The pilot is an eight-passenger vehicle, with little compromise. The second and third-row seats each comfortably seat three passengers. Although unused during my test week, second and third-seat passengers can view DVDs from a screen that pops down from second-seat ceiling. Headphones are stored in a map/accessory compartment behind driver's seat.

All three Pilot models have a long list of standard features: tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 60/40 split folding second and third seats, power mirrors, windows and doors locks, remote keyless entry and AM/FM/CD player, among other items. The EX and EX-L models include a six-disc changer, steering wheel radio controls, automatic-off headlights and allow wheels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof and heated power mirrors are standard on EX-L model only.

Despite its best-buy status, Pilot does have two less-than-spectacular considerations: curtain side airbags are not available on any model, and its fuel rating of 17 in city driving and 22 in highway use is fine for its category but hardly an economical plus.

Nevertheless, Pilot overall is an ideal family vehicle. It's spaciously designed, practical and fits well in Honda family known not only performance and reliability, but for a strong position in resale market.

2005 Honda Pilot

Safety features -- Front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, rear-obstacle detection system. tire pressure monitor, rearview camera.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 17 mpg (city), 22 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.

Base price range -- $34,120.

James Raia is a Sacramento, Calif., journalist who writes about sports, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the automotive column, The Weekly Driver Review.

To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver Review

To subscribe to his free electronic newsletters, visit the web site: www.ByJamesRaia.com

While vehicle's driving qualities provide plenty to recommend it, additional exterior and interior standard features only further distinguish TL.

The leather upholstery is comfortable, attractive and complemented nicely by stylishly contoured aluminum trim. Bright electroluminescent gauges and blue backlighting throughout cabin provide a sultry night-driving atmosphere.

Individually heated front seats, sunroof, XM satellite radio, in-dash CD changer with an eight-speaker sound system, voice-recognition navigation system, heated power door mirrors and Xenon HID headlights are all standard.

And, of course, cruise control, multiple driver and front passenger seat positions, air conditioning and individual, front-seat climate controls are also standard.

For front-seat passengers there's ample leg room and plenty of overall comfort. Back-seat passengers aren't as comfortable, with head and leg room slightly pinched. Cargo space is also tight, but styled well. The rear seatback doesn't fold, but there's a small pass-through port for skis.

Just like it has been for past several years, 2005 Acura TL is a nicely combined sport and luxury car with great attention to refinement and workmanship.

It's a perfect car to drive to a late-night jazz club or at to fantasize a similar journey, And it's a perfect vehicle for managing holiday traffic in any kind of weather.

2005 Aura TL

Safety features -- Driver and front passenger and side curtain airbags; Antilock brakes; Traction control system.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 20 mpg (city), 29 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,00 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles; 24-hour roadside assistance: 4 years/50,000 miles.

Base price range -- $32,650-$34,850

James Raia is a Sacramento, Calif., journalist who writes about sports, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the automotive column, The Weekly Driver Review.

To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver Review

To subscribe to his free electronic newsletters, visit the web site: www.ByJamesRaia.com