Overview & Reviews

Since its launch for the 2003 model year, the Honda Pilot has helped shape the market for crossover SUVs with three rows of seating. Offering V6 power, respectable fuel economy, a comfortable ride, plenty of interior space and seven-to-eight-passenger seating, the Pilot is exactly the kind of vehicle that appeals to growing families who are leery of traditional minivans. Other crossover SUVs might be sportier to drive or more stylish on the inside, but Honda's three-row crossover appeals to your practical side and packs in a lot of functionality.

Choosing a Pilot is straightforward, as Honda packages equipment in a few basic trim levels rather than offering countless options. Regardless of the year, all Honda Pilots give you three useful rows of seating and lots of storage slots, though early models are smaller and aren't quite as accommodating for teenagers in the third row. Cargo capacity has also increased over the years.

User Reviews:

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  Finally! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By SCO - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Been waiting years for Honda to come out with an larger SUV to call their own and they did not disappoint. Handles like a car. Smooth ride & tight turning radius. Honda quality. Could use more power, but has pretty good pickup anyway. Poor acoustics for music. Terrible negotiating experience (dealer really jerked us around & played their usual games when I made it clear that I was not blind to their tactics). Dealer also tried to charge me $196 to slap on $170 crossbars (EX) over the existing crossrails. Ridiculous.

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  Love the pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By amatoleo - May 24 - 10:40 pm

  Wife & I just got the 2010 pilot and we are very happy, its very roomy, smooth, and good performance. If it is as reliable as other hondas, we will be good to go for long time. Great hauler for a family of 6. Interoir is well made and well thought out. Have owned many suvs but this one just feels right.

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  Not what I expected from Honda :( - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Lyopa - May 23 - 12:23 pm

  After only one months of ownership, about 1300 miles driven, the car broke down. The following warning lights came on: "check engine", "VSA", "4 wheel drive" and "!" The car was barely moving and I called the dealership for a tow. It took 3 days to figure out what was wrong with the Pilot. Apparently some pin came out around the fuse box. Nothing major but what an aggravation! This is not my first new car purchase but my first Honda. I never expected the car to go down in 1 month. Never happened with any of my other cars. Actually, in 20 years of driving, I never had to call a tow. Now I am not sure if the car is less reliable in general than I expected or if it just had this one thing.

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  Dissapointed - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Scott - May 22 - 9:38 pm

  Got my 08 pilot and thought I was going to love it like all of the other Honda products I bought in past years. But it turns out, I was pretty disappointed. The suspension is too mushy to tackle anything off-road, I dont know why everyone raves about Hondas interior fit & finish, because the Pilots is horrible. Also, there is a lot of tire noise and a horrible rattle in the passenger side door.

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  Our New Pilot - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Todd - May 20 - 7:03 pm

  Nice Crossover SUV. Smooth driving and roomy. NO mechanical complaints, only had it 6 days. Its a Honda, it better not have any! It is made in the US however.

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  Mousetrap - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By N - May 19 - 1:52 pm

  The Pilot was great, and I certainly would not have traded it in, but the mice decided to make it home. They had no problem getting in and out of the interior, which doesnt work with a young child. Other than that and the poor gas mileage (15 MPG) I liked the car. I do not have the same rodent problem with my 07 Ridgeline

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  Love this Purchase! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - May 18 - 9:43 am

  Anyone looking for a GREAT deal on an 8 passenger SUV needs to take a look at the 08 Pilot. Honda is GIVING these things away to make room for the new 09 Pilots that hit the lots over the next week or so. I was able to get my EX-L for under the TMV price and the dealer had added pin stripes, wheel locks, mud flaps and a cargo tray. I love this vehicle. Im in sales and have already driven 5k miles in 2 months and its a breeze to get in and out of. Huge storage space with the 3rd row folded down. It is noisy on the highway and the body lean in corners takes a little getting used to but the overall ride is nice. I looked at the VeraCruz, Journey, Pacifica and CX-9 and the Pilot is best

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Josh - May 16 - 10:56 am

  My family & I are really enjoying our Pilot. Its much better than my 06 Frontier crewcab! Its true that the interior materials are not as upscale as other Honda vehicles (compared to my wifes 07 CR-V or a new Accord), but its not offensive at all & I like it just fine. Braking has been great for me in real-world conditions. Power has never been a problem; I pass & merge with ease. Sprung for the DVD & our daughter loves it. Seats are very comfortable. Cylinder shutoff is noticeable & takes some getting used to. Road noise is minimal. Wonderful little details included in the design, such as the grocery hooks, cargo net, hill assist. Sound system is clear/crisp, but not as good as expected.

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  So far so good... - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By chadbo - May 14 - 11:36 am

  We generally keep our cars for at least ten years. Were hoping the Pilot continues the streak. So far the its been a pleasure. Its our road trip vehicle, our hauling vehicle, and our dirt road vehicle. To this point its performed well in nearly every area.

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  Overall Satisfied - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot - May 13 - 12:20 pm

  Had the Pilot since Feb, 2008. Living in Boston, Stop and Go traffic doesnt help the fuel economy. Been in to the deal twice since purchase, wheel alignment and wheel Balance. OEM Bridgestone Tires suck. Overall the car is good, great visibility, comfortable on long trips, Gas mileage is good compared to other same size SUVs. I get around 22-24 MPG on Highway going around 70 mph. Light foot on the gas pedal will help a lot with this car. Black Paint came off muffler after 2 weeks on the road.