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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  Best Car - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JA - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is probably one of the best out their! When I was looking to buy, I was looking at the BMW X5, the Ford Expedition, and the Pilot was no comparasent. It seats 8! Thats incredible, even though the 3rd row doesnt have much leg room, its good cargo space. A great buy! You should get it!

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  WATER LEAK IN TRUNK AREA - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By GISELA - June 22 - 3:53 pm

  When it rains the water entering and builds up between inside panel and exterior body parts and leak in trunk area when open. Can press the rear pillars and water will drip out and be wet,

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  Honda Pilot - Very good choice - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By RICHARD IN LAS VEGAS - June 20 - 2:50 pm

  We drove, studied & tested them all! Dealer was great! Got quotes from 20 dealers (within 250 miles) via the internet. Several offered over $4,000 off list. Always ask for the out-the-door bottom line price! The pilots a great open road vehicle. We thought a Toyota Highlander might be a better choice but the interior was smaller & less attractive. Nissan is very competitive but the Pathfinder was too new & unproven. We are retired & would give up the third row seats for more front leg room. Front seats are comfortable but no passenger side power seat. Mileage could be better 18-23 mpg. Gas mileage would be better if Honda had a 2wd option. The engine requires 5-20w weight oil & hard to find.

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  cost/benefit - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By JT - June 15 - 11:43 pm

  I am 6-7" tall and I fit comfortably in my new pilot, even w/sunroof. It is roomier inside than my wifes Range Rover and many of the features better than the Rover (especially the front seat storage layout and GPS viewing. Ride is not as smooth as Rover but it is just fine at less than half the price. Great cost/benefit value. Two other family members just bought pilots and love them.

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  Review after couple of long trips - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Tom in PA - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Had my Pilot for about 2 months and 4000 miles. Good ride, lots of room and good performance. Fuel economy has been good, about 18-19 mpg during drive to work and with bikes and cargo carrier attached, about 20 on long trips without extra stuff (not sure what other people expect from a 4400 lb SUV, better than I ever got with my Jeep). Good power and acceleration. Not flashy but good looking vehicle. Got fog lights, running boards, towing package, cross bars and rear mud flaps added and paid about $1200 over MSRP (about $2200 worth of extras).

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  I love this car! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By g&mb - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the best all around family vehicle. We traded an Odyssey for the Pilot. The Pilot gets the same gas mileage, seats one more, and drives better. The third seat is quite acceptable, and more comfortable and roomier than one in a Tahoe.

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  I cant believe this oversight! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Don Russo - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Definately a quality vehicle! Good buy compared to luxury SUVs. Comfortable, spacious, good ride, etc. THERE ARE BUGS!! SEE BELOW!

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  Honda does it again - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By SAMUEL - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. I test drove the Acura MDX(which was a good ride) but the Pilot feels more smoother and car-like than its luxury counter-part. Exceleration is great, gas mileage is good, and theres plenty of space for family trips. Great truck! Im waiting for upgrades, or a full size Honda to compete with the Toyota Sequoia and Nissan (Pathfinder) Armada.

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  So far so good - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Guy Slade - June 6 - 7:08 pm

  This Pilot is a joy to drive...quiet, comfortable, and will get up and go when asked. The active safety features such as lane assist and active cruise control take some getting use to and can be a little intrusive but works relatively well. I spent some time negotiating an out of the door all inclusive price via email so I did not have to deal with the usual sales process and it worked out well. No regrets so far.

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  Everything is perfect - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By bryan rice - June 5 - 11:56 pm

  I was a little afraid buying an SUV with the gas being so expensive but I am pleased we get about 23 mpg average and up to 28 mpg on our weekend trips up to the Poconos. So much room and very quiet. We got a towing package to tow our small pop up trailer for camping . We dont have any problem with towing it unless its raining then the traction is not too hot. Im pretty sure getting better tires will help.