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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  Absolutely Love it! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By chanlera - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Best car that has happened to me! Its a dream to drive. Went on long trip last weekend and not even tired!

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  Perfect SUV for us - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Paul - March 31 - 11:06 pm

  Love the vehicle! To christen the purchase, my wife and I and our three surviving, 80+-year-old parents left on a 700-mile round trip getaway. The five of us were amazed at how much comfort and privacy were afforded by the third row seating combined with the rear entertainment system. My mother (5’4”) sat in the third row the entire trip and concluded that the rearmost seat was just as comfortable as the second row. Gas mileage has been decent for a vehicle of this type: 22 mpg on the trip with 5 adults + luggage; 19 mpg mixed city/highway; 16 mpg city-only driving; 14.5 mpg city-only with poor driving habits.

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  Nice SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By loyalgmcguy - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Difficult to find and tough to negotiate a deal. My area dealers all wanted at least $2500 over MSRP and it took a no trade deal to get a reasonable price. Fit and finish are typical high Honda quality. Overall, a great vehicle that is fun to drvie. We are pleased and believe this was a great replacment for our seven year old mini-van.

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  Pass on Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By HondaDriver - March 26 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Pilot for functionality - max passengers & cargo space. Little did we realize how it handles so poorly on the freeway. Anything over 70mph and it rattles & shakes uncontrollably.

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  Redesigned Pilot-nice job - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Phil Alexakos - March 25 - 10:46 pm

  Limited inventory available. Trim levels options are very rigid. Ie. The were none of the EX-with sensing which is what I would have preferred to have leased. I have owned Pilots in the past and moved to a CRV last time. This re-design is a great cross between the CRV and Odyssey so it works for the family. The gas mileage is 4-6 MPG than my old Pilot. Please have a hybrid for my next lease!!

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  3 Strikes - Your Out - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jill - March 24 - 11:57 pm

  Strike 1- Styling, It simply looks like every other vehicle on the road. The interior is more of a mini van than SUV. There is no center arm rest or large storage area as in previous Pilots. It has mini van style arm rests. Strike 2 - Too much unnecessary electronics such as the touch screen audio, push button start and electric tailgate. (Are people really that lazy that they can not open and close the tailgate) Strike 3 - Handling. This vehicle does not handle well. The steering is light and does not seem strong enough for a vehicle this size and weight. There is also a weird bottom weight feel. Out here in the country where I live, we have lots of winding roads. I have never had any car or truck handle so poorly and with so much body roll. There is no confidence when driving. In my opinion, Honda has taken several steps backwards with the 2016 Pilot. It is not an improvement from the last 2 generations.

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  BEST SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pilot owner - March 23 - 2:00 am

  We have owned 6 SUVs over the past 10 years and presently own 4.The Pilot is the BEST by far.Great handling,smooth ride, and excellent visability(no blind spots)In my opinion the seats are extremely comfortable.Great value for a well designed vehicle which will set the standard for future SUVs to be compared.

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  So far so good... - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By David - March 22 - 3:26 pm

  Took delivery of a 2005 EXL about 10 days ago. Initial impressions are very good with only a few gripes on this vehicle. The Pilot drives very much like a large car with little of the vague handling you might find with the more common body on frame type SUVs. Power is close to best in class, though torque data would suggest this isnt the SUV to buy if you plan to tow much and there is no hitch installed as standard. Overall styling in and out is a bit bland but can be helped with some of the dealer installed body options. Biggest issue I have is the large and heavy tailgate which opens very quickly and can be a bit of a handful to close. Overall I am very happy with this car.

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  Pilot Better than the rest - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Debbie22264 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had three different SUVs. This is by far the best one Ive had. Dodge, Jeep and Ford have nothing on Pilot!

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  Love our new Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By car4inwr - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We have just put our first 1,000 miles on our new Pilot (2004). We have no complaints, only good things to say. Like comfort, style and ride - the best. Our grandkids are in love with the entertainment system and its many options. We plan on many years of luxury driving in our new Honda, our first.