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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  Trying not to regret - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Toonman - August 16 - 8:46 pm

  Bought this car for the spaciousness and 3rd row. I never owned a Honda and heard about Hondas reliability and quality. Since I bought this, I had 2 issues. First is the moonroof will not close. It goes back halfway and kicks back. Sent to dealer twice and they reprogram the system. Still the same issue. A week ago, I received a recall letter asking me to bring back my Pilot for a moonroof software update. Second issue is the car keeps pulling to the right. I have seen some reviews about this. Brought it to the dealer twice and they said nothing wrong. Obviously this is not the first car I have driven and I know when a car is pulling to its right. I am hoping for another recall...

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  What could be better? - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By CCAR - August 14 - 7:23 pm

  I upgraded from a 06 Jeep Grand Cherokee with too many problems to list, so I gave it back. The 10 Pilot is excellent. What cant you do with it? I have not seen any pulling problems. All of the extras on the vehicle are wonderful. Get the DVD system if you have children, also gives you a better speaker system, which Honda is known not to have.

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  Just got one - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Charles - August 11 - 11:35 pm

  My wife just bought it. I went for a test ride and a good first ride in it. I was pleased with everything I saw, heard and felt. Ive read about sunroof issues but this is to new to tell. I drove the Traverse and didnt like it. Other reviews will talk about acceleration. Well if you want to jump off the line you should get a sports car. These are family haulers. Yes, gas mileage should be attacked by the Honda engineers. 25 to 30 highway. The technology is out there. While everyone will not be pleased, take a good test ride and shop around. Youll find the Honda fits your needs and thats what counts in the end. Its about what you require in an SUV.

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  Disappointment - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By keith rubio - August 10 - 7:54 pm

  I traded my Silverado z71 for this pilot for better gas mileage. The truck got better gas mileage than this Honda! I have owned many suvs and this is the most uncomfortable one yet! Do not buy this car if you have to drive in snow above two inches. The brakes lock and you MUST turn off the stability control to make it safe. There are a lot of squirrels where I live but this car is the squirreliest thing on the road in more than two inches of snow. Thank God I kept my Suburban so I can drive it in bad weather and feel safe! I wish I had not listened to my wife and bought a Landrover Lr3. Know anyone that wants to trade?

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  Love It - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By David - August 10 - 4:38 pm

  Shopped and shopped and drove every "competitor": Mazda CX-L, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia. My conclusion: while other car makers try to imitate each other, Honda builds something truly smart. We were unimpressed with how the other vehicles accommodated our family of 2 adults 3 children. Once we sat in a Pilot and drove it we were completely sold. No comparison in the roominess and comfort department. Very quiet, solid drive - doesnt feel like a truck, but feels much more substantial than a car. Were getting about 16 mpg around town and 23 hwy - good enough for me. Ive never driven anything Ive enjoyed so much.

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  Honda pilot transmission is horrible - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By proudmom0507 - August 5 - 11:40 am

  When I first bought it I loved it. But then soon after I had the transmission go out and after research found a recall on the transmission. Honda has not been helpful at all. Now I have to go pay 4000+ to get my car fixed although it should be their money paying for it since it was recalled. They said they fixed it by putting in an oil jet kit but it is far from fixed! Very disappointed! Also the drivers side seat gets very hot to the point where I start smelling my clothes almost burning! So much for heated seats when you cannot use them.

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  Love My Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Ginnie - August 4 - 5:21 pm

  I have been driving my Pilot now for 1 months now and I dont have any complaints. It is a comfortable, roomy vehicle and I feel safe driving it.

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  Pilot 2011 - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Tushar - August 4 - 10:07 am

  It is very spacious. The space utilization and storage spaces are beating everyone in its peers. The exterior is very stylish and impressive.

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  Second Pilot Purchase - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Chris DeLuca - July 29 - 8:30 pm

  Purchased this truck on 7/22/2010. The ride is very smooth, and its fun to drive. I understand the gas mileage is not the best, but you take that into consideration when you buy a larger SUV. Had a 2007 Pilot and loved it, just traded it in for a new 2011. Best reason to buy a Honda is the resale value and reliability! My last Pilot, all I had to do is change the oil and rotate the tires, very low cost of ownership.

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  Lovin My Pilot - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By jayceebee - July 29 - 3:26 pm

  Weve had this Pilot since the end of March 2010. So far the driving experience has been great with the exception of the poor gas mileage (14.4 in the city), some misunderstandings with voice recognition, and sunroof not closing at times. We have taken it back to to dealer with ref.to the sunroof and it was reset. (We still experience the roof not closing on occasion.) Otherwise the drive is nice & comfy, gadgets are good, exterior is strong, and interior is roomy. Weve taken road trips with the the dog and other family and you cant beat the space or comfort.