Honda Pilot | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Honda |
Production | 2002–present |
Model years | 2003–present |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Mid-size crossover SUV[1][2] |
Body style | 5-door SUV |
Layout |
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The Honda Pilot is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured by Honda since 2002.[3] Primarily aimed at the North American market, the Pilot is the largest SUV produced by Honda. Pilots are currently 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.[4]
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.
Prior to the introduction of the Pilot, Honda marketed the compact crossover CR-V and the Honda Passport (a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo). The Honda Passport that was sold between 1993 and 2002 was a truck-based design. The Pilot is Honda's largest SUV, although the 2010 Crosstour surpassed the Pilot in length.[5] The Pilot is now currently in its fourth generation, with multiple design changes occurring from getting bigger and resembling a truck to downsizing and becoming sleeker to now a slight mix of both.
The Pilot is sold in North America and the Middle East, while the Honda MDX (first generation Acura MDX) was marketed in Japan and Australia for several years. The second-generation Pilot was also sold in Russia, Ukraine, South Korea, Latin America, and the Philippines.[4]