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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  Quality over aesthetics - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By welshguy - January 19 - 12:12 pm

  With 4 months and 3,000 miles now logged I feel I can offer some insight. With the Honda nameplate you obviously are getting a quality vehicle. Im planning on getting 10 years/110,000 miles out of it and then handing down to my son in elementary school for college use. I did lots of research beforehand and wanted the optional 3rd row w/out having a huge vehicle. Bingo! My colleagues piled in for a trip with the 6 1" guy choosing to sit in the way back. He said he was comfortable...but he didnt look it. They all commented on how much bigger it looked and felt inside than what they thought it would be. I upgraded from a Jeep Gr. Cherokee, and this is hands-down far superior.

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  OWNERS OPINION - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MIKE GREGORY - January 19 - 2:00 am

  PERFECT CAR FOR ME ,HOWEVER TH WORST RADIO SYSTEM I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY 57 YRS ON EARTH

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  Our pilot saved my wifes life!!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Tom Helliwell - January 17 - 1:50 pm

  On Feb. 07 2005 my wife was in a devastating freeway accident, the Pilot was totalled, she walked away with only a sprained wrist and minor abrasions, she is emotionally scarred but will recover. I thank God and our Honda Pilot for saving her life,in March 2005 we bought another Pilot, what more can I say, its a great vehicle, buy one.

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  Love My Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Catt327 - January 17 - 6:06 am

  I drove a Honda CRV for 4 years and while I really enjoyed it I love love love my Pilot. With two teenagers and a big dog we have plenty of room for everyone. The kids really enjoy the rear entertainment system and as a mom I really enjoy the wireless headphones. The luxury of my leather seats make me feel like I am sitting on a cloud. Living in the Northeast this vehicle proved itself to handle wonderfully in the rough winter weather. It drives smooth and silently every time. So did I mention that I love my Pilot.

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  Love my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mac Daddy - January 14 - 2:00 am

  One of the greatest cars in the world GOOD EVERY THING worth the $. Better than the Ford Explorer.

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  A+ for the Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Daisy - January 11 - 1:40 pm

  The Pilot is a great SUV - fun to drive, pretty good gas mileage for a car this size, and features that are very easy to use. Also very comfortable to drive. You also make friends instantly - other people driving Pilots tend to wave at you.

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  Versatile Family Mover - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By golfer1 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I own both 2003 Pilot and MDX. While Pilot is bulkier in size and handling it is also a softer ride and has superior ergodynamics. MPG is a bit disappointing especially when your loaded up on those ski trips but it has plenty of get up and go. Ive had tough time selling mine and trade in is tough with dealers(I was given MDX as part of new job).

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  Poor Mileage - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gam14 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The good: Handles well; Fun, smooth drive; Good performance and seating options. The bad: Terrible mileage! My Pilot averages 14 mpg city/17 mpg hwy. Dealer explains my cruddy mileage as being the result of "vehicle to vehicle variance". Consumer beware! Another problem is that the driver is unable to control unwanted backseat air conditioning. Finally, leather used in seating stretches and makes new seats look old and worn.

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  Good, but... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JLarry - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Owner’s man needs to correct grammar & errors like use dishwash det to wash car & failure to note only elec spray to clean clear plastic. Manual should say replace fuel vapor canister every 50K mi & gas tank not go below 1/4 so no overheat. Needs: timing chain rather than timing belt, split tailgate design, tailgate window to roll up/down, rear seats to adjust & recline, telescoping steering wheel, 42V elec sys, sun roof, compass where outside temp is, 7 yr/100K war, frt & rear side air curtains, color- match metal door-edge guards & elec tire pres monitor sys like Corvette has & govt will mandate soon.

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  suv that drives like a car - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By lulu367 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  best suv on the maket for safety and fuel economy and fun to drive, feels like a car not a suv. Its not if 4wd all the time so you save on gas.