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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  Not Great, just Good - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By morgan007 - February 19 - 7:19 pm

  Dont get me wrong, the Pilot is an excellent vehicle. This is my 6th Honda product and could be the best to date. At the top of the list of attributes is value. You get more for your money and you know its a reliable vehicle. When I place the key in the ignition it will start. Sounds simple, but that doesnt happen with all vehicles. I owned a Ford before and it left me stranded on more than one occasion. We added an aftermarket hitch and hauled a trailer with no problem. The plastics are a little hard and the leather isnt the softest, but still a very good grade on the interior. A big minus is gas mileage and style. Im considering the GMC Arcadia, but I love Honda value.

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  new pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By n s - February 19 - 5:37 pm

  Great purchase!! 9 speed transmission shifts rough and high premium for elite trims.

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  Love our Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By nd honda fan - February 19 - 1:11 pm

  We have loved our Pilot from Day 1. It has been fun to drive and the AWD has been great in the winter. We love the space we have, especially for road trips. Weve also found that we can fit a twin size bed, with box spring and frame, inside when we fold down all of the seats! It has been very reliable and weve only done routine maintenance. We had driven a newer Expedition before buying the Pilot and feel like we have more interior room and a less boxy vehicle. Wed recommend it to anyone!

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  So fun to drive!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Darlene B - February 18 - 10:06 pm

  I downsized from a 2004 Suburban to my 2006 Pilot. I have previously owned a Civic and an Accord, and have longed for the day that I could get out of the "bus" and get back into a Honda. With a large family, I thought I would be waiting several more years to be able to achieve this, but the Pilot fits perfectly!! Admittedly, I did give up cargo room, but the only time we ever need it is on vacation, and I just couldnt see driving the "bus" around the other 51 weeks out of the year. I was initially scared of the mixed reviews on the mpg, but I got 14 mpg in the city in the Suburban and at this point, any improvement is welcome. Im just thrilled with my new Honda Pilot. Dont miss it!!

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  I love my pilot! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By redtail hawk - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a fantastic SUV that both I and my wife love to drive. We both feel very safe and secure.

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  Love our new Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By schroedk - February 15 - 10:00 am

  We just bought our new Honda Pilot this past weekend and could not be happier with it. We went planning to test drive both the Pilot and a Toyota Highlander since we have a growing family, but given the interior specs between the two, there was no contest. And once we drove the Pilot, we knew we would just be wasting our time by looking at the Highlander. Great interior room, classy but functional interior and exterior, easy handling in traffic and while parking.

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  Best Riding SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By asu1981 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  The Acura MDX and Honda Pilot were very similar with their car-like ride, space and features. Both of these vehicles were head and shoulders above the others that we tested. We went with the Honda Pilot due to the higher cost of the Acura MDX. In our minds, we could not see paying the extra money for the extras that the MDX offered.

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  Pilot Review - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By David Dean - February 12 - 4:04 pm

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  superior to any competitor in class - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By So Cal on the go - February 10 - 12:18 pm

  Just why does anybody buy an SUV? Practical, go anywhere, looks, roomy, fun, features, price...and a few more. Without being an offroad pretender, this unit meets it all. My favorite, I never have to take my golf clubs out to run errors or pick up the kids.

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  Just an "OK" - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Focl - February 10 - 8:40 am

  This car didnt live up to my expectations. Its my first Honda and I was surprised that the cockpit has several ergonomic issues. The automatic transmission has the strangest kick down Ive ever experienced. It feels like someones putting on the brakes. Speaking of brakes, the ABS system kick in way too early when braking easy on wet roads causing the car to skid forward much further than you expect it too! Very scary in light snow or rain!!! Every time you step on the brake you get a loud thumping in the rear which is undoubtedly the gas slapping the inside of the tank (annoying).