Honda Increases Civic Production and Slows Down on Odyssey and Pilot's

Honda announced today that it will cut production of the Odyssey minivan and Pilot by 10,000 units total at its Lincoln assembly plant. Honda produced 158,316 Odysseys and pilots at the plant in the first half of 2008, down by 2.4 percent during the same period last year.

“Honda is not immune to the shift in the market,” Honda spokesman David Iida told Automotive News. “We don’t want inventories to get too high.”

The production cut will take place from August up through October. The plant will close on August 1st and August 29th after which the second shift will be canceled each Friday during the three month period. Iida said that there will be no layoffs during the cuts and Honda will use the remaining time for employee training.

Iida also said that Honda’s Ridgeline production will be moved from Alliston, Ontario to Lincoln, making room for an increase Civic output.

Source; www.autonews.com (subscription needed).

Another 2009 Honda Pilot Review

By Richard Russell

Honda has managed to satisfy conflicting and seemingly opposite consumer demands, which is quite a trick!

Existing and potential customers wanted the next generation Pilot mid-sized SUV to not only look more rugged and have more power, but be bigger inside and use less fuel. The first generation Pilot, introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model became an integral part of Honda's truck line, which now includes the CR-V, Element and Ridgeline. These vehicles represent almost one-third of the company's business in Canada and competition in the mid-size segment, where the Pilot does battle, has become pretty intense. So, when it came time for a replacement the pressure was on.

Because the outgoing model was so successful, there existed a database of knowledge and opinions to draw from while considering its replacement. Added to this was feedback from Honda stores as to why consumers who had looked at the existing model, walked away. It came as no surprise both buyers and "intenders" were looking for a vehicle to suit a wide variety of needs and activities, carry both people and their stuff and be able to get them where they wanted to play. These people are looking for a vehicle that can do this but also be used every day, whether commuting or running errands. Safety and fuel efficiency were also top-of-mind concerns.

Another issue that popped up was that the first generation Pilot didn't look rugged enough, that it lacked SUV character. "Don't make it look like a minivan, but do make it look like it can go off road," was an oft-heard phrase.

(Read the full Article here: http://en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/cross_over_special/article.aspx?cp-documentid=8074817 )

Honda has managed to improve power, performance, comfort, space and features while holding the line on pricing. That's how you stay competitive!

REVIEW SUMMARY
Here are the salient points and overall rating of this new model, as established by our reviewer:

PROS
- Lots of inside space relative to the shadow is casts
- Spunky, fuel-efficient high-tech engine
- Good blend of on and off-road ride

CONS
- pretty ugly face
- two many buttons on center stack
- big blank spot on IP without nav system

Honda's 2009 Pilot Spec's

For all us Canadians, keep in mind that the gas mileage numbers are in US gallons, the mileage if it is 1mpg better should look like this, 21mpg city/29mpg hwy. Eh.

2009 Honda Pilot's First Drive at Autoblog

Well here it is, the first write up on the new 2009 Honda Pilot. I must admit, I haven't been as excited about this full model change up as I thought I would be, but having seen these photo's, I am starting to become a believer. Anyway, here is the write up from Autoblog;

Written by: Sam AbuelsamidYpsilanti,

MI - http://sam.abuelsamid.com/

When the new 2009 Honda Pilot turned up as a concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January, most observers were decidedly underwhelmed. Unlike many other recent crossovers, notably the GM Lambdas, Honda chose to go with a decidedly more utilitarian look for the second-generation Pilot. As Honda officials explained when we gathered for a preview drive of the 2009 Pilot, they wanted to retain the "Utility" in CUV and a big part of that involved maximizing the useful interior volume within the Pilot's relatively modest exterior dimensions. That means a boxy shape that provides room for up to eight (at least as defined by the seat-belts) inside.

