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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  Built for the crowd - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Chandran - October 20 - 9:50 pm

  I bought this to carry my big family around and it does the job right. The back side look makes it look like a Van rather than an SUV but the front design proves it wrong. All of a sudden, my wheel lights are showing up even though my tire pressure is good. Also, the Oil change light popped up once in a while. The door light also showed up once I was driving and the doors locked.

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  very nice surprise - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By rickf0628 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Pilot was my third choice, but every now and then you get lucky - I did. Its a mans car. I have been stopped twice by strangers wanting an evaluation. In 31 years of driving, this is the best car I have ever bought, excluding one Mercedes.

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  Great for traveling - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Jana Garcia - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my Honda Pilot! I especially enjoyed it while on vacation. We drove from Texas to Utah and everything in between and it was the best Ive ever done that trip in. The DVD system was incredible with five children.

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  Love that Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Cmann - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I drove a Mercedes ML320 for 3 years prior to getting my Honda Pilot. Without a doubt the Pilot is far superior in every aspect. Perfomance, comfort, convenience, everything...I love the Pilot.

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  You Can beat the Vehicle for the Price - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Joein610 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  We price many SUVs and he feature.. Honda had the edge on all the categories we were looking for price, quality, safety!,4 wheel drive, etc.. For the price nothing touches the Pilot especially if you want Navigation or DVD... ask me, I Have 2 !!..I have a black Pilot with Navigation and side steps, and another Sage Brush with the entertainment system! Take a look at then Navigation its worth the extra fee, once you get Navigation you can get an aftermarket DVD System... Joe V

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  My Second Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Bob Bruggeman - October 10 - 1:30 pm

  I traded in my 03 EX-L Pilot for a new 09 EX-L model. The 03 was very dependable. In comparison, the 09 has a much smoother & more quiet ride. Road noise has been reduced dramatically. There are more standard options and features on the new model. I am having to get use to the VCM technology. There is noticeable hesitation when the vehicle changes cylinder rotation. Some reviews have given the Pilot bad marks on the lack of V6 power. This has not been an issue with me. The dash layout is well thought out with the button locations and instrument panel. The dash read-out message screen is pretty neat with clear and easy to read information. Visibility is good. Got 22 MPG on first road trip.

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  Love our Pilot! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Joe&Bets - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my wife a Pilot to safely carry our new child (and her!) in the Shenandoah Valley winter, in October of 03. Since then, weve had three good snow storms, and the Pilot never skipped a beat! Driving on the frozen, snowy roads was a breeze. Ive taken the Pilot up to the Appalacian Trail, and the ride up the fire roads was like driving up my driveway. The AWD system works like a charm and is seamless (i.e., you dont even notice it or feel it engage). Weve carried large, heavy loads thanks to the fold down 2nd row seats. Thanks to the NAV system, I no longer have to take calls at work to tell how to get where shes going! We love this vehicle!

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By bostnwhalr - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned many different vehicles. The Pilot makes you feel like you are driving a much more expensive vehicle, from the instrumentation, the comfortable seating, refined rev-happy V-6, quiet operation, nice ride, etc. Traction in snow is very impressive. Instant AWD, no delay from front to rear. Gas mileage has been just ok at 17-18 mpg, mostly driving around town. Even the 3rd row is tolerable for adults once you get back there, especially since the 2nd row can be adjusted forward for 2004. I cant think of a better family- friendly SUV (unless you have 4+ kids).

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  almost superb - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Meech - October 5 - 10:36 pm

  This SUV is a very comfortable ride. The 255 HP engine gives it a nice kick with smooth acceleration. The interior is accommodating and cozy. The wind shield wipers are in an awkward position, however, and there is a six cd player and another solo cd player which is weird, but poses no problems. Also, a silver trim has been added to the interior for cosmetic purposes which I can do without. Despite some disappointment about some cosmetic decisions this vehicle is powerful, comfortable, handles beautifully and is thoroughly enjoyable.

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  The Best SUV for the price - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Asian Dude - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I got this SUV with Navigational system, and a after market DVD player intall, for 31,400. This is the last brand new 2003 model I could find around the area (Tulsa, Oklahoma). This SUV performant is great, spacy interior.