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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  Minivan killer - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Evens Remy - May 31 - 10:02 pm

  We were shopping for a truck with good reliability, good power ,a lot of rooms and good safety records. We tested a few trucks but none match the versatility of the pilot. We are very happy with our purchase.

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  Good. Still room for improvement - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Bobbie Smittie - May 30 - 3:45 am

  I buy cars every decade or so. I seen many reviews that gave the redesigned 2016 Pilot rave reviews. To me? Most SUVs in this class are very close to each other. I decided on the Pilot due to the safety features found in the Honda Sense. As far as I know, Chevy/GMC, Toyota dont offer same options and Ford is only in the higher Limited edition. Had a few moments where these "Sense" options dont work as expected. One example, going around a curve in the car pool lane where the other lanes of traffic are stopped. The car sensed there was a car in front and slowed down, even though the car pool traffic was not slowing. The slow downs are not soft. No blind spot warning in the EX model w/ sense... just a right side camera. Seems like a short coming now. Adaptive cruise control works nice. Volvos implementation (albeit in a sedan not a SUV) is much nicer in terms of lane keep and braking. The engine is strong in the Honda. Good acceleration. "Harsh" downshifts, not very smooth between 2nd and 1st. The touch screen navigation is horrible and the connectivity with phones are limited. iLink is designed for iPhones, and even then they cripple the interface so you can not display the navigation on the touch screen. Apps are very limited. You can connect Bluetooth with an Android, and listen to music. Thats about it. 3rd row access is "OK". I think the Highlander and Explorer design is bit better. However, its not used often so not a deciding factor The plastic in the rear storage scratches easily. Sound system is very "Flat" sounding, even with separate tweeters and (supposedly) a separate subwoofer. FM Radio reception is absolutely horrid. Good fuel economy for a mid sized SUV. On the highway, I seen 28 to 29 MPG. 23 mixed.

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  Satisfied Overall - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By stevenlaura - May 29 - 5:46 pm

  Went with the 2007 Pilot over the CRV to get extra space as we often total 4 adult passengers, and sometimes more. CRV felt a little tight for 4 tops. Preferred the superior quality of the leather in the Pilot. CRV leather felt thin and has a tufted look, which some may prefer, but we dont. CRV felt somewhat underpowered, but not too bad. No question the Pilot has plenty of power. Overall very pleased with the Pilot. Expecting it will do well in the snow if we get any.

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  Try again HONDA! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By RAM II - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 01 Accord EX on the Pilot. I was sure the Pilot would be as nice as the Accord...WRONG!! Road, wind, and tire noise is TERRIBLE! The interior shakes and rattles like a Chevy! Too much plastic inside. HVAC Vents break with the slightest bump. Leather is OK, but seats feel like a park bench. Lots of features for the price, but Honda had to sacrifice something....Quality!

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  Fantastic all-around vehicle - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By jeff - May 28 - 6:19 am

  I like everything about my 2016 AWD EX Pilot. Ive driven it around town, along the snaking Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway, and on a 1,000 mile interstate trip. Its very comfortable/roomy, maneuverable/park-able, and pretty darn peppy. So far so fantastic.

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  Just Another 2016 Lemon - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Lanie - May 28 - 5:24 am

  Worst mistake I ever made. My 2016 Pilot was purchased new in March 2016. First problem was the transmission searching for gears, "thats normal, just v-tec". Second was the AC only blows out of vents at 67 degrees, 55 when they "fixed" it but in the South, that makes the air temp of the car 87+ depending on the weather, but "that is normal". Fuel economy, thats a joke! 13.1 average but "that is my driving style". Fourth, popping in the front end, "cannot duplicate". Fifth, put the car in drive and it wont go, "thats downhill assist and normal". Sixth, car wont start but that "cant be duplicated and it might have been because the driver didnt press the brake". Seven, no heat! So no AC during the summer and now no heat during the winter, that is "just the new normal with these new EPA regulations". Eight, the radio may or may not pickup local channels but "thats normal". Nine, the radio and camera dim to where you cant see it, but "cant be duplicated". Ten is when you press the gas to go and the transmission doesnt catch a gear, that my friends is why I traded this car today.

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  Love my 2016 Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - May 28 - 12:55 am

  Hated the look when I first saw the images released online. Saw the White one on the showroom floor and ordered an EX-L with Nav about 30 minutes later after a test drive. Traded in my 2012 Pilot EX-L with RES. Have had it a week and it is just better in every way. I had a 2011 Pilot that I traded in for a 2012 so we really liked that style of vehicle but this is just awesome. Love the Garmin brand NAV. The touch screen radio takes a bout 2 days to get used to but once you do you realize it is so much better and easier than the last consoles layout. The arm rests are great and the storage console between the front 2 seats is perfect compared to the last model. It looks very similar on the inside but just improved in every way. I hope the 2017 CR-V compares to these updates and the exterior gets tweaked so the lines are comparable to the Pilot. If so I will be trading in my 2012 Accord SE for the CR-V touring. Fingers crossed. I cant believe we hated the first images as much as we did and now this is our Favorite we have ever purchased!!!

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  SMOOTH RIDE - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JORGE FORTICH - May 25 - 9:30 pm

  I HAVE ENJOYED THE QUIET RIDE VERY MUCH. BEING ABLE TO RIDE WITH MY WHOKE FANLIY OF 7 ADULTS AND BE COMFORTABLE IS FANTASTIC. GREAT FAMILY CAR

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  YES!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Dee Cooper - May 22 - 4:13 am

  I have loved every Honda I have owned. But the Pilot is the best. It provides versatility, performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency into one vehicle!

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  Happy So Far - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Roger - May 19 - 4:30 pm

  This was our first SUV purchase and so far we love the Pilot. We looked at almost every mid size SUV on the market and decided on the Pilot. This is also our first Honda.