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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  love it - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By clyde693 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  we were looking for a truck or big car to tow a pop up camper with. also to haul more than 5 in the pilot fit the bill to a t towing is fine at 3500lb and able to haul 6 kids and the dog in style.

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  My third Honda is great, too! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By kidsintow - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Couldnt be a more perfect SUV for hauling kids and feeling safe and comfortable.

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  Pilot review - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Happy - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic SUV. My wife and I checked most of the other mid-size SUVs out before deciding the Pilot was easily the one for us. Comfort, third row of seating which comes in handy, and reliabilty all count towards a winning combination. Honda is tough to bargain with due to its popularity but we found one "on the ground" and worked out a deal.

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  09 Pilot changed for the better - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Francis - November 21 - 10:14 pm

  Have owned the vehicle for 1 year and have taken several 400-600 mile trips but mostly drive it around town. Averages 18.6 per gallon. 3rd row seat actually usable as opposed to our 08 Pilot. They stretched this wheelbase about 3 inches and it made a difference in 2nd/3rd row legroom (especially 2nd row) and in ride quality. Ride is firm to sporty but definitely not carlike (like Highlander). Auto (5 speed) transmission shifts seemlessly and goes in and out of cylinder deactivation without any noticeable difference in performance. Cabin seems quiet (for a Honda) and the 4wd is awesome in the rain. Massive amount of cargo space with 3rd row seat stowed away. Front seat ergonomics good with leather.

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Spike32 - November 20 - 12:20 pm

  Purchased Pilot after looking at a lot of competition. Our last Honda (88 Accord) had 250K miles when we sold it and was still going strong. We have taken this vehicle on several trips, including one to the mountains, and have averaged 20.5 MPG overall in 7700 miles, and have seen 25 MPG on short trips. The wife loves all of the places to store stuff. I wish the tires were quieter, and the RES allowed for the kids to listen to a different radio station than the driver. The hard plastics inside scratch much too easily, and the passenger seat doesnt have enough thigh support. Rear camera should show up on display instead of mirror. Need better cushioning under cargo area carpet.

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  Too many trips to Dealer for small repair - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Mobro - November 20 - 11:58 am

  From the factory the windshield wiper needed adjusting. It would bang against the frame. Center console power plug comes out. Dealer replaced, new one same problem. Internal linkage in air box prevented recirc from working. Had to replace air box. DS Door lock actuator buzzing. Remote key fobs not working. Dealer said it is a design problem and no solution at this time. Drive train good, driven 30k in first year without a problem. MPG as expected 21 on highway.

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  My Honda experience - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Sunny - November 20 - 10:59 am

  Avg gas mileage is 18.9 based on mix city/Hwy drive. Youll definitely feel the veh jerk when it changes gear and sometime when it switch off part of the engine. The biggest problem I have on my Honda is, the veh pulls to the right. It has visited Honda service dept 3 times (within 6 weeks) for the same problem and to the extend of recalibrating the subframe base on recommendation from Honda America. As of now, my Honda will pull to the right lane within 5 to 8 sec @ 40 mi/hr driving (testing the alignment by letting both hands off the steering wheel). Still working with Honda but was told its my luck if the veh is "calibrated" to spec. Fun to drive, reliability stinks for a brand new car.

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  The best SUV out there! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By chockm - November 19 - 10:04 pm

  It is a solid car with quite interior and all amenities that you would find in most cars in its class. It drives very nicely. I tested every SUV in the class and the Pilot was the best. Meets all of our needs. I like the boxy look because it stands out with all of the curvy homogeneous looking SUVs and crossovers. About the fuel economy. This vehicle weighs 4500 lbs, carries 8 people + baggage. On a per person basis, the fuel economy is very good. When it comes to total value = handling, space, power, features, total cost of ownership this SUV is unbeatable.

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  My first Honda - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By CarolynH. - November 18 - 7:38 am

  This is the first Honda I have purchased and so far, I am very pleased. The style of the car is what first caught my eye. I test drove every midsize SUV on the market before choosing this one for its size, style, cargo space, V6 not V8, and smooth ride. Great on gas for the size, love it for my family of four & dog on road trips.

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  2010 Pilot Touring 4WD- 2 Thumbs up!! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By SB - November 17 - 5:23 am

  We needed a larger vehicle for our growing family. We looked at the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Forerunner, Highlander, and Buick Enclave. For many reasons (fit, feel, steering, 3rd row, all-wheel drive) we chose the Pilot. We have had it for 2 weeks now, and its been great. We put a rear facing car seat with a infant car seat next to each other in the left side of the car. Still enough room for adult on the right and for access to 3rd row. 3rd row is very usable for kids and adults. Tech in the vehicle is great. Impressed with the bluetooth, iPhone integration, Nav, and entertainment system. Gas mileage isnt great, but we knew that going in. Its been a great choice for us!