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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  Its Bigger On the Inside! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By dazzcoach - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I was not that impressed with the Pilot from seeing them out and about....BUT once my wife forced a test drive on me I was SOLD! It has so much leg and head room and the ride is like a true luxury vehicle. We can fit up to 8 passengers with ease. We traded in a Durango and have never regretted that decision.

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  Perfect Vechicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Robbie F Rickman - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive especially with the Navi. system. This vechicle is loaded with all the bells and whistles. Plenty of room in the third seat for 3 people. Comfortable to drive and ride especially when you also have the DVD system""""""""""""""

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  Worth every $$$. Want to save 10K? - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By sampathk1 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I just saved nearly $10K by going for Pilot instead of MDX. Be smart and do the same! Only thing I miss is that loaner car service!! Enough about this... Things about Pilot - good design, handling. Lot of interior space.

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  Pats Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Hugh Lee - March 29 - 10:00 am

  My 2004 Honda Pilot drives and handles great. The ride is smooth with the four wheel suspension they use. The 3.5 engine has plenty of pep. The gas mileage is less than the Camry we had, but.. Three rows of seats, we use only the front, no kids at home. They are kind of pricey, but most good autos are.

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  My pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By cellardude - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Wife has always driven the family car, but after we sold the MDX and bought the Pilot, I volunteered. Rides and drives great for its size. Drove the Toyota Highlander but the Honda is a couple of knotches above.

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  9-speed models are not safe - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By BruceW - March 24 - 9:27 am

  Pilot can be bought with the navigation system only in the top trim models and these also have the 9-speed transmission. I took a test drive on the freeway and when accelerating onto the freeway to merge safely with traffic I floored the accelerator pedal and then waited a full 4 seconds before the transmission downshifted and the car computer fed more fuel to the engine and the car started to accelerate. When I simulated a passing situation by moving into the left lane and flooring the accelerator pedal the same thing happened. No response at all for 4 seconds and then finally the car started to accelerate. The published 0-60 MPH times with the Pilot are not at all accurate with the 9-speed transmission. Add 4 seconds to the time and you will appreciate why I do not consider the Pilot safe to drive on the highway. The other con for me was the feel of the electronic steering where there was no feedback and it was further complicated by the odd profile of the steering wheel that is rectangular rather than round. The storage space is exceptional with the Pilot and the navigation system that uses Garmin technology like that found in the Garmin 760 is outstanding and the best of any SUV at this time. I would only buy one of the two trim levels that have the 6-speed transmission and based on that I decided to instead buy a 2018 Chevy Traverse.

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  What am I missing? - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By threeputt - March 23 - 9:32 pm

  I should have posted this sooner. My wife and leased our 05 Pilot in September of 05. The dealer drove it himself and put 5k miles on it. The seats are uncomfortable. Spongy braking, hiccuppy acceleration, upper body roll, poor sound and a noisy interior. On the positive side, good turn radius, good build(lousy seat belts) quality. Based upon what Ive read from others, this vehicle is overrated. Never, and I repeat never, let your wife tell a Honda order taker that she absolutely loves it. They will never back off on price. Im on the hook for another year. Then, he lease is UP!!!!!

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  MDX or PILOT - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By ULTRA - March 22 - 9:03 am

  I purchased the Honda Pilot really wanting the MDX but after looking at the price tag realized the Pilot was a better option. Vehicle drives nicely and the interior design is comparable to most luxury SUVs. Seats feel great and the ride is similar to that of a car. I bought this vehicle for my growing family and because of the Honda name and reputation, I know this vehicle will last for many years.

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  Interior not very well made - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By S - March 21 - 6:11 am

  I am very disappointed with the leather interior, The quality of the material is less than cheep. Within the first month of ownership a seam in the front drivers seat split. My car now has 20,000 miles on it and both the front seats where you get in on the side are falling apart. What they told me was leather is pulling away from the seam and tearing. I had many other issues about the interiors shoddy workmanship when I first purchased my car. It seems that Honda really cut corners when it came the the quality of the interior. I will never buy another Honda again. Did not get my moneys worth.

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  Outstanding SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Tom - March 20 - 1:10 pm

  I test drove a number of SUVs before settling on the Pilot. Its an outstanding value. It provides plenty of space for the kids and their friends, has great safety features and ratings, and gets decent gas mileage for its size. I have been very pleased so far.