2013 Honda Pilot Luxury Engine Review

The 2013 Honda Pilot is designed for adventure. Fitted for fun. And especially with the Touring model, it even handles a desire for luxury. With features like a power tailgate, navigation system and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, it just may be the most sophisticated tool in the shed. Drive informed. The Touring model’s Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition gives you information on 7 million points of interest,* provides Zagat Survey ratings and reviews, and even lets you call ahead with its Bluetooth HandsFreeLink capabilities.

Drive 2013 Honda Pilot with a purpose, a mission and the knowledge that you’ve got power to spare. The 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 generates 250 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque enough to tow up to 4,500 lbs. Standard equipment like an integrated Class III trailer hitch, heavy-duty radiator and fluid coolers means the Honda Pilot comes fitted with most of what you need for some serious hauling. Drive smart. Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology on both and wheel-drive models activates or deactivates certain engine cylinders, giving you power when you need it, more miles between fill-ups and an Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (ULEV-2) rating. It’s fuel economy8 cleverly disguised as a powerful engine.

 During steady cruising, the 2013 Honda Pilot V-6 shuts down the entire rear bank of cylinders resulting in greater fuel efficiency.8 An Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system helps control engine noise. When maximum torque is required – such as when you’re merging onto the freeway or climbing a steep hill all six cylinders are firing to deliver the engine’s full power. When cruising speeds climb, the engine moves from 3-cylinder operation to 4-cylinder mode. The transitions between all modes are nearly seamless to the driver.

Drive nimble. The journey may be half the fun, but you still want to get where you’re going. The Pilot’s rigid unit-body construction, independent suspension and variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering help deliver precise handling and a smooth ride. The large wheel and tire combination also helps add to the vehicle’s incredible ride quality and stability. 4-wheel independent suspension features a front strut/multi-link rear design for a smooth, car-like ride. The front suspension uses fluid-filled bushings for better ride isolation and vibration control. VTM-4 Lock on 4-wheel-drive models helps when circumstances require extra traction. You can manually lock the rear differential with the push of a button located on the instrument panel. Hill Start Assist senses when you’re stopped on an incline and will hold the brakes for a brief moment as you transition from the brake to the accelerator to help reduce rollback.

The core Honda belief that every passenger deserves heightened levels of safety has led us to become an industry leader in developing and applying advanced safety technology. The Honda Pilot is a prime showcase for this philosophy, receiving 5-star frontal- and 5-star side-impact ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The core Honda belief that every passenger deserves heightened levels of safety has led us to become an industry leader in developing and applying advanced safety technology. The 2013 Honda Pilot is a prime showcase for this philosophy, receiving 5-star frontal- and 5-star side-impact ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2013 Honda Pilot with Anti-lock braking system (ABS) also features Brake Assist, which helps apply full braking force in some emergency situations. Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) helps balance braking forces depending upon dynamic loading. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) notifies you with a warning indicator in the information display if air pressure in a specific tire is significantly low. Touring model gives you an individual pressure readout for each tire. Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA) system helps sense oversteer or understeer and brakes individual wheels and/or reduces engine power to help keep you on your intended course. Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure is a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle.

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2012 Honda Pilot Review

The new 2012 Honda Pilot is designed for adventure. Fitted for fun. And especially with the new Touring model, it even handles a desire for luxury. With features like a power tailgate, navigation system1 and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, it just may be the most sophisticated tool in the shed. Finding the moment. The sweet spot. The instant when everything comes together perfectly. Achieving it is easier when you’re ready for anything. With its wealth of features and impressive capabilities, the new Pilot is your tool of choice. Drive useful and functional. Drive informed. The Touring model’s Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition gives you information on 7 million points of interest,* provides Zagat Survey ratings and reviews, and even lets you call ahead with its Bluetooth2 HandsFreeLink capabilities.

If the moment at hand involves up to eight people, a load of gear, or any combination of the two, the Pilot is up to the task. The 60/40 split-folding second- and third-row seats give you 16 different configuration options. For greater third-row comfort, the 2012 Honda Pilot includes almost two inches of additional legroom. Drive to get something done. Anything at all. And with its 4-ft-wide fold-flat floor, 87 cu ft of cargo space,6 tie-down anchors, cargo-area bag hooks and a new lift-up glass hatch for increased access, the Pilot is a fully functional toolbox. Rear storage well is larger than on previous models, giving you plenty of cargo space even when you’re loaded up with passengers. Its cover keeps valuables out of view.

Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System, available on EX- L and Touring, lets rear passengers choose their own distinct audio or video source, or plug in a game console. Premium audio system on EX-L with RES and Touring features 10 speakers, including center channel and subwoofer, surround sound and a 512-watt amplifier. Radio Data System (RDS) on all models can display information on the song currently playing. XM Radio is standard on EX and above. Digital Music Files can be accessed through a USB port5 on Touring or through an MP3/auxilliary input jack on all models. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPod not included. Provided by Filter U.S. Recordings c and p 2007.

Drive comfy. The Honda Pilot is equipped with enough amenities to ensure that every passenger gets his or her fair share of pampering. This includes an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat featuring power lumbar support (EX and above) and 4-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat (EX-L, Touring). Moonroof on EX- L and Touring models is larger than previous generations and features a sunshade and a wind diffuser for minimal turbulence inside the cabin. Ports and outlets on select models include a USB port and a 115-volt outlet. Two-position memory on Touring adjusts driver’s seat and outside mirrors. Integrated second-row sunshades are standard on the Touring model. Second row features climate controls and a 12-volt power outlet. RES-equipped models include RCA inputs for a game console or other video source.

Drive with a purpose, a mission and the knowledge that you’ve got power to spare. The 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 generates 250 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque enough to tow up to 4,500 lbs. Standard equipment like an integrated Class III trailer hitch, heavy-duty radiator and fluid coolers means the Pilot comes fitted with most of what you need for some serious hauling. Drive smart. Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology on both 2- and 4-wheel-drive models activates or deactivates certain engine cylinders, giving you power when you need it, more miles between fill-ups and an Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (ULEV-2) rating. It’s fuel economy cleverly disguised as a powerful engine. During steady cruising, the Pilot’s V- 6 shuts down the entire rear bank of cylinders resulting in greater fuel efficiency. An Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system helps control engine noise. When maximum torque is required such as when you’re merging onto the freeway or climbing a steep hill all six cylinders are firing to deliver the engine’s full power. When cruising speeds climb, the engine moves from 3-cylinder operation to 4-cylinder mode. The transitions between all modes are nearly seamless to the driver.

Drive nimble. The journey may be half the fun, but you still want to get where you’re going. The Pilot’s rigid unit-body construction, enhanced independent suspension and variable powerassisted rack-and-pinion steering deliver precise handling and a smooth ride. The larger wheel and tire combination also adds to the vehicle’s incredible ride quality and stability. 4-wheel independent suspension features a front strut/multi - link rear design for a smooth, car- like ride. The front suspension uses fluid-filled bushings for better ride isolation and vibration control. VTM-4 Lock on 4-wheel-drive models helps when circumstances require extra traction. You can manually lock the rear differential with the push of a button located on the instrument panel. Hill Start Assist senses when you’re stopped on an incline and will hold the brakes for a brief moment as you transition from the brake to the accelerator to help reduce rollback.

As important to your well-being as the 2012 Honda Pilot various safety features, equally crucial are the vehicle’s performance features, such as the sophisticated steering and suspension systems, which help keep you out of trouble in the first place. The core Honda belief that every passenger deserves heightened levels of safety has led us to become an industry leader in developing and applying advanced safety technology. The Pilot is a prime showcase for this philosophy with standard features such as active front head restraints, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system in 4 seating positions. Six airbags offer all three rows an impressive defense against injury. They include dual-stage, dual -threshold front airbags* that can vary their deployment based on accident severity and seat-belt usage, front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), and three row side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor.

