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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  2006 Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Dave T. - June 1 - 12:18 pm

  My 1st SUV and probably last since I am a "car-guy", but needed this for family reasons for a few years. The airflow over the front fascia is such that every insect within 5 miles will splatter on your windshield. Ive had more splats on my windshield in the past 10 months than Ive had in 30+ years of driving. Windex, scouring pads and I have become very close!

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  Used to like my Pilot but now.... - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By ckshubin - June 1 - 10:48 am

  Initially I loved this car and was glad I bought Honda for longetivity and reliability. For the first 2 months of ownership I drove rental cars. Electrical problems galore. 2 1/2 years old and still weird electrical problems keep popping up. Interior rattles galore! Clunk in drivers seat. Have to update Nav DVD to current one or it wont work after awhile. Sounds like a bucket of bolts driving down the road. Seats hard and uncomfortable. Road noise is loud. Will be surprised it doesnt fall apart before the warranty expires. Will not be keeping long term like we do our other cars (10+ years). Am looking for a new car now to replace this Pilot.

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  No Headroom - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Greg - May 29 - 8:24 pm

  I test drove the 2016 pilot lx awd. There is no headroom for someone 61" or taller. The EX has power front seats but even then you find yourself looking at the visor. I have a 2014 CR-V and I can see the sky. Both have decent headroom the problem is the design of the 2016 Pilot leaves you looking right at the visor. Wow, and I wanted to buy one. It is a problem they decided to overlook. I guess I am leaving Honda because I want and need (towing) the midsize suv.

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  Very nice and smooth! - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By John Douglas - May 29 - 11:14 am

  Very roomy inside, third row seating was the best we found when compared to other SUVs in the same class (except maybe the VW Atlas, that was very good too). Even the EX trim model came with a lot of nice features. Gives a super smooth ride! Opted not to step up to a higher trim and get the sunroof because it was noisy anyway. We wanted an AWD but found that is hard to get in So Cal because manufacturers do not think divers in So Cal need that, so not many are sent there.\, had to settle for a 2WD.

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  Great mileage for an outstanding SUV - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Jason - May 28 - 6:15 pm

  With 1K miles on it now, Im positive I made the right decision getting the Pilot. Im not sure why all the negative posts about mileage. Its an SUV folks. They all get poor mileage but the Pilot is amoung the best in class. On a 450 mile trip, I averaged 22.9 mpg cruising at 70 mph. My old Grand Cherokee wouldnt even come close with its antiquated inline 6. I bought this with gas prices over $3 per gallon knowing full well it wasnt going to be cheap to run. For those wanting better mileage, get a Civic. We were only considering Subaru / Toyota / Honda SUVs when we were shopping. The Honda had the best combination of features vs. price point.

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  Best Value for the Money - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mike Hunt - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a 2004 EXL in Sagebrush in So. Cal. for around $29,900 by shopping on the internet. Lots of sleazebag dealers on the internet just trying to get you into their dealership with phony prices, but finally found a dealer that sold one at a fair price. Its a great car that replaces my 1996 Odyssey. All my hondas have lasted over 120k miles with no major repairs, and I expect no less from this one. The kids love it, and it really rides well. Tested the Acura MDX, which is esentially the same platform, but it wasnt worth the incremental $10k.

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  The best SUV I have ever owned - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Kari - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I researched Chevy, Ford, Toyota, Dodge and Honda to find the best SUV for our 7 person family. Our children range from 6 - 18 and the driveability, comfort, visability, handling were awesome. I drove each of them hard and the Honda Pilot out did them all. In fact 3 of my friends have since bought new Pilots as well!! Honda left no stone unturned when they made this SUV down to the dipping sauce holders!! Finally a SUV that understands and knows what mom want!!

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  Pilot Owner - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By BFab - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the Pilot last month, at this point it has surpassed ever our expectations. The comfort, handling, room and creature comforts are worth the price. We test drove and researched all competitors within the category and the Pilot surpassed all of them. Rear seat room has been expanded with the sliding second row benchseat. All is all, we would purchase it again.

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  Best Honda Vehicle Yet - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By aadle - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I own a 1999 Honda Accord Coupe and just purchased the 2004 Pilot. The first thing I noticed i nthe Pilot was a prettier interior than most Hondas as well as better, more durable leather. The drive is great, enough power to pass as well as the smooth suspension. I rate the Honda Pilot above the Explorer and 4Runner based on value and comfort. The Pilot is very roomy and is maore spacious than the Toyota 4Runner & Sequoia as well as the Explorer. This is a keeper.

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  Not impressed - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Michele - May 28 - 7:26 am

  Poor service. My 2016 Pilot is in for the 3rd time due to a poor seal on the rear hatch allowing water in the vehicle when I go through a touch free car wash, the top roof rail blows off in car washes and the drivers window rattles. The 3rd time in to get fixed and they offer me a comparable loaner (a bottom of the line KIA minivan). I called Honda corporate to complain about the issues with Pilot, the service and the loaner only to be told that I was lucky to get a loaner as Honda usually only covers parts and service for their warranty work. I have bought a lot of Hondas but this will be the last. If you cannot go through a car wash without the inside of the vehicle getting soaked and the poor service that goes along with it. Overpriced! Not impressed with the quality of this Pilot or of the service. My Pilot has now been to the shop more times than I can count. They finally fixed the water getting inside during the car wash. It is in the shop for the 5th time for the top rails coming off and has been in the shop 3 times for laud noises when i hit the brakes. The drivers window still rattles. Biggest mistake I have ever made. I miss Honda quality.