While the Pilot won't be challenging the Buick Enclave or Mazda CX-9 for style points, it isn't too painful on the eyes. It's more a case of being almost invisible. The greenhouse is actually strongly reminiscent of the first generation Jeep Liberty, only longer. In spite of the rather barn like shape, it's actually more aerodynamic than the original Pilot, resulting in substantially less wind noise. In fact, the Pilot has a whole range of improvements that reduce noise, which we'll explore a bit later. There are also some things that might be considered a step backwards.Let's cut to the chase. Setting aside the Pilot's appearance, the new unit is generally a much better vehicle than the 2008 model. Under the hood, propulsion still comes from a 3.5-liter V6 with a slew of upgrades. The new engine spins out 250 hp and 253 pound-feet of torque, increases of 6 hp and 13 lb.-ft. respectively. Fuel economy picks up 1 mpg across the board, thanks in part to a new version of Honda's variable cylinder management (VCM) deactivation system. Previously, VCM would simply shut off one bank of cylinders. The new version can run on three, four or six cylinders, with four-cylinder mode available by disabling one cylinder on each bank. The unibody has seen one of the most significant upgrades, with high strength steels growing from 13-percent of the body structure to 52-percent, resulting in seriously improved rigidity. Honda has also implemented what it calls Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) into the structure. According to Honda, ACE provides better protection for occupants in the event of a crash involving vehicles with different bumper heights. The extra inch of body width on the new model also meant that Honda was able to fit a third LATCH position in the middle row for mounting child seats. A fourth kid seat can be mounted in the third row. The second row seats are split 60/40 and each can slide forward independently to provide some extra leg room for those relegated to the back forty. Speaking of that rear-most row, hip room in the back-back is only 48.4 inches. With the middle seat pulled forward, there's a reasonable amount of leg room, but using all three nominal seating positions will require either super model-thin passengers or some extreme coziness. The seat is mounted high off the floor, so passengers won't be sitting "knees up" like they do in the much larger Chevy Tahoe SUV. However, if you go back to the 48.4-inch hip dimension for a moment, you'll notice that is slightly more than four feet. That means if you fold the second and third rows of seats, you can lay the proverbial 4'x8' sheet of plywood flat.

As always, the prime seats are up front and here Honda shines. Just like the Accord, the Pilot's seats are wonderfully comfortable and supportive. The instrument cluster has an interesting new look. The gauges have transparent front faces and the needles are reminiscent of a vintage radio dial. The shift lever has moved from the steering column to the center stack, below and to the left of the audio system. Where the new Pilot falls down is the materials and assembly of the dashboard. The plastics are hard and the textures look cheaper than those in a Honda Fit. Perhaps worst of all is the fit and placement of some the seams. Compared to the current version, the new model looks distinctly cost reduced.
Fortunately, that's really the only area that feels cheaper. The driving experience is vastly improved, beginning with engine noise. The new Pilot has both active engine mounts and active noise cancellation. Combined with the much improved structure, the interior environment of the Pilot is downright serene in everything from the base model up to the new, top-end Touring model. Another advantage of a stiff structure is that it allows the suspension to work more efficiently. The Pilot feels more compliant, soaking up the heavily patched pavement in a controlled and compliant manner. In transient maneuvers, the 4,500-pound Pilot feels lighter and more responsive than the GM Lambda crossovers. That's because, in spite of increased dimensions and equipment, all that previously mentioned high strength steel allowed the weight of the body to be reduced and the overall heft held about even with the old model.

Acceleration feels adequate for the type of vehicle this is, but it certainly won't be confused with some of the more sporting crossovers like Audi Q7 TDI 4.2. On the other hand, the Pilot is skewed more toward the utility side of the equation and those looking for better performance might want to check out the Acura MDX that shares a platform with the Pilot. Still, even a family-oriented utility vehicle needs to be able stop quickly, and the new 13-inch brake rotors front and rear provide a claimed 11-percent reduction in stopping distance. The stability control on the Pilot also compares favorably with other Hondas we've tried. An informal lane change maneuver on a gravel road just off the official test loop showed the stability control to be extremely smooth and effective. The only dynamic issue we found with the Pilot was some torque steer on the front-wheel-drive model.

The test route we drove didn't provide an opportunity to try out the new hill assist system, so we'll have to wait for a longer evaluation period to play with it. Hill assist uses a longitudinal accelerometer to detect when the vehicle is on a hill. If you apply the brakes while the Pilot is stopped on an incline and then release the brakes, the traction control system will hold the pressure in the brakes until you hit the gas pedal. As soon as the throttle opens up the brakes are released.

