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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  Love the Pilot! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By angieeb - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned a Honda and now I think I will never own anything else. This SUV has the smoothest ride of any vehicle I have ever owned. It fits tight with no rattles! There is plenty of room in the front and second row, and loads of cargo space. The interior layout is fabulous. The Pilot is a pleasure to drive.

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  Excellent SUV better than any V8 - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By HondaSUVPilot - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent fuel economy. Faster than any V8 Ford (Expedition), Chevy/GMC (Denali/Suburban), with 240 horsepower. Great stability and off road capability when needed. Large Cabin space. Third row seat actually can fit 3 full size adults under 6 foot. Love the SUV. Use to have a Ford and Chevy SUV and they had problems with their engines (water pumps, cylinders.)

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  Love my 2017 Pilot Touring - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Virginia Rathje - January 20 - 10:00 pm

  I bought the Touring model because the Elite model did not have the right side camera, only blind spot indicator in both mirrors. I would say the blind spot indicator in the left hand side would be handy, but prefer the camera on the right. There are so many things I love about this Pilot that I cant pick out one favorite. Engine Idle stop at a light is awesome. Push button shift is fabulous. Navigation takes some time to figure out the ins and outs, but it is great. Love the Adapative Cruise Control and Lane departure warning.

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  Absolutely love it! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Marleigh - January 20 - 8:00 pm

  I bought my Pilot after researching it for a year. I am so impressed with the room inside. It is definitely more spacious inside than it looks outside. I really love how the middle row can seat three people comfortably, something you dont get with most SUVs. It rides great, and I love how nimble it is. It drives just like a car, and I can get in and out of parking decks and parking lots with no problems. It is great for my family, and I cant wait to take it on a long vacation. It will be me, my husband, my young son, and my parents. My son fits fine in the 3rd row and loves it back there.

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  Chronic problems with BlueTooth and Audio System - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By K Curtiss - January 20 - 10:40 am

  I purchased my Honda Pilot brand new in January. Within two weeks I started getting error messages on the audio system and the bluetooth system does not work regularly - frequently I get a message saying the the car can not find a phone to connect to - even though the BlueTooth on my phone is turned on and the phone is plugged into the car. I have spent 7 months trying to get Honda to fix this but they can not seem to figure it out - they have told me that many Pilot owners are experiencing the same issue but they do not yet have a solution. I purchased this car for the Hands Free Technology and since it is not working regularly I am in the process of asking Honda to refund my car.

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  Not as fun but better then 06 MDX - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Luv My pilot - January 14 - 6:03 am

  I went from an 06 MDX touring with Nav, RES and running boards. Priced the same vehicle for another 3 year lease and would have to take an additional $100/month out of my pocket for 39 months. Once I test drove the Pilot, I fell in love. I will say that it is not nearly as fun to drive but functionality and space overcome the need for speed. Comfort matches if not beats the 09 MDX I tested. I also tested the GM equivalents including the overpriced fully-loaded Enclave. For a family of 5, and for about $200/month less than the MDX I recommend the Pilot Touring.

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  A keeper - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Ed Pantaloni - January 13 - 7:59 pm

  Comfortable ride, easy to handle, excellent raod conditin response with Michellin All Terraine tires, spacious. Low center of gravity give little lean-into on curves and exit/enter ramps. Although is 4wd, you dont need a ladder to get in/out. Not affected by cross winds as much as minivans are - perhaps a much as an auto.

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  Great Grandma Taxi - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Mary DeRose - January 10 - 1:57 pm

  I care for my two grandsons every day so I need a big, reliable car. This does more than what I need and I am thrilled with it. That said, I was VERY disappointed that it does not come with power folding side mirrors! The manual implies that it does, as does the icon on the mirror adjustment button. Since I have a three bay garage, I only have about 2" of clearance on each side! I really was (am) bummed about this. I manually fold in the left mirror when I pull in to give myself a few more inches. (Yes, I think Honda should remedy this.) The styling is awesome and the interior is designed beautifully. It has great acceleration, braking and handling. I went from a BMW 3 series to this car so I care about quality and handling. It is classy looking and I think I will have this car for a long, long time.

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  Family + fun + cool style - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Rich0218 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Weve researched several similar styles (highlander, explorer, etc)but we always ended up back at the Honda dealer. Honda has always been the best. Weve owned 3 hondas over the past 15 years, all were reliable and had an excellent resale value when it was time for us to "upgrade" -The Pilot fit our every need! Comfort, style. excellent entertainment system for the kids. The Pilot is an awesome alternative to a boring minivan! We love it! Absolutely no complaints so far.

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  A Great SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Larry Juan - January 5 - 8:16 pm

  Excellent preformance .... superb handling and best in class brakes