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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  Used to love but no more - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By sandy2001 - February 18 - 1:04 pm

  Brought my 2007 Pilot brand new. Now February 2013 with only 64,000 my spark plugs are gone and coil burned. The dealer told me it will cost $4500 to fix. I am very disappointed and upset with Honda. The technician told me they dont check spark plugs until 100,000 miles. So I would have no way on knowing that there is a problem. It give no warning. I was sitting at the traffic light when the Pilot starting shaking and making a noise as I drove off. I had to pull into a shopping center and have it towed to the dealer because I could not drive it. I have owned 4 Hondas but I think this will be my last.

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  Best SUV out there - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By ssmith000 - February 15 - 6:34 pm

  Looked at several different SUVs including the Volvo XC90. The Volvo XC90s ride was too rigid and the design was very outdated. Also, not a lot of space. Saw the Honda Pilot at a local auto show and fell in love. Had all of the features you could ask for. Not to mention the Hondas reputation of being very reliable. The Pilot does not feel like a large SUV when driving, but the cabin space is huge! Plenty of room for 8 adults with plenty of storage. Took it on a long distance trip that was about 7 hours and was completely satisfied with the comfort and drive. Love the navigation, rear entertainment system, backup camera and hands free bluetooth. Overall a great vehicle.

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  Still deciding - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By 7669 - February 11 - 2:38 pm

  I just purchased a 2011 Pilot EX-L with navigation (FWD). It has 19, 000 miles on it. I admit the gas mileage is disappointing, especially considering it does not have 4WD. I am still getting about 20 mpg on the highway, around 15 in town. I agree that the interior appears cheaply made but will withhold judgment until I see how it holds up. I am wondering if anyone else has experience with the FWD model? I live in a snowy area, but in the six years I owned my first pilot, did not once use the 4WD option. Hoping that the traction control and good snow tires will keep me going. One day after I bought the pilot we had a pretty significant snow storm and had no problems...

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  Not what was advertised. - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By ckevc - January 19 - 4:59 pm

  The 2011 Pilot we purchased was advertised as habing 22 mpg on the hhighway and 18 in the city which we considered good for a SUV this size. We wer disappointed to find out that the car receives 18 highway and 15 in the city. We have also discovered that the tires need replacing after only 2 years and 28,000 miles. When I asked if theis was normal the dealer said it could be. Again, we were disappointed to find out the tires had no warranty from either the car or tire manufacturer. We have had to bring the cr n for 4 recall checks which seems rather high. Overall, a nice car but not worth the money and less than advertised.

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  Traded 2wd touring for 4wd touring - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By marias - January 18 - 6:03 pm

  Traded my 2011 2wd touring for a 2013 4wd. Just paying $25/month more on 36 month lease. (Now its $525/mo) I like the 4wd model much better. 2wd tends to spin front wheels on acceleration and pulls hard to right from stop. Like the 4wd much better, plus it can tow 2x more.

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  Cheap Air Conditioner - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By anthonysch - January 9 - 4:49 pm

  I bought my Pilot in 04 and it has been mechanically reliable and comfortable with the exception of the AC. After 45k the compressor went out and I was quoted 1500 dollars for the repair. I also had another Honda with the same problem. The dealership was willing to give me a small break on the repair, no doubt because they are fully aware of the problem. I have 200k on my Camry and the air works great. Honda, please upgrade your cheap ACs.

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  Moving from 2010 Touring AWD w/DVD/RES to 2013 - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By assassin11b3p - January 4 - 2:37 pm

  What I love about this vehicle (2010), is how it works so damned good in the real world. As mentioned in the article, its boxy shape means large items go in without any worries, unlike the RX330 we traded-up from and all of its slopes. Its third row accommodates even my large body (5-10, 235lbs), and 8 people can travel in comfort. The fuel mileage is excellent too- nearly showing 25mpg on a week-long trip a couple years ago, and needing only about 2 tanks of gas to travel from TN to MS and then AL, and back, with a lot of driving in between (and on regular fuel), really impressed me. No, it doesnt have Suburban-class towing, but I dont need that. And its not a large vehicle!

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  Another solid Pilot - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By strokeoluck2 - December 26 - 6:39 pm

  We trade our 08 Ex-L in on a 13 Touring model. So far, we love it. Its very smooth and comfortable on the road. Weve not experienced any of the "chugging" sensation when in cruise mode, as others described on the 12s. And I really dont understand why people complain about the Pilots acceleration - its MORE than adequate for soccer moms. I have a 330 HP BMW sports car, and I can tell you I am VERY pleased with the acceleration of the Pilot. Only drawback so far has been the navigation system. Its ok once you get used to it, but its not real intuitive. It would also be nice to have remote start (not on a $40k car?!), but thats a bit nit-picky. Overall, another solid Pilot.

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  Nice car but due for an update - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By bebo2014 - December 24 - 7:42 pm

  This is my second Honda Pilot. Honda is very well known for producing reliable vehicles. This Pilot is no exception. Very roomy from inside. Smooth drive on highways. Acceleration is sluggish. You also feel like driving a truck rather than an SUV. I used to own a Murano before my new pilot, which was more fun to drive. I like the boxy exterior which makes it more unique than current SUVs in the market today. Seats are comfortable. Excellent sound for the Touring although does not carry a brand sound system like the majority of other SUVs. I am getting about 24 MPG on highways but about 14 to 15 MPG in the city.

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  2011 Honda Pilot EX AWD - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By ron84 - December 21 - 5:40 pm

  I have owned my Pilot EX for two years (bought it new) and have approximately 50,000 miles on it. Absolutely no problems and it has performed as expected. It has plenty of power and is very comfortable. It handles very well and is easy to drive. It does very well in snow (better than my old Subaru). It is a perfect family vacation vehicle. It seats 8 and has plenty of leg room in both the second and third rows. All seats are comfortable but it seems to be slightly lacking in knee space in the drivers seat. You cant go wrong with a Honda Pilot. There are fancier SUVs out there but when all things are considered, you cant beat a Honda.