Overall, the 2009 Honda Pilot isn't likely to set anyone's heart aflutter. It's designed for function, i.e. hauling a bunch of people and/or stuff around in relative comfort. For what this vehicle is supposed to be, it seems very capable. It's smoother, quieter and apparently more fuel efficient than its predecessor, and if you choose the new Touring trim level, equipped to be almost on par with its more expensive Acura sibling, the new Pilot is quite a bargain. If Honda would just take another look at the dashboard materials and the upright face, we'd probably be good to go.

Here's a link to the article with a few more pic's:

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/first-drive-2009-honda-pilot/

2009 Honda Pilot Interior pic

The shifter is now located on the dash as opposed to on the steering column which is just more of an update than anything. I am glad that Honda didn't put the shifter in the middle console like alot of other vehicles, this leaves the Pilot with a full middle console. The Pilot also finally gets dual zone climate control and a auto day/night mirror.

I wonder if the Pilot will get the same rear view mirror with the backup camera as the odyssey like below.

The interior looks great so far.

More Shots of the 2009 Honda Pilot from Autoblog.com

One this last photo, it's nice to see dual exhaust finally make it's way to the Pilot.

Link;
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/spy-shots-2009-honda-pilot/

2009 Honda Pilot Update TOV's Q & A with Product Planner

TOV had a great Q&A interview with the two members of the 2009 Pilot's product development team, Rob Keough and Marc Ernst. Rob Keough is the Sr. Product Planner for the 2009 Pilot while Marc is the Assistant LPL in charge of Testing.

Here are the highlights as I see them;

-the 2009 Honda Pilot is more squared off compared to the competition due to the fact that they wanted to maintain good headroom in all 3 rows. By sloping to the back like others, you'd loose alot of headspace.

-the 2009 Honda Pilot is 'stretched' a little more than the previous version to increase the cargo space behind the 3rd row. Where that additional stretch went also into was in passenger legroom.

-this is not just a totally onroad vehicle - it does have some offroad capabilities and we wanted to communicate that in the styling, and that's how we came up with the overall shape.

-a new upscale 'Touring' trim level is going to be introduced plus the base model (LX) will come with even more standard features than now. I imagine it will be alot like how the Honda Odyssey Touring is pkged.

-the engine will have the 2nd generation variable cylinder management, which has 6-, 4-, and 3-cylinder modes for the best fuel economy.

-A.C.E. body structure will be incorporated along with the increased use of high tensile steel. (stronger=safer, lighter steel as well).

-the 2009 Pilot will not have a diesel engine, although we won't talk about plans for years beyond that.

-the body weight increases only slightly and they managed to improve fuel economy as well as the overall capacity of the vehicle.

Source: http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=735651

Interior Pic's of the 2009 Honda Pilot Prototype

www.vtec.net has some excellent interior shots of the 2009 Honda Pilot Prototype at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. I like how they changed the position of the shifter. Much nicer. All indications lead me to believe that this is going to be a sharp reflection of what the production version will look like.

2009 Honda Pilot Prototype at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show

Well, here we have it, the 2009 Honda Pilot Prototype. I can't believe that Honda was able to keep this a secret for so long, alot of the other manufacturer's had alot of 'leaked' photos.

Here's a write up from Honda;
"Introducing a new prototype vehicle from Honda, packed with smart, practical features and advanced safety, fuel-efficiency and convenience technologies. The prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The Pilot redefined the midsized SUV with clean lines, better on-road handling and a more spacious interior, and the prototype promises to up the ante with even more to love."

Here's a link to the Official Site;
http://automobiles.honda.com/2009-prototype-pilot/

Popular Mechanics had a nice write up on the vehicle;
"DETROIT — Honda showed a more smoothly-styled Pilot crossover SUV Prototype at Detroit this afternoon. It’s slated for introduction as a 2009 model and we’re guessing it’s pretty close, if not identical, to the vehicle we’ll see in Honda stores late this summer or early fall. The Pilot has been restyled to be more polished than the rather bland-looking current Pilot introduced back in 2003, and there are plenty of detail changes on the inside as well.

