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 drive, huge space, good deal - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By zimboy - August 22 - 5:15 pm

  had several hondas in my time so I expect great quality and got it. the Pilot has great space and features and is a sporty drive with excellent handling. i found out it shares the same platform as the Acura MDX and its no surprise. looks chunky and big on the outside, incredible space inside and drives like a crossover. some great technology which the dealers never seem to highlight like drive-by-wire accelerator, the 3-4 cyclinder shut-off for economy, tri-zone a/c etc. got the EX at invoice - $1250 after starting out looking at the CRV, the Pilot is so much more for a few extra $s.

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  Hands down best large SUV for the money! - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By jrburnett23 - August 16 - 10:02 am

  This is my fiances car but I drive it way more than she does and it by the far the best car Ive driven. For as large as the car is, it gets great gas mileage. We have moved twice since getting this car a year ago and with both back row seats folded down you can fit an enormous amount of stuff in your car. Even a pretty big dresser! It rides very smooth and is extremely comfortable to ride in. The rear-entertainment system is a great feature to have especially if you have kids riding with you from time to time. The only thing that I would change about this car is I would turn the back seat into two captains chairs and put a big console in between them. Best car ever!

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  2011 Pilot Touring Engine Noise - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By dgsheridan - August 7 - 11:55 am

  I do not recommend this vehicle. Engine has a rattling sound during acceleration, much like a chain dragging the ground. Dealer initially changed out a part in the exhaust system which didnt fix the problem. Dealer now says its a characteristic of all Pilots and is normal. After 8,800 miles, the noise is getting louder.

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  Window regulator problem - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By powderpuff - August 5 - 6:44 pm

  Have really loved the Pilot since we bought it new. We are having trouble with the leather seats coming apart, but that we can deal with. The major problem is we have now replaced all 4 of the window regulators once and one of them twice! Three this year. This is really irritating because they just go down all of a sudden when driving along or when parked at a parking lot we come out and one will be down! We are lucky we havent had it stolen. Plus in the desert in the middle of the summer it sucks to have a window all a sudden falls down! As well as the $350 it costs each time to fix. Honda rep says there isnt a problem are we the only ones with this problem?!

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  Should be the "Standard" for SUVs - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By burghcarguy - July 27 - 4:50 pm

  105,000 miles and Ive had one repair - the radiator. Otherwise, just routine maintenance. Goes through anything once you replace the lousy OEM tires. No rattles after 5 years - nothing. Just incredibly solid. Have had 8 adults in it, with no complaints. Can haul stuff and people. Family of 5 to the beach? No problem. Big visit to Lowes? No problem. Handle a Buffalo winter? No problem. Great highway vehicle. Superb comfort for long drives. You feel very safe in it. Traction control and Stability control work great. Great mileage for its size and hauling capability. 18 around town. 22 on the highway.

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  Honda Heaven ??? - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By vstanley - July 21 - 11:19 pm

  Being a previous Honda consumer I knew the resell value that Honda brings considering all the problems that Toyota was facing we chose the Honda.. I love the boxy body style, the interior design is not too bad once you get used to the layout. I DO NOT like the quality of the interior. Cheap... Styrofoam in the door jam??? What is that about?? Noise?? The leg room is great for tall people. Front and second row. The gas mileage is average for an SUV of similiar size, no surprises there. It was in B&W. Some complained about road noise. Yes, you do hear it. I was told the tires are to blame. Smooth ride though. Seats are firm, not as plush as some I test drove.

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  Most expensive vehicle ever!!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By baust - July 5 - 7:34 am

  Our Pilot has been family owned since new and was dealer maint. up to 80K. We bought it from her parents with 80K miles. Its hardly even needed any maint. done. I did the timing belt/waterpump/plugs @ 107K, the first brake job was done at 125K. We drive mostly highway. Heres the catch: The first transmission went out at 130K miles. Honda quoted us $3,700 to replace it with a factory reman. with a 3-year/36K warranty. We had them replace it because we didnt want to ever have to worry about it again. Now 2 years later @ 172K and the transmission needs to be replaced again. They wont cover anything because we have put 42K on it. They quoted us $4,700. Can YOU afford one? We cant.

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  Excellent Family Vehicle - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By yojoe - June 30 - 12:37 pm

  I have owned my Pilot for 7 months and 6600 miles. It just got the first oil change. The car performs very well on the Interstate. The MPGs are about 14.5 city and on the interstate I have experiences tanks averaging 18 up to 25.5 ( all with AC on). I have been only using Premium gas. I do not understand the large MPG variation on the interstate. It could be gas quality. The VCM engine has performed just fine without any complaint. I do notice when the engine is in 3 cylinder mode.

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  Navigation is worthless without traffic. - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By shof - June 29 - 5:53 pm

  Spending extra to get a car with all the bells and whisles it was very disapointing to find out the navigation system is unable to give traffic avoidence. Even with the XM radio traffic subscription. If they do not provide a way to fix. It will be my last honda. And to think I could have bought the base model, and a Tom Tom or Nuvi, like I have in my other car that does it all for $200. And saved 5 to 10 grand.

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  really love my 2011 pilot LX - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By barleybrewer55 - June 20 - 1:15 pm

  Very pleased with my 2011 pilot LX. I traded in my 2004 Honda Element for the new pilot. The element seated 4 people the pilot 8 people. The element had a 4 banger that got 25 mpg, the pilot has a 250 hp v-6, is getting 24 mpg on long trips. The pilot is smooth, tracks well, and spacious. The pilot tows my 3000 pound boat well. I like everything about the purchase. Sticker was 31,000, paid 27,000.