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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  Should learn from CRV - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By H Huang - December 16 - 2:38 am

  I purchase the EX because I dont like the leather in the EX-L trim. It is a big disappointment that the Pilot EX doesnt come with a moon roof like the CRV EX does. Pilot is much bigger than the CRV, yet its features doesnt match up the CRV. The style is fine to me, although I do wish its front nose a little bit lower, so it wont look so boxy, and it may help the fuel economy too. The acceleration and the fuel mileage when starting is terrible. The car is just unnecessarily too heavy and the 250 horse power is a shame for Honda, considering a much smaller ACCORD, or Pilots other rivals such as Highlander. You can feel the road when driving. However, it is smooth and pleasant.

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  Great reliable vehicle but poor gas milege and acc - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Mike jones - December 15 - 11:07 am

  I read some of the bad reviews but I guess I ended up with a good one. So far I have 108k miles and never had any problems. Just regular oil change and Thats it. There was a recall on the front suspension making noise. Just gotta take it in to the dealer to get it fixed for free. Its roomy and its a great family car, has enough space for all your stuff for long road trips. But, lol Yea theres always something. Its a great family vehicle but when u are driving by yourself and u wanna have some fun, nope. The acceleration is horrible esp if your trying to merge on to free way. Handeling is less than sub par. Bottom line: great family vehicle, but very boring car. Gas mileage could improve.

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  Excellent SUV & solution to wind noise! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Piloter - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Love it. Handles like a car. Tight steering, quiet interior, fantastic visibility. RELIABLE! Ive read some issues regarding a "howling" and wind noise. If you have this problem and have cross rails on the roofrack, then here is your solution: http://www.hondasuv.com/pilot/viewtopic .php?t=25 Mine too were mounted backwards. Once switched, the problem was gone. The most quiet SUV I have ever driven.

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  All-Around best SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By cjohnson - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I am an engineer and put in a significant amount of research into the SUV market. I wont use the truck for a lot of off roading so it is perfect for me and my family. I also want to keep it for 10+ years so you have to get a Honda. I only wish Honda included the sunroof as an option. Otherwise, its the best bang for your buck!!!!

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  Let it snow! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Gilbrod - December 12 - 11:53 pm

  I got this because me and the wife needed not only the extra space, but also something that would not strand us when it snows. It has all the safety features we need for our two boys (2 yrs and one on the way). It yelled at my wife for not buckling up! That was awesome. The Pilot handles like a dream. Whenever I need that extra kick, it gives it to me. On the snow, it responds smoothly with no shakiness. I dont know what others had, but my wheels have not shaking going past 65. I have gone as fast as 85 with no waggle. But the road noise was something else.

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  Too much cost cutting - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Reviewer - December 10 - 11:23 am

  Poor build quality. Poor fuel economy. Rough feel while driving. Honda seems to have attempted to perfect the process of cost cutting. Unfortunately the quality of the car has suffered greatly. A lot of rattles, very rough road ride. If you tap on various parts of the cars, like the mirrors, they are loose and rattle. The front rotors needed to be turned after 17k miles and the dealer would not cover it. Its my wifes car and she is an easy driver. The dealers have extremely poor customer service. I can not get a service rep on the phone to make an appointment for warranty work. Functionally this car is great for us. As it is now I will trade it in when it gets to 60-70k.

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  Pilot Proponent - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jay03 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Have had about 3 months (4K miles). One long trip. No trouble at all so far. Very impressed with interior room vs exterior size. Have taken short trip with 4 adults and 2 kids in car seats. Still has room for double stroller and packages. Very comfortable for me or my wife driving. Smooth ride, great power, visibility and great stereo. Replaced a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the works. This car drives and rides better and quieter than the Jeep ever did plus it holds a lot more. Have not taken the Pilot into the mountains or off road yet so I can not compare to the Jeeps off road ability. At MSRP - 1K it cost about the 95 Jeep price.

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  Love it - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Idaho - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Have driven our Pilot 3000 miles and it has perfomed great in all situations. Previously had 3 Subarus. Like this much better. Easy to drive to ski areas on snow, hills and sharp curves. Solid and stable. Engine more than sufficient while still using regular. Moves along easily and comfortably at 75+. In town driving 18-19 mpg. Just completed 1600 mile trip to Oregon coast. Averaged 22.6 mpg. Seats comfortable even after a 10 hour day. Visability good in all directions.

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  LOVE MY HONDA! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By LLHH - December 8 - 12:50 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda Pilot and I wouldnt even think of buying any other brand. Ive never had any major work done on my other two and that makes this vehicle a major winner. More than just reliable. It handles wonderful, feel safe on the road and loaded with lots of extra goodies. If youre looking for luxury with a lot of safety and reliability, this is the vehicle for you.

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  Will buy again - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Jon - December 7 - 4:27 pm

  I bought this car for my wife who was returning to work. I wanted something that was reliable, got decent gas mileage, was able to get around in the snow, and could tow a boat. The Pilot has stood up to all of these demands and then some. It is fun to drive, has great acceleration, gets around great in all weather and has been reliable (except when we leave the dome lights on and the battery goes dead). We have used it to tow a boat that weighs about 4500 (Regal 2100 LSR). We started camping/boating and had to add a Suburban due to load and room limits. Now my son drives the Pilot, and we feel comfortable with the safety aspects of the vehicle as well. I would buy a Pilot again.