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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  Great SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Johnny - January 23 - 2:40 pm

  Only a month into ownership, but so far a great vehicle. A smooth ride, decent handling (great in rain), great stereo and abundant storage and cup holders are all pluses. Also, the leather is of high quality (it actually smells like leather, not plastic). Its not perfect. It would be more convenient if both front windows had express up and down. Also, when the windows are turned off (to prevent children from operating), the driver also is prevented from operating the passenger windows. Finally, the three power points for cell phones, etc. are not powered when the car is turned off. Finally, the sunroof is not express open or close.

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  Will buy again! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By MPW44236 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 EX-L has most of the features you would want. The controls are smartly designed. Mechanically, the transmission is smooth and the engine well matched to the car. Quality of design and build is very high.

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  My First Honda And Fell in Love!!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Harry Maryland - January 14 - 10:30 pm

  Test drove 4Runner, Pathfinder, Explorer before I bought the Pilot. Pilot satisfied me the most. Pathfinder and 4Runner "maybe" stronger in power but both are noisier. Pilot gives the smoothiest ride, acting like a car. I hear some people say that when in 70-80 mph, it vibrates, never happened to me. The problem for me is it is so smooth that you could easily get a speeding ticket without noticing anything. Gas mileage is decent, my calculation justified the 24 miles/gal claim for highway. This is my first Honda and will have more. The interior space is much bigger than Pathfinders (at least feel like). By the way, I got the EXL 2 front wheel drive w/navigation systems. Price is reasonable.

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  I like it - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ALEXJ - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I had my Pilot for 3 weeks and so far it was nothing but joy. Long trips to the summer house are now very enjoyable. The truck is very smooth and very big. The only problem was an unbalanced tire that made the steering wheel shimmy at 75-80 which was king of annoying. But the delearship rotated the tires and the problem went away

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  Got the look but not the comfort - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Kaela - January 6 - 10:00 am

  In my opinion, this vehicle dosent really hold up to the honda reputation. It is a "gas hog" to say the least. It has poor gas mileage, especially when using the air- conditioner. The leather interior has a sleek style but quite a stiff feel to it. The backseats are most uncomfortable on long trips. On a positive note, it handles real well and rides nice. I like the exterior design. Overall, it has the look of a luxury SUV but not the comfort. I give it an OK in its SUV class.

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  The Best - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Neowww - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Just drive it and you will buy its the best Honda ever

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Donielle - January 6 - 9:23 am

  I traded in my Isuzu Trooper for a Honda Pilot EX no leather. I really love the car however the gas milage is terrible. I average 15-17 miles per gallon, not the 17-22 it says on the sticker. I do not have a heavy foot. I also do not understand why Honda did not put AT (all terrain tires) on this vehicle. My Pilot came with Bridgestone H-T tires which do not work off road or in the rain at all and is a bad thing considering I live in the Seattle area. Now dont get me wrong I really like this car. The seating room is awesome and I also like that the Pilot is not too big or too small. Overall this vehicle is a family hauler for city or country life

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  2016 Honda pilot Elite - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Martin M. - January 6 - 8:58 am

  I would not recommend for anyone else to buy a $50k+ SUV or car that is an electrical hot mess. the radio, navigation and entertainment system do not work properly even after an update was done by the dealer recently; its 9 speed transmission makes noises when changing gears specially at around 27 to 30 MPH; it also some times while driving down hill with your foot on brake wants to accelerate rather than slow down... (not sure if it just another electrical problem and the dealer told me they are not sure is the noise is coming from the transmission) the dealer has not been able to find out what the problem is after 2 days and over 150 miles of test driving it; now they have a field engineer from American Honda coming to take a look at it.

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  Good truck if not for leather problems - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Bill101 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Everything is so great. But I made a big mistake paying extra $1200 for leather option. Leather seats sag badly because of lack of cusion support. Worst thing - Honda wouldnt admit it. Driver seat sagged so badly that leather has bended and developed some cracks. There are also some white threads coming from the perforations in the leather. All this just after having the car for 3 months and 5000 miles. Other seats show same symptoms, but not as bad yet. Cmon Honda, just read www.honda- pilot.org posts under "sagging leather on front seats" thread to see how many people have the same problem!

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  great suv - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By dougie - December 25 - 8:03 pm

  A very good and reliable SUV. I have a 2003 Pilot and the 2009 version has come a long way. I wont complain about fuel economy as this is an issue with every SUV V6 or V8 Ive every owned. I added every feature I could and Im glad I did as Honda options are excellent.