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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  Fine SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Rogers - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Overall the Honda Pilot sure beats the 2000 Toyata SR% I traded in for it. Seating is excellant for tall drivers and the visibility is outstanding. Fast, smooth and handles great at Interstate speeds with pleanty of reserve for passing. Miliage is consistantly 20 aroound town and 23-25 on the Interstates. Very stable in high winds. Outstanding for the price.

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  Happy.. so far - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By budinct - April 3 - 3:00 am

  I reseached my purchase for several months. I am a previous Jeep GC and MB ML320 owner and current Odyssey owner. I am very happy with the style, comfort, finish or the truck. Plenty of room, power and refinement. I purchased an EXL for a great price with the current incentives. No regrets after 3000 miles.

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  This Pilot doesnt Fly - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By R Janney - March 30 - 11:10 am

  This 2009 Honda Pilot has been a real disappointment. With approx. 5200 miles since new in August 2008 we are not pleased with the over all quality. At less than 1000 miles the rear windshield wiper assembly flew off when I turned it on. The battery has died twice while parked with everything off. This happened at approx 3200 miles and just this week with 5000 miles. The side trim panel on the drivers side door next to the window fell off. The entire vehicle rattles and squeaks as if there were 105,000 miles on it (Our 02 SAAB & 03 VW are quiet!) The right front passenger seat is jerky when you use the forward-back adjustment. The shift lever make operating or tuning the radio uncomfortable.

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  Looks Like a Ferrari drives like a Fiat - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By ChuckTX - March 29 - 6:17 pm

  We leased the 2016 Pilot with the expectation we were getting the same quality as the last 3 Pilots we leased. This was not the same Pilot we had come to love. This vehicle is tinny - the vibration and awful performance are staggering. We recently took it on a 10 hour road trip. It was like sitting on an airplane next to the motor. As we traveled down the highway I felt as if the hood was going to peel back like a sardine can. I am hoping the dealership will take the vehicle back as we have just exceeded our 30 day period. I should have been more aware of the fact there were 3,200 miles on the vehicle when we leased it realizing someone already knew what I was about tho find out. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  A month of driving and no complaints - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Leslie Feray - March 28 - 4:25 am

  Wanted to wait a month before posting a review; I always rely on Edmunds info for car purchases. I have been very pleased. My previous vehicle was a 2011 Sequoia LTD. From an interior perspective, there is not that much less room than the Sequoia, but is so much easier to handle and drive. I have not experienced any problems with acceleration, braking, noises, etc. I did place an 8" screen protector over the navigation and it has helped tremendously on fingerprints. I love the blue LED lighting at night throughout the interior. I find the navigation and Bluetooth features easy to use - I have mainly used the screen and not the voice recognition. In deciding on the Pilot I also seriously considered the Infinity QX60 and the Toyota Highlander. The Highlander was eliminated because I really wanted a bench 2nd row and with that criteria you have to get a basic Highlander without a lot of the "nice" features. The QX60 you could get similar features to the Touring Pilot Model, but the price shot way up and often some of the safety features were "packaged" with other features I didnt want. Another feature I really like on the Pilot is the wide console between the two seats which is "friendly" to hold a purse or papers. Its flat the QX60 was narrow and curved. I routinely have a teenager in the front seat so that is important to me. Lots of storage compartments in the back is another big plus. The only two things Ive noticed after driving several hundred miles (things you dont notice when you test drive) the clock is part of the navigation screen. The kids love it - they can clearly see it from the backseat, however you do not see the time until the "warning" messages go away when you start the car. For someone that checks the time the minute they start the car, this is taking some getting used to - again minor - but what I noticed. Also the Auto Engine Stop takes some getting used to when driving in traffic. You can turn it off at any time, but it appears that you have to turn it off every time you start the car. Its not like the "econ" mode that stays on or off indefinitely independent of turning the car on and off. But its an easy button to reach. I really like the "push button" gear shifts - a lot more than I thought I would - so fast and convenient. One tip on extended warranty - if you choose to do one - I did Honda Care - the dealership started out hundreds more than you can purchase one on-line for. Honda Care is Honda Care - doesnt matter which dealership it is purchased from. If that is something you are interested in, get a price quote from the internet before signing the papers at the dealership. Make them match or beat the price you can get on-line... we saved over $800 buying the warranty this way.

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  Honda shows why it holds its value - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Kendall - March 27 - 1:40 pm

  This is an SUV that drives like a sedan. The quality of the workmanship is apparent as soon as you close the door. I am part of a Honda family and tell myself everytime I buy a new vehicle that I should try something different. However, the quality, resell value and reliability always brings me back. The Pilot is a great step into the SUV market for Honda. If you are looking for an SUV that doesnt drive like a truck or drink like one either this is your car.

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  I love it - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By jorgeviniciomera - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I like everything on my new Pilot 2004, the most i Like is the interior design, easy to drive and so soft.

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  honda pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By SadieandShelby - March 26 - 2:00 am

  We love the way the Pilot drives- the steering, AWD, and acceleration are great. The interior is roomy and comfortable. Like the controls built into the steering wheel. Appreciate all the safety features, including third row seat headrests and shoulder restraints for both second and third rows. Enjoy the sound system.

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  Id Buy It Again - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Juji - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my Pilot!

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  Mouse Trap - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Moetime - March 25 - 4:46 pm

  Great ride, pleanty of room, and comfortable. Quiet cabin for the first year, there after, cabin noise seemed to increase, especially on highways. Gas mileage is not nearly what was stated...but the fact that you do not have to change the oil as frequently is a plus. I all it "the mouse trap" because we have cought six mice in the cabin so far. The dealer claims that it happens to all cars...all models, but this is a first for me. They think that the mice are getting through the freshair duct, and other than keeping it on recirculate, there is nothing that could be done.