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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  White Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Dadbo - May 21 - 5:09 pm

  We are Honda family and the Pilot is my 4th. I purchased it for towing my 3500 lbs boat and it does a great job. The height and width of the vehicle is great larger than I expected. If I can keep it on "ECO" it will do fine.

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  My Honda Pilot Experience - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Tad Deuel - May 21 - 2:16 am

  I was in the market for a mid-sized SUV and shopped online for either a Toyota Highlander or a Honda Pilot. I had purchased my Honda CR-V EX from Carbone Honda of Bennington, VT the last time I shopped for a vehicle and after a lot of online comparisons from multiple dealerships, I decided to try Carbone Honda in Bennington once again because I knew they were also a Toyota dealership so I could make side-by-side comparisons of the two vehicles. My salesperson, Rob Albreada was superb in describing the pros and cons of both vehicles. Because the Pilots interior was slightly larger than the Highlander (Rob actually measured both interiors with the rear seats folded down), I knew the reliability of Honda products, and the overall look and feel of the vehicle, I decided to purchase the Pilot. I have had two lengthy trips in the Pilot since buying it and have been extremely happy to have made the choice I did. The Pilot boasts of 18-26 with an average of 21 mpg but on each trip with the ECO Boost engaged I actually got 28.9 mpg. The Honda Lane Watch (passenger side camera) when passing vehicles makes it much safer to know its ok to pull back into the main traffic lane. The same goes for backing up in reverse with the rear camera. Overall, this was the right choice for me.

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  Excellent Mid-Sized SUV with Honda Reliability - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Jeff Graham - May 18 - 10:24 am

  This is a great SUV. We couldnt be happier with all aspects of this vehicle. I have only three issues, that if resolved would make this almost a perfect score. The quality of the plastic used on the interior needs improvement. It scratches very easily and just light use will leave scratches throughout. In order to use the spare tire, you have to almost empty the area behind the rear seats so that you may access the rear storage compartment and crank the spare down (it is stored underneath on the exterior). Finally, the vehicle is only rated to tow 2,000 lbs. This is due, in large part, to the unibody construction and front wheel drive. You can get a 4,000 lb capacity with the full-time 4WD.

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  Traded my Hybrid Civic - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Bud DeLay - May 17 - 8:38 pm

  I loved the mileage on my hybrid but I was having a hard time getting in and out and we travel alot now and needed more room. Only 2 tanks of gas through it so far, first tank combined was 20 mpg. The 2nd tank was all city and was a little over 15 mpg. I averaged over 40 with my hybrid. I love the room and the ride. Mileage is much better then the 2002 Dodge Ram 4 door pickup (6/14) I traded for the hybrid. It is quiter than the Civic and much easier to get in and out of. I feel safer driving it. I did not want 4 WD and the VCM helps with the milage. I have owned a lot of vehicals in my 60 plus years and this one is right up there with the best I have owned. Thank you Honda.

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  Pilot - Big Win for Honda !! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By GRFPilot - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Amazing how much room has ben engineered into the cabin. Very spacious and comfortable design. Ride quality is excellent, 4WD performed very well during winterstorms. Fuel mileage is excellent, with regular fuel! Has won so many awards most notably from Consumer Reports 2 years running.

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  plastic honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By robert morris - May 16 - 2:00 am

  you never know about a vehicle until you wash it. the plastic in a tide bottle seems of a better quailty than the product on the front of our honda.before you buy look under the front the plastic under the engine doesnt completly extend all the way across leaving two small holes on either side. honda wouldnt admit it seemed to be a error. sloppy for a honda. they have learned how to make less look like more.

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  Wins for its use of interior space - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Mike - May 15 - 7:13 pm

  We test drove all the midsize SUVs looking for one with economical V6 power, good looks, and ample interior space. The Pilot won the contest for its excellent use of space on the inside. 8-person capacity (assuming some of those 8 are kids), a plethora of storage places, and fold-flat rear seats. While I am not a fan of column shifters, it allowed Honda to really make the center console useful. The exterior styling is so-so. The navigation system is touch-screen and fully operable while driving (for better or worse) but otherwise pales in comparison to the Pathfinders. The Pathfinder also trumps the Pilot with regards to performance. The Pilot can handle light-to-moderate off-road use.

