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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  2011 Pilot-4WD EX-L/Navigation - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Pat - August 25 - 6:45 am

  We spent months looking for the right SUV to replace our Suburban and came up with the Pilot. It was all about price point and features. Excellent cargo room and seating. Fast enough for us with a comfortable, stable, secure ride. Would not hesitate to buy this car again.

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  Honda Legacy Continues - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Stephanie - August 24 - 11:18 pm

  I just picked up my ninth Honda car product in 30 years! I am thrilled with my new Honda Pilot! It compliments my current 2001 Honda CR-V and 2004 Acura (translate super Honda) MDX-all under the same garage roof. I shopped for different car types, dealers, and manufacturers over the past year. As difficult as it was to will my aging MDX to my daughter at college, my new Pilot more than makes up for the move. It has more standard features than I paid for in my Acura. It also rides more solid and quieter! The standard sound system is stellar and the room for hauling up and down Highway 81 to Blacksburg, VA will come in very handy indeed!

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  2nd Excellent Pilot - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By DG - August 21 - 10:36 pm

  Loved my 2005 pilot so much, that when the 2008 model offered side impact airbags, I bought it. I have been driving Honda pilots now for 5 years and have had absolutely 0 problems. Really. None. Extremely reliable. Roomy. Comfortable. Can see extremely well. If the Windows are down in the back without at least one of the front Windows being open a bit, there is an obnoxious vibrating noise from the back Windows.

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  Almost Perfect - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By yeh642 - August 21 - 3:34 pm

  I bought my 05 EX from a car broker 2 years ago in 2008 as I always wanted a SUV for the convenience and to able to go on trips with my family. Its been a great purchase thus far. The pilot has a powerful engine with ample room, the 3rd row seating is not great, but Ive been able to fit 9 adults (albeit were all skinny) comfortably on long trips. Ive used it many times to help my friends move, its easy to fold the 2nd and and 3rd row seats down for transporting large items, it can do it all! This past year I was able to test it out with the record snow falls in the north east, and drove through 2 ft of snow without any problems, if youre thinking about getting an SUV, I recommend it.

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  2nd Pilot - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Branton - August 20 - 10:34 pm

  This 2011 Touring Pilot has all of the bells and whistles, that make it a fun car to drive. Easy to a road trip in this vehicle. More room then a Chevy or Ford SUV crossover. The new pilot is bigger than our 2008 Pilot we traded in. The veh rides nice, handles corners and highway exit ramps nice. Feels close to the ground, not like its about to flip. Never had any issue with the sunroof. Out in heavy downpours, and never had a problem. Love the service from Bill Kay Honda. Sales staff and shop techs are the best I have ever dealt with. Good management at this Honda dealer.

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  2005 Pilot reflections after 80,000 - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Peter Fauerbach - August 20 - 5:07 pm

  Two areas of concern: poor sound system (need to fiddle, fiddle, fiddle with dials when switching from talk to music), and tailgate height when open. Other than those, it is a strong value. Very capable in icy snowy conditions.

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  A little bit disappointed - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Ivan - August 20 - 10:17 am

  This is my second review. I have this pilot for 5months now. It is fun to drive and performs well except of the following. 1. Moonroof occasionally has problems. i already received letter from Honda that they will update it. 2. Paint on the bumper starts to peel. I was disappointed because i am not expecting that i will have paint problems in just 5 months. dealer said that they will fix it. 3. Seat belt at the 2nd or 3rd row rattles. this is somewhat annoying. I suggest that if you want to buy a pilot check the paint quality on the bumper and door edges of the vehicle.

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  Love this car. Hate the mileage - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By EGuy78 - August 19 - 9:16 pm

  This is my favorite car that Ive ever owned. I love everything about it, except the mileage. But, Im willing to look past that! Love the center console in the front seat. Love the cargo room. Love the spacious back seats. Love the looks. Love the pep. It really is a fantastic car! Weve always had Hondas, but for some reason, I wasnt interested in the Pilot until we drove it, and now, Im hooked. Best car ever.

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  Reliability of Honda now in question - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By jimbob - August 18 - 12:19 pm

  I have owned this Pilot since Sep of 09 and initially enjoyed the vehicle with the exception of the hands-free phone operation. I did experience a reliability/quality problem with this SUV when my independent mechanic noticed some leak in the "lower control arm bushings" so he recommended that I take it to a dealer to see if it would be covered. Since I had exceeded the 36k warranty, Honda said it would cost me $1100 to repair this problem and they would not cover any of the costs. It was obvious to me that this was not a simple "wear and tear" type of problem and more likely a defect that did not show itself in the first 36k miles. In any case, Honda was not willing to do anything.

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  2011 Honda Pilot Touring 4dr SUV 4WD w/N - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By 5thhonda - August 16 - 10:39 pm

  This is my wifes car and she loves it a lot. I really enjoy driving it. Its very spacious. No regrets. I have the sunroof issue and made an appointment to have it fixed.