Yonkers, NY- Consumer Reports rated the new-for-2003 Honda Pilot EX "Excellent" in performance test of four models of eight-passenger sport-utility vehicles for the November issue. The tests pitted the Pilot against three bigger and heavier full-size SUVs, the Toyota Sequoia, Ford Expedition, and Chevrolet Tahoe.
The Pilot outscored Consumer Reports' previously top-rated midsize sport-utility vehicle, the Toyota Highlander Limited V6. The Highlander was CR's Top Pick for midsize SUVs in the Annual Auto Issue published in April 2002.
"The Honda Pilot combines the best features of an SUV, wagon, and minivan in a comfortable, smooth riding package," said David Champion, director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Facility in East Haddam, Connecticut. "The Pilot is a fine choice if you're looking for a car-based SUV with three rows of seats, and room for eight."
Full tests and ratings of the eight-passenger SUVs appear in he November issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale everywhere magazines are sold beginning October 8th. The complete report is also available to subscribers of ConsumerReports.org.
Performance tests were conducted at Consumer Reports' Auto Test facility in East Haddam, Connecticut. The four vehicles carried sticker prices ranging from a low of $33,000 for the Honda Pilot EX to a high of $46,000 for the Toyota Sequoia Limited. The full-size SUVs are equipped with eight-cylinder engines and four-speed automatics; the midsize Honda Pilot has a V6 and five-speed automatic.
Three of the four SUVs tested, the Pilot, Sequoia, and Tahoe are recommended because they scored well in the tests and are expected to have average or above-average reliability, based upon past models from these manufacturers. The newly redesigned Expedition could no be recommended because its reliability is still unknown; previous models have been average.
Because many buyers choose a full-sized SUV primarily for the eight-passenger capacity, Consumer Reports wanted to see how our three vehicles compared with a modern, car-based midsize model that offered an equal number of seats in a smaller overall package. So, CR bought the new-for-2003 Honda Pilot-which went on sale this summer-and put all four SUVs in one group for performance tests.
The Pilot not only earned an overall score well about those of the three full-sized models, but it marginally outranked the five-passenger Highlander to become CR's top scoring recommended SUV. The Pilot's carlike chassis provides a nice balance of ride comfort and handling response. Its 240-hp, 3.5-liter V6 and five-speed automatic provide both quick acceleration and the best fuel economy CR has obtained with either a seven- or eight-passenger SUV. With a price as tested of $32,980, the Pilot is also thousands of dollars less than the full-size SUVs tested.
There are some tradeoffs: The Pilot's all-wheel-drive system, with no low range, is not designed to tackle serious off-road terrain, although it's fine for adverse weather and moderate off-road conditions. The Pilot also can't match the hefty towing capacity of a full-sized SUV, the Toyota Sequoia scored well among the models tested.
The Sequoia is a rational, reliable but uninspired vehicle. The Sequoia Limited ($46,019 as tested) comes equipped with a 240-hp, 4.7-lioter V8 ad four-speed automatic that deliver ample, refined performance and smooth shifts. But the ride is stiff, and handling is clumsy. An able off-roader, it did well climbing CR's steep rock hill. Braking performance was very good overall. The Sequoia has had much better than average reliability.
Redesigned for 2003, the Ford Expedition is now built on a new platform that stands lower than the F150 pickup upon which its predecessor was based, and has a fully independent suspension. The Expedition Eddie Bauer ($45,806 as tested) is powered by a 260-hp, 5.4-liter V8 that delivers adequate acceleration but was the slowest and thirstiest of the group. The transmission in the other full-sized SUVs were smoother and more responsive. The Expedition did well on CR's off-road and rock-hill courses, though the chassis sometimes scraped on obstacles. Braking performance was so-so. Reliability of the redesigned Expedition is still unknown.
The Chevrolet Tahoe has a responsive powertrain, quiet cabin, and good low-speed ride. But fit and finish are unimpressive, the vehicle is heavy on gas, and its handling is cumberstone. The Tahoe LT ($41,357 as tested) comes equipped with a 285-hp, 5.3-liter V8 and four-speed automatic that pulls strongly and shifts very smoothly. Braking performance was adequate, but stops were long and the pedal was spongy. The Tahoe proved to be a competent off-roader overall, with good traction and ground clearance. Reliability has recently improved to average.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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