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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  So far, so good - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By yossarian - May 27 - 6:03 pm

  Have about 500 miles on the car so far. The entire family likes it. It replaced an Infiniti JX35, and everyone likes it better that that car. We have none of the radio, bluetooth or shifting problems mentioned by other 2016 Pilot owners (yet?). The radio is fine; in fact, it is better than average. Ditto for the nine-speed tranny. Works great - and much better than Infinitis CVT. Adequately powered. Good gas mileage. And it takes regular gas. The car is quiet. Well soundproofed, with acoustic glass. Very little wind noise, engine noise or tire noise. Every seat is comfortable. Plenty of storage, including storage behind the third seats. I was expecting to hate the entertainment system / user interface, but I dont. I wish it had volume knobs, but it has a permanent volume "touch slider" that is relatively easy to find, plus volume knobs on the steering wheel. And it is very easy to program-in favorite programs, which are then readily accessible. HVAC system has separate, permanent, easy to find and use controls. Plenty of USB ports. Steering is much more precise than the Infiniti, which felt like it had a rubber band connected between the steering wheel and front wheels. Infiniti liked to wander everywhere, except in a straight line (and the Infinitis "loose" steering made it tiresome to keep it going in a straight line). Pilot tracks straight. As for technology, it has virtually everything except 360 degree, birds eye view cameras. Im not a big fan of the push-button shifter, but I expect it just takes time to get used to it. I cant speak to reliability of dealer service yet. I will update the review at a later time.

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  Honda Fan - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Mark Zehnpfenng - May 27 - 10:24 am

  The Pilot is the best vehicle we have owned. It drives great, has all the features we need and has rock solid reliability.

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  thank goodness for honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ckrich - May 26 - 10:00 am

  What a nice surprise after two Jeeps---I am hoping the reliability will compare to the two Hondas I had before the Jeeps, especially my 99. That was a very bad experience!

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  Take Me to Your Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bruce Epley - May 25 - 12:25 am

  Have only taken one major trip with my new Pilot since purchasing it in January, but really enjoyed the feel and comfort, as well as the handling. Coming from a Transport minivan, Im giving up a bit of room, but feel much safer on the road. Got just a little higher than 20 mpg packed to the gills with moving my daughter home from college.

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  Honda wont fix recurring problems - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By wrod - May 23 - 1:18 pm

  I have had problems from the beginning with my Pilot EX-L and Hondas customer no-service is maddening to deal with. You cant talk to anyone but the person who answers the phone, who is obviously trained at stonewalling the customer. The vehicle will hesitate and lose power and the gas mileage is HORRIBLE. I get better mileage from my V-8 truck than from the Pilot. If you buy a Pilot you better hope you dont have problems because Honda wont fix them.

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  Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Nordhagen - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Really enjoy this car. Feel very safe and comfortable in the car, typical Honda reliability.

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  FM RADIO fades in and out constantly! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By B DUNN - May 22 - 9:25 am

  First off I was told Android auto would work with the 2016 Honda pilot which was not true and secondly the FM radio fades in and out constantly no matter what frequency that you have it on. Its no reception issue. Its not the speed value control. I have taking back to the dealer twice and they cant do anything until Honda Corporation figure it out?

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  04 Pilot EXL - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Bob and Dee - May 21 - 9:35 am

  Have owned several used honda cars and all have been predictably reliable. We bought this Pilot new though and now after nearly 20 months and 21000 miles it is still completely problem free and a pleasure to drive. It has been thru 2 snowy Minn winters, easily pulls our 18 boat and entertains the kids with the DVD. This is the wifes truck and she loves the visibility, ride comfort and EXL features. She told me there is no way I could get her to drive (or even ride in) an Explorer or the GMC AWD Safari weve had in the past.

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  Better than a Ford Explorer - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By robert - May 19 - 1:33 pm

  The Pilot handles great. More like a car than a truck. I looked at the Acura MDX and found the Pilot a better value. I had two Ford Explorers and switched to Honda and I am loving it.

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  2003 Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Tapgbr - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I "bribed" my wife to drive all the usual suspects (Explorer, Expedition, Durango, Highlander, Tahoe, TrailBlazer, Ascender, Envoy, Mountineer) when she declared she was ready to replace her full sized van. The Pilot just felt right. Plenty of power, loads of features, quality materials inside. Got the EX with leather for 2K less than MSRP. Nothing but great so far.