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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  Great SUV, but seats suck - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Gadget 1 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Design, room, ingress, egress, ergonomics, ride, noise, handeling, transmission, engine, power, torque, brakes, steering, off road performance, fit and finish, & DVD surround system, are all perfect. This car has a very simple and logical design.

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  2006 Honda Pilot AWD - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By ayian - December 8 - 12:27 am

  Extremely reliable, comfortable to drive with adequate hauling power. Gas mileage better than most comparable SUVs. Has plenty of room and great on long trips

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  Love the Pilot! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By JD - December 5 - 8:52 pm

  Ive had the Pilot EX for just over two years and its the perfect vehicle for a family with two kids and their stuff. Everyone who rides in the Pilot cant believe how smooth and quiet the ride is. The Pilot is also fast. I dont "get on it" that often but it really moves when it has to. I have 42K on the clock and its been super reliable. The size of this SUV can feel a little clunky around town and the highway ride is great.

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  Very Happy - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Rob - December 3 - 1:47 pm

  Purchased at the end of the model year and got about as good of a deal as you can get on a Pilot. Weve owned a few SUVs prior to the Pilot - all were more off-road capable, truck-based SUVs. Bottom line - the Pilot is perfect for us. The car-like handling, fuel consumption and responsiveness trump the abstract notion of off-road capabilities. This a family hauler. After comparing a lot of vehicles, the Pilot had more usable space than anything in its class. The interior is simple, but very nice. Hard to beat in the sub $35k class. Hard to justify additional $8k for MDX.

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  Honda-Quality SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Agostino A. - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Honfa finally has come through with a quality SUV. To me that means reliability, a car I cwill be able to depend on for years to come. And the ride, looks and comfort are also great. I like it so much I took a considerable loss to trade in my very satisfactory, but too-small, 2001 Subaru Forester.

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  Very good but not perfect. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bo - December 1 - 6:13 pm

  Primarily bought the Pilot because of top ratings and I was tired of Minivans and their poor resale value. Had for 7 months and 7,xxx miles. Ride, comfort (we do not regularly use the 3rd row), performance combined are top notch. Felt I negotiated a very good deal at years end - the whole "late in the month and late in the year" discounts and the fact that the dealership was trying to make the "Presidents Award" with sales volume helped. Performs well on regular gas, better on premium. This is a heavy (but nimble) SUV. The mileage numbers on your window sticker may appear larger that your actual mileage. Maybe its not broken in?

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  Solid performer - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By cbrunson1 - November 28 - 11:40 am

  Ive had my Pilot for 4 months and drive it mostly in town but took one extended 2,400 trip. Were very pleased so far. Weve found excellent build quality and reliability. Mileage has been good 18.7 in city and 24.8 on the highway (65+/-). Im 6-1 and drove 14 hours one day and rode in the backback seat for 10 hours another day. The front seats are very comfortable for extended periods and the backback seat was better than I thought it would be. My wife loves the shifter because it frees up the console area. Steering and engine are great, ride is good, and after getting a good EOY deal, it was $8k less than the Acadia/Enclave I shopped. My insurance premiums are less than my old Passport.

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  We love it!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Keith Moore - November 27 - 8:46 pm

  We traded our 03 Pilot EXL for an 06 EXL with DVD. The Pilot has definitely improved and we were extremely satisfied with our 03! More standard features now offered (sunroof, heated seats, 6 disc in-dash CD, etc.). The drive is better than ever and the improved interior cosmetic changes (dash light color - never liked the green!, leather surfaces, improved A/C vents, etc.) are welcomed changes, in my opinion. If you have/had any drving experiences with previous Pilots, youll definitely like the 06. Would still like to see memory seats, back glass windshield open separate from the tailgate, lighted steering wheel controls, and 17 inch wheels (still looks top heavy with 16s).

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  Glad I leased it - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By NicknMadison - November 27 - 8:15 am

  All in all this isnt a bad vehicle, just doesnt have a few of the things vehicles in this price range should have. Solid and great visibility but the kids much prefer the new Odyssey. We have given up on any American designed vehicle and the Big Three and are definately on our Never Buy list but Honda needs to step it up a bit for this vehicle. Basic items like auto door locks, auto headlights...and hey, where is the ipod jack? I leased this vehicle and will be glad to look at the redesigned in 2010.

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  I Love this car!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Felix Mendi - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I havent been so happy with a car in years. If you have kinds and hate the idea of a minivan. You owe to yourself to check out the Pilot. The third seat is perfect for kids. I just cant say enough about this car.