The Pilot is the Honda of sport-utilities, and its strengths should please anyone shopping for a mid-size SUV. It delivers efficiency in packaging and operation, first-rate build quality and Honda's reputation for reliability and durability. The Pilot packs eight seats into an overall package so short that the EPA considers it a compact SUV. Yet its competition is the world's midsize SUVs. The Pilot offers more cargo space than the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Toyota Highlander.

The Honda Pilot also sets the pace dynamically, with a smooth 240-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and the same crisp, predictable handling that have made the Honda Odyssey minivan and Acura MDX SUV hits. It also delivers class-leading EPA mileage ratings.

In the Pilot's second full model year, Honda has already begun expanding on its impressive flexibility. The second-row seat is now adjustable fore and aft, and its slide feature has more travel for easier access to the three-place third-row seat. 2004 models ordered with the leather interior come with heated front seats and side mirrors.