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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  Mixed feelings about this Vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By joe - November 22 - 5:33 pm

  Plus points: Very comfortable ride, smooth acceleration. Good navigation system.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By TJSMOMMY206 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  LOVE MY CAR CANT WAIT FOR MY NEXT PILOT.

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  Less Than Expected - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dubs - November 17 - 5:05 am

  This is the first Honda vehicle I have owned. I previously had an Acura, which I enjoyed other than a dashboard rattle that the dealer could never find and, thus, never eradicate. After some research, it seemed as though the Pilot Elite would essentially get me an Acura MDX while saving some money. Not so fast, as I am finding out. I am not having problems with the 9 speed transmission as others have, and mechanically, everything seems to be okay. However, the interior is not comparable to an Acura, in my opinion. The leather isnt as soft and the dash and door panels, while not plastic, arent as "cushy" as the Acura. I didnt buy an Acura, so I accept these downgrades. This car reminds me in some ways of the stuff old Detroit (the "Big 3") used to put out. Some things were okay, some not so much. My Elite rattles and vibrates even on pavement with only slight imperfections. Some of the body parts needed aligned. The fan circulating the air for heat and defrost sounds like it has a bad bearing as it squeals when it runs. The dealer wont replace it since it still "works". The navigation unit is weak - it tells the driver to make a turn when the car has already passed the turning point. It seems to be off by about 75 feet. The parking sensors are next to useless and the auto braking for collision avoidance activates for no reason at times. As I said, this is my first Honda and most likely will be my last. I may even trade the car in soon and take the "loss". I traded an Infiniti in on the Elite after being less than overwhelmed with the performance of the Infiniti. I have to say that even "stepping down" from a luxury model to the Honda, the Elite is much less than I expected it to be. And, I dont consider myself all that demanding. Just give me value commensurate with the money I am spending. Unfortunately, this Elite isnt doing that!

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Joseph - November 16 - 1:31 pm

  Overall a great vehicle, lots of room. But lacking in better gas mileage, however I did know that I was buying a SUV. Lacks body style, wheel are boring. Vehicle looks much better with 20" rims and chrome grill. However I would not pass this vehicle buy if you have a family and still what to be a bit sporty.

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  Wife loves it - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mmichel - November 15 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Pilot for my wife. We traded her 00 Chevy Venture (it was falling apart). I had my wife drive several mid-sized SUVs with a third row. She loved the Pilot (that was my hope). Weve had the Pilot for a month now and my wifes very happy. Only things we miss over the venture are the rear audio for our 3 yr old, and the built in compressor the venture had (very handy). The solid feel, expected quality, and 4wd should more then make up for these missing features. Its also worth noting that, with the exception of a sunroof and memory for the seats, the Pilot is is just as nice as my 03 Acura CL-S.

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  Honda rocks - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By BOBBY GORUN - November 14 - 10:23 pm

  I wanted an SUV that was going to be fun to drive,and spacious. Honda is the one brand all the other manufactures use as a benchmark. That opened my eyes. If all the other guys want to talk about Honda it must be that good!! And it is. Thank you Honda...

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  Love it !!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By bryan rice - November 14 - 11:23 am

  I just wanted everyone to know how great this suv is. I cant believe the room inside and I just got back from a trip to pa from sa texas and got an average of 27.2 Miles per gal. Thats loaded with 2 adults and 3 kids plus luggage.

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  XM radio is AWESOME - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By thxXM - November 10 - 5:20 am

  Just got this new Pilot. Absolutely love it. The best part is the navigation system and the XM Radio. It is voice activated. You say XM 72 and it takes you straight to XMs awesome JAZZ station. You say XM 175 and it takes you to Baseball talk station. XM radio is AWESOME. You want to eat at a pizza place, you say pizza and it lists all the pizza restaurants in the area. You chose one and itll give you directions to it if you chose to get them.

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  Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Cindy Marson - November 7 - 11:33 am

  Great car with plenty of seats! I went from a mini van seating 8 to this. Smaller then the van but great features and more reliable! I have compared it to several other vehicles and nothing compares for the space and features unless you go to a full size suv and that is too much gas. Would have liked to get the DVD without the leather because it is cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Hard on the little kids. I would buy another one today if I had to!

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  Disappointed - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Karl - November 6 - 11:51 am

  Researched and test drove the 2003, but waited for the 2004 in hope of Honda removing any bugs. At 19,000 miles the radiator had to be replaced due to a split seam. At 20,186 the ECT sensor was replaced. At 20,300 the thermostat was replaced. At 22,495 the fuel pump/filter assembly was replaced. At 23,500 the PCM was replaced. The the fuel injectors were replaced during same service visit. The vehicle is in the dealership (not the one purchased from) having the head gaskets replaced. This is the seventh trip to the same dealership to repair the check engine light and VTM- 4 light on. We have the technology to put a man on the moon and safely return him but I cant get my car fixed.