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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  05 Pilot EX-L Review - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By dprerrn - November 23 - 10:26 pm

  Im very satisfied with my purchase. I looked very closely at the 05 Nissan Pathfinder and 05 Toyota 4-Runner, and decided on the Honda. This is my 4th Honda that I have owned, and Ive never been dissappointed with one of them. If you are looking for class with a nice amount of performance this is a perfect choice. The nice feature about this car is that it comes with AWD and a standard 3rd row seat that is easy to get in and out of. The 3rd row in the Pathfinder is difficult to get out of and to find a 4-Runner with a 3rd row is impossible and its an extra charge. I am very dissapointed however with the poor sound from the stereo system.

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  Honest review after 2 weeks of ownership - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By RobS - November 23 - 3:32 am

  After two weeks of ownership I have virtually no buyers remorse. I feel I must preface this review by stating that it is based in comparison off my previous vehicle, a 2010 Audi Q5 3.2, which was a great car with virtually no issues at 92k miles. This car is vastly different, but that is ok. It is big. In fact, surprising big for most people who have seen it. There really is a ton of room, recently taken 4 tall young adults and 2 parents on a two hour trip with no complaints, even from the third row. The ride is on the soft side, but I knew this was not going to a sporty small German SUV. You can feel the weight through turns but there is minimal body lean and the extra weight makes this thing a exemplary freeway cruiser. It is far quieter than the Audi and the chassis seems more solid with far less shutter with sudden bumps in the road. The interior materials are fine for the most part. I would have liked some wood in the touring model and the piano black gloss trim picks up fingerprints (and I foresee lots of scratches in the future) but otherwise things are soft with little ultra hard plastic. The engine and transmission combo is interesting but I dont find it as bad as some of the magazines have found it to be. Maybe I have a new software version but things generally run smoothly but, given the 9 speeds, it does shift a lot. I have found no issues during deceleration, but around 40-45 and 55-60, the ratios seem like they are too close. Unfortunately, those are common speeds and so if feels like it is searching a bit. The shifts are not abrasive, just frequent. The first gear is also really tall and takes some getting used to. I have found the eco mode to be way too blunted and has earned the nickname "grandma mode" only to be used cruising on flat highways with cruise control on. With eco off, things are fine but you do have to dive deep on the pedal to get any real acceleration. I do wish the sport mode was more sporty. It doesnt seem to alter the throttle response much and just seems to want to hold 2 gears lower than it normally would. In the Audi, sport mode would totally change the demeanor of this vehicle. Increase throttle response, make more aggressive shifting, and hold the appropriate gear longer (and not forever). You can kind of replicate it with the paddles, but I do miss how the Audi was tuned and its too bad here, because this has a great engine. The only regret is probably not splurging for the AWD. The power pretty easily overtakes friction under load and there is mild understeer. I do get great mileage (averaging 26mpg) in mostly SoCal freeway driving. Thats 2 mpg better than I was getting in the Audi. The infotainment is fine, but would have been better with at least one knob for volume and power. No Android/Apple play is a bummer in a vehicle this new and expensive and even though it uses a android based system, the ability to add apps is limited to what Honda will allow you to install, which is right now limited to iHeartRadio. I would love to install Waze or Pandora or access one of the app stores from the browser. Overall, its a great vehicle with some small quirks but hits a sweet spot with size, capability, and performance. They will likely sell a ton.

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  No regrets!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By lung doc - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Lives up to the hype. Looked at Ford Explorer and Chevy Tahoe. Honda handles better, gets better mileage and comes in at a cheaper price. Interior layout is great. Everything is right where you want it -- this is clearly a very well thought out vehicle.

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  Hop on in and come for spin !!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By AOK - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been desiring a new vehicle for at least 2 years. Was driving a 1995 Honda Passport. I loved it when it was new but it was getting pretty long in the tooth recently. I was looking at the newer small sized SUVs (Ford, Mazda, Range Rover) and couldnt see spending all of that money for very little vehicle. Then, Honda Pilot came along and I was very interested. Styling is dull to unique in the front but absolutely does it for me from behind. Ive had the vehicle for 600+ miles and it is far and away the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is truly a testament to Hondas engineering Dept.