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2012 Honda Insight Review

The 2012 Honda Insight has an aerodynamic “teardrop” shape that is designed to part the air with a minimum of turbulence. The car is wider at the front with a Kamm back (cuts off abruptly at the rear of the car to minimize drag) and a flat underbody. These Honda Insight design features contribute to the car’s low coefficient of drag (0.25 about 70% less than that of a comparably sized vehicle like the Honda Civic hatchback). All of the Insight’s major body panels are made of a lightweight aluminum alloy, and the remaining body components are made of plastic, making the Insight’s body 40% lighter than that of a Honda Civic hatchback. Lighter weight requires less power and less fuel consumption to provide responsive acceleration in traffic 32% less than that needed for a Honda Civic hatchback to operate at the same speed. Still, lighter does not mean weaker the Insight’s body has 13% greater bending rigidity and 38% more torsional rigidity than the Civic’s. A G-Force Control (GCON) safety engineering optimizes each part of the Insight’s aluminum body and frame to best absorb specific types of impact.


The Honda Insight starting in March 1999, DOE began independent testing of HEVs at Argonne National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The testing goals included determining the operating performance of the hybrid technology and collecting data to determine the overall energy management performance. Argonne researchers have focused primarily on powertrain control and energy management systems. NREL researchers have focused on battery thermal management performance.

In the fall of 2001, DOE’s Field Operations Program began conducting baseline performance, accelerated reliability, and fleet testing of currently available HEVs, including the Insight. These three types of tests, similar to those conducted on battery electric vehicles in the EV America Program, will provide performance, safety, maintenance, reliability, and cost of operation data to fleets and individuals who are considering buying an HEV. The program will test new HEV models as they become available, and all testing results will be featured on the Field Operations Program.

The Model Year 2002 Fuel Economy Guide rated the Honda Insight the most fuelefficient
vehicle available. Achieving 61 mpg in city driving and 68 mpg in highway driving, the 2002 Insight (with manual transmission) could offer drivers as much as $1,500 in annual fuel savings, compared with some of the other vehicles in its class. DOE and the U.S. Environmental.Protection Agency (EPA) work together to prepare the Fuel Economy Guide, which is available on-line at www.fueleconomy.gov and in print at new car dealerships, public libraries, and credit unions nationwide.

As the information in this brochure illustrates, the Insight and other HEVs are mechanically innovative, sophisticated vehicles. Many people might ask why they should drive these technological marvels when their current car does everything they want it to do. The two best reasons are (1) to save money and (2) to help clean the air.

Most people dislike having to pay $20 or $30 or more for a tank of gas. Yet, the United States depends on petroleum for nearly 95% of its transportation energy about 8 million barrels per day of petroleum products are used to fuel light trucks and cars. More than half of our petroleum is imported, and this percentage is growing, which is why oil imports represent one of the largest components of the U.S. trade deficit. And the demand for oil used for transportation will grow as the number of people and the number of miles they drive increase.

Growing scientific evidence suggests that greenhouse gas emissions could contribute to a change in the earth's climate and transportation, specifically the combustion of fossil fuels in our vehicles, accounts for a large portion of greenhouse gases. Moreover, EPA considers a number of other pollutants in vehicle emissions to be harmful to public health and the environment. Despite the substantial reductions in individual vehicle emissions over the last few decades, the millions of vehicles on our roads which burn thousands of gallons of petroleum every second account for a third of the country's air pollution.

2012 Honda Insight Technical Specifications

Gasoline engine: 1.0-L, 3-cylinder, SOHC 12-valve aluminum engine block with multi-point
fuel injection, 10.8:1 compression ratio, 67 hp at 5,700 rpm, 66 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Electric motor: Permanent-magnet with peak power of 13 hp at 3,000 rpm, and 36 lb-ft of torque
8Battery: Sealed nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), 144 volts.

Transmission: Front-wheel drive, manual (5-speed) or continuously
variable transmission (CVT-automatic transmission)

Acceleration: 0–60 miles per hour in 11.3 seconds (manual transmission) or
11.2 seconds (automatic transmission)

Fuel efficiency: 61 mpg city/68 mpg highway (manual transmission)** 57 mpg city/56 mpg highway (CVT-automatic transmission)**

Emissions: Meets California Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) standards (manual transmission) or Super Ultra Low Emissions (SULEV) standards (CVT-automatic transmission).

