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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  So far so good........ - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By fukengroovin - August 21 - 10:22 am

  I bought my 2004 Pilot EX-L in Dec 2008 with 52,900 miles. Im now at 110,300 miles. I am a DIY mechanic and have done all the scheduled maintenance myself. The 17 city and 22 hwy fuel ratings are not accurate. Best highway was 21 and routinely get 18-19mpg in mixed driving at high altitude in Colorado and Wyoming. When I lived in Southern California, I routinely got 15-16mpg in mixed driving and a highway best of 19. So fuel quality and altitude definitely effect fuel economy. Ive replaced motor mounts, spark plugs, shocks/struts, timing belt, and valve adjustments. Overall a great vehicle with no transmission problems.

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  I love my Pilot, even at 187,000 miles! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By hampton6410 - August 20 - 11:15 am

  We bought our Pilot used in 2009 and now even at 187,000 miles it still drives just as good. We have not had any major issues and only do the Honda recommended maintenance. We do change the oil at 3000 mile intervals, not 5,000. The Pilot has been a great car overall. The only thing that I wish was better was the gas mileage. We have also owned two CRVs and currently own a 2005 Accord, and all have been great. We have had no major issues even with our 2003 CRV with 197,000 miles that we just traded in on the Accord.

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  3rd Pilot, and loving it - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By audi40 - August 19 - 8:08 am

  Having owned both03 and 07 Pilot EXLs, my wife thought she wanted something "more luxurious" this time around. Took an Infiniti JX for a day-long test drive and was "luke warm" to it. Then drove an MDX which we both thought she would end up with - while she really liked the looks and handling, she didnt like that it lacked the interior space and storage of her previous Pilots (also didnt like the big swath of fake wood trim accross the dash). Last stop was to test drive a Pilot Touring model and purchased it that same day. Loved all the features in the Touring model and for 10% off MSRP, couldnt beat the value. 2 months and 1,500+ miles later, no problems and loving the new Pilot!

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  practical SUV for practical person - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By hafasa - August 18 - 3:39 pm

  Had my pilot for 2 years, excellent family SUV. very comfortable on long trips. no major issues. had 2 minor issues one with the side decoration in the back kept coming loose dealer ship replaced them, the other issue was with the AC ventilation system distribution motor stopped working and had to replace the motor which also covered by the warranty. My main concern about this vehicle is the braking stopping distance way to long and it become obvious after driving different SUVs or cars.

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  first pilot ongoing updates - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By twowhldoug1 - August 15 - 3:45 pm

  Well.my wife has 3,6500miles on the pilot already and it has averaged 21.6 MPG.Not bad for its size.She is very happy with it and the only thing she is missing from her many Nissans is the inteligent key system.We are leaving soon to go to N.J.(we live in Chattanooga Tn) for a wedding.I guess we will really get to know the pilot on this trip.Instead of taking a pack of audio CDs to feed the bose I am carrying one jump drive.It has 665 songs on it.She has already gotten a flat tire but the tire warning system did its job and she knew before there was a danger.Myself I think it is a little sluggish but you cant have everything.Will update again after return.Should be about 3,000 mile trip

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  AC Problem - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By malayshah - August 7 - 3:19 pm

  This is first summer for this car and I notice when AC in on and car is not moving there is some kind of moaning loud noise coming from the engine. I took my car to the dealer from where I purchased this vehicle. I was informed that Honda Motors is aware about this issue in 2012 Pilot. Till the date Honda Motors did not solve this problem. Please make a note that the noise is very loud when AC is on and car is not moving. This noise is very annoying. This loud noise giving me migraine every day. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE UNTIL HONDA SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.

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  Great SUV - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By wjallen101 - August 3 - 7:22 am

  I use SUV lightly because the Pilot is built on the Odyssey platform. That said, the Pilot is great. My choice was between the Grand Cherokee and Pilot. Before the test drive I was leaning towards the Cherokee. The Cherokee was clearly "more fun" to drive. But I determined that I didnt agree with the negative reviews about the Pilot and its sluggish acceleration. The drive was still fun and acceleration more than enough. Overall, the Pilot made more sense for my family and I. The 4WD is really an AWD. But I dont do off-roading. I only wanted a SUV that we could take to the mountains under all weather conditions. Therefore the build, size, mpg, storage and tech features were perfect.

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  Road trip - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By mcallen1309 - August 2 - 8:02 pm

  Just got back from a 4100 mile road trip through 5 states with 3 kids my wife and I. The Pilot was roomy enough and handled very well. I was impressed having owned suburbans and excursions before. Gas mileage was good. I dont like the way audio controls are set up and that you cant dim the dashboard lights at night, Honda should change these things. The seats were uncomfortable after 10 hours of driving but I dont know many seats that would be. But if something can be done ,please change it. Great overall.

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  Vibration in steering when driving low speedand steering same time (walking speed, like parking) - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By chris_puente - June 18 - 11:07 am

  We got the Honda Pilot 2011, since it was the best option for us in the market. I have this SUV already a year and so far I have only one issue/ concern with it. I brought the car to the Honda Dealer for schedule oil change. I made them clear that I feel vibrations and noise coming from the steering wheel during parking of the car ( you have the steer for parking) or when driving out, all this vibrations are very noticeable at low speed. I did a drive with the mechanical specialist from Honda where he said that this is the first time he got that vibrations. I request to do comparison with another pilot, same year, and till today I am waiting for their feedback. issue with hydraulic oil?

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  First Pilot,used to have Nissan - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By twowhldoug - June 12 - 3:54 pm

  Well we just bought a 2012 pilot.We traded in a 2010 Nissan Rogue(58,000miles).We wanted a little bigger car(2 grand kids)but the Pathfinder needs premium fuel.We decided to try a honda.We know going in the fuel milage will be not so good.Hoping for the honda reliability(the sun roof will not close properly)on the first day.And it started raining.Got it to close.The blue tooth paired with wifes phone effortlessly.WE will be putting more than 30,000miles on it the first year,so I will keep posting updates on how we like it and how it is doing.