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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  There are better options out there - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By oc_kdawg - February 20 - 5:32 pm

  It handles like a truck and not an SUV on a uni-body chassis as claimed. It is under powered and not very responsive. I travel for work and have had other SUVs that put Pilot to shame in terms of performance. DVD navigation is already outdated, dont pay for it, use your phone and have better technology. Voice recognition is horrible. No other way to add/delete/pair phones. I rented a Toyota and it took less than 15 seconds to learn how and pair a phone. Plus it played music through BT. Sound system in this "loaded" Pilot sounds horrible. Honda will not be on our short list when its time to replace. Theyve lost touch with whats important to consumers, hence Civic redesign.

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  2004 Honda Pilot EX-L - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By flamio - February 17 - 9:17 am

  I bought this car with over a 100K on it and have had it for about a year. So far it has been fantastic! It has nice power and runs very well. A couple months ago I hit a big Ohio deer and I barely felt it. Me and my family were completely safe, which made me very happy I bought this SUV. Last winter I could not get my Odyssey up my long driveway in the snow, with this, its a breeze. The leather is comfortable. The kids love the heated seats. Im 64" and its very roomy. Sound system is awesome. I average about 19.6mpg. On a long trip through Canada I actually had 25mpg highway. Its used, buy the extended warranty if youre worried about the tranny going and drive worry free!

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  Pilot - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By rucool - February 16 - 8:05 pm

  Bought new has been a GREAT car. I love the panoramic visibility from all directions. We are at 40000 miles and still have original tires with good tread left. My only complaint like other post is the fabric used on the seats, I expected more from Honda. The fabric on my civic which is twice as old looks better. That being said it is a great family hauler for those not wanting to drive a mini van. We plan on keeping it for a long time. I would buy again.

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  An Excellent vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By jay2012 - February 1 - 8:28 pm

  I brought my pilot used with 45,000 miles on it back in May of 2009. Its been a very good suv and very proud of my pilot. I wrote an review about my pilot before and wanted to write another review. Its has almost 103,000 miles on it with no issue at all. The check engine light has came on two times before and found out that there was some water in the fuel from the gas station but did not cause any harm to engine but made the engine misfire and did not feel the misfire. I always change the oil every 5000 miles using the best oil. I change the transmission fluids every 10 to 15,000 miles and other services needed and its pretty cheap services needed. Good gas mileages for the size of suv.

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  documented torque converter problems...DON"T BUY - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By hapeacres - January 27 - 11:08 pm

  I purchased a used 04 Pilot with 100K from a used car lot for 9,000. The car drove great during the test drive. On the way home I felt a "rumble strip" like noise under the car when exiting the highway at about 40 mph. I found out that the torque converter is a common problem and leads to transmission failure on the 03 to 05 Pilots. Acura did recall on this same problem. Why not Honda? Are they waiting for someone to die? My car was bought "as is" so I am S*** out of luck. I am still a Honda fan as I bought an 08 CRV for my wife which performs flawlessly, as well as two ATVs which I beat the snot out of. However, I am ready for a class action suit on this one!

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  Big Problem - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By joyfuljoy - January 24 - 12:55 pm

  I have had my 2012 Honda Pilot for over two months now. The first day I drove it from the lot (I test drove a different car and picked mine for color-so never drove mine) There was a loud humming noise when the AC compressor kicked on. The dealership replaced the Power steering twice (at 200 miles and 600 miles) Needless to say, the humming noise is there louder than ever. I filed a vehicle defect notification with Honda. I received a letter saying they are going to attempt to correct the problem for the third time. He said it should lower the noise but not eliminate it. I am so upset. I feel like I live at my dealership/service dept. I wish I never bought this 2012 Pilot

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  Still great after 8 years and over 200k miles - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ldd12 - January 18 - 3:59 pm

  My 2004 Pilot EXL is still great after 8 years and over 200,000 miles. I bought it in spring of 06 when it had 50k miles, so someone before me drove a lot, too. Ive not had all the issues Ive read about, but I dont abuse the vehicle. I get oil changes every 5-6k miles, but do spread out the scheduled maintenances and fluid changes a bit more due to quickly rolling up highway miles. My Pilot replaced a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 that had the gas-guzzling 5.2 liter V8. The main reason I replaced the JGC was due to terrible gas mileage (9-15) and slipping transmission. Ive not had any transmission issues with my Pilot, but I dont abuse it, either!

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  Not Bad - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By cupcake617 - January 12 - 8:28 pm

  Loved my Pilot I traded it in at 95,000 miles never had any trouble with it. Very reliable for us. My biggest complain was the terrible access to the 3rd row seating. The seat moved up no more then 12 inches, once my kids got in the back I couldnt get back to help them buckle up. Also, gas mileage very crummy.

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  Great people hauler with some downside - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By navyhawk - January 11 - 4:56 pm

  Overall, we are very happy with our Pilot. Traded 2007 CRV to get more space. Also considered GMC Acadia (thought the 2nd row captains chairs would be better). Turns out actually liked the Pilot second row bench better because it is more comfortable. This SUV is very roomy inside. I also have an Audi A4, which has a quiet ride. I dont understand others complaints about road noise in the Pilot. Its quiet. Its great for family road trips and has a comfy ride rear entertainment works great for kids (DVD and can connect to gaming system). Honda really needs to give the Pilot more power and better fuel economy to compete in this class. We get 20-21mpg AT BEST on highway.

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  Third Pilot Owned - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By wallsttrader - January 7 - 6:18 pm

  Purchased a 2012 LX 4WD for 28,000 before taxes and plates. Much better than the 2011 LX 4WD I traded in. Traded in the 2011 because my company pays for my vechicle. I expected the 12 to be the same as the 11. However, I found the 12 handles much better at highway speeds on twisty roads. Not sure why, but the tires are more highway like. But, the difference is huge. City gas mileage is much better by about 2MPG. Freeway mileage is about the same. I also have a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The 2011 Highlander was much better than the 11 Pilot. However, the 12 Pilot is as good as the 11 Highlander. However, Highlander still gets a little better mileage than 12 Highlander.