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:

• 

  LOVE my pilot! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mocha100 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The same care and thoughtfulness went into the making of this car as the rest of the Honda fleet. 8 seats? That was the deciding kick. Granted, not really enough room for adults back there, but for children, its plenty. There are also many outlets and cupholders. Great compartments and Homelink system for my garage door opener. Odd aspect of design - placement of the windshield wiper control. Easy to reach for this instead of gear shifter. Honda could also take a cue from Ford and put a compass in the car, as well as rear radio controls instead of just rear climate controls. Other than that, I am in LOVE with my new car!

• 

  Fun to drive - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jorge pasada - December 1 - 10:00 am

  A Great Value and Great Design compliment eachother quite well. It combines size, power and fuel economy.

• 

  Let the snow come! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By new-englander - November 30 - 4:03 pm

  Accepting the fact that this is not a BMW in exterior design, a luxury car in sophistication, or a true off road suv, the Pilot comes very close to ideal. It has a smooth and powerful enough engine to manage tough and icy mountain slopes, maneuvers responsively through winding mountain roads or congested city streets. It handles great in inclement New England weather and it has an unbeatable safety record. Its only a little bit noisy (tire noise) but the engine is barely audible. Oh, and its handsome enough for the country club and a lot cheaper than that MDX!

• 

  Transmission issues and temperature issues - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By frustratedminnesotan - November 27 - 2:30 am

  I purchased my 2016 Honda Pilot in September 2015 and did not notice transmission issues or temperature issues at first but they have steadily increased over the months. I now have owned it for almost 5 months and have brought it in to be serviced twice due to transmission and temperature gauge issues. I am so disappointed with the lack of support from Honda regarding their transmission issues. My Pilot does not accelerate properly, in fact I have to push hard on the pedal for it to accelerate and it shifts at the incorrect times and causes me major issues when driving up hill or on the interstate. My local Honda dealer had a tech drive it and he said he felt the issue but could not fix it since the "computer" found no issue with the transmission. That is completely unacceptable. I am also having issues with my Pilot not properly warming up on cooler days and the heated seats are a joke. The heated seats do not warm up properly and the temperature is no different for the Low or High setting. Again, this was reviewed by my local Honda dealer but was told once again that they could not fix it because the "computer" could not find anything wrong. Again, unacceptable. I now have another appointment scheduled next week to have my cruise control fixed since that has now stopped working as well. I plan to turn in my Pilot next month if all of my issues cannot be resolved.

• 

  Pilot Wins Hands Down! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By chicaojoe - November 25 - 6:40 am

  After 6 months of research, watching this forum, looking at the other internet sites - and waiting for the Honda cash incentives to return ($1,500 on Pilot till 2/2/09) - I pulled the trigger and bought a new Pilot two weeks ago. I looked at everything in this category including Highlander, Veracruz, CX-9, Traverse, Arcadia and the Acura MDX. Hands down, the Pilot trounces them all in features, technology and value. This vehicle has better tech than even the more expensive Acura MDX (USB audio interface for iPod). If you are looking at a mid/full size SUV - you must consider the Pilot. My wife loves the storage and the smooth handling. I love the tech toys - bluetooth, navi, iPod, etc.

• 

  Finally decided on the Best SUV - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By SamanthaFox - November 20 - 3:53 pm

  The 2009 Honda Pilot is the best SUV I have every driven. I have owned the 2004 Pilot that was reliable, spacious but unappealing; I have owned a Sequoia that was too big and a gas guzzler; I have also owned a Jeep Cherokee that dragged during take off, had poor gas mileage and horrible interior. I have found the SUV that I will drive for a long time. Thanks Honda for the new design. I love it; love driving it; and because I like the vehicle so much, I can, almost, better deal with going to the pump to pay for unnecessarily high priced gas.

• 

  very happy - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mycar1 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  i love the vechile. its like a van on the inside and looks like a truck. very comfortable and roomy. would like more gadgets......its basic.

• 

  Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Theduuz - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I like it. everyone should own one. Like the awd system

• 

  Happy Honda Honcho - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JIMBOO2 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The Pilot is a very smooth ride with good interior room for up to 8 people. The Pilot is sure footed in even the more severe curves and has powerful takeoff abilities for merging and passing. I find the radio dials etc. a little busy but not too bad. On my test drive I told my wife that it was the nicest vehicle Ive ever driven and 6K later still fel that way.

• 

  very smooth ride - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By hammerx4 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  needs to do something about where the "dead pedal area"is. small strip of leather for foot. mostly carpet, gets very dirty. also, area where seatbelt retracts gets nicked no matter how careful you are. otherwise pleased.