Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Honda Pilot I 3.5 V6 (258 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 339 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1999 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 177 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 (258 Hp) AWD Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers strong and smooth acceleration for an SUV of its size, making highway cruising and merging effortless. The VTEC system provides a good balance of power delivery for daily driving and light towing.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is typical for a large V6 SUV of this era, with urban consumption around 13.9 l/100km. Not class-leading but acceptable for its capability and AWD system.
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- • Outdated interior technology compared to modern SUVs.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:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I: 2002 - 2004).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Honda |
| Model: | Pilot |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.5 V6 (258 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2004 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV, Crossover |
| Seats: | 8 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 258 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 74.3 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 339 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | J35A6 More details about the engine J35A6 |
| 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: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 7.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 93 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6300 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 |
| Maximum speed: | 177 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.7 kg/Hp, 129.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.9 kg/Nm, 169.6 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1999 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2557 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 461 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 77 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4775 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1964 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1793 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1684 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1689 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 203 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.5 m [above average] |
| 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 [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 312 mm [above average] |
| 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 |
What’s the best feature of the Honda Pilot? Tell us in the comments!