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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  WHERE DID ALL THE STORAGE GO? - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Adriana_Honda - May 12 - 1:13 am

  From someone who owned and loved a 2007 Pilot for 10+ years I am super dissapointed in the interior design of my new 2017 Pilot. The storage in the dash/console is TERRIBLE! Basically just one giant deep bucket to throw everything into and never to be seen again. I would say this vehicle is a family car, but obviously a male with probably no kids designed the dashboard/storage. The 2 previous models of the Pilot were much better. A few other complaints... the parking brake foot pedal gets in the way when trying to get a comfortable position on long drives. I never had that issue with my 2007 Pilot. Also, there is really no bumper on this new version, which means you cant reach up on top of the car from standing on the rear bumper if you ever use a roof rack. Not to mention saving the cost of repairs if you ever back into something, you will be smashing your back door along with the non-bumper. Some feedback on the radio, I would have loved to still have had some buttons for controls along with the touch screen. The touch screen is not very user friendly, and I consider myself a tech-savvy person. I was so excited to buy my new Pilot after reading so many great reviews, and it wasnt until I started driving it I feel there are so many let downs on this new design. Im keeping my fingers crossed they will listen to their customers and make the design better in the future.

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  VP AWD great regional leasing - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Raphie - May 10 - 10:19 am

  I leased AWD VP due to Honda great regional leasing program. Test drove both the EXL & VP, found the EXLs heated leather seat is far more comfortable and better support. EXL has lumbar support that VP does not have. The radio and climate control knobs seem to be designed for right- hand steering because the most-use knobs are located on right instead of left side. I traded the Odyssey since I want 4x4 for New England winter ice/snow and for the 90 degree turn from main street to long slope leading to my home.

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  Best Pilot Yet - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Robert Hillis - May 9 - 6:00 pm

  This is the third Honda Pilot that I have owned and it is definitely the best. It is very smooth riding and handling. The interior and exterior finish is superb especially the liberal use of leather on the interior. The complaints that I read about prior to purchase regarding the navigation system are unfounded. I found the entertainment and navigation very easy to operate unless you object to frequent cleaning of the touch screen. Conclusion: Congratulations to Honda. This is the best Pilot that they have offered.

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  Love It!!! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Terri - May 8 - 7:39 pm

  I love this car!!! I call it the beast. It is so much fun to drive, has great pick-up, and I feel very safe in it as well. It is a SOLID car, and as a new Mom safety is very important to me. If youre in the market for this class of car dont buy until you test drive a Pilot. We had a very rough winter this year, and I never had any problems in the ice, slush and/or snow.

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  Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Tom M - May 8 - 1:39 pm

  What can you say, its a Honda! Rugged Reliable, good on gas for its size. I get a solid 20 mpg highway and about 16 in mixed driving. Low maintenance needed and I do most myself. After near 40,000 miles, not a single problem. Comfortable, but needs to be set up for nav and sat radio

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  Solid citizen - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By familyman2 - May 8 - 1:20 am

  Had the 2009 Pilot EX AWD for a month now. We looked at this and the Toyota Highlander after having a Mercedes ML320 for 10 years. This car is very roomy. The seating arrangements are very flexible for the 2nd & 3rd rows. Engine is very quiet and smooth but there is some road noise. The EX does not have leather seats but the fabric is VERY nice. Hard to describe but kind of a hi-tech feel. The seats are very comfortable with plenty of adjustments. At first I thought the front interior looked kind of plasticy (if thats a word) but its because theres so much room in front. It really looks fine and the fit and finish is very solid. Gas mileage is only 14.5 in city driving so far.

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  Pilot w/Piston Slap - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot w/Piston Slap - May 7 - 6:41 am

  I got a great deal on the Pilot and thought this was going to be a great new car. After purchase I noticed a noise when it shifted gears when cold. Two dealers said it was piston slap and all Honda had it. Funny it didnt make it when just revving the engine.

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  Space and fuel economy - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Nicole - May 5 - 1:00 pm

  I have one of the first Pilots to hit the road and have already put 1600 miles on this vehicle. My family and I moved out of a 2013 and love our new Pilot. The positives: for this size "minivan" I average about 19 city and 22 highway (actual). This is way better than my old pilot and most SUV and minivans on the market. I would average about 13/15 city on my old pilot. The drive and ride are smooth and it is enjoyable to drive. I like cruising down the road , even in eco. I am happy they added the eco button. It is nice to cut it off if you want a little power behind the wheel. Car has a decent get up and go. A little sluggish depending on how many bodies are in the car. Once the car is moving its nice and smooth and maintains its speed well. Like the interior materials and space in the 3rd row. Can definitely say its nice not to have to use the 3rd row for space since it has room in the trunk area. Most cars in this class have no trunk space and quickly become a 2 row car. Cons: the arm rest in the front do look flimsy. They feel dine but I miss the big bulky one in the middle. I feel smaller in this Pilot. I guess I was used to my big box because I feel a bit dainty in my new one. Not really a complaint. I do not like the touch screen. It is a bit confusing and I miss the volume knob. For the finger prints, I use a 8 inch screen protector. Works like a charm and I reduce the finger smudge imensley. Finally , the USB outlet placement is a litrue strange. Im not sure what Honda was thinking as far as functionality and usage. Overall, I love my pilot. I have had no issues. Very pleased with out quality purchase.

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  Needs improvement - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Joe - May 5 - 10:01 am

  Picked up my new EX-L on Saturday, by Monday the following negative traits were observed in the first fifty miles: Shudders at idle. The transmission and/or engine surges at cruising speed. Road noise is absolutely horrid at highway speeds. My eight-year-old F250 CC 4x4 is quieter. Ditto for handling. The body lean on curves and corners makes this vehicle feel like it is tipping. Even at low speeds. The aforementioned F250, with much greater height, weight, and ground clearance handles better. Suspension allows the front end to "dive" under just moderate braking. Positives: Brakes are excellent. Interior fit and finish are above average. Audio, though outdated no MP3 disc or USB.

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  Trashy Transmission - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Problem - May 4 - 4:36 pm

  Warning: Do not but Honda Pilot with V6 and auto tranny. My tranny went out after warranty went out. Even dealer told me that there was a problem with the Pilot and the V6 with auto tranny. A $2500 fix for me. I am a disabled veteran and live on a fixed income. Bought Pilot expecting to get about 250,000 miles out of it. What a joke. If you buy, plan on trading before power train warranty runs out. Do not end up with the same problem that I did. Warning. Do not buy Honda Pilot with V6 and auto tranny.