Absolutely love it

My car: 2008 Honda Pilot EXL, leased in March of 08.

I don't need to explain or defend or even write about Honda's superb engineering, quality assembly, durability or residual value. These are known factors overwhelmingly written about by experts for many years.

The Honda Pilot is a great combo of SUV sensibility and Honda's little touches. The '08 EXL I leased in March of 08 had the perfect combo of everything I wanted in a car. Goofy as it is, I miss driving the car when (because I work at home) I don't have any errands for a couple of days.

The engine is relaible and smart. I had forgotten what a good V6 is like. This one easily handles hills and passing. It is very responsive.

All scheduled maintenance is programmed into the car's computers, so that you simply watch for a wrench icon to display in your alert lights and take it in. The code that displays with it tells what is needed at that point. No more trying to remember to keep up with the scheduled maintenance.

The handling of the car also is responsive. It handles more like a car, and in fact the Pilot is built around a car frame, not truck. When I had to make my first avoidance maneuver, I was impressed!

My previous car had a dual-temp system for driver and passenger that my wife and i enjoyed. While this one does not, its single-temp auto temp control system is superb. Incremental changes (1-2 degrees) produce speciic responses that are noiceable. It maintains a very comfortable and precise temperature. (She and I don't battle over the control!)

The center console includes a separate air control system for the 2nd-row passengers---fan AND temperature. No more "Are you getting enough air back there?"

The third row seating availabilty sealed the deal for me. This allows my twin grandchildren and their parents to ride in the same car with my wife and me. It should be noted that this is not practical for long trips--they're a little cramped and they reduce luggage space (although you could go on top with the luggage). I'm sure it was intended for jaunts around town, but it's a nice option to have. Most sensical is to put smaller kids in third row. NOTE: the car is actually belted for nine!

A second deal-sealer was that the satellite radio was already installed. I don't mean only "wired for." I knew myself well enough to know that I'd procrastinate (read: never) buying and installing the radio itself. (I have loved satellite radio; well worth it! Three months comes free.)

This is a fun but practical SUV. I absolutely love this car and look forward to enjoying it throughout my lease.

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Update: I forgot to mention the these things:

The variable cylinder feature. When it doesn't need 6 cylinders it drops down to 3, saving gas. A light comes on in the instrumentation grid letting you know when this is happening.

Also, I should have explained that the third-row seats fold flush into the floor. The 2nd-row seats --which, by the way, forms a bench-type seati- fold forward (but not flush) to allow for more cargo when needed.

The radio/5-CD player is premium quality. I'm a professional musician and it passes my test! Radio/CD controls are also on the steering wheel.

I recommend getting the cargo tray for the cargo area. It will save your carpet. See if the dealer will throw it in; mine did.

Steering is just stiff enough to feel secure, perhaps a tad stiff for some tastes but definitely responsive.