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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  Reliable - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By ol rassler - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Owned the Pilot now for 2 years. No problems! Mileage is 20 mpg, wish it was higher but it is a 4wd vehicle. Leather seats are comfortable, (511" driver). Some small paint chipping around front of rear wheels where body flairs out a little. Installed running boards and that stopped stones from hitting side. Exterior styling adopted from a school bus design studio. Overall like the vehicle and would probably buy another. No problems with hatch/roof.

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  So far so good - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Wayne - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Had this vehicle for about a month now. Love it so far. Got it for the 3 rows that seat 8. It can fit our family of 5 with no problem with the 3rd row folded down which leaves plenty of room for cargo for our trips. AWD Sienna only seats 4 without third row (captains chairs) and Highlander was a bit narrower, had less cargo room and was more expensive. Didnt take to the Sorento or Traverse - which were also more expensive for the same options.

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  Great SUV - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Happy Family - November 7 - 1:00 am

  We love our new Pilot. We owned a 2006 Pilot and traded it for a 2009 Odyssey. It only took a year to figure out we are not a minivan family. So we traded for this and my wife couldnt be happier! Great lines and well laid out interior. Couldnt get much better of a vehicle in our opinion

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  Pilot Touring 4WD - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Dgardner - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV and hands down the best value for the money. Traded my 2010 for a 2011 due to excellent resale value!

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  Like this better than any new one - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Bob - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Bought new, still running great at over 90K. Comfortable and non-fatiguing--Ive driven dozens of 1000+ mile trips in it, most in 1 shot. I love the storage space between the front seats--still havent seen another SUV like it. Brakes started pulsing at 45K, machining helps only temporarily. Cannot get EPA gas mileage. I like at new SUVs, and just dont see anything Id like better, so Ill just keep this one as long as its reliable.

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  Tire Trouble - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Cheryl - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Has anyone had to replace the tires on their 2010 Pilot? We have been told that we need to replace all four tires already because the pressure light keeps going on and the tires are worn already. Seems like a lot of money to spend already.

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  Wish I could do it over again - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By kasrhp - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I would never get this Pilot again. I have had several build quality issues from rattling to air gaps in window seal and having to get brakes fixed twice in 6 months, as well as re- sealing the sunroof. I dont expect that from Honda. The engine is mediocre at best, the navigation system is useless and outdated, the cargo area is not flat, the shifter is from the Odyssey mini- van, the wheels are too small with no option for bigger, no wood trim in a $38k vehicle, cylinder de-activation is clunky and noisy, plastics are cheap with many different types throughout the cabin, and it isnt the quietest suv out there. But it is roomy, wide and drives like a sedan. Stereo sounds good tho.

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  Quality as expected - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By wiltzuma - October 24 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent midsized SUV. Other than a paint imperfection on the tailgate (on it when purchased new), I have had no problems in 3 1/2 years of driving. I have the LX 4WD, and its not super quiet, maybe the EXL is better insulated. Rides through Snowbelt winters with no problem while in 2WD. The wife wanted 4WD, but I probably dont need it. Mechanically perfect so far, Nothing but reg scheduled maintenance. I get 20 MPG during my normal day to day driving.

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  2011 Pilot, Lx Black - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By sa - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car to own, very fun to drive excellent road handling, very quite &smooth ride, excellent acceleration, very powerful among cars in highway, all instruments are within reach, mostly highway miles so far (with distances of 300 + miles average 19-21 mpg ( ecomode is great, ( once average 55 mpg on a down hill ( at least for 1/2 mile, just thought I can share that :)), owned a pilot exl 2004 but this one just great, for crossover lx gives many extras with lot of space, (I added chrome side bars, starter, fog lights, all season mats, roof rack) in black color lx looks great, (if you dont want to spend too much initially lx is the way to go), many extras from Honda to add (light int/wood trim, steel trim

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  2008 Honda Pilot VP 2WD - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By ernieD - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I feel I got a great trade in price on my 2003 Chevy Trailblazer (many elec issues on Trailblazer) and a great drive out price on my new Honda Pilot VP. Its been a very nice and solid SUV. Ive owned 5 SUVs. True about the wind noise with only one window or only rear windows open. I usually just crack a 3rd window to prevent this noise. The 2009 new design addressed the tight drivers side armrest issue a bit. Still could use more drivers side comfort area. The Pilot has been very reliable, comfortable, great rear cargo area. Wish there was a option for NO 3rd row seat. I never use it. At 38,000 miles I have a rather serious engine warning light on. Manual says might be emissions issue