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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  pushin a pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By tgood - December 12 - 2:00 am

  the Pilot is a sharp, 4dr bizness vehicle and the yakroof racks contain the weekend yaks with very good stability. I have pushed the crap out of the pilot on the texas highways - 85mph for hours with good gas economy for this speed. It has greater inside cubics than its sister the Accura MDX, is 18% less in original cost and uses regular gas, versus premium on the MDX (for the same engine). great front interior space and comfort/widthroom/legroom/headroom (im 64"). The auto 4wd works quite well on the slick streets & fishin spots. A great vehicle for the $ and longevity.

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  Love my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JGRacer - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Not as many bells and whistles as the Jeep Cherokee but a far superior ride and comfort. This is a SUV that drives like a sedan. The stereo leaves a little to be desired.

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  From WA State to Florida - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Border - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I traded up from a RAV4 to the Pilot. My Pilot was one that was made in Canada, so it has heated side view mirrors. They are great in cold weather. In January I moved from the northern border to Florida and the vehicle performed wonderfully. Going over the snow covered summits the vehicle performed like a champ. The dealer didnt do me any favors, but it wasnt a bad deal.

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  Great car - rated #1 by CR - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Philippe - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The best car in the mid-size and large size SUVs. Better than the Acura MDX (whom the Pilot is derived) and $5000 less. A bargain!

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  Great car - rated #1 by CR - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By philippe - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The best car in the mid-size and large size SUVs. Better than the Acura MDX (whom the Pilot is derived) and $5000 less. A bargain!

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  Great Job Honda! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Barb F. - December 7 - 1:16 am

  We have owned our Touring Pilot since May. We drove to Maine with 3 teenagers and Mom and Dad. The trip went great! We attached a carrier on the back and had more than enough room for a 2 week trip. This is a user friendly car. The seats fold down so easily-only 1 person needed. For the long trip I found the space above the glove box helpful for gum, change, etc. Our teens love the wireless headsets - and the ability for us to hear XM - while they watched their DVD. The road handling was excellent- especially in a horrible rain storm. The rear wiper - starts out fast then goes into its slow mode-very helpful. All in all -a very satisfied customer. As an ex-suburban owner- goodbye GM.

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  2005 Honda Pilot: SUV for larger familes - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Colleen - December 6 - 7:30 am

  This is my 6th Honda, and favorite Honda to date. I needed an 8 seater and did not want an enormous vehicle. The dealership where I purchased this SUV (Largo Honda-where I purchased/leased 4 of the vehicles) makes buying/leasing a "breeze". Bottom line: great vehicle-superior to Honda Passport (last vehicle.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By rjsoulliere - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a fabulous family car that provides comfort and room without scrimping on safety or aesthetics. For all those out there who refuse to be "minivan moms", the Honda Pilot allows the same seating arrangment (actually more) than most minivans on the market, while also providing the functionality of a SUV without being obnoxious in size or look. The gas mileage is good considering it is an SUV, not as good as a family car, however, its not the same horror stories of the more obnoxious SUVs on the market. The ride is smooth, the kids are happy and thus the parents are thrilled!

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  Honda Pilot sets the standard - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bobdahl99 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Very impressive! This is a quality built vehicle. Ride is smooth and quieter than our 200 Mercury Grand Marquis! Excellent around town and cruises the interstate effortlessly. (Getting 20 MPG @ steady 75 MPH.) Honda has lived up to its reputation!

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  Still Getting Acquainted to an SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Brizzi - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My intro to the SUV was the result of necessity. I must admit that the vehicle is every bit as comfortable on the highway as my wifes El Dorado but,I miss the "feel" of the road. Another thing that surprises me is that the gas mileage is lower on the SUV and I runnnning almost 85 horsepower less. Inside, there is plenty of room and comfort and it is pleasing to the eye. As far as the outside goes, its just another SUV. The vehicle itself is very good. I just need to get used to it.