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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  belt noise revisited - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By pdoff - April 18 - 2:23 pm

  Still too early to report on gas mileage. Wrote partial review earlier about belt/pulley noise. Third time was a charm, dealership stepped up and replaced my Pilot. I picked out another EX-L off the lot and started fresh. Great customer service. Much nicer experience. Fun to drive? Come on its a nice sedate transporter. Hopefully this time it will be Honda quiet and reliable. Like a great minivan without all the room and stereotype.

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  Transmission Problems - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Disappointed - April 17 - 7:56 pm

  I would not recommend the Honda Pilot to anyone that intends on keeping the vehicle for a long time. My transmission went at 101,000 miles and the maintenance had always been done by the book. Looking at $2500 to replace transmission. Once repaired, I will make sure that it belongs to someone else within a few days. Will not buy another Honda. I have owned a couple of Honda Accords and they were good cars. The Pilot Sux. Wanted something bigger because I am a disabled veteran with leg injuries and needed the extra leg room. If you but a Pilot, you had better buy the triple super duper extended warranty with it, because you will have transmission problems.

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By CMB - April 17 - 6:52 pm

  I love my 2004 Honda Pilot. I have had it for 5 years and recommend it to all my friends. I drive 50 miles a day to and from work and it has a smooth ride and handles great even after having it almost 5 years. The DVD system is great and the fold away 3rd row seating is very convenient. It has a good amount of leg room, even in the 3rd row. It has been very reliable. The family enjoys traveling in it. My only complaint is that on the highway, it does have a fair amount of noticeable wind noise.

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  A Great SUV without the bulk - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mcm - April 17 - 3:00 pm

  We bought this is may of 2006 for 18k with 34k miles on it. I replaced the tires and brakes, along with fixing the rear a/c ($50) and 5 minutes of my time to install the new part. My wife primarily drives this car, and she has really enjoyed it. It has proved excellent in the snow here I despite being able to carry 8 people, this car is only slightly longer than my 98 Subaru wagon. We have taken many 1000 miles trips, and have been very impressed in the power and handling. On trips averaging 80-85 mph, we average a bit over 20 mpg which is outstanding considering the size and power. Even with all season tires, the awd does great, and the vcm lock is great for really slippery conditions.

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  Poor build quality - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By wnick - April 17 - 2:23 pm

  Bought a brand new 2008 Pilot EX in southern California in Feb 2008. A day later, replaced a defect door trim, and about 30 days later spotted many rusty parts underside the car. Some of them appear to be very rusty and must have started a while ago. Contacted both dealer and regional Honda office. They claimed that surface rusts are not covered by the warranty and declined to fix it. So before you decide to buy a Honda, it might be a very good idea to check out the underside paint carefully. We never expect this poor paint quality. We also have a 1999 Camry. Even today, it shows no underside rust at all.

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  New Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By gppatterson - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had many hondas. Accord, RSX, Integra; the Pilot is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Why anyone would pay the additional money for an MDX is beyond me. Hondas are normally quiet but this car takes it to a new level. My father has a GS400 Lexus and while the ride in the Pilot is different it feels just as luxurious and solid. Nice job Honda.

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  10 year old Honda Pilot...strong vehicle. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Chris Williamson - April 17 - 6:53 am

  Ive always wanted an SUV. Dreamt of driving a Ford Explorer. Then I came across this Honda Pilot at the dealerships used lot. It had one adult owner and meticulous records, taken in for oil changes, maintenance, and repair like clockwork. So it was in great condition and it showed. Ive now been driving it for a few months and I love it! It has 3 rows of seats in case I need to haul people, but those fold down to create a lot of cargo space if I need to haul equipment. Its a 2005 so of course I upgraded the stereo (had a tape player lol). The speakers are next. the starter went out as did the AC. The starter was a pain to fix but I did it myself. The AC I havent taken in yet. Hopefully it doesnt cost too much. Overall a great ride!

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  Great SUV ! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By kiko - April 15 - 10:49 pm

  This vehicle is awesome. I own a BMW X3 and the Pilot comfort ride is just as good. I enjoy the fuel economy it gives compared to other SUVs. Its roomy and the engine has a nice pick up. I have the EX-L and love the upgrades. I just cant get enough of my Honda Pilot. TRUST ME, I have a Toyota 4runner, BMW X3, Nissan 300z, along with a small list of cars but I just cant get enough of the pilot. I love my Honda. Its one of the BEST car buys that Ive made in my life !

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  Honda Pilot Rocks!!! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Rocks!!! - April 15 - 11:28 am

  At first I was nervous about driving an SUV. But when I got my Pilot and started driving it, I loved it. I wouldnt go back to driving a car for anything. Awesome drive, safe, roomy, and great in the winter snow, windows never fog up!!! This is the one of the best SUV out there must test drive.

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  Goodby Cadillac! Hello Honda Pilot! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By ed Karlander - April 14 - 12:45 pm

  I read plenty of reviews. So I will talk about the three negatives I read the most. Radio flat screen. I found easy to get use too operating. I have and android phone. So didnt take long to get used to using. Fingers prints I hate, so I will need cloth and light spray every few days. 2nd was power , Im not a bunch the gas and go sort of driver so I found the smooth acceralaration just great. Plus I keep on econo button. Looks like 20miles per gallon around town. Only owned a week. 3Rd is the arm rest. It is not bad. Does get in the way slightly when doing sharp turns. Im 6 3". Gets my elbow. Otherwise Im getting used to arm rest. The sensing feature seems good. Im too new to have an opinion one way or another about lane assist, automatic braking system and the cruise control feature. I did add back up sensors to vehicle. I wanted to hear as well as having a camera in case I came to close to an object. So far extremely pleased with vehicle and like sitting up high. Leather seats are great and. of space.