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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  1st 24 Hours/240 Miles - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By SBoyd - August 27 - 12:17 pm

  I am a car snob. I prefer to have a loaded SUV that keeps up with the Joness, but last night I purchased a base LX Pilot to be practical. No leather, no sunroof, no CD, and no XM...oh me! Husband was pleased with my decision to purchase a lesser expensive car than my last four over the past 20 months, God love him! The last car was his choice, GMC Acadia SLT with everything imaginable. Great "entertainment" but awful gas mileage and absolutely no reliability (in my eyes) as I dont like being on side of the road in a 47k vehicle! Anyway, we got rid of it and I started looking for practical car for my 100 mile days. After researching the 2016 Pilot, I was excited but then I couldnt commit because I wanted a more luxurious interior. I drove everything "nice" but couldnt get the Pilot out of my head. The Pilot made sense. After losing so much $ on the past two cars, I worked a deal on a base model and drove away with my new Pilot last night. Since driving off the lot last night, I have put about 130 highway miles and 70 city miles on the Pilot. So far Ive used about 1/4 a tank of gas! I have grown to love the simplicity of the radio/Bluetooth/iPod/Heating and AC system as its nice to be able to drive and touch buttons without having to read a screen or select 70 things! The seats are crazy comfortable! I didnt miss seat warmers today because the cloth is like a nice cozy blanket instead of freezing leather. The armrest, well I hated it until today when I was in and out of the car 100 times! I realized Im not slumped over on the center console and I was much more comfortable! The cargo tray is my favorite, nothing sliding in the cargo area is amazing! My only two issues today, no sunroof and the sunglasses holder is too small for my big ole sunglasses! So for anyone who wants a solid, comfortable SUV...give it a chance, glad I did!

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  Pilot 2004 - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By T. Simmons - August 27 - 11:57 am

  Once dealer worked through early transmission issues, performance is fine. Im dissapointed that rear seats do not lay down flat! Overall it is a good auto with some minor design flaws.

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  Good Choice - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Bobby J - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Honda has done well with the new Pilot. Although a bit pricey, its worth the money. It has the typical Honda reliability, and its resale value should be high. Dealers are driving tough bargains due to high demand, but armed with the knowledge you can get at places like this website, you can still negotiate a good deal. Im happy with the ride, and everything works as advertised. In the greater scheme of things, all of the complaints listed below are minor, and I am (as usual) a satisfied Honda owner.

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  2004 Pilot EX-L with RES - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By klossfam - August 18 - 7:20 pm

  Figured a higher mileage review was due (40K miles at 1.5 years since driving off the lot) Perfect track record and we tow a boat (2700 lbs w/trailer) and snowmobiles (2000 lbs w/trailer) a lot. Average 18-20 in around town driving. Approx 22-24 for a dedicated highway drive. Realistic towing mpg is 15-16. Great overall ride but the spring rates from the MDX (slightly stiffer) would be nice. Power is more than adequate. If cheap Goodyear Integrity OEM tires are rotated every 5K, theyll provide a lot of useful life (still good tread at 40K). In Northern climates, running boards and rear splash guards are a must. MAKE the dealer throw them in (they will). Next SUV will be a Pilot.

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  Dont buy first model year - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By leroy - August 17 - 11:04 pm

  The Pilot is comfortable to drive and has good storage capacity. However we have had multiple problems that have ranged from a stress cracked windshied to electrical problems ..... our 3rd Honda product and most disappointing.

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  Not just an SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Sept78 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Pilot almost a year now and still feel thrilled everytime I get behind the wheel. The interior is spacious and accomodating whether you are carrying cargo or people. The seats flip up or seemingly disappear depending on your needs at that time. Mileage is good especially considing the people capacity of the vehicle. It gets as good as or better mileage than the averge minivan. Too bad all those nasty people who target SUVs as the eviromental destroyers of our Earth dont realize that!I have 3 children and they have friends, I need a safe people mover. The Pilot assures me a safe trip even in last winters deep heavy snow.

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  Worth the wait - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Rod from Salem - August 13 - 6:43 pm

  My wife and I were waiting for a this 2009 version to come out since we saw the concepts. My wife has the 03 CRV and that has been a workhorse and we love it. We are hoping that this Pilot will do the same for us. We are enjoying it so far. We had a snow storm and it drove like a tank as it plowed through ice and snow. We were looking at the 4runner and we found that the Pilot drove much better - the drive feels more comfortable, yet firm and responsive to drive, it also feels much more powerful - even with the V8 version of the 4runner. Finally you get more for your money with the Pilot.

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  2004 Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By VJP - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Took delivery of my 2004 Honda Pilot on November 1 2003, so far this vehicle has proven to be the the best car I have ever purchased. The quality is excellent (as you would expect of a Honda), fit and finish are supurb and is also very quiet when you drive it....nothing rattles! After driving mostly Chevy Blazers in the past, my neighbors were shocked to see this new Honda Pilot in my garage! Having compared these 2 vehicles in terms of quality and overall dollar value, I found the Pilot to be the bigger bang for the buck. This vehicle is great, highly recomended!!

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  Best SUV fir the money - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Amici45 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  First time SUV buyer, for less than $30k,no other carmaker can match this car. Isnt perfect, but again a great car , just very happy...

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Wynnie - August 8 - 2:00 am

  A safe and comfortable ride--not only in the city but on long road trips. This vehicle makes driving a pleasure with its smooth glide--and enough power when needed. A GREAT FAMILY CAR!