The middle and third row seats, which both hold three passengers, fold flat into the floor for cargo hauling. You can even split the seats 60/40 for the ability to haul long packages and people together. The engine uses variable-displacement technology for improved economy. Previously, the 244-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine would shut down three cylinders when power demands were modest, like at lower speeds on flat terrain. The ’09 Pilot uses a more sophisticated system that will run as a 3-, 4- or 6-cylinder engine. Honda says the goal is to more closely match the engine displacement to the need for speed at any moment. As usual for Honda, smart idea.

Honda even claims the Pilot’s AWD system will be effective in “medium-duty” off-road conditions. But Honda’s “medium-duty” really means light-duty. The lack of ground clearance and low range will likely restrict the new Pilot, like the old, to many of the same dirt trails other crossover SUVs travel.

On the safety front, quite literally, Honda says the new Pilot will reduce pedestrian injuries. The frontend is designed to absorb impact and lessen injuries in the event of a pedestrian/vehicle accident. City dwellers that walk to work will surely appreciate that feature. —Mike Allen"

Here's the link to that one;
http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4244647.html

Here's a link to a previous article of what we know so far about the vehicle;
http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2008/01/2009-honda-pilot-what-we-know-so-far.html

2009 Honda Pilot, What we know so far;

Well, it's been a pretty slow week for news, so I decided to put together a recap of everything that we know about the new 2009 Honda Pilot.

- At 1:45 PM on Sunday, January 13th, Honda will be revealing their prototype of the 2009 Pilot at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

-Expected release date is in June/July of 2008.

-A Diesel powertrain is expected to be released later in the year, however I expect it to be in the 2010/2011 model year.

-A 3.7Litre or a 3.8Litre engine is expected, up from the 3.5Litre that it has now.

-Horse Power is expected to go upwards to around 270hp from the 244hp it has now.-The new Pilot is said have more towing and cargo hauling capacity.

-The Diesel is expected to be Honda's new 3.5Litre V6, and is expected to get approx. 30% better fuel economy than the regular gas engine.

-The Pilot will run on regular unleaded fuel and won't be thirsty for premium.

-Honda said the new Pilot is sleek and futuristic-looking and will have advanced safety and fuel efficiency technology.

-The future Pilot is unlikely to employ a V-8 engine.

-A less-boxy and more-sculpted look than today's Pilot is expected.

-Judging by the latest MDX, the 2009 Honda Pilot is likely to add two inches to its wheelbase and overall length, and could swell two or three inches wider, all for more passenger and cargo room. Standard three-row seating will continue.

-Rumours of Variable Cylinder Management on all models abound (Cylinder deactivation, 6 to 4) to conserve fuel.

-The model will also pack in a complete overhaul of the interiors.

Detroit Auto Show 2009 Honda Pilot Update

Well, I know this isn't saying much, but it's an update in the least;

"Of course, the RA isn’t the only hotly awaited debutante at Detroit. Also due is the Pilot small crossover from Honda which will see its next-gen avatar in Detroit. Like the new next generation CR-V launched at the Paris Motor Show in 2006, the new Pilot too will pack in a lot of design cues. Apart from improved safety, fuel efficiency and a clutch of new convenience features, the model will also pack in a complete overhaul of the interiors. Mainly targetted at the American market, the Pilot is manufactured by Honda at its Lincoln Alabama plant. Pilot sales have been more than perky this year. In November alone, production was up by nearly a quarter compared to the same month last year. However, net net Pilot production has come down because Honda decided to pull it off its other plant in Ontario."

Here's the link;

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Auto/Debutantes_of_the_Detroit_Motor_Show/articleshow/2635658.cms

How Close will the 2009 Honda Pilot Rendering be to the Production Model?

Here is a shot of the rendered MDXHere is a shot of the production MDX

As most of you know already, there has been a 2009 Honda Pilot rendition released that is creating some buzz in the industry. Alot of people are wondering how accurate this rendition will be to the actual production model. One can only guess, however as some of you will remember a similar picture was released from Acura on the highly anticipated MDX redesign, and it was pretty close to the actual production model. So, anyway, food for thought.