Overview & Reviews

Leather-equipped EX models get heated seats and side mirrors as standard equipment. Honda has improved the navigation system this year with a larger database, and all models have improved walk-in accessibility to the third-row seat. All Hondas have a seatbelt reminder system added for 2004.

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

• Mediocre towing capacity, feels big behind the wheel.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 551.00

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  bad year for pilots - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By pilotfixer1 - May 26 - 6:01 pm

  If you have a chance to buy another make of small SUV you will be money ahead to go with that make. We have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle from the doors locking while charging the A/C, to when the battery is going bad the oil light comes on and the oil level and pressure is fine, to the ignition not accepting the key that I have been using for the last 3 years, to the transmission making a rumbling noise if the oil is not changed every 10,000 miles (the manual recommends every 30,000 miles). Not to mention the huge problem with mice getting into the interior of this vehicle. And these are just the major problems. And we have only owned it for 3.5 years.

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  240K+ miles and still going strong! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By gymeni - April 26 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this car new in October 2003 and it had 31 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. I now have over 240K miles on it and the only issues I have ever had with it are: drivers door handle had to be replaced after not being able to open the door from the inside, AC compressor went out once. This car has been subject to at least 3 Honda recalls, one being the transmission issue. I will continue to drive it until the wheels fall off. My 1st gen (1997) CRV, which I also bought brand new, is still on the road today with another owner as well. Bought my daughter a new 2009 Fit as a graduation gift. She treats it like her baby! I stand by Honda, trying to decide which I will buy next.

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  Cheap Air Conditioner - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By anthonysch - January 9 - 4:49 pm

  I bought my Pilot in 04 and it has been mechanically reliable and comfortable with the exception of the AC. After 45k the compressor went out and I was quoted 1500 dollars for the repair. I also had another Honda with the same problem. The dealership was willing to give me a small break on the repair, no doubt because they are fully aware of the problem. I have 200k on my Camry and the air works great. Honda, please upgrade your cheap ACs.

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  LOVE my Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mathspiffy - September 29 - 11:20 am

  We bought our Pilot in Feb. 2012. It had approximately 87,000 miles on it. I upgraded from a Honda Civic to get more space for kids, cargo, and to have a great roadtrip vehicle for the family. Our Pilot has been everything we needed and more. All weve done is regular maintenance, and we have had no problems. It drives like a dream on the highway and has TONS of space for carseats, kid stuff, and other cargo. We are adding a hitch for a cargo rack and the running boards next, and itll be perfect. We are very pleased with our Pilot and will be keeping it as long as it runs!

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  So far so good........ - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By fukengroovin - August 21 - 10:22 am

  I bought my 2004 Pilot EX-L in Dec 2008 with 52,900 miles. Im now at 110,300 miles. I am a DIY mechanic and have done all the scheduled maintenance myself. The 17 city and 22 hwy fuel ratings are not accurate. Best highway was 21 and routinely get 18-19mpg in mixed driving at high altitude in Colorado and Wyoming. When I lived in Southern California, I routinely got 15-16mpg in mixed driving and a highway best of 19. So fuel quality and altitude definitely effect fuel economy. Ive replaced motor mounts, spark plugs, shocks/struts, timing belt, and valve adjustments. Overall a great vehicle with no transmission problems.

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  2004 Honda Pilot EX-L - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By flamio - February 17 - 9:17 am

  I bought this car with over a 100K on it and have had it for about a year. So far it has been fantastic! It has nice power and runs very well. A couple months ago I hit a big Ohio deer and I barely felt it. Me and my family were completely safe, which made me very happy I bought this SUV. Last winter I could not get my Odyssey up my long driveway in the snow, with this, its a breeze. The leather is comfortable. The kids love the heated seats. Im 64" and its very roomy. Sound system is awesome. I average about 19.6mpg. On a long trip through Canada I actually had 25mpg highway. Its used, buy the extended warranty if youre worried about the tranny going and drive worry free!

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  Disappointment! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mansell2004 - January 5 - 2:48 pm

  When my husband died I decided to trade our Honda accord in for a fourwheel drive Honda Pilot. We had been so pleased with our other cars that I felt sure that the Pilot would probably be my last car, We had put so many trouble free miles on the earlier cars, and I had all the confidence in the world in Honda. This no longer holds true. I was totally amazed when I had to spend over $3000.00 to replace the transmission with a little over 80,000 miles on my car.The Honda dealer wanted over $4,000.00. Then I find this was a well know problem when I purchased it. I will never recommend Honda to anyone again!!

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  Like this better than any new one - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Bob - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Bought new, still running great at over 90K. Comfortable and non-fatiguing--Ive driven dozens of 1000+ mile trips in it, most in 1 shot. I love the storage space between the front seats--still havent seen another SUV like it. Brakes started pulsing at 45K, machining helps only temporarily. Cannot get EPA gas mileage. I like at new SUVs, and just dont see anything Id like better, so Ill just keep this one as long as its reliable.

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  Love the pilot, strange noise from under - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Westover57 - August 31 - 10:49 pm

  Very happy with the pilot, have owned it for 6 months, we have had a strange noise coming from under the vehicle almost sounds like the cooling fans just take off at a very high speed and stop. And the suspension has a issue with hopping sometimes. Have brought back to the dealership 3 times and the truck wont make the noise nor will it act up at all. Thinking about asking for them to take the truck back if they can not find the problem. We really like this vehicle, its a good solid SUV.

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  Great concept, mixed bag on execution - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Seattle - August 30 - 4:08 pm

  We bought our Pilot brand new in 2/2004 as a "do it all" vehicle. We looked at the Highlander (too expensive & small) and the Forester XT (way fun to drive but alas, too small. We ended up buying the Piolt EX-L. We are impressed with the ride quality and the road manners. A couple of faults have dampened our enthusiasm. The main seal started leaking oil at 55,000 miles. The dealer took care of that under warranty. Drivers side seat- heater went on the blink and burned your tush. This is a known issue with the pilot and the dealer denied that it was a problem. Brake rotors warping & paint job is uneven. Honda could have done better! A tip for Honda, listen to your customers! Dont be arrogant