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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  Poor details, and improper exwork inspection - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By S. C. - April 12 - 10:45 pm

  I got this vehicle in October 2017. There have been the following issues: (1) the alignment was poor that the car would drift to the right and required an alignment service the 3 day after I bought it (need to turn off the lane control to find this out), (2) replacement of an exterior trim due to factory installation, (3) excessive rattling noise due to loose components in the spare tire/tool compartment, (4) bad plastic fitting underneath the steering wheel that poses a finger cutting hazard. Worse yet, the first 3 can be fixed. The 4th was declined by the dealer because it is a common issue. The dealer could find this in other brand new Pilots, and called this a "design" by Honda. I wish I could post the photos of these poorly fit plastics.

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  Perfect Size - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Lover - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Had been looking for a SUV that drives like a car. Found one in the Pilot. Has excellent power, but havent had it long enough to gauge fuel economy. Plenty of room inside and not to big outside. A/C works excellent. Feel lucky i guess, that I paid Only MSRP. Overall an excellent vehicle. Love it

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  Not ready for Prime Time... - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Thedogpack - April 10 - 3:44 am

  Wait another year until they figure out the quirks. There are some serious issues with the 9 speed transmission as well as a creaking issue the car has been back to the dealer for twice. I wanted so much to love this SUV but unfortunately there are some serious issues with the vehicle -Honda Engineering know about the creaking -The transmission accelerates when you are slowing (What the heck?) - Technology (radio) is very buggy - We have the Tech package. -Poor design when third row is folded - there is a big gap that makes loading difficult - No third row floor mat? Really, even on the touring? I paid 40K plus for a vehicle and I am treated as if I just walked off the street. I should have purchased the Infiniti! Buyers Remorse

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  2 Month Review... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TraderJMF - April 6 - 10:00 am

  We like our Pilot (family of 4 - kids age 8 & 5). Suits our needs fine, without breaking our budget. We esp. like the RES (DVD) setup... finally some peace and quiet for those longer rides (kids put headphones on and then my wife & I can talk w/o interruption)! Decent power. Would recommend the vehicle... actually I have several times already. A Good value.

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  the one and only - Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By PilotDriver - April 2 - 10:00 am

  After many disagreements, my husband finally talked me into getting an SUV. We did our research got a Pilot. Now I think I would think twice before getting back into a sedan. The ride is smooth, there is plenty of room and overall it is very comfortable for long trips (weve traveled about 16000 miles in it in about 7 months).

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  Nice Alternative - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MrQuisp - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 1999 ML320 for a brand new Pilot with navigation. Shopped around and final settled with my local dealer at MSRP and a "pro package" at dealer cost. Also added the wood trim package and a DVD/tv tuner for the car. Was really surprised that I was able to get MSRP considering this dealer was asking $4000 over and the local dealers are notorious for not making good deals. Fun car, though disappointed with the gas mileage.

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  Three-Month Difference - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By LARDI 2 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I had the PILOT now for 4 months and Iam really satisfied with its performance except for two things. 1) Fuel economy is not true. This truck consumes gas like crazy!! 2)Iam having slight slow startup problems. Other than those two minor complaints, Iam generally happy with my PILOT. I also should have waited for another 3 more months before buying my PILOT. Why? The answer is $5,000.00 difference in the ourchase price.

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  Great CAr - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By alliecat - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. Sold us on Hondas after getting this car. The ride is very smooth!

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  Typical honda ... which is good - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By cynic - March 30 - 12:56 am

  Bought this car in November 2004, almost 8k later still enjoying it and the mileage is improving to about 18mpg.

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  Great car to drive - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By tabbuck - March 28 - 2:00 am

  We have owned the EX Pilot for about 10 months now and have 10K on it right now. There have been two problems with the car which were taken car of, the center console lid would not stay closed and there was a body popping sound in the left front fender (loose strut mount nut) The ride is great especially for long trips. It also has handled the snowy High Sierra with ease. Three dislikes are poor fuel economy 15 MPG 17 MPG, could use a tad more power (MDX engine would be great), and brake life appears to be much shorter than what I expect to be "normal" based on the 7500 Honda maintenance check.