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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  Honda pilot 03 transmissions - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jona - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I also have a 2003 honda pilot. We have kept up on all maintenance on this vehicle. Had drive light flash and was told 4th gear pressure sensor was bad, had that fixed. A month later my transmission starts acting up, take to dealer and they told me I needed a whole new transmission and was gonna cost us $3000.00 to fix

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  So disappointing - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By mbeach - October 18 - 2:00 am

  After 7 months of car shopping, I finally bought a Honda Pilot. Planned on having for years. Bought in June 2010 and looking to replace although will lose money. The seats are so uncomfortable it ruins the entire experience. Not adjustable and C shaped in the upper back with headrest pushing head forward. Long rides are unbearable. I am 57" and husband 60" and cannot adjust to either of us. Sunroof not consistent and back hatch inside fascia came up already. Cannot see paying for something that cannot ever get comfortable in. Looking at a Kia Sorento, so disappointed in my purchase and looking at options, ruined my impression of Honda as this was my first.

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  Verdict is still out, so far favorable - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By East PA Pilot - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 06 4runner in on this car. While this has what I am looking for, smoother ride, more room inside, I agree with some posts on here, quality seems cheaper than my past Hondas. Also be sure to drive this car at a highway speed around 65-75 mph. Seems that they all have a lot of wind noise around the front rear edges of the doors where the windows seal. First car I have owned in 10+ years to have this kinda of window open/air leak sound. Disappointing for a 30k+ car. Otherwise, the car pulls my boat even better than my 4runner despite less hp and torque. So far only one odd issue with dome lights but hasnt happened again.

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  Loving My Pilot - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Thomas - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2011 4WD EX-L with Navi and have no regrets. Ride is fantastic. Gas mileage is what is expected, not sure why folks on here are all bent on it as it is not a hybrid. Very roomy, smooth ride. ECO Mode goes on and off and it can not be noticed other than the light on the dash. Great pick up and passing ability. Only minor grip would be the lack luster sound system from the speakers in the doors. Not as good as my Ridgeline. Traded a 2007 Ridgeline and this car has meet the same great expectations I have always had from Honda. This is my 5th. Just test drive and you will see how much you love it. Considered the MDX but for 8K more for not much more in features.

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  Good SUV but pulls to the right - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Michael - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall a good car. Had a previous Nissan Armada and got tired of driving a "School bus". Overall fit and finish is great. Main problem is that the car is pulling to the right. Had to bring the car in 4 times and finally after driving with the tech, they agree that it does indeed pull to the right. (why it took them 4 times to acknowledge this is beyond me) It pulled to the right from day one. Make sure you test drive your car before you buy it. There is a service bulletin out (which the dealer had no idea about and did not divulge this, I had to research this) and check your VIN number. In fact just dont buy this car if it is listed within the service bulletins VIN #.

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  Proud Pilot Owner - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By KellyMarie - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my pilot for about 8 months now. Between work, college, and family I put many miles on my pilot and find it is still very reliable. Although it cost me more than I wanted to spend this car is truly a great investment. I bought it knowing that I will have a family someday and this vehicle will stand the test of time. Got into an accident a month after I bought it. Totaled half of the other vehicle. My pilot had nothing but a scratch on the bumper and I didnt even know I hit the other car. Safety is one of the best features of the Pilot. I never felt the impact of the accident! I spent a year researching before making my purchase. Glad I picked the Pilot!

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  Honda Owners Beware - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Owner - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Had the torque converter and transmission replaced with only 89k miles under normal driving conditions. Total cost was over $3600. Better have deep pockets for Honda repairs, as they love their parts.

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  Not Again - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By srm3057 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2005 Pilot new and have maintained it professionally with the thought of keeping it for many years. This vehicle has been one problem after another. Terrible gas mileage! At 50K miles the AC compressor just needed to be replaced at a cost of $1500.00 +/-. The reliability isnt there anymore! I would not recommend this manufacturer at all. They do not stand behind their product.

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  After the love is gone - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By No More Hondas? - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I too used to think Honda was the best. Until our 2005 Pilot came to a sudden halt on the Dan Ryan. Lucky for us, it was at 1 a.m.. The transmission failed. Just. Like. That. No lights or warning. 73,200 miles. Of course we got the pleasure of paying for it. No help from Honda like the 2003 people. Before that we enjoyed ABS that locked up, tire pressure sensors that dealer quit trying to fix, peeling bumper paint, leaking doors that stink & gas mileage was a joke. We ditched it after we were told the engine was next to go. BTW, the dealer did all the routine man. on it. Hope you are all still Honda fans when your trans. goes out. Read the forums here. Not pretty.

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  Very unhappy - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By TMCHousehold - October 12 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our 2011 Pilot and have had MAJOR sunroof issues. In addition to the chain rattling noise from the engine (that is apparently normal), I regret buying this vehicle and would NOT recommend it. I am very disappointed Honda feels this is a quality car.