The 2008 Honda Pilot stands out as a traditional SUV that masterfully blends versatility with comfort, offering seating for up to eight passengers. This vehicle not only provides a refined driving experience but also boasts the highest five-star crash safety rating from the federal government for both frontal and side impacts. Furthermore, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recognized the Pilot as a “Top Safety Pick – 2007,” underscoring its commitment to passenger protection. For those seeking enhanced capability and all-weather confidence, the Honda Pilot 4wd models deliver a robust and reliable driving experience.
Building upon its established reputation, Honda introduced the Value Package (VP) and Special Edition (SE) trims for the 2008 model year. The Pilot VP effectively replaced the LX trim, offering an enhanced feature set, while the premium Pilot SE expanded on the already well-equipped EX trim.
The Value Package brought notable upgrades including rear privacy glass, stylish machined alloy wheels, and XM® Satellite Radio for entertainment on the go. Audio enhancements included an upgraded system with a 6-disc CD changer and additional speakers, complete with a subwoofer for richer sound. Steering-wheel mounted audio controls added convenience, while roof rails and body-colored exterior elements like door mirrors, door handles, and a rear spoiler refined the vehicle’s aesthetics. Stepping up to the Special Edition trim, based on the Pilot EX, added a rear DVD entertainment system for passenger enjoyment, along with XM® Satellite Radio, a moonroof for an open-air feel, a convenient 115-volt power outlet, and ambient console lighting to enhance the interior atmosphere.
Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., highlighted the strategic intent behind these new offerings, stating, “The new variations for the 2008 Pilot create an ideal lineup. As with all Honda Value Packages and Special Editions, the included features represent a tremendous value.” Crucially for drivers prioritizing all-weather capability, all 2008 Honda Pilots were available with either two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD), catering to diverse driving needs and preferences.
For those opting for the Honda Pilot 4WD, the powertrain configuration is specifically engineered for enhanced traction and control. While 2WD Pilots feature a 3.5-liter i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) for optimized fuel efficiency, 4WD models are equipped with a robust 3.5-liter all-aluminum, SOHC, VTEC engine (without VCM). Both engine variants deliver the same impressive power output of 244 horsepower, with the 4WD engine achieving this at 5600 rpm and producing 240 lb-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. This engine is designed to provide reliable power and performance for all driving conditions, especially when coupled with the four-wheel-drive system.
Honda’s unwavering commitment to safety is evident across the Pilot range. In line with the “Safety for Everyone” initiative, all Pilots come standard with anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) – Honda’s electronic stability control system, brake assist, and an array of airbags. These include advanced dual-stage, dual-threshold driver’s and front passenger’s SRS airbags, front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), and three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor. A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard, further enhancing safety and driver awareness.
Comfort and convenience are also paramount in the 2008 Honda Pilot. Standard features across all trims include air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, power windows and door locks, cruise control, keyless entry, and versatile 60/40 split-folding second and third-row seats. These seating configurations allow for flexible passenger and cargo arrangements. For families with young children, the Pilot is equipped with Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) attachment points in the second row and child seat anchor tethers in both the second and third rows, making it family-friendly and practical.
Premium features available for the 2008 Pilot included the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice recognition and a user-friendly 7-inch screen. For rear-seat entertainment, a Honda DVD Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen was also offered. Vehicles equipped with the navigation system also benefited from a standard rear-view camera, significantly improving rear visibility and parking ease.
The Honda Pilot 4WD is engineered to deliver a comfortable and refined ride, thanks to its independent front and rear suspension and rigid unit body structure. Further contributing to the driving experience are power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, and 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with all-season P235/70 R16 tires.
While 2WD Pilots achieve an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 16/22 mpg, the Honda Pilot 4WD models offer a still respectable EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 15/20 mpg. This slight difference reflects the added capability of the four-wheel-drive system.
A key highlight of the Honda Pilot 4WD is its fully-automatic VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive) system. This system provides drivers with confident, “decision-free” operation in a variety of challenging conditions, including rain, snow, ice, sand, and mud. Beyond adverse conditions, the VTM-4 system also enhances on-road handling and towing performance by intelligently distributing torque to all four wheels as needed. In normal dry-pavement cruising, the system primarily operates in front-wheel drive for efficiency, seamlessly engaging all-wheel drive when it detects wheel slip or the need for additional traction. The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system works in conjunction with VTM-4, applying braking force to individual wheels with low traction and directing driving force to wheels with better grip. For situations demanding maximum traction at lower speeds, a “VTM-4 lock” button on the instrument panel allows the driver to temporarily lock engagement of both rear wheels while in first or second gear. This feature can be particularly useful when starting from a standstill in very slippery conditions or when navigating challenging terrain.
In conclusion, the 2008 Honda Pilot 4WD presents a compelling option for families seeking a versatile, safe, and capable SUV. Its robust four-wheel-drive system, combined with Honda’s renowned reliability and a suite of comfort and safety features, makes it an ideal choice for navigating diverse driving conditions and ensuring peace of mind on every journey. Assembled in the USA at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, the Pilot 4WD embodies Honda’s commitment to quality and innovation in the SUV segment.
