less mileage. Either way, car critics and experts praise both vehicles as excellent purchases.
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