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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  Awesome Family Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Soren - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I work in the automotive industry and have therefore had plenty of opportunity to test drive almost all suvs available on the market thoroughly. The Pilot is hands down the number one suv as far as comfort, usefullness and value. It is very roomy, rides extremely well, has great power, and unlike its domestic rivals it is, like any other Honda product, reliable!

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  Love My Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bradyfan - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Mpg is 15 around town. When back windows are down and the front arent, there is a helicopter sound that almost blows out your eardrums. Got a recall on front airbags (blow out too fast on impact) but dealer couldnt fix problem without new tools to be sent from manufacturer. Has been driven in tons of snow but still have yet to use 4wd. Love interior space in Pilot vs. other mid-size SUVs. 3rd row seat works for 13 yr old who wants her own space. Added after-market DVD player for 1/2 the price, but got Honda run. boards, cross bars, wheel locks. $500 discount from intial contact w/dealer by internet.

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  Sweet!!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By dkl - June 9 - 2:00 am

  As an Architect, I fell in love with the Pilots interior...very stylish and adaptable center console. The exterior is a bit boring, but added optional running boards which helps (also a big help for mums to get in). Without kids, I havent used the third row seating, but love the HUGE cargo space for hauling stuff. The ride is tight yet smooth, if occasionally noisy... much improved from my former Explorer. Enjoyed driving in 6" snow this last weekend with the auto 4 wheel drive... and the seat warmers! Sweet!!!

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  Happy w/ the Purchase - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Brian - June 8 - 5:16 am

  I bought this vehicle for my wife. It is our first SUV. We went from a Mitsubishi Galant and I have had several pick up trucks. My wife loves this thing and so do I. I am pleased w/ the engine, smooth ride, and the overall features and roominess of the vehicle. Looks great and rides great.

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  In just a few weeks.. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Xavier311 - June 8 - 1:13 am

  Excellent vehicle! Yes, it doesnt stand out in a crowd of other SUVs (in terms of looks), but thats not why I bought it. The interior is extremely high quality and very functional, and the smooth ride is great! The steering (handling) could be a little better, as it does feel a bit bulky at first, but after getting use to it youll never notice it again. Acceleration is slow at first due to the AWD, but then quickly picks up speed. The ride is so smooth, that you sometimes dont notice how fast youre going. Overall, a great vehicle whether you have a family, or are looking for a roomy mid-size SUV.

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  Poorly Engineered Driver Comfort - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John cannella - June 5 - 9:19 pm

  If you like the comfort of sitting on an airliner in coach, you like driving this vehicle..The lumbar support is minimal. The leather seats are cheaply contoured and result in butt shifting/sliding on cornering. The center armrest is practically stuck to your rib and super thin so that I find my elbow constantly slipping off.. and Im thin.. If your a little chunky (like that annoying chubby guy often next to me on the plane) your arm/elbow will be swinging in the breeze. Honda in its infinite "wisdom" however gives you a nice wide center armrest in the backseat. And so if technology ever allows you to convert this vehicle to a driverless one , youll be quite comfortable in the back seat !!! Daaa!!.. what the hell is that about Honda "engineers"???.. Dont you guys ever drive these cars in prototype after those pin head engineers draw the pictures.. The steering is hair trigger and tends to wander on the highway.. When you buy a stepped up edition (like I did) youd expect a CD player to be standard...To my (stupid) surprise, not on this vehicle ! Thats extra and then only comes again in the 2nd row seat..???? The suspension sucks big big time.. Im a long time 4Runner owner and am used to a truck ride and so I certainly didnt expect a luxury car ride. However this vehicle takes bumps really really hard.. The truck (crossover?) is peppy but when driving stop and go in traffic it feels like its in a very low gear and I find myself checking to see if the lever is in fact in drive.. The 2nd row seat back portion folds forward with the push of a button. However thats when the work begins.. You then have to use a manual lever on the side of the chair and keep jacking and jacking it to get the seat to fold down to cargo level.. When the seats do finally fold down, theres a huge gap (hole) in the cargo area.. Whats that about Honda? The only positive thing I have to say about this vehicle is that I love the storage compartment in the far rear cargo area.. Overall I wouldnt classify this vehicle as a truck even though it rides like a cement truck..In fact its basically a bigger version of their CRV.. My advice if you want an SUV ..Look elsewhere... If I had it to do over I would have stuck with a 4Runner.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Crystal - June 4 - 11:27 pm

  We travel everywhere in the pilot with no worries. Great on gas and excellent on reliability. Very glad we bought this vehicle.

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  Second Honda and Lovin It - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By cjk1026 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my much beloved 2000 Odyssey (97,000 miles) and couldnt be happier. Why the heck cant an American manufacturer make a vehicle as nice as this.

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  Quiet competency - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Shoguntkd - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Following several of my friends recommendations, we test drove the Pilot after several sedans. While the exterior is not altogether exciting, it is understated and quite palatable. The interior is enormous and very well laid out for a family. The step height is quite low and buckling in my son in a car seat is now a breeze. The fit and finish is top rate, as all Hondas are, and the thoughtful touches to the storage spaces and ergonomics are outstanding.

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  Why spend more for the Acura? - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Hawkeye 23 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Pilot EX is the 2nd Honda Ive owned. After doing a great deal of market research and sitting down to identify the characteristics I needed (and in some cases wanted) in an SUV, the Honda stomped the competition. Bottom line, I was ready to step up to a more refined vehicle. The Pilot is the best all-around vehicle on the market. I bought the vehicle at Edmunds True Market Value and was happy to get the deal. If youre in Southeastern Virginia, Checkered Flag Honda in Virginia Beach is worth the drive. No high pressure sales pitch. Test drove one day and came back two days later and bought the vehicle.