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  Blue gean colored seats - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Roger Rodriguez - November 20 - 11:25 pm

  For one, the service department could not notice the mild hesitation the suv had in easy takeoffs. Second was the cloth seat absorbed the color of the blue & black geans. Even though i had the xylon protection service added to the suv. The warranty to clean the seat sucked because the color didnt come off.

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  Worst Purchase EVER! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Kevin Reeve - November 18 - 10:08 pm

  I bought my Pilot in November 2015. Out the gate I have had problems with the entertainment system. Problems consist of hands free button not recognizing my voice, dropped calls, people saying it sounds like Im in a wind tunnel (even though all the windows are up and A/C is off), radio stations not showing on the display, voice recognition system not being able to distinguish what name is being said, system randomly re-booting while driving, calls not being transferred to car system. There are more problems but I think you get the idea. I have an Iphone 6S (IOS 10.2.1). I have also tried paring a Samsung and LG phones to the system and still the problems exist. In the last 6 months I have had the entire info system replaced, the FM receiver replaced, and 2 software updates. Problems still exist. I have a case open with Honda USA and now (as of February 24th the dealer is saying that I have to live with the problems with the info system. I will be contacting Honda USA again. No one should have to live with a problem with a new vehicle especially after spending >$35k for the vehicle. In addition to the info system problems I am experience problems with the vehicle locking (or lack there of) while walking away. The dealer has replaced a sensor in the drivers door and a proximity sensor in the car but the problem still exists. Other issues include the wipers malfunctioning and the spin control system kicking in when the vehicle isnt spinning. I have owned Hondas in the past but they did a poor job on the new Pilots. Update 3/13/17 On March 9, 2017 I was parked in a parking lot waiting for my daughter. As I started the vehicle I received 3 warnings which stated the following: 1) Brake system problem; 2) charging system problem; and 3) Anti-lock brake system problem. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest dealer through the Honda Emergency Road Service. The dealer is still working on the vehicle to figure out the problem.

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  No longer a Mini-Van Owner! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Sarah Donley - November 16 - 8:42 pm

  Loving my new Pilot. I was worried that moving from a mini-van to an SUV may make me sacrifice space. But the Pilot is very roomy. And definitely more stylish!

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  Excellent Choice - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By 7milehi - November 14 - 8:43 pm

  Though Ive only had it a week we really enjoy this vehicle. We replaced our Volvo XC90 with the Honda Pilot due to high maintainance on the Volvo. The safety features and 5 star crash test for both front and side on the Pilot was a big selling point. In my opinion the Pilot has less wind noise, is more comfortable, has more room and much better visibility than the XC90.

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  good but needs some work - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By kevin - November 14 - 11:44 am

  horrid entertainment system - sound quality goes up and down randomly. Occasional crackling sound can be heard in the speakers. No known fix. Brakes squeak. After refueling, smell of gasoline in the cabin for several miles before dissipating. Drafty for front passenger. Cabin control doesnt fine tune - heat is on it is hot. No ability to reduce slightly. Seat heaters are on/off also (no such thing as low/hi) Very disappointed with Honda service - unable to troubleshoot or fix any of the problems. Despite all this issues, it is still a good vehicle and fun to drive. I also own an Accord and Odyssey. Odyssey still better for family (3 kids) but Pilot has much better turn radius and has done well in snow/ice this winter. Overall, great vehicle to drive - much better than the previous SUV I had (97 Explorer). I just expected more from Honda than what I get in service.

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  What happened Honda?!? - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By cpc - November 11 - 11:06 am

  I had some pretty high expectations after happily owning two prior Hondas. And let me tell you, I have been pretty disappointed with my Pilot purchase. We placed both Honda and Toyota on top of our list for cars to look at, due to their good designs and quality ratings. We have worked with the dealership to TRY to fix several issues: 1-Known alignment issue with no fix. 2-Interior parts not installed correctly. 3-Rattles in the interior. 4-Steering vibration. 5- Temperature gauge stuck at reading 56 degrees. 6-AC display does not show on or off when running unless you press the button twice. Again, deeply disappointed with all the problems so far, and there is only 2500 miles on it!