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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  2 Pilots for me! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By NC Pilot - August 1 - 12:43 pm

  I have just purchases my second Pilot in two years. Last year I purchased an 04 EX with cloth seats. While I was very pleased with it overall, I was a little dissapointed to find that they offered a sunroof on the 05 models. I purchased the 05 with a sunroof and rear entertainment system. I am thrilled with it. The upgrades are well worth it. There is no other SUV with the number of options anywhere near the price. We are anxious to see the changes for the 06.

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  Buyer Beware - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By nicholas - August 1 - 2:53 am

  My wife and I purchased our frist new car a 2004 Honda Pilot. At 19k miles, we had to have the block replaced due to a cracked block being installed at the factory. Now, Honda America is giving us the run around on the warranty...beware!

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  Pricy for a first year model - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MattaSA - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Pilot and enjoy it as a very nice to drive vehicle from a company with a superior reputation. My buying expierence was not good and I wound up paying almost $4,000 over MSRP. My wife fell in love with the vehicle and it is such a pleasure to drive. The expected long term resale value and reliability history are the major reasons we bought this vehicle. It seems very powerful and handles very well. We have only driven our Pilot 200 miles and have the same things to praise and complain about. The engine is very smooth and powerful. The vehicle drives and looks nice. It does look kind of plain and everything extra costs $$$$$.

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  What a nice surprise! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By PortlandPilot - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Test drove Explorer 2002 and a number of vans but could not feel committed to spending 25K+ on any of them. Then saw the reviews for Honda and gave local portland dealer a call and he had an EX-L in Sandstone metallic! I had driven Odyssey and also knew all good MDX was, and once I test drove the Pilot I was sold within a few minutes. I liked how centered and precise the steering was for an 8 person vehicle. The ride was smooth and the driver position excellent. The ergonomics are nearly perfect and overall looks like a well thought out vehicle. Very satisfied but still miss the acceleration of my I30 and the BOSE. sigh....

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  Annoying Rattles and wind noise - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By 1SmoothTE - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Let me first say that Hondas rock, however I should have known better to buy a 1st year Vehicle. We have a annoying rattle coming from the passenger front window as well as something rattling in the passenger side dashboard. It is going into the shop in 2 weeks. Gas mileage is okay and the 240 horsepower is nice, but the 03 Accord has the very same enginge! Why would you put the same engine in your SUV? It should have a 280+ HP enginve. Just my .02!

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  Awesome all around suv at a great price! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By MEL V. - July 29 - 2:03 pm

  I bought this for twins that have just arrived and i love this car! It is roomy with nice style although i liked the way the lexus rx330 looked a little better. However, the pilot blew it away with the extra room and all the great options(dvd system, running boards, etc.) For the same price. Highly recommend!!

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  Best of all worlds but the wind noise! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Tina V - July 27 - 8:06 pm

  Having had nothing but constant mechanical troubles with a 2000 Suburban but being spoiled by all the cargo capacity, we werent sure what we would buy. We were surprised by how much we could manipulate the storage with the 60/40 split folds. First road trip was comfortable and we love the car. Did get the sunroof and we are experiencing terrible wind noise though. Not sure what thats about but its not deterring from the great drive and handling of this car. Since its a Honda I have no worries about dependability. No more GM for us.

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  Rear differential leaking oil after 176 miles - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Patrick - July 27 - 1:02 pm

  Buyers beware: Purchased AWD EX-L model two weeks ago. Noticed oil on garage floor. Oil leaking from rear differential (AWD model). Vehicle is at dealership and service department is contacting Honda. Was happy with the overall performance / ride of the 2016 pilot but reliability is most important to me. Very disappointed.

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  Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mhanfland - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. I would purchase again. Honda really found a good niche with this SUV

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  Not What I Paid For - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Stephanie - July 26 - 3:04 am

  I bought the 2016 Elite in December and right off we had transmission problems. Lots of jerking at low speeds. The dealer flushed the transmission and that went away...for right now. My idle stop stopped working also and dealer said it was fixed..2 days later it stopped working. A week after the idle stop was "fixed" my check engine light comes on. Dealer said it was probably just a loose gas cap. They obviously dont know a thing about their vehicles. The pilot doesnt come with a gas cap. So, now the dealer has it for idle stop not working, engine light, remote start-sometimes it will start, sometimes it wont. If it does remote start then the seat warmers dont work. You have to shut the engine off and restart then they will work. Ive owned 4 other Pilots and Ive never had a problem. I will be contacting Honda Corporation today. Hopefully this will be resolved.