History of the Honda Pilot

Let's start at the very beginning of the Honda Pilot's legacy, when it was released for the 2003 model year! The Pilot debuted as a more rugged SUV option within the Honda lineup, bringing customers a more diverse range of vehicles to choose from. The Pilot's first generation spanned from 2003 to 2008, and during that time we saw a whole host of exciting features come to the fore. The Pilot's original 3.5-liter SOHC V6 engine was soon replaced by an updated version that incorporated a Drive by Wire (DBW) Throttle System, and an increased driving range. Other features that emerged during the Pilot's first generation were its sliding second-row seats, a Vehicle Stability Assist system, fog lights, and more!

After the success of the first-generation Honda Pilot, the brand was ready to shake things up with a total redesign! The second-generation Pilot model hit the market for the 2009 model year, complete with a whole new look, and enhanced capability. The Pilot took on a more athletic appearance, which went hand-in-hand with its increased interior space, and increased horsepower rating of 250. This model also featured the most high-strength steel in its body structure of any vehicle Honda had ever made, adding to its overall safety! In 2009, we also saw a new Touring trim join the lineup, providing more luxurious features like Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity.

The third generation refers to the Honda Pilot models released between 2016-2022. Once again, there was a redesign for the start of the third generation, adding impressive features like the beloved Honda Sensing safety suite, and a new top-tier Elite trim that added premium features like a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, and Honda's first panoramic moonroof. The third generation model also got a direct-injected V6 engine rated at 290 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, all wheel drive, ad Intelligent Traction Management. By 2019, Honda Sensing was standard across the board, and the Pilot had earned TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the IIHS! Fast-forward to 2022, and the Pilot lineup expanded to include the Sport and TrailSport, offering more athletic features to enjoy!

If you're shopping for a new or used Honda Pilot, you'll probably be looking at one of the most recent model years! There are tons of great features to enjoy on the Honda Pilot, including a 7-mode drive system with settings like Normal, ECON, Sport, Trail, Snow, Sand and Tow. The Pilot has a strong appearance thanks to its hexagon grille design, and slim LED headlights. It also features available 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there's a stowable second-row seat, that allows you to free up more space when traveling with fewer passengers. In fact, you can also easily fold the entire second row down with the press of a button, giving passengers easy access to the third row!

If you're interested in the Honda Pilot, we'd love to help you learn more about it here at Pearson Honda! You can easily ask us about our current Honda Pilot inventory by using the contact form below, and one of our team members will get back to you with all the details. Or, feel free to stop by in person and take the Honda Pilot for a test drive. We'll be happy to walk you through everything it has to offer. From its versatile features to financing options and lease details, our team is here to answer all your questions and make sure you find the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.