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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  Best SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By jim572 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Pilot is a great SUV with the ability to seat 8 people for short trips. It drives like a car and is easy for my wife to drive. Its obviously not for the off-road types, but if youre wanting to make a break from the mini-van scene and still maintain the features a family needs, this is the vehicle for you. Dads dont need to be embarassed driving it out with the guys. Best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  The Greatest Car Ever - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By The PJP - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I Love This Car!! I cant say enough good things about it. It handles great looks great and the Navigation is super cool. I also added XM Radio to it and now dont ever want to leave my car........Thank You Honda.

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  My First SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Dmax - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV for the price. Typical Honda design. Nothing fancy..just keeps on running and built with quality workmanship and great resale value.

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  Almost Pleased - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By amiret - July 31 - 7:43 am

  Ive always been a Ford person with excellent dealer service. The Honda Pilot was to be an interim car while I waited for Ford to put more towing capacity in the Freestyle. Ive have grown to like the Pilot, but the dealers dont have a clue about many things as compared to the Ford experience Ive had. They dont know how to fix things like rattles, poor gas gage calibration or back-up sensors. Also, they dont know if Honda put in brake-in oil. Want to change oil earlier than book. Had to give service people information taken off internet and Edmunds.

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  A Great - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By copilot - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought it for its great all around utility. It has a lot of interior room and a lot of thoughtful storage and tie- downs. I wanted a reliable, safe and useful "utility" vehicle. It isnt as quiet or luxurious as an Acura or Lexus; but I wasnt willing to spend the extra money to obtain this additional quiet or extra "plush" interior. It rides very carlike, handles well for its size and, if it turns out to be a typical Honda in reliabiltity, I will be happy with it. For its price range I think it is great vehicle.

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  Perfect family SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Alta Loma Pilot - July 28 - 10:00 am

  It is everything you need in an SUV, and the kids love the wireless headphones that come with the DVD player. Its also nice having separate music available for the kids, and a third seat that folds flat (although its pretty tight back there for the passengers legs). The Pilot drives as smooth as my ML320 and has a great turning radius as well. The dealer was alittle greedy, but so far my wife (she drives it, but I keep finding excuses to run errands)and I love it. Gas mileage was not as good as advertised on the sticker (about 14 to 16mpg) but the pickup is pretty good.

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  GREAT TRUCK, BUT BEWARE OF SHADY DEALERS - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Fan2341 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is absolutely the best that Honda could offer. Being a long- time Honda owner, I fell in love with the Honda Pilot. The cargo volume is incredible, let alone the hideaway 3rd seat. The only thing that disappointed me, was that my local Honda dealership, with whom I had service done on my cars for 5 years, wanted to charge me almost $4,000 for rustproofing, fabric sealant, undercoating, and a bunch of other intangible items. Being a previous Honda owner, I know that that stuff is provided on the vehicle from the factory, and it was un-necessary to try and jilt a loyal customer. Sorry Colonial Honda, but your prices are too high.

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  First and foremost, its a Honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By laweiner - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Great fit for someone looking for a reliable mid-size SUV with a peppy V6, and flexible seating and storage. We feel that we got great value for the dollar and would buy another one. This is not an SUV for someone looking for luxury (inside and out), seating for 8 adults, shifter in the console, or tall drivers. The latter is a nuisance issue to me since I am unable to fully stretch my left leg on long drives.

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  Love our Honda Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Happy Pilot Owner - July 23 - 7:09 pm

  We bought our 2016 Honda Pilot EX with Honda Sensing in November of 2015, so we have had it for a year now. So far so good - no problems whatsoever. We owned a 2004 Honda Pilot prior to the 2016, and had no problems with that vehicle either. We feel that the 2016 is quieter and more comfortable than the 2004. We make good use of the versatility of the 2nd & 3rd row seats: most of the time we keep the 3rd row seat folded down to allow hauling of luggage and other stuff to our vacation cottage, or for those stock-up trips to the local warehouse store. Often we fold the second row seats down too for added hauling space. We have also had 7 adults in this vehicle on several occasions with all the seats in the upright positions. That worked out just fine too. Everyone who has ridden in this Pilot loves it. They remark about how quiet and comfortable the ride is. The Honda Sensing allowed for an additonal discount on the vehicle insurance too. We apprecciate the lane keeper warning, and the comfort in knowing that there is collision avoidance for the front, although that has not ever deployed. We are very happy with this Pilot.

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  Good Mountain Car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By nomoreford - July 22 - 4:20 am

  This is a great all around SUV for hikers and skiers. We bought it to replace a very unreliable Lincoln Navigator and havent been disappointed. It is very capable in the ice and snow; even with the stock Bridgestone Dueller HT tires (I cant wait to put a set of Cross-Terrains on it). It seats five comfortably, with plenty of cargo room. The third row seat really is only suitable for kids. Performance is adequate. Gas mileage could be better, although it isnt all that bad for an AWD. It will tow a light trailer or boat to the mountains or the beach. Our biggest complaint is with the seats. They just arent very comfortable during long (over four hours)trips.