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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  Depreciation rated too high - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Susan - September 17 - 8:31 am

  Chosen for the 3rd row seat and fun to drive, the Honda Pilot is a great family car. The feelings of safety and power are comforting. The ventilation is strange-if one window is open, the air pressure is overwhelming and more windows need to be opened to compensate. Only one other problem in 3 years- the front row passenger side door lock stopped working with the remote. Sold with only 34,000 miles after 3 years, I got only half what I paid for it, and it was in good shape.

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  Decent SUV w/ OK Gas Mileage - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By chipito - September 14 - 8:43 am

  Ive had a Subaru AWD Wagon, 4Runner, Expedition, Tahoe & now Pilot. Looked at MDX a long time but couldnt justify $6K more for essentially the same vehicle. AWD system is excellent and interior volume is great for the entire tribe. We pull a large Coleman pop top w/ factory hitch and after mkt E-brake no problem. Wife can get up to 27 MPG, I get 22 much better than 4R, Exp or Tahoe. We can even get 3 bikes inside w/ 40% rear seat down. Only complaint is the cheaper plastic interior pieces, that dealer has replaced so far, front seat bottom, door frame gutter. Definitely recommend to family road warriors - will keep for 200K+ miles & give to the kids fro safe transport.

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  Roof rack Disappointing - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Johnson - September 11 - 4:03 am

  This is an SUV and still drives like one. The suspension seems a bit soft in corners with too much sway. We ordered our Pilot with the cross bars, ski rack and privacy cover for a total of about $500 extra. Big mistake. The assembly is poorly designed and time consuming to install and remove. Both the ski rack ( which only fits two sets of downhill skis instead of the four advertised) and the cross bars create annoying whistling sounds above 45 miles per hour. Instead check out Yakima or Thule for a far better system at less cost. The privacy cover is a pain and will never leave the garage until the car is sold.

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  Perfect family car - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ransom - September 10 - 7:24 pm

  I love my Pilot.Perfect for the children, they love the Dvd system. Electrical outlets for all the portable electronics. No problems with anything mechanical.

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  Great GSW (glorified station wagon) - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By EC - September 8 - 8:33 pm

  Needed a replacement for my aging minivan and had almost settled for a midsize sedan, but a stop at the Honda dealer changed that. The Pilot drives like an upscale sedan and has plenty of room when you need it. Seating is very flexible and comfortable, too. Agree with other owners about the windshield wiper stalk getting in the way of the odd gear shifter, but after a week or so learned to get used to it. Very comfortable highway cruiser and fun on the backroads, too. Great power train..very refined. Looking forward to extended trips in it this summer! Gas mileage is a minor concern, but if you drive a GSW, it isnt a priority.

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  Great SUV - Wife is happy - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Cholent Maker - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Hard to find a good deal.

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  New addition to the family - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Susan Powell - September 6 - 11:40 pm

  Spent 6 weeks researching this class of vehicle. Even though none of them met all my requirements, the Pilot met most. Unlike its competitors where I felt like a sardine in a supposed "mid size" SUV, the Pilot just makes me feel overall comfortable in it! Kind of like your favorite chair! Just got it home last night due to having to wait 3 1/2 weeks for it to be delivered to the dealer. Apparently they are in big demand and dealers cant keep them on the lots. So, I havent put it through its paces yet. A trip to the North Georgia mountains will be its first non-urban driving test. Some things Id like to see Honda change: more insulation against road noise, more cup holders up front, less tilt to display screen, lower the back hatch entrance to help with lifting heavy objects into back (its too high), offer standard moon roof on lower end models, brighten up exterior color options (way too much gray/black...yuk!). So far I love it!

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  Love my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By karen - September 4 - 12:34 am

  This is my fourth SUV. I love just about everything about it! It rides like you are driving on a cloud with plenty of interior space, extra seating in the back, seat belts for all passengers, leather to sink into, and great handling on the road. There are only two cons I can think of. Some wind noise over 15-20mph with just one window down (when two are down, the noise is gone)....Small sliver space in front area between the console and driver and passenger seats is hard to clean. Thats it! When I get ready to sell this Pilot, I will definitely be looking at another one!!

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  Great SUV however BEWARE of FUEL COSTS - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By sahmed - September 1 - 7:26 pm

  I love my 2004 Honda Pilot EXL. I am a female driver and I feel extremely comfortable in this car. The third row is great to have and overall the car is very roomy. My son loves the DVD player and its great for adults in the back seat as well. However, fuel costs will run you $30-50 per week if you are driving around the city daily. It adds up!!! I wish there were a hybrid Honda Pilot.

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  Great Family Car - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By melissa418207 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  We recently bought a Honda Pilot. We could not be happier. My husband and I are in our early 20s and we have 2 children and we where not interested in a mini van because we did not wanna feel older. (not saying anything is wrong with a mini van) This is a very sporty yet comfortable SUV. It is very roomy. We swear by Honda Vehicles. They are very reliable and safe vehicles.