2012 Honda Pilot Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.04/5 Average
44 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2012 Honda Pilot receives a host of changes this year. Honda has freshened up the exterior with restyled headlights and a new look for the front fascia and grille. Also on the docket this year are improved noise insulation, upgraded interior materials, a revised instrument panel, a new center stack layout, an upgraded navigation system and additional standard features. All Honda Pilots see fuel efficiency gains of 1 mpg city/2 mpg highway and 2 mpg combined, thanks to aerodynamic and powertrain improvements.

Pros:
  • Impressive fuel economy
  • Pleasant ride
  • Clever interior storage features.
  • Roomy third-row seat
Cons:
  • Some cheap interior plastics
  • Sluggish acceleration
  • Feels cumbersome to drive.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 44.00
  • My Dream Luxury SUV!!! - 2012 Honda Pilot
    By -

    Since I have purchased and driven my "luxury SUV" , I have enjoyed every moment behind the wheel. Thank you Honda!!!!

  • Windshield - 2012 Honda Pilot
    By -

    Love my 2012 Pilot I traded in a 2007 Pilot and love it also. The only problem I have is that in the 3 months that Ive owned it, I have 4 chips in my windshield. I didnt have one on the 2007 windshield. Driving the same roads at the same speeds. Is this due to the way the windshield slope or lack there of? Just curious if anyone else has this problem.

  • Blue tooth/home link - 2012 Honda Pilot
    By -

    I hate the hands free. So far the car has been evaluated and 2 microphones replaced, 1 blue tooth, speakers. I still have garbled voices on both ends. When connecting the noise is also garbled. I called the service department from my car and I was asked to call back on a land line. What is wrong with this? I realize this is not necessarily the service departments techs as they need to follow proticall but but but. I cant be the only car with this problem. I know Im not. Hope I can get this resolved. I have had a few honda pilots and I now am very unhappy,

  • Drivetrain shutters at cruise speed - 2012 Honda Pilot
    By -

    Maybe if enough people complain about the transmission shuttering at cruise speed on Honda, they will recall and fix. My wifes 2012 Pilot shutters. Her 2006 CRV did it worse. And, it got worse as it got older. Luckily, she automatically trades in at 4 years. The 2003 CRV was perfect, wish she had not ever traded it.

  • Best SUV I have owned. - 2012 Honda Pilot
    By -

    I ended up with my 2012 pilot after a long search for a decently priced SUV that would accommodate 3 car seats across the middle seat because I have triplets and did not want a minivan. I have owned 3 other SUVs and the Pilot, being the 4th, is by far the nicest and most reliable. I have about 27,000 miles on mine and, to date, have not experienced any of the vibration problems others have written about. You get a lot for the money with this car and even better is that it really holds its value. I definitely plan on driving this one into the ground!

  • One of the Best SUVs out there! - 2012 Honda Pilot
    By -

    Before we purchased our 2012 Honda Pilot, we test drove all of the top similar-sized SUVs. For appearance, comfort, space, 4x4 capability, and handling we decided to go with the Pilot. First, let me tell you that the Pilot is one of the most comfortable cars that I have ever driven. The heated leather seats rival even my sofa in comfort. The back seats also recline and the third row offer regular-sized seats. The car handles very well in all kinds of weather (we live in Vermont) and tackles our summer pot holes and severe winter storms with ease. We have 20,000 miles on our Pilot and this car has been 100% reliable. The fuel economy is great for a car this heavy and big.

  • 2012 Pilot Touring 4x4 - 2012 Honda Pilot
    By -

    This is my second Pilot, I loved our 2005 model. But this review is for our 2012. As you research the 2012, many Pilot owners will complain about a vibration at various speeds, it is very annoying and I hate it. The dealer says the same thing to everyone that complains, it is normal, it is the variable cylinder management system. Maybe normal for Honda, but not something you should feel EVERYTIME you drive it, it should be seamless. I told a service writer to enter it on the service ticket, he did it by hand, guess Honda doesnt want proper documentation or a paper trail. Otherwise its a great vehicle if you need to haul 8 people around.

  • Hurray Pilot - 2012 Honda Pilot
    By -

    The Pilot is a decent SUV. The acceleration is pretty good for an SUV though you really have to rev it if you want the full power of the startup torque. Highway driving is fun with this vehicle as the gear changes are smooth. Spacious interior with quality leather and the foldable backseat help since I carry heavy equipment with the work I do. I dont really use the entertainment much unless I have friedns with me. The Nav system works well and efficiently. My only issue with the vehicle was for a while, the Hold button on my key wasnt opening the trunk and I had to do it manually. Then a week later, it would work, and then stop working. But now it seems that problem is gone.

  • Junk - 2012 Honda Pilot
    By -

    The Bad...This is easily the worst car Ive ever owned. The active fuel management does not work properly. After many trips to the Honda dealer, they say that the car is OK and nothing is wrong. At 60 - 70 MPH the car vibrates and sounds like its gasping for air. An audible sound from the engine compartment is easily heard when the engine transitions from 6 cylinders to 4. Dump the tires too. They are so rock hard for milage purposes that after 25,000 the ride is rough.

  • Mixed emotions - 2012 Honda Pilot
    By -

    I have had my 2012 for 1.5 years now and 25,000 miles later. No major issues to date that left me stranded, getting the AC noise hopefully fixed this friday and warped rotors already. What is concerning is the vibration at 70mph. I would be cautious when buying this car, there is something going on here with the cylinder deactivation system. My car was fine till around 23k and then all of a sudden I have vibration coming from the front into the steering wheel and car. Its not alot but can tell its from the engine. Set the car at cruise 70mph on flat road, let it start to climb uphill slowly in eco mode and you will feel the vibration.

Honda Pilot Reviews By Year:
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