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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  Perfect Family Vehicle - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Alan - September 3 - 1:42 pm

  Bought this vehicle for my wife and she loves it! The mileage on the highway is decent but the mileage in the city should be better. There is plenty storage space available which is great with 2 kids. There is plenty of room for an adult next to the 2 car seats in the 2nd row. The 3rd row can be tight if you dont slide the 2nd row forward slightly. The boxy styling isnt the prettiest but it is the most functional, allowing plenty of space in the cargo area even with the 3rd row up. Panic braking distances could be improved but brake pedal feel is excellent. I took it on a long trip the day after purchasing and it is very comfortable, although the HVAC controls take a while to get used to.

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  One word for this suv. Cheap! - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By cessna100 - September 2 - 8:58 am

  Had the Pilot EX-L/RES 2 weeks. My 3rd Pilot. Traded a 2006 MDX. The 06 MDX is a MUCH better car. Very disappointing Honda. The interior fit and finish has to much hard cheap looking plastic. The ride is average but the road noise is terrible. 102.3 decibels peak at 60 mph (unofficial). The average was 92.6. I keep looking to see if I left a window open. Have Michelin LTX A/T2 tires. Very loud! Poor gas mileage. ECM is useless on this car. Works great in the Accord.

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  My 1st Honda - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Debbie - September 1 - 6:00 pm

  Love the Pilot. It replaced a 1999 Toyota 4Runner with 190,000 miles. What a dream. Great road presence. Love the color (Cherry Pearl). All I hear is "Love Your Pilot"! Comfortable, smooth, quiet ride. Found the MPG sweet spot, 75 MPH and set the cruise - 22 MPG is awesome for this size of a vehicle. Want better? - then buy the Highlander Hybrid.

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  Love the pilot, strange noise from under - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Westover57 - August 31 - 10:49 pm

  Very happy with the pilot, have owned it for 6 months, we have had a strange noise coming from under the vehicle almost sounds like the cooling fans just take off at a very high speed and stop. And the suspension has a issue with hopping sometimes. Have brought back to the dealership 3 times and the truck wont make the noise nor will it act up at all. Thinking about asking for them to take the truck back if they can not find the problem. We really like this vehicle, its a good solid SUV.

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  Great Car - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By JIPS - August 31 - 8:27 am

  It is a great improvement over 2007. Rides very well and fund to drive. The rear hatch window is a real nice adjustment. Like day light lights. Sound system is very good. I particularly like shift right in front and easy to work particularly in comparison to 2007 that took three men and a boy to shift. Love back up camera on rear view mirror

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  Great concept, mixed bag on execution - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Seattle - August 30 - 4:08 pm

  We bought our Pilot brand new in 2/2004 as a "do it all" vehicle. We looked at the Highlander (too expensive & small) and the Forester XT (way fun to drive but alas, too small. We ended up buying the Piolt EX-L. We are impressed with the ride quality and the road manners. A couple of faults have dampened our enthusiasm. The main seal started leaking oil at 55,000 miles. The dealer took care of that under warranty. Drivers side seat- heater went on the blink and burned your tush. This is a known issue with the pilot and the dealer denied that it was a problem. Brake rotors warping & paint job is uneven. Honda could have done better! A tip for Honda, listen to your customers! Dont be arrogant

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  Will Buy another Pilot in 7 yrs - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By 4th Honda - August 28 - 10:04 pm

  This is my 4th Honda I have purchased. I went from a 89 Prelude, 2 Accords (98 and 05) and this is my first Honda SUV I bought. Had a 05 Subaru Forrester and a 03 Ford Explorer. This blows the doors off the Explorer and it is fun to drive. You cannot go wrong with this SUV. For big guys like myself it is spacious!!

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  2003 Pilot Transmission Failure - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By DownSouth - August 27 - 11:01 pm

  Bought certified pre-owned in 2005 with 30K miles. Bought extended warranty. Paid off last month and warranty ran out 8-9-2010, trans failed 8-23-2010. No help from warranty but Honda paid 25%. Picked up today and drove 1/4 mile and it made a grinding noise with ABS and VTM lights coming on. Waiting on Monday. All dealer service since purchased.

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  Can I return it? - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Tracyp - August 27 - 12:15 pm

  I just purchased this vehicle a week ago and typically you are suppose to be excited when you get a new car but I cant seem to get there. Here is what I have noticed so far. It drives great and has a very smooth ride but for the price I think it is missing a lot of features that should be standard. To get blue tooth or a better stereo you have to purchase the $2000 navigation system. Unless you can afford to purchase the Touring model I would look elsewhere but Ill bet in that price range other models would still have better features. Honda claims that you get more at trade-in for their vehicles, I hope so because I dont think I will own this long.

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  A Great SUV - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Tommy P - August 27 - 11:26 am

  Ive had my Pilot nearly 3 months and I absolutely love it. Very comfortable interior and a great driving position. No problems with gas mileage. I dont have a heavy foot and my overall for 3700 miles is 20.2 mpg. I had a Tahoe, so I picked up about 3.5 mpg. Very good road feel. Very roomy. Ive had no reason to take it into the dealership. I would buy again! Its everything I expected out of a Honda.