Fuel tank: 10.6 gallons

Max. range: 646 mi (city)/720 mi (highway) (manual transmission)*** 600 mi (city)/594 mi (highway) (CVT-automatic transmission)***

Passengers: 2
Length: 155.1 in.
Width: 66.7 in.
Height: 57.6 in.
Wheelbase: 94.5 in.
Weight: 1,856 lb (manual transmission without air conditioning) 1,887 lb (manual transmission with air conditioning) 1,964 lb (CVT-automatic transmission; air conditioning standard)
Cargo: 16.3 ft 3
Braking: Power-assisted front disk/rear drum brakes with integrated regenerative system and 4-wheel ABS
Steering: Variable-assist rack and pinion
Turning circle: 31.4 ft
Suspension: Front: MacPherson strut
Rear: twist beam

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Honda Insight Luxury Hybrid 2013 Review

The 2013 Honda Insight is the first mass-produced gasoline electric hybrid vehicle to be sold in the United States. The Honda Insight, a parallel hybrid, combines an advanced powertrain with lightweight materials to achieve extraordinary aerodynamics and ultra-low emissions. The heart of the hybrid system is Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), which combines a compact 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder engine and an ultra-thin permanent magnet electric motor for outstanding efficiency. The IMA system, combined with a rigid aluminum body structure and highly aerodynamic design, allows the Insight to travel as far as 68 miles per gallon of gasoline and meet California’s ultra-low emissions vehicle (ULEV) standards making it one of the cleanest and most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered vehicles available today.

The Insight offers many innovative features:

- Advanced power control system that efficiently manages the power of the engine, assist
motor, charging system, and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.

- Compact and efficient 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission.

- “Idle stop” feature that shuts off the engine when the car is coming to a stop to conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions.

- Lightweight aluminum body and reinforced frame that is 40% lighter than a comparable steel body.

- Highly aerodynamic body one of the lowest coefficients of drag of any mass-produced vehicle.

- Electronic display that shows real-time trip and lifetime fuel economy.

The 2013 Honda Insight hybrid system is seamless and transparent you just fill the car with unleaded gasoline and drive it like any other car. With the highest fuel economy of any car on the road, the Insight represents a different approach to passenger car technology. The car looks and feels sporty, but it offers important environmental and economic advantages.

The Insight’s IMA system depends on its gasoline engine to supply primary power for driving. An ultra-thin electric motor provides additional power only when needed, such as when the car is accelerating or climbing a hill. When braking or coasting, the car’s momentum drives the generator, which recharges the battery. If the battery charge is low, the motor/generator will also kick in while cruising. The benefit of Honda’s IMA approach is that it does not require a large onboard electrical generating system, thereby reducing vehicle weight and leaving more space for passengers and cargo.

The Honda Insight has an electronic control system that “talks” to the car’s key components and ensures that the car always operates in its most fuel efficient mode. An onboard electronic display provides the driver with real-time information about fuel economy and, in the manual transmission model, suggests the most economical time to shift gears. This display also provides information about battery charge status and tells the driver whether the IMA electric motor is in use.

The Insight’s efficient Variable Valve Timing and Lift Control for Economy (VTECE) engine is built with ultra-lightweight materials like aluminum, magnesium, and plastic. The engine incorporates a catalytic converter that adsorbs nitrogen oxides (NOx) so they are not released with exhaust emissions. Several friction-reduction techniques minimize power losses caused by friction. The 2013 Honda Insight is available with a specially designed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) (automatic model). These new transmissions have been sized to meet the power requirements of the car while also reducing weight and physical dimensions. The manual transmission incorporates gears designed to reduce power loss and make shifting easier. The CVT provides two driving modes: sport, which maximizes power but reduces fuel economy (for acceleration), and drive, which reduces power but improves fuel economy (for cruising).

