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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  Not this Honda - Sorry - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Bill R. - May 28 - 3:05 pm

  Owner of a 2014 (and past 2004) Pilots...lease is coming up next year on the 14 so asked my sales manager bud if I could keep a 16 for a number of days. Long relationship and Ive bought 7 other Acuras/Hondas from him - it does pay to stay loyal! In short, Im not going to get one. Appearance - looks like a CRV on steroids or any of the other mid-SUVs out there. Ive also shun Acura until they get over their "the gaudier the better" styling philosophy. Yes, it does drive and feels more solid on the road vs. the 14; however road noise, ever the Achilles Heel of anything this corporation produces, is still omnipresent. My 02 GMC pickup is still quieter! The interior gets a 10 for overall styling and material improvements, a 7 for an over-busy dash/electronics (Consumer Reports just hammered Honda for their e-systems), a 1 for making the driver area "tighter" in both height and width, and a -6 for removing the high-center console and replacing with those el-cheapo arm rests from their parts bin. So, overall Im disappointed with their efforts here - and I note here are not many glowing reviews on this and other boards. My dealership buddy says reception has been lukewarm with a number of people saying its more like an "Odyssey with a longer snout". Hopefully Honda will hear some of these words and make further refinements. They finally did revise the Civic following an outpouring of criticism. Happy New Year!

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  Pleased Pilot of a Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By C. W. and S. G - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Any travel request within 600 miles for a day trip is fine with me in the Pilot. For comfort and responsiveness the Pilot has it all on road trips and city driving. A lot of room to change positions on the long haul and high visibility in the city. We get regular maintenance servicing which is cheap because nothing seems to go wrong with the Pilots mechanical engineering. Having had a few other Hondas in the past this Pilot will be the one I stick with in the future. Anyone for a trip to New Orleans and some bignets? C.W. and S. G.

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  I love my Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By lionsprincess - May 26 - 10:00 am

  My Pilot is awesome. Much better than my suburban. It is more comfortable and luxurious feeling. I bought mine through the Internet Department at Mel Rapton Honda and I got a Steal! I have not had any problems. The roll factor is much less compared to my big honkin Suburban. I look for excuses to go places just so I can drive it!

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  Passing the test - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By joyce - May 22 - 7:53 pm

  Made a 4000 mile trip to Nova Scotia this summer pulling a camper with no problems at all. Didnt even feel much drag going up the hills. Love the car and the room for kids. Dont have the DVD but a lap-top works just as well in the back seat. Gas mileage wasnt bad considering the load and supplies. Cheaper tow package would sure be nice (about $1000.-ouch!). Dealer said transmission, etc. may not be covered if it wasnt a Honda installed item. Car handles great. Just a few minor complaints that I can live with.

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  Front Seats are the biggest let down - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Bill Egge - May 22 - 11:57 am

  We have been a Honda family since 1987. Today we are retired, and as we enter an era of long-distance driving, our orthopedic and spinal surgeries dictate that our new car MUST have orthopedically correct seats (aka "multi-contour" in many circles). Much to my dismay, when at the dealer, I discovered that the Elites driver seat has only a two-way lumbar support (in and out), and the passenger seat has no lumbar support at all. Worse, the passenger front seat, although power, only goes front and back, not up and down or tilt. BOTTOM LINE: The Pilot Elite seat comfort is below par for the luxury SUV segment. It looks like our days as a Honda family will soon be over.

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  What a SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By swimmerdad - May 22 - 2:00 am

  What a SUV. Without a doubt it is the smoothest driving SUV on the market. I have had SUVs in the past that would never pass a gas station, this one will! It has all the room any family may need, and with the Honda quality it is the best. If your in the market in Virginia contact the people at Pohanka of Fredericksburg, I have never had a better purchase experience.

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  It pays to shop around - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By smart consumer - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle speaks for itself. Everything operates perfectly.Easy to operate.This vehicle replaces a 2000 Lexus RX 300. I feel the vehicle is alot more bang for the buck. The 2003 Lexus is bascily unchanged and will be a new model in 2004. I didnt want to get a car that would be outdated in six months. After shopping several dealerships and having them all trying to convince me that a discount was not going to happen. I held out and bought the Pilot w/res for a $1000.00 discount off of true MSRP and did not pay any dealer fees.

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  Family Vehicle for Everything - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Evan - May 21 - 1:30 am

  This is an excellent choice for families on the go that often take children on long trips. The seats are comfortable, the visibility is great, and the power/ fuel economy trade-off is just about right. May feel a bit clumsy at high speeds, but its always secure ride. It is annoying that you have to get leather to get most of the extras (sunroof, Vehicle Stability Assist) but the value is definitely still there. The third row is far more liveable in Pilot than the Toyota Highlander.

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  Excited to Drive - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By 86Griff - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to drive. We went from an Explorer to a Pilot and folks...there is a huge difference. The interior of this vehicle is wide and roomy. Significantly bigger than Explorer. The 8 passenger seating seats more than a minivan. Cant say enough about how wonderful this car is to drive. Would definately recommend to anyone looking to purchase an SUV or minivan. Its an Acura MDX without the woodgrain interior.

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  Excellent Value - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Anthony - May 20 - 6:13 am

  Great riding truck, I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee prior and it had a lousy ride. The Pilot styling is plain looking, it could use some more chrome like the MDX chrome door handles and chrome running boards. The Pilot really shines with interior space. I have two kids and the extra room is great. I know Honda will continue improving this competitor envy SUV.