Overview & Reviews

The 2005 Honda Pilot receives a new 255-hp engine, along with numerous functional changes. A tire-pressure monitoring system has been added, and EX models with leather get vehicle stability control. Slightly increased fuel capacity helps extend driving range, and a revised power steering pump provides improved on-center steering feel. Inside the cabin, the instrument panel has been tweaked with ambient lighting and a six-disc CD changer for all EX trims. A driver footrest has been added, and leather-upholstered EX models can now be had with a sunroof. The LX now has standard keyless entry, and all models get an integrated remote key and fob. Honda has made slight frame changes this year that resulted in improved IIHS crash test ratings.

• Roomy interior with eight-passenger seating, versatile storage and cargo-hauling abilities, many standard features, comfortable ride, smooth power delivery.

• Mediocre towing capacity, side curtain airbags not available, feels big behind the wheel.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 389.00

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  Poor Reliability - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By jon_z - April 23 - 9:49 am

  Just purchased my wifes Pilot about 5 months ago. Ride, handling and comfort are pretty good, but Honda reliability is not there. The radiator recently "failed" causing the coolant to be circulated into the transmission. Radiator/thermostat need to be replaced. The engine and transmission need to be flushed as well. So far this has cost us $1500. Im just waiting for the transmission to fail requiring a $3-4K replacement all because of a defective radiator! Would NOT buy this vehicle again. Honda also will not admit theres a problem with their radiators on these Pilots. This barge replaced a 1998 Odyssey which was a far better car.

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  durability questionable - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By honda_critic - May 12 - 10:36 pm

  Blown engine at 74k miles. No consideration or assistance from Honda Headquarters. No assistance from Rt 23 Honda in Pompton Plains NJ Car was garage kept and maintenance schedule done at dealer. Filter and oil changed every 5K. car ran well until after sitting in garage for 1 week while on vacation. Starting the car caused car to lurch and make rattling noise from engine. Car Faltbed delivered to dealer who started the car to determine problem. In doing so continued the rattling noise causing the connecting rod to push though the block and oil pan. The dealer called to say the engine was blown and asked if I had driven though high water. No was the answer. Result Honda wants $6+K for fix

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  2005 Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By dlmorgan - July 12 - 4:06 pm

  The 2005 Honda Pilot is well made in fit & finish. It travels well in comfort & limited road noise. It falls well short of the sticker advertised gas mileage however. Upon returning to the dealer because of 13 to 14 mpg, I was reminded of the 11 to 36 mph fine print. Futher, I was informed that all of the dealership Pilot owners were getting the same mileage. I also find the Pilot hard to start. It requires several overturns of the engine to start. The dealership check this and informed me that this is normal for all pilots. The handrail by the head could be hazardous in quick lateral moves or in accidents. A previous Honda owner, & disappointed.

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  2005 Pilot EX-L - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bucky - March 24 - 4:26 am

  Ive had this vehicle for 6 months and 9000 miles. The vehicle is extremely peppy. The horsepower is rated at 255. I think the 2006 Pilot is rated at 240. Can this be right? My Pilot is white and has the rear A/C and all windows are tinted. It was one hot summer here in Dallas and this thing kept me cool. A $9 oscillating fan in the back helps things too. Ive had two four wheel drive adventures in the Pilot. The first one was in 5 inch deep mud. I was nervous and put the VTM 4 switch on. The Pilot pulled out of the mud fairly easily. The second time was yesterday in some damp grass and Im guessing a 30 degree angle. It went right up twice. Once with the VTM off and then with the VTM off.

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  It was totalled - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Louis - August 15 - 10:36 am

  The Pilot EX was a total joy to drive until the tire pressure sensor simply has its own mind after 1 yr. But its not the worst. Handling-wise it is OK. In snowy, icy and heavy rain condition, however, I only get 70% control of the car when driving 35 miles per hour. I consistently got overtaken by other cars as I drove on interstate. Different tires, same result. The worst: The vehicle simply lost control when I was avoiding an aggressive pass-on-the-right Subaru. My Pilot skated around on the (dry) interstate a few seconds at 60mph until it rolled over into the embankment and totalled. None of the airbags went off for no explanation. I was lucky to survive it.

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  Used to like my Pilot but now.... - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By ckshubin - June 1 - 10:48 am

  Initially I loved this car and was glad I bought Honda for longetivity and reliability. For the first 2 months of ownership I drove rental cars. Electrical problems galore. 2 1/2 years old and still weird electrical problems keep popping up. Interior rattles galore! Clunk in drivers seat. Have to update Nav DVD to current one or it wont work after awhile. Sounds like a bucket of bolts driving down the road. Seats hard and uncomfortable. Road noise is loud. Will be surprised it doesnt fall apart before the warranty expires. Will not be keeping long term like we do our other cars (10+ years). Am looking for a new car now to replace this Pilot.

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  Just an "OK" - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Focl - February 10 - 8:40 am

  This car didnt live up to my expectations. Its my first Honda and I was surprised that the cockpit has several ergonomic issues. The automatic transmission has the strangest kick down Ive ever experienced. It feels like someones putting on the brakes. Speaking of brakes, the ABS system kick in way too early when braking easy on wet roads causing the car to skid forward much further than you expect it too! Very scary in light snow or rain!!! Every time you step on the brake you get a loud thumping in the rear which is undoubtedly the gas slapping the inside of the tank (annoying).

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  Honda wont fix recurring problems - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By wrod - May 23 - 1:18 pm

  I have had problems from the beginning with my Pilot EX-L and Hondas customer no-service is maddening to deal with. You cant talk to anyone but the person who answers the phone, who is obviously trained at stonewalling the customer. The vehicle will hesitate and lose power and the gas mileage is HORRIBLE. I get better mileage from my V-8 truck than from the Pilot. If you buy a Pilot you better hope you dont have problems because Honda wont fix them.

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  Definitely not a highway car - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Buzzy - April 7 - 8:35 am

  The vehicle is an in-town performer. Quick and agile, good boat ramp puller, and plenty of family features. However, extreme road noise on the highway and lousy front brake rotor design makes for a disappointing product. If the load is light and the speeds are low, this is a good neighborhood vehicle. But a road warrior, it is not.