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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  Transmission Issues BEWARE! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Stephanie Lyle - January 17 - 4:52 am

  We have had our Pilot Elite since August 2015. In the past month out of nowhere, we are also experiencing the chirping noise and shifting issue between 20-30 MPH. There are also issues with shifting and jerkiness at other speeds and the cruise control constantly fluctuates and jerks. We took the vehicle in to the dealer today and they admitted that this his a frequent issue they are seeing with the Elite and Touring models. They are going to put us in a rental and replace the transmission. I am not happy that my car that is barely a year old has to have a new transmission. We have always been Honda owners and have NEVER had a problem with our cars. This is beyond disappointing. I intend to contact American Honda and voice my concerns and open a case. If there are any further problems after this transmission is replaced, I will expect Honda to replace the vehicle. Other than issue we have loved the vehicle up until now.

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  Awesome - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By raina - January 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle drives great. Lots of cargo room and storage spaces. Radio is awesome..love the net and hooks for grocery shopping. Third row seating is very convient to use and easy to stow away.

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  Pretty Pleased with My Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Fresh1 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Small, Mid-Size and Large SUVs...I looked at them ALL for 2 years because I need AWD to get to my backwoods home in a wild northern climate. After much research, I finally decided on the Pilot. Picked it up from the dealer and spent the next 12 hours driving it 800 miles home. By the time I reached my own (unplowed) driveway, I was pretty happy with my decision. After the Pilot plowed through a foot and a half of snow on the 1/2 mile long driveway and slipped into the garage without breaking a sweat, I was in love. I had a great dealer experience, the car is truly a joy to drive - even after 12 hours straight. And, I can fit EVERYTHING in it!

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  Impressive SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By ihabd - January 4 - 2:30 pm

  I was shopping for Honda CRV but could not resist leasing this SUV. Roomy interior, well layout of equipment. Very comfortable and smooth driving. The navigation system is very impressive. I cant think of any feature that is missing form the navigation system. Rear camera is very convenient, which is included with the navigation system option. Large cargo space. Although comes with seven speakerm sound quality is not that great. I wish they include Bouise radio system as Nissan Murano. The SUV is overpriced, compared with other mid-size SUV. Also, little more expensive than Honda Odyseey. Honda almost included all features with this SUV, including XM radio with three months.

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  Pluses and Minuses... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Rky. Mt. family - January 3 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Pilot in Sept.02 to pull a trailer and move our oldest to Seattle...it drove great and pulled the trailer fine...I love the way it handles ..the NAV system was fun. I am most unhappy with the fact the middle and back seats do not recline enough for kids to sleep..its hard to take trips with kids with upright seats. After 12 years of Astro vans we are having a time adjusting to the lost space...our last trip was really tough we were packed in like sardines...we are taking a good look at the Toyota Sequoia knowing that kids only get bigger and if were cramped now.....

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  Satisfied so far - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sulo7 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Yhe Pilot replaced my truck and has done an extremely fine job of towing and passenger carrying. It is far more comfortable and enjoyable than any trucks I tested. Pricewise I feel it is worth the money thus far. Handled well on snow and sleet in recent encounter with poor driving conditions.

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  Just the facts 01 - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By racetrek17 - December 29 - 9:50 pm

  Ok, bought it on 7 Dec, PH-Day, EX-L RES Silver Pilot. Drives nice, 60 miles, round trip every day. As of 9 Dec 05, 159 miles, 19.27 MPG. More updates to follow. Almost went with the 06 Sienna Limited and Sub B9 7 pas Limited. Needed a good Trooper Limited replacement. Pilot won, looks like SUV, drive like car, FWD so still good in the snow.

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  I love my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By m edwards - December 29 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is just the right size for me; not too big and bulky. I like the way it handles around curves and corners. The vehicle is very comfortable on both long and short trips. The interior space is adequate (especially the middle seating area). And the "hooks" that are provided in the rear cargo area really keep the contents of my grocery bags from escaping.

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  Early review - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John Walker - December 15 - 3:13 pm

  Some of the review questions could not be adequately answered due to ownership being only 3 weeks. So far, the vehicle has lived up to our expectations. In my opinion a better review would be at the 1+ year mark of ownership.

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  Try it before you buy - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Jason304 - December 15 - 12:26 pm

  I had originally focused on 2005 Honda Pilot EX-L and got a price $27624,00. Before I put my money down, I did test drive on 5 Honda Pilot (2005 and 2006) on both local and highway speed. Under 65mph, they were very smooth. The engine ran very quiet. I have to say that I loved this vehicle very much when driving under 65mph. But when the speed exceeded 70mph, the steering wheel started vibrating. 70mph – 80mph range was the worst. All 5 Pilots had the same problem. I couldn’t tolerate that vibration. If you are willing to buy a Honda Pilot, drive it on both local and highway.