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2012 Honda Fit New Power Review

It commands respect. And admiration. An urban accomplice housed in five doors. Turn the key and 1.5 liters of pent-up energy spring into action. Change up the seating and challenges back down. This is new 2012 Honda Fit. A city’s greatest champion. It’s instinctive and responsive. Punch in an address and almost instantly the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition will point you in the right direction. Voice prompts actually give you turn-by-turn instructions. But what if you’re looking for a place to go? 2012 Honda Fit has over 7 million suggestions in its huge database. And since voice recognition also controls most navigation- and audio-system functions, you can confidently drive to your destination without taking your hands off the wheel. Some roads unverified. Power windows, mirrors and door locks may be unexpected. Supportive seats may be uncommon. But a tilt and telescopic steering column? Here, it’s all about adjusting to you. Cruise control was made for road trips. Simply set the system using the steering wheel-mounted controls and off you go. With 10 beverage holders, cleanliness and proper hydration go without saying.

Friends. Family. Pets. Stuff. They all come with you. So why not give them their space? With Honda Fit’s 2nd-row Magic Seat, you can create multiple seating configurations that’ll accommodate practically any situation. And if you and four of your posse decide to head out, 2012 Honda Fit can accommodate them too. Comfortably seating five with more than 20 cubic feet of storage in the back. Ditch the delivery truck. With 57 cubic feet of smooth, flat space, you can haul your own stuff. Just fold the Magic Seat down and start packing. A low floor height and huge rear hatch make it easy to load and unload. Ready for some magic? Flip up Fit’s 2nd-row Magic Seat and presto over 4 feet of space from floor to ceiling. And as tempting as it may be to see how many friends you can fit in a Fit, this space is reserved for non-human cargo only. Fold the front passenger seat and right side of the rear seat down. Slide in your favorite surfboard, ladder, rolled-up rug or totem pole. (Anything up to 7'9" will be allowed to ride.) And since the rear seat is a 60/40 split, there’s even room for a roadie in the back. All seatbacks up. And prepare to seat five. Honda Fit may be power-packed with capability, but sometimes, it’s the human bond that carries the day.

With a rating of 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway (Fit w/5AT), life suddenly changes. Commutes become more pleasant. Saturday errands are no longer the chore they once were. And your wallet? Why, it feels fuller, more substantial in your pocket or purse. Maximum satisfaction. Minimum cost. Whether it’s steering around potholes or double-parked cars, speeding up to pass a slow-moving bus, or stopping to avoid an oblivious camera-laden tourist, 2012 Honda Fit performs. Head out to the open road and Honda Fit Sport’s available steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters respond lightning-fast. So the next time you need to get somewhere pronto, remember: The Fit is Go! Ever wonder how Honda gets so much out of a 4-cylinder? Technology. Specifically its i‑VTEC technology, which delivers more horsepower over a broader range. Fit also keeps its edge with a Drive-by-Wire throttle system for smooth acceleration.

At first glance, you think eye candy. After a couple of miles, you quickly realize that these lightweight beauties help deliver the feel that makes Honda Fit Sport irresistible. Sharpen your reaction time. The Fit Sport’s leather-wrapped steering wheel comes complete with paddle shifters when you opt for the available 5-speed automatic transmission. There’s also a quick-shifting 5‑speed manual for all you clutch-it-yourself types. Small may be beautiful. But it’s also comfortable. And extremely nimble.Thanks to an independent front and torsion-beam rear suspension that’s precision tuned.

The 2012 Honda Fit’s 160 watt audio system has MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS) and CD text display. An auxiliary input jack connects you to the portable music world, as does a digital audio-card reader on navigation-equipped models.1 Open the upper glove compartment and you’ll find Honda’s USB Audio Interface,4 a port that lets you operate your digital player through the audio-system controls while at the same time charging up its battery.

Every Honda comes packed with safety technology. Take 2012 Honda Fit. It offers six airbags, active front head restraints and a host of additional standard safety features. Honda seeks to provide a high level of occupant and pedestrian protection in all of our cars and trucks, regardless of size or price. An automatic seat-belt tensioning system helps hold the front-seat occupants securely in a collision. The system is triggered by the same sensors that deploy the airbags. Four doors. Four more ways to help protect you and your passengers in a side-impact collision. High-tensile steel beams are welded into the doors. VSA helps sense oversteer and understeer, and responds by adjusting brake pressure and reducing engine power. Look for it on all Fit models. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is arguably the most effective way to maintain steering control during hard braking. So naturally it’s standard. As is Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), a sensory system that monitors and calculates weight balance, and adjusts brake force accordingly.

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