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:

• 

  Solid Vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By T-Man - October 27 - 6:03 pm

  This is my fourth Honda, and they have been great. Nice powerful engine, smooth ride, easy ergonomics, good feel to the vehicle. Lots of room for my kids and Labrador (who can watch movies in the back). Nice ride.

• 

  My Best Car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Bob G - October 25 - 7:58 am

  My 2006 Honda Pilot was my first SUV. It is also the first vehicle I have owned that never required a visit to the dealer or repair shop. It was perfect from the day I started the engine. I have owned GM and Chrysler products in the past, so have a pretty good basis of comparison. A Honda will be my next choice.

• 

  Happy Honda motoring - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By RCM - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Overall, we are very happy with our purchase. A couple of things that I have noticed, as have other Pilot owners, are that the leather on the seats tends to get unattractive wrinkles in it quite easily and the paint seems to scratch/chip quite easily. The Pilot is a solid vehicle which provides the room and seating capacity of a van and the versatility of 4WD. On a trip to Colorado right after our purchase, the DVD entertainment system was worth its weight in gold with our two young children riding in the back. We averaged in the low 20s for mileage.

• 

  Too Much for the Money - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Polk - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Just returned from long road trip to Disney and the Pilot made it bearable. DVD is awesome with 1 and 6 yr. old. Gas mileage is okay but performance and room is unbelievable - at least for $33k. I am 61, 220 and I immediately astounded at the amount of lateral room. Arguably the best third rower out there that will fit comfortably in garage without killing you at the pump.

• 

  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Owner - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Traded in 99 explorer for the Pilot. No comparism in most areas that matter. Gas mileage is around 18 mpg in the city. I do hear the gas sloshing when I brake to a complete stop. I did buy the Pilot for reliability and overall performance and find both to be more than adaquate. I would at least test drive one and compare for yourself if you have the opportunity.

• 

  minivan converter - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By willki - October 18 - 10:26 pm

  I am a former minivan driver (toyota sienna) and loved my minivan, but wanted AWD. I have three little boys and was worried about switching to an suv, but I absolutely love, love, love, this pilot. My kids fit easily in the three rows, and love the dvd. It drives live a dream and is a beautiful car.

• 

  Love this thing! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Skeeter919 - October 17 - 3:33 am

  The family is soon to grow again so we decided to swap out the 03 CRV. While the mileage suffered (not surprisingly), were so happy with our decision to go with the Pilot. Its a blast to drive and has so many handy little features that we didnt realize we were missing out on. Incredibly solid on the road -- feels very substantial without feeling just plain BIG. Were just hoping this thing performs as well in snow as the CRV did (Ive read less than stellar reviews on the Goodyear Integrity tires that come on the Pilot). So far, we love it.

• 

  Wife Loves her Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By ASW - October 16 - 3:45 pm

  Admittedly I dont drive this vehicle much, but often enough. My wife uses this car as her everyday car and she loves it! We are expecting a baby in early 2008 and are looking forward to having a safe and reliable car to transport our new one around in.

• 

  Honda Pilot 2005 EX - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Sue Fulmer - October 15 - 7:53 pm

  We owned a 2003 and have a 2005 Honda Pilot. We originally bought the 2003 LX because that was all the dealer had. The 2005 EX has more interior refinement re A/C and audio. We love both cars. We upgraded because of the great deal we got from the dealer.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Robert Rodden - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I tested every SUV in its class (Highlander, 4 Runner, Envoy, Rendevous) and the Pilot was the superior value. It is a great vehicle. Everyone that rides in it comments on how smooth and comfortable it is.