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  I absolutely love my 2016 Honda Pilot ex-l - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Terri - May 15 - 11:56 am

  I bought the 2016 Honda Pilot Ex-L AWD in white pearl with beige leather interior. I traded in my 2009 pilot Ex-L which had 71,000 miles for the 2016 model, and couldnt be happier. The car handles beautifully on the road and accelerates with ease (maybe too much ease, I really have to watch my speedometer!). It is a quiet, smooth ride compared to the 2009 model. The interior is gorgeous. I wasnt sure Id like the beige leather, but its a bit darker than I expected when I saw it in person and I loved it. The only complaint I have about the interior is the right arm rest for the driver is small. I was used to resting my entire arm on the big console in the 2009 pilot, and now its a slim but moveable shadow of what it used to be. The center console lies deeper in between the two front seats making more room for setting your purse or phone down which is why they changed it probably. I have been reading about issues the infotainment center has been giving some people, but I have had no issues whatsoever. I enjoy being able to listen to music from my phone wirelessly and think the sound is great. The Bluetooth and phone system works fine as well with a great connection, I drove through a 1-mile tunnel today and my call never broke up. I have not bought the Honda link (Aha) app after reading the many unfavorable reviews, so I cant speak to that yet, but other than that the infotainment center works great. I dont find it complicated at all and I use the steering wheel controls for the radio, iPod or answering calls while driving so no need to fumbling with the touch screen endangering myself as some people have complained about. I also enjoy how the center screen below the speedometer which tells me the mileage, tire pressure, compass, etc., all super easy to go between using the steering wheel control. I have used the remote starter which is a nice added touch, especially on a cold day in the northeast when my car is outside. I can jump in and its nice and toasty and ready to go. The storage space is great and the third row seems roomier than the 2009 pilot, though no one has utilized that seat for a trip yet. I absolutely love this vehicle and all the improvements Honda has made. This is my third pilot and by far the best. Good job Honda on making a beautiful, reliable, safe and fun vehicle. I look forward to driving in luxury for years to come.

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  Better than the 2010 - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By dpbrew1 - May 14 - 10:15 am

  We traded in the 2010 Pilot at about 50K miles. The shocks were in need of replacing and it was time for brake work. We had averaged 15-16 MPG. This Pilot in mixed driving is giving me 20 mpg. We also dumped a 2010 Toy High Hybrid which when my wife drove it in town was 17 mpg. With the Pilot we love all of the thoughtful places to put bottles, cups, brushes, and other "necessities". The ride beats the 2010. I bought this on 12/30/15 seeking to get that end of the year deal and I guess I did OK. I wanted one with all of the assist packages, but they claimed none were in town at the time. We purchased a 2016 Volvo XC60 for my wife, but for travel we both prefer the comfort of the Pilot. Ive had no problems so far and had none with the 2010. I am extremely fond of this vehicle. Im 64" and have lots of room.

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  BETTER THAN ANY MIN-VAN FOR FAMILY FUN - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By KKWISNER - May 14 - 10:00 am

  WE WERE REALLY LOOKING AT SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO DRIVE AFTER DRIVING A MINI- VAN FOR 11 YRS.THIS SUV HAS BEEN A GREAT KID-HAULER AND TRAVELER...THE KIDS LOVE THE DVD SYSTEM...NO HEARING "ARE WE THERE YET". WE HAVE REALLY BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM SINCE THE OTHER PASSENGERS DO HAVE THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE TEMPERATURE. ALSO, WE HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED WITH ALL THE STORAGE AND SOUND SYSTEM..GOOD QUALITY. THE ONLY COMPLAINT BEING THE NOISE WHEN ONLY THE BACK WINDOW IS DOWN...IF YOU CRACK THE FRONT WINDOW ..THE ROAD NOISE DISAPPEARS...WE WERE TOLD THIS IS COMMON IN SUV...BY HONDA. WE WOULD RECOMMEND THIS SUV ...HIGHLY!!!