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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  Nice Car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Galen - December 16 - 2:16 am

  I was very reticent to purchase an SUV largely as a result of the fuel economy I would lose by trading in my 2005 Accord (Which I loved!). I was of course correct in this regard however I love the Pilot. I do however get around 17 or 18 mpg which is not too bad considering the size of this vehicle. I would have to agree with previous posters that the wiper lever is too close to the shifter and I have even grabbed it by accident when trying to put the car in reverse. Overall a very nice vehicle for those looking for the size offered by an SUV and the comfort and performance of a Sedan.

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  First Honda car - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Fred - December 15 - 1:49 pm

  We traded a 2012 Subaru Outback on this Honda Pilot EX AWD. The Pilot has the tow capacity we need for our small camper when in the mountains. Towing with the Pilot is very nice. Much less stress on me. Towing MPG is about the same as the Outback. The backup camera is great for hitching up the camper. The right turn camera is nice for lane changes. My camper has a full time rear view camera so the right turn camera is merely nice not great. Weve been seeing the highway MPG increasing as the engine gets some miles on it. Weve seen 28-29 mpg in ECO mode. Its a much bigger car than the Outback so it took a while to get used to. The handling isnt as crisp as the Outback but its fine. So far traction in snow has been good. The first test was demanding - climbing a 4 mile mountainous road in the snow that was not plowed. Coming back down was fine although I was nervous. Cons: No CD player! Its such a standard feature we never even checked until we wanted to play a book on CD. The entertainment system sounds fine but very disappointed with the user interface. The touch screen is clumsy and potentially dangerous for the driver to operate. There are some remote controls on the steering wheel which which help but their functions are limited.

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  ENGINE NOISE COLD START - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Mrod - December 15 - 3:32 am

  2016 Honda Pilot engine woodpecker noise at cold star and at idle.It was first noticed the morning after vehicle was acquired new in November 2015.The noise increases with slight acceleration. Noise similar to woodpecker rattle sound or diesel engine sound when accelerating. Noise also noticed when vehicle sitting for a few days in cold temperature.

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  Smart Buy - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By RealJoy - December 14 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Pilot two weeks ago and so far the driving experience has been wonderful. The Pilot drives like a car and it is very easy to handle. It is very quite even if you are driving 70- 80 mph. Pricewise, this is the best buy for an SUV that can seat eight and has the reliability and comfort. Long live Pilot!

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  Gas consumtion is Unacceptable for a 3.5 L engine - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Tony - December 13 - 4:28 pm

  I got 13/17. vs honda advertised 17/22. For most cars have driven, the actual is fallen with specs, but not for this Pilot. I think there should be a class action against the false advertising. Also, it is not shame, it is a crime to do that.

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  First Honda - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Gary - December 13 - 12:06 pm

  So far so good. This rig is fun to drive. It handles great in monsoon type conditions. I am overall quite happy with this 8 passenger people mover. The real test will come when we finally get some snow.

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  Just float along... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Hondalvr - December 11 - 10:21 pm

  After test driving 6 other Hondas (CR- Vs, Accords, Element) I was lucky enough to get a super-clean "pre- owned" 2003 Pilot in March of 2006 with only 22k miles on it. Id had a Jeep Cherokee for 11 years before that, so there was a huge difference in ride comfort (long overdue!). The professional reviews are right, it drives like a luxury sedan and I dont think Ive ever been in anything more comfortable. Ill be hanging on to this one for years to come...

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  Great change - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Barbara Cristoforo - December 11 - 9:20 pm

  I traded in my Lexus for the Pilot. I love the Pilot more. It drives like a car, I feel safer, sit higher and have been extremely satisfied. It is a nice size and dont feel overwhelmed with too much car.......the best move I made.

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  Accident/Crash Comments - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Cheryl - December 9 - 12:05 pm

  When you hand your children a key to a car you are giving them control of their life. Truly and the life of others. My daughter had a head on crash into a stopped vehicle going ~38 MPH. My CAR TOOK THE ENTIRE HIT. She did not even get hit with an airbag as it did not need to deploy!!!! Wish I could afford Hondas for all my children and all my grandchildren! The car took 5 weeks to get back but it is just like new!. The Safety comments are real. My daughter would have been seriously injured had she been in her old car.

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  Love it! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By April - December 9 - 8:05 am

  I have owned a 2003 Accord EX, 2000 and 2005 Civic EX, and a 2004 Odyssey- so you can say that I like to trade cars a lot. I have 2 kids, 2 labs, and a husband- we can all fit in the pilot! My husband has driven it several times, pulling his trailer/4-wheeler and it does great. We think the towing capability rocks. (and he has a full size, 4x4 truck!) Absolutely love the XM radio and it rides so smooth. Needless to say, I have found a vehicle I will keep for a long time! At least, until they come out with a new model of Pilot! Fun to drive and worth the money.