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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  Get smart-get Pilot! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sgershfeld - January 18 - 10:00 am

  If you want to get a car for your family, but not a minivan than you definitely should consider oversized SUV with third seat. For me choice of "PILOT" was easy- I trust Honda on reliability and quality (my other Honda has 250.000 miles). Super slick, very detailed interior design. Even though it doesnt look huge from outside, it is very roomy inside! Smooth ride! Just one little thing I did not like: floor mat at driver side doesnt cover all surface- so I had to put an extra floor mat over the top.

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  Unknown characteristics - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By wkroberts - January 17 - 5:03 am

  Before you buy a Pilot, understand that it has a lot of “characteristics” that develop later in life. A shaking in the front end that occurs over 65. As 65 is the posted speed limit for the majority of this area, the local Honda dealer does not feel compelled to address the issue. The sloshing noise in the gas tank when it’s full. Honda knows about the issue, but as it only occurs when the tank is full, they see it as characteristic. The brakes make a terrible noise when the ABS kicks in and the front wheels tend to lock-up in a panic stop. This is partially due to the location of the ABS unit and “glazing” of the rotors. It tends to hesitate when cornering at low speeds.

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  I Love My Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By kailove - January 15 - 2:23 am

  I bought my 05 Pilot to replace my two door Toyoya Solara, and I could not be happier. The SUV gives me the room and storage that me and my son need on a daily basis. The ride is smooth and I have never had an issue with it.I can haul a stroller and gorceries with no problems. I have driven it out of town a couple of times and it is a great road trip!!!

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  Honda pilot, solid and reliable - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By JP Madden - January 14 - 2:54 am

  Before buying we had test driven and seriously looked at the Toyota Highlander as an alternative. The Honda won out mainly because of the "Value for money" with the extras. The stereo with 6 in dash CD, the climate control, the leather. All of which were add-ons with the toyota unless you got the limited option. in the end we have had no regrets at all. One key difference is that the highlander is full time 4x4, pilot is a full time front wheel drive with 4x4 coming in when traction requires or in low gear and selected on. It sounds like a lesser option but believe me when you are in the highway you dont want to waste fuel econ. on 4x4. when you do need traction its there in spades!

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  Comfortable ride - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By NYer - January 11 - 2:00 am

  The truck rides smoothly and feels very solid as I put more than 1000 mile on it. The interior design is flawless as I found everything is quite handy. But recently, I feel there is noise from right front wheel as it goes over a bump. The dealer should not be only concerned about selling cars, but also how the consumers feel

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  Pilot is a winner - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By MaxVoe - January 10 - 7:06 am

  This is my fourth Honda. Two sedans, a 2000 Odyssey. Considered an Explorer first but this Pilot feels much roomier inside. It is as easy to drive as my Accord, and the ride is almost as smooth. Although I liked my Odyssey, I wanted to tow about 3500 lbs and felt uncomfortable doing that with a front drive only car. The AWD comes in handy and also helps getting up my driveway in icy Winters.The leather seats in the Pilot are even more comfortable than in my Odyssey, great for long distance driving. Service here in Hyannis has been outstanding.

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  beware - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JOHN B - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new 4 weeks ago due to high ratings the SUV has achieved. Now it is at the dealers. They have already replaced drive shaft and are going to "try" replacing rear differential due to a bad vibration I have had since the car was new a whole 1100 miles age. I want Honda to repurchase vehicle since I will no longer feel comfortable driving it. I WANT MY 1999 CADDY BACK!!!

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  Paid Dealer Invoice for this beauty - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By uscsublime - January 9 - 10:00 am

  We almost bought a Toyota Highlander and were recommended to test a Pilot. We bought the Pilot the next day after that dealer in Escondido, Cush, said these are never discounted. We went to Poway Sunday morning during the local nfl game and it was empty. We paid invoice and felt great about it. Remember the buyer is in charge all the time. Dont listen to salespeople.

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  Down hill from 2005 pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Orion Smith - January 9 - 9:04 am

  Former owner 2005 pilot my wife loved 2005 pilot and took better than excellent care of it Honda offered a offensive trade in value of $5000 on a new 2016 pilot, even after bring offended with trade in offer and because my wife liked the pilot we had for over 11 years I went ahead and bought the 2016 pilot and gave the 2005 pilot to my daughter. I knew the 2016 pilot was not equipped as well as most other makes in same price range, what didnt know was how poor the quality and function of included equipment is! Interior so called leather looks like cheap plastics, hands free phone system is a joke you cant understand what callers are saying, Honda put in new microphone (didnt help) would like to disable system so it wont interfere with cell phone,back seat entertainment is so difficult for children to use and requires someone in front to help, the kids use iPad instead, also there is no connection in back seat to recharge iPad has to be connected at front seat, Car is under powered if you use fuel economy feature, the only real complaint I had with 2005 pilot was road noise 2016 pilot is little or no better 11 years later, weather striping around doors is as flimsy and cheep as I have ever seen. I have only had car 31/2 months who knows how lt will go from here?

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  fun to drive - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By N Jacobs - January 9 - 1:54 am

  Lots of power, sensitive acceleration, seating very comfortable, good vision on dash panel, needs clearence between console and seat, cannot retreave nothing in between, little chrome or pinstriping would spiffy it up a little more.fun to drive and no problems.