One of the least expensive cars to insure is the Honda Pilot, which comes fully redesigned for 2009.  Honda maintained the tradition Pilot traits of a comfortable ride, smooth powertrain and optional 4WD, but added significantly more third row legroom.  Honda also gave the new Pilot a much tougher look, both inside and out, much like its brawny cousin, the Ridgeline. 

The new Pilot sports a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 250 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque, but it has been criticized being a bit more sluggish than anticipated.  The fuel economy has improved slightly due to Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management system, which shuts down half of the V6′s cylinders when they’re not needed. The 2WD models should achieve 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway (and only 1mpg less for the AWD models), according to EPA estimates.  The 2009 Pilot also received 5 stars in both front and side impact crash tests from the NHTSA.

The 2009 Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV (now called a “crossover”) that comes in four trim levels, each offered in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The base LX starts at $28,265 and comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, trailer hitch, power mirrors, keyless entry, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories, cruise control, 60/40-split second- and third-row seats and a seven-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary input jack. The mid-level EX starts at $31,065 and adds foglights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, six-CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, tri-zone automatic climate control and satellite radio. The upgraded EX-L starts at $34,265 and includes to leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof and a back-up camera. The top end Touring model (new for 2009) starts at $37,465 and features a 10-speaker audio system, a voice recognition navigation system with integrated back-up camera, Bluetooth, a power liftgate and a USB audio interface.

Many accessories are available for the new Pilot, including ski, snowboard, kayak and surfboard attachments.  Less adventurous types may prefer the cargo organizers, running boards or the remote engine starter.  A DVD rear entertainment system is optional on the both EX-L and Touring models.   This represents a significant improvement over the previous Pilot design, which did not allow for both a navigation system and a rear entertainment system at the same time.  The navigation system is satellite based (not DVD based) and is one of the best in the business.  Now, you can keep the kids happy AND figure out where you are going.