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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  120000 miles now. - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By david A - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this SUV on 08/01/2002, based on reviews from the internet. This is my first Honda. Im a Sales Engineer and travel appx. 60,000/yr. The Honda has 125,000 miles. In terms of standard maintenance (oil, trans, tires, timing belt, etc.), over the two year period, I have spent $5361.45. This is slightly more that my 2WD Pathfinder. The difference between the Pilot and the Pathfinder is the maintenance required for the AWD. I have had NO BREAKDOWNS. Despite the mileage, I feel very confident driving this SUV

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  Owned my Honda Pilot Touring for 33 days - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Shawna - March 5 - 3:29 am

  I purchased a 2016 Pilot Touring after my 2014 Pilot Touring had electrical problems. It was the worst decision that I have made. After 33 days, while backing out of my garage, I noticed a large puddle of fluid and drops leading out of the garage. I took the vehicle to the dealer the next day. On my way to the dealer, the transmission started slipping and there was a squealing noise. I was terrified, and knew that it was the transmission. After 2 hours at the dealer, they determined that it was the transmission, and that they would need to order a part. It would take 3-4 days to get the part and fix the car. Yes, FIX THE CAR, that I had owned for 33 days, and had paid $45,000 for. I told them that I did not want the car, and that they needed to give me my money back. They offered $39,500. So, I was going to be out $5,500 for a defective vehicle. I demanded to speak with the manager. After nearly 6 hours at the dealer, with my two kids, the manager offered $44,000. In total I was out $1,300, but was too tired to fight. Chalk it up to lesson learned. I now have no car, a stained garage, am out $1,300 and have to start the car shopping process again. Shame on you Honda.

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  The perfect all-around vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By HondaPittsburgh - March 4 - 3:00 pm

  Bought in 2006. Drove I-90 from Erie to Buffalo for 15 months. With Michelin snow tires never got stuck, never had to slow down much in the winter. Ive had 8 adults in it comfortably and 5 of us on vacation. Hauls people and their stuff. Great seat flexibility. Incredibly comfortable highway car. Consistently gets 20MPG. Havent spent a dime of unexpected maintenance in 48000 miles. Road noise issue goes away once you replace the Bridgestone Duelers. Feels incredibly safe. Feels a bit big at first but easy to get use to. If I could only own one vehicle - and it had to do everything - this would be it.

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  Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Lee - March 4 - 5:20 am

  Best test drive I have ever had. This SUV drives nice and tight, closest feeling to car that I have found in an SUV. The gas mileage seems to be improving as I break the motor in more. Wish I went for the leather, but other than that, no regrets yet. I would buy one again.

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  Dont Think Twice, Its All Right - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By FBK - March 3 - 8:16 am

  My end of my lease is nearing. I am unbelievably letting go of my 04 Pilot w/Nav. A tremendous performer on wet, ice, snow, and the occasional stretches of smooth pavement I manage to come across. Reliable to a fault. Predictable and reasonable gas mileage. A great performer on the long haul. More usable space than anything else in its class. Carries an overwhelming amount of cargo. Nothing ever broke. Not even the smallest thing. m replacing it with the 08 Pilot. A no brainer.

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  First SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By NoMoreMinivan - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Handles nicely, comfortable, and its even good on gas. My wife (a lead foot) loves the performance. The seating is nice, but only the drivers side is powered. The center console in the front is nifty as can be with cell phone holder and extra outlet so you dont have wires everywhere. Paid 1K UNDER sticker.

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  Pilot of your dreams ?? May be May be not. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Kumar - February 29 - 2:30 pm

  This is a good solid car and good value for the money. However the infotainment is not very intuitive and user friendly. The acceleration is ok but in the ECO mode is very feeble. Merging on to oncoming traffic in ECO mode is not pleasant. The interior on the EX-L with RES is well done. The ride quality is very good. Over all we like the car.

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  Safe, reliable, and oh so sweet! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By joeyjoejoe - February 26 - 4:37 pm

  We have been driving our new VP AWD Pilot for almost a month now and absolutely love it! We decided to take the plunge because of the horrible weather weve been having in the MidWest and we also plan to start a family soon. Ive owned many Hondas, so owning a Pilot was always a goal of mine. I have to say that it has delivered up to my expectations hands- down. We plan to add a few extras like a towing package, all season floor mats, and a remote starter in the near future. We only went with the base VP model without all the bells and whistles and everyone still compliments on how nice and luxurious it looks. We were comparing the Pilot to many other SUVs and it easily beat them out.

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  Expensive for a little above average - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John H. - February 25 - 8:03 pm

  First off before buying a Pilot Elite beware of the following. The Navigation voice activation is useless. After dozens of attempts to utilize voice activation, I have resigned myself to the fact that it just doesnt work at all. I thought that Garmin would have been good, I was mistaken. I t hought the Elite had everything, including dual exhaust, wrong...the CRV does...but not the vehicle that costs 15 grand more. The adaptive cruise control will freak you out when someone enters the lane in front of you in the protected zone. It will panic brake, and thus panic YOU. Again it is useless unless the road is totally clear. I have had issues with the liftgate opening only to immediately close again to clock me in the noggin. In auto headlight mode, the high beams come on automatically when it feels like it. I am not one to use high beams that often. I have owned many different makes of vehicles, and never had as many issues as I have had with this Honda Pilot. Dont make the same mistake steer clear, without the lane keep assist.

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  Awesome Baby - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Glenn - February 25 - 3:23 pm

  I had a 1982 Accord Hatchback and then I have owned Mazdas for about the last 15 years, (626s x 2), and just traded in my MPV for Pilot EX w/ leather/Nav. ( Paid a little over invoice ) What an unbelievable difference! In the words of Dick Vitale - its "Awesome Baby". Why did I ever switch to Mazdas? The Pilots overall quality, handling, and style is superb. With 3 kids, 11, 8, and a 2 year old in a car seat, there is still plenty of room for everyone. Ill probably miss the sliding doors of a minivan for mere convienence, but such is life. Now my wife wants to trade in her Jeep Grand Cherokee for a Pilot. I got mine first. Nana nana na na :)