The Honda Pilot has been around since 2003 and has garnered a reputation for being a reliable, family-friendly SUV. The 2005 model year was no exception, and it still holds up well today.
The first thing you notice about the 2005 Honda Pilot is its size. It's a big vehicle, with three rows of seats that can accommodate up to eight people. If you're looking for something smaller and more nimble, the Pilot is probably not for you. But if you need space for kids, pets, or cargo, the Pilot has plenty of it.
The exterior of the 2005 Pilot is pretty standard for an SUV. It has a boxy shape with some rounded edges, and it doesn't really stand out in a crowd. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you're not looking for attention. The Pilot is a practical vehicle that doesn't need to be flashy.
The interior of the 2005 Pilot is where it really shines. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and there's plenty of space for everyone. Even the third row has decent legroom, although it's best for kids or shorter adults. The front seats are heated, which is a nice touch on cold mornings.
One thing that sets the Pilot apart from other SUVs is its storage capacity. The second and third rows of seats fold down flat, which creates an enormous amount of cargo space. You can easily fit a week's worth of groceries, or even a full-size bike, in the back of the Pilot with the seats down.
The dashboard of the 2005 Pilot is straightforward and easy to use. The gauges are clear and simple, and the buttons are well-placed and intuitive. There's a large center console that can hold a lot of stuff, and there are plenty of cupholders throughout the vehicle.
Under the hood, the 2005 Honda Pilot has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 255 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a five-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly. The Pilot isn't exactly a speed demon, but it has enough oomph to get you up to speed on the highway and merge with traffic easily.
One area where the Pilot falls short is its fuel economy. The EPA rates it at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, which isn't great compared to other SUVs in its class. If you're looking for a more fuel-efficient vehicle, you might want to consider the Toyota Highlander or the Ford Escape.
In terms of safety, the 2005 Honda Pilot scores high marks. It received a five-star rating in crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is the highest possible score. It also comes with standard safety features like antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control.
One feature that might be a dealbreaker for some people is the lack of a backup camera. The 2005 model year predates the widespread adoption of backup cameras, so you're out of luck if you want that feature. However, you can always install an aftermarket camera if it's important to you.
Another potential downside of the 2005 Honda Pilot is its age. It's now 16 years old, which means it might require more maintenance and repairs than a newer vehicle. However, Hondas are known for their reliability, so as long as you take care of it, the Pilot should last you a long time.
Overall, the 2005 Honda Pilot is a solid choice for anyone in need of a spacious, reliable SUV. It's not the most exciting vehicle out there, but it gets the job done and can handle anything a family might throw at it. If you're on a budget and don't mind sacrificing some modern amenities, the Pilot is definitely worth considering.