New Pilot lands safely on the DogCars.com wish list
By Keith Turner
November 23, 2008
The folks at Honda sure know how to please a pack of DogCar drivers who are hungry for a vehicle with enough space and utility to tackle their daily pet projects.
First the automaker gave us the Honda Element, which made history by winning “Best of Show” honors in the first-ever DogCar of the Year announcement. The Element is so decidedly DogCar friendly that the Honda Marketeers decided to roll out some funny canine commercials to promote the boxy SUV’s appeal to those who love to travel with their pups.
Now Honda is upping the ante with the launch of the redesigned Honda Pilot, a mid-sized sport utility vehicle that — like the Element — fills many of the specific requirements to make it a decent DogCar:
- Seats that fold flat or are easily removable.
- Lots of usable cargo space relative to the size of the vehicle.
- Wide, square backs, with as little rear slope as possible, to maximize usable cargo space.
- Door and window locks, so a pet can’t accidentally unlock a door or roll down a window.
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive and high ground clearance for field training trips.
How many DogCar paws does the Pilot rank? Check out the full review here and reviews of many other potential DogCars here.
Hi,
I can see the use for something like this outside of towns, or if you have several dogs, children and/or cargo, but a car is perhaps excessive even for just one big dog in places like Boston, San Francisco, Seattle and Toronto plus most cities in Europe where pet dogs are allowed on public transit.
To find out more see my website for “Dogs on Board!”
Comment by Todd Edelman — November 23, 2008 @ 8:31 am
That’s absolutely true, Todd, but at DogCars.com we recognize that people have different needs in vehicles.
We’ve reviewed everything from the largest SUVs to the Mini Cooper Clubman. I loved the Clubman, but it ain’t going to cut it for taking three or more big dogs and their gear to an agility trial — or even a dog park, really.
The problem with small cars is SAFETY. While you can sit a big dog in the back of a compact sedan or hatchback, you may not be able to fit a crate back there, and you won’t be able to fit multiple crates. That removes one of two safety options (canine restraints/seat belts are the other).
Leaving a dog loose in the car is NOT an option as far as I’m concerned — it’s dangerous for the driver, others on the road and the dog.
For what it’s worth, the Pilot had pretty good mpg for its size, 17 city/23 highway.
Oh, I WISH dogs were allowed on public transport in the United States, but I can’t ever see that happening.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — November 23, 2008 @ 8:40 am
Dogs are allowed on public transportation in Boston, at least in off-peak hours:
Pets on the T
Comment by Lis — November 23, 2008 @ 10:19 am
I’m digging the rear view photo of this one. Looks Like I could get my whole crew in in an emergency. One Dalmatian and 5 cats crated :) I also tend to haul around other things like furniture and get frustrated seeing the rounded/streamlined back ends. Absolutely drives my practical side nuts ;)
Comment by straybaby — November 23, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
Yeah, this week I’m driving the Honda CR-V. It’s a great vehicle, but not a great DogCar anymore.
The previous version of the CR-V, with its squared-off rear end, was one of the best small DogCars evah. Then Honda redesigns into last year with a swoopy rear that absolutely ruins it for us dog-owners.
Man, was I disappointed. Fortunately, there’s still the Honda Element.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — November 23, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
Thanks, keith! I am putting the Pilot at the very top of my new car wish list when I finally face the fact I need to do something about my 1996 Ford Explorer. I have been loathe to part with it and I haven’t seen anything out there I want to replace it with.
The Pilot’s got the room I need for crates for 6 small racing dogs, tent, chairs, portable refrigerator, suitcase, and whatever else I can jam into it.
It doesn’t look like a child’s unskilled drawing of a car either like it’s cousin the Element and it has real side & rear windows, not tiny slivers of glass that pass for windows.
Most importantly “All-wheel or four-wheel drive and high ground clearance for field training trips”. I have had 4 wheel drive cars for decades, starting way back when with a subaru station wagon. I wouldn’t live where I do without it.
High ground clearance means I save on wear and tear on my knees getting in and out, and I can see ahead of me when driving! Wahoo! I think I’m in love!
Comment by Anne T — November 23, 2008 @ 1:56 pm