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 my Pilot! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Pilotmom - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. Only disappointment is that there are no garment hooks! Small thing, but a huge thing when you are bring home dry cleaning or going on a trip.

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  review - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Melo - August 15 - 2:00 am

  good

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  Surprise - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By casworld - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Attention: My wife just paid $370 to replace fuel injection valve. Discovered there is a recall on transmissions. Anyone aware of this? Very surprised and alarmed. Loved this car but now Im disappointed in Honda reliablity.

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  The Pilot is an awsome SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By rogb - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Chose the Pilot after comparing to other SUVs. Had it about a month with no problems - three long weekend trips with varied driving conditions. Its comfortable, handles well, and has plenty of room. Have hauled 6 kids, and with the adjustable back seats you can stagger bigger kids to make everyone comfortable. The way the rear seats fold make for a large number of people/gear configurations possible. Cant wait to test out the AWD on ski trips this winter! The Pilot a great overall value, got a great price from the Dealers internet sales. Our friends think it cost much more than it did.

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  Less than 1000 miles - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Mike Martin - August 13 - 8:47 pm

  This is the first new car that I have purchased that I am thinking of trading after less than 1000 miles driven. I bought the Pilot AWD Touring package because Honda forces you into that package to get some of the options. I knew when I bought this SUV that I would hate the push button transmission and I do. It has too many gears and at times, especially at lower speeds, it seems to get confused as to what gear it should be in. I can really feel it when I turn down into my subdivision and kind of coast. It seems to hunt for the right gear when you dont need to put your foot on the gas. The default setting for Hondas gas rating is to turn the engine off at stops. What a pain this is and I wonder what this will do in the long term to the starter and battery. You can defeat this, but you have to remember to push another button every time you push the drive button. Would be a great SUV if I could get over the transmission. Buyers remorse, wish I had gone with the Highlander or bought the EX-L without all the options that I thought that I wanted. You dont really need all those options.

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  2010 Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By zorin - August 13 - 10:33 am

  The Pilot is built like vault. Feels very stable and solid on the road especially highway. Compared it to a Toyota Highlander but finally chose pilot as it is wider and lot more comfortable for ALL 8 occupants. Also note that the curb weight is 500 lbs higher than that of highlander giving it a slightly lower mileage but more solid feel.

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  Horrible transmission problems on 9-speed. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John Saaty - August 12 - 4:14 pm

  The 2016 Honda Pilot is almost a perfect car except that it has major, major transmission problems that arent readily evident in just a test drive. We just purchased a 2016 Honda Elite and the transmission really is a mess. It cant find gears correctly, when on a downhill and you brake the car actually speeds up because it upshifts while you are braking, there are head-jerking episodes that are unexplained, when trying to climb hills it downshifts so much that you actually fight the car to try to get it up the hill. We are so disappointed I cant even tell you. We paid $51,000 for this car at a Honda dealer in Northern Virginia and it only has 265 miles on it and my wife refuses to drive it anymore. She was in tears at the dealership and they, so far, have taken no ownership of the problem. By the way, if you think that this is just us then go and look at other reviews on forums for the Pilots on the Internet. It is known that the 9 speed has a real problem. Honda does not seem to be addressing this which is shocking given that it is happening on the 2 highest end models -- Touring and Elite. But Im getting the feeling that they dont care or dont know how to fix it. With literally just 265 miles on the car we have listed it for sale. We are going to take a major loss on this car and get rid of it right away. I have nothing but the worst feelings about Honda as a company and brand. Do not buy this car. Do not buy this car.

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  Happy move from Lexus to Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By DeniseP - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I loved the Lexus RX, but needed more room and a lower car payment. I am not a minivan mom and wanted an SUV that drove smooth and looked good, but am turned off by the "truck type rides". I drove the Pilot and loved it. Now, I dont know how I would have even fit my visiting familiy, kids and their friends in another car. Do I miss the luxury of the Lexus? Yes, but not the higher car payment for the smaller SUV that barely seats 5 passengers. And, the kids love the extra seats and the features...lots of cup holders for the thirsty soccer team. Just go get one!

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  AWESOME - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By - August 12 - 10:00 am

  It was one of the best cars i have ever driven

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bill sinsabaugh - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my 1st Honda. I have had previous SUVs which rode and drove like trucks. This Pilot rides like a big car and has more than enough inside space. I am 62 and so far I think this is the best vehicle I have ever owned