I'm not sure why such a benefit is exclusive to FWD Pilots, nevertheless, Canada's EnerGuide journal rates the FWD Pilot at 13.3 and 8.9 litres of fuel for every 100K of city and highway driving respectively. AWD Pilots fare slightly worse at 14.1 and 9.7 litres. The latter figures are reasonable but not impressive.

A transmission-related complaint I must voice pertains to the Pilot's column shift lever.

Appended to the Pilot's quiet powerplant is a five-speed automatic transmission featuring Grade Logic Control, which alters the shift schedule to minimize unnecessary shifting when dealing with hilly terrain. The sophisticated autobox provides unobtrusive shifts, while feeling well matched to the engine's powerband.

A transmission-related complaint I must voice pertains to the Pilot's column shift lever. I found the device awkward to use with finesse. I often over-shifted "D," landing unintentionally in "D3." Even more difficult was the process of manually downshifting and upshifting to take advantage of engine braking. An electronic manual-mode or a gated console-mounted lever would eliminate the "shifting sand," so to speak. It will be available on the new 2009 Honda Pilot.

Safety and comfort on the road
Honda got it right when it comes to safety and occupant protection. All Pilots receive front airbags, front seat side-mounted airbags and three-row side curtain airbags with rollover protection as standard equipment.

Standard fare also includes Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist technology combined with Traction Control and four-wheel antilock disc brakes fortified with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist programs.

I'm always complimentary when an automaker chooses to include a full suite of safety and occupant protection in vehicles designed around family usage; it's simply the right thing to do. Honda has obviously adopted this strategy with the Pilot, despite its potential impact upon pricing.

The Pilot's second row seatbacks drop quickly without the need to remove head restraints.