The Honda of SUVs

My first visit to Philadelphia in over 20 years was made so much better as I was able to drive a 2005 Honda Pilot during my stay. I knew the big city would affect me, born on the plains of Southern Colorado and Philly is nothing but cement. I felt very unconformable, so I stayed nine miles away in the neighboring state of New Jersey. But the Pilot did every thing one would want in a small SUV and made the stay all the more enjoyable.

Performance, versatility and legendary Honda reliability—these qualities make the 2005 Pilot a powerhouse in winning people over. In fact, the Pilot won the large SUV category in Car and Driver's 5 Best Trucks competition in 2002, 2003 and 2004. In 2005, the Pilot is poised to do the same.

In addition to the advanced 4WD system, 5-speed automatic transmission, seating for up to eight, and available power moon roof, the Pilot offers 255 horses of pure capability. You get advanced safety and engineering, efficiency and great handling, too. Call it unique, exceptional, or simply the Honda of SUVs.

One look at the Pilot and you get the impression that this SUV was built to last. Its muscular flanks and wide stance give it a commanding presence that echoes big capabilities, both on- and off-road. Beefy tires, roof rails and the new moon roof on the EX. All that leather promises a whole lot of outdoor fun. The Pilot's clean lines also hint at its quiet and comfortable nature at highway speeds. It's a shape that's more classic than trendy, because rugged good looks never go out of style.

Stepping inside a Pilot is a refreshingly expansive experience. With seating for up to eight, it's hard to run out of room. The Pilot is versatile, too. Its 60/40 split seats fold flat, making room for whatever the day's to-do list demands. The Pilot also has a place for everything. Each door has a storage pocket and beverage holders abound. The front armrest flips up to reveal a large center console that holds 13 CDs and hides a 12-volt power outlet and phone cradle.

With extras like a moon roof, the Honda DVD entertainment system, the satellite-linked navigation system and the EX model's 8-way power driver's seat, you may never want to step outside. Nor leave New Jersey.

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