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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  Great Quality - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By shmoozy - July 24 - 7:06 am

  The Pilot was delivered in perfect cosmetic and mechanical condition. No reason to take it back to the dealers service dept! Traded in a Ford Explorer which I liked, but the Honda is much more carlike in its ride and handling. Roomy like a minivan, resposive AWD, powerful engine, absorbs bumps nicely.

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  Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By djb - July 22 - 10:33 pm

  We bought our Pilot in July and already have over 14,000 miles on it. We have previously owned civics, accords, and an odyssey. We purchased the Pilot because of the positive track record we have personally experienced with Honda. We have not been disappointed.

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  Great reliability and price - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Roman - July 22 - 9:31 am

  This is my first Honda car and Im trilled with my choice! I bought it for the legendary Honda reliability and did not regret it for a second. Pilot drives pretty good if you take size of this truck into consideration. Performance on snow is unreal. In the winter, I park in the biggest pile of snow I can find, and Pilot gets in and out without any problems every time.

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  karceneaux - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By K ARCENEAUX - July 22 - 5:22 am

  The gas mileage for the first year was 19 on the highway, but now we get 24. The back seat area needs more room if you have kids. The factory tires are terrible. Road noise, uneven wear.

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  05 Pilot EX does the job. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Coogs - July 21 - 11:31 pm

  Love the ride, drives better than most cheap cars around. AWD is great, but this baby needs wider tires, and better performing tires. Snow falls less than 9"inches are a breeze. With the big northeaster though, better tires were needed. Im not sure about the fuel economy because Im usually revving highs and driving stop and go a lot. The truck is as reliable as can be. Engine performance is great, wish the tranny was a 6 speed though. Handling is good for a 4400 pound vehicle but bigger tires and rims would help close the gap between SUV and car like handling.

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  Failed Struts are Dangerous! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Bliss - July 21 - 7:45 am

  I bought a Honda because I had always heard how reliable they were. They are just about the ugliest cars on the market, but the Pilot had several features that I really wanted, seating for eight passengers, integrated DVD system, and fairly good gas mileage. The warranty is not nearly as good as Hyundai, but I didnt think that would be an issue.

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By fricke - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, very dependable, nice styling, easy driving - we are very very happy with every aspect of the vehicle.

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mrdrums2 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Best SUV vehicle I have driven. Love the feel behind the wheel and the pickup. Lots of room and options with the seats. Added back up sensors which are great. All around good bang for the buck.

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  Fine Vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By L.Patton - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Pilot is a fine vehicle, loaded with amenities, it is larger inside than the outside appearance would make one believe; also we are pleased with the short turning radius and that the car takes regular fuel, a real economical plus. The only complaints I would have with the car is that on our Pilot the front passenger seat is manual with few settings for comfort. Another problem I see is the lack of ac/heat vents in rear of vehicle this does cause some discomfort for passengers in back area of car in hot weather. And on our 2003 model the outside temperature gauge does not register the correct outside temp.

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  Tops - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Fgdavis01 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Pilot in July, almost six months ago. It has 7100 miles on it now. I have had no trouble with it at all. It is almost due for its first service (7500 miles) and I have been trying to think of something that needs adjusting or tweaking. Cant come up with anything. Seats fold down very easily and I often use it to carry heavy loads. It accepts them with no complaint. Even my wife loves this car.