|
2009 Honda Pilot and CR-V ReviewsThe 2009 Honda Pilot is the second generation replacing a very popular lead off that was launched as a 2003 model. The Pilot comes available in 2009 with a wide range of trim levels starting at a two wheel drive entry level and excels up to a luxury appointed four wheel drive touring model.Honda's contender in the mid-size SUV/Crossover market has retained both its form and function from the first generation Pilot all while improving its back country chic image. The 2009 Honda Pilot with its new tougher boxy looks should appeal to both the weekend outdoor adventurer and the soccer parents. The Pilot comes equipped with a standard 3.5 L 250hp V6 engine and matched with a five speed automatic transmission which offers muscular acceleration and a healthy 2045kg/4500lbs max towing capacity in the 4WD models all while hauling passengers and adventure gear in its spacious interior. This is definitely put to use while utilizing the eight passenger capacity with the Pilots three rows of seating. The second and third row seats also fold flat into the floor in a 60/40 format which allows the cargo capacity to increase to 2846L/87.0cu.ft. Click Here for Honda Pilot Invoice Pricing All trim level engines are equipped with Honda's VCM (variable cylinder management) which allows the Honda Pilot to run on either 6, 4 or 3 cylinders to improve fuel economy (13.1/ 9.1 L/100kms city/hwy or 17/23 miles per US gal.) The two wheel drive models are more then adequate in most situations the Pilot will encounter day to day but the four wheel drive gives the extra confidence in bad weather driving conditions and the extra towing power for the weekend getaways. All Pilots offer its occupants a refined ride with agile handling and impressive acceleration and safety ratings are top notch with the NHTSA awarding 5 star for front and side impact. Owner satisfaction continues to be rated above average with the 2009 Honda Pilot predicted reliability to be high. Cost of ownership is higher then we would like to see with first year depreciation, and basic repairs (tires and brakes) leading the way in the first 6 years of ownership. Honda CRV reviews have always praised the little brother to the Honda Pilot with strong reliability and good fuel economy being a couple of its accolades. The 2007 redesign which continues virtually unchanged into the 2009 model year saw the CRV improve in many ways over its boxy previous generation. The CRV comes in various trim levels from a well equipped two wheel drive entry level to a navigation and leather appointed four wheel drive model. All trim levels are equipped with Honda's energetic 2.4L 166hp four cylinder motor which is mated with a smooth shifting five speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission is no longer available except for previous generations. The handling is fairly agile for the "sport cute" segment. Acceleration has also improved greatly over previous generations allowing the CRV like the Honda Pilot powerful efficiency. Fuel economy is quite good for a four wheel drive with a rating of 10.7/7.8 L/100kms city/hwy and 20/26 miles per US gal. and the advertised ratings are not far from the real driving world ratings. The previous generations swing open tailgate has also been replaced with an easy to operate lift up gate. Unfortunately due to the redesign the one shortfall has been the rear cargo space. Safety ratings are standard Honda from the NHTSA, five star ratings were awarded with better the average accident avoidance. The ratings come partly with thanks to the standard ABS, EBD, ACE body construction and the front, side and curtain airbags. Great insurance rates available on the Honda Pilot and CR-V click here for a free quote Owner satisfaction is well above average with the CRV's near bulletproof reliability (minor hiccups in 2007 such as TPMS light staying on and the vehicle pulling to one side under acceleration) and fun to drive persona. Cost of ownership is well below the average with its ease of repair, accessible and well priced parts and its low depreciation rate.
|