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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  2009 Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By beth - October 28 - 8:20 am

  Because I lease a new car every 3 years and because I research everything there is to know about a car, I can honestly say that this is one of the best SUVs on the market today. The ride is great and it is comfortable enough for a 64" 250 lb. guy. It holds the family and everything you want to haul and its residual value is far greater than its competitors.

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  Happy with Honda! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By happyhonda - October 28 - 7:24 am

  This is our second Pilot, our first was a 2004 EX and we loved that pilot! So we have comparison experience! First of all this is our 5th Honda in 10 years and have never had an issue out of some small recalls. This new pilot drives and is more comfortable than our 04. For an LX model it comes loaded with features. The power is OK but my wife drives it mainly so she thinks its good enough. The seats are more supportive and comfortable. The steering is tighter without that small dead spot that the 04 seemed to have.

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  Honda Pilot LX - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pmdurbin - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The LX has all the features a family needs for comfort including rear AC standard. When you compare the Honda Pilot LX to similar vehicles (Explorer, Trailblazer, Highlander) you cant beat the price for what you get. This vehicle feels very heavy in that the ride feels secure in contact with the road. The Explorer just doesnt have the same weight and feel to it that tha Pilot does. All this and a Honda too...

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  Best SUV on the road! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By zinx - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is extremely quite even at highway speeds. It eats up every bump as if there were none on the roads. It has plenty of room for all passengers. My wife and I no longer bump elbows at the armrest. My first tank of gas I averaged 20.35 mpg. That is driving in the Dallas Forth Worth metro.

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  rhondas honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By drummermama - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I just got my Pilot last week.It is the nicest car I have ever had. It handles like a dream glides as you are going down the road.The interior is extremely well thought out. Many and good sized cup holders that are deep. Rear air/heat. Rear hdphone jacks. Mine also has the dvd player,most enjoyable.Plenty of leg room, I have a 6 foot 4 16 old that says he has plenty of room back there,more than enough head room also. The 3rd row seating has already come in handy, and i like that you can lay all the back seats flat for a nice sized cargo area.Its definately worth buying the Pilot if you are looking for a mid=sized SUV.

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  Brakes & radio - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By patricia logsdon - October 27 - 5:48 am

  I like my Honda pilot but at 25,000 miles my radio went shot, had to be replaced, and then I was told my back brakes had to be replaced at 25,000 miles. Thats pretty bad when you cant even get at least 75,000 miles out of a new car. Not really happy right now.

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  turbo - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By turbo - October 22 - 4:56 am

  vehicle is fun to drive and easy to handle on any type of road conditions. pilot is roomy and perfect for my family.

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  Pretty good all-arounder - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By K - October 21 - 10:59 pm

  Bought it at 45K now at 65K only 2 minor issues. Coolant crossover??? and a back light on the HVAC controls. The 4 kids (one in a car seat) my wife and small dog and I fit well enough but if we actually want to take anything with us especially for an overnighter, storage space can be tight even with the 60/40 split 3rd row. Bought a roof bag for camping/cottaging. I hate the plastic bug deflector (aftermarket but bought and installed by Honda) it vibrates and makes a very loud noise over 65 and on my second one now same thing. But Im nitpicking, overall its a good all round vehicle that would fit well with someone who can sacrifice a little space and just doesnt want to drive a minivan.

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  Safety ratings won me over - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By GR - October 21 - 9:02 am

  I bought my Pilot just 5 months ago with 42,000 miles on it. It lacked some of the exterior style elements of the competition, but the interior features seem to fit our lifestyle better. The determining factor was the safety rating. This vehicle won out, hands down! Lucky for me, because last week I totaled my poor Pilot. This vehicle did exactly what it was supposed to do. Protect the occupants. My cars front end was totally smashed, the hood was folded nearly as high as the roof and I was protected in the cab. Other than bruises from the restraints and air bag deployment I am fine and totally amazed. So now the painful part, finding another one.

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  Very uncomfortable seats - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By John Fairborn - October 19 - 7:45 pm

  Im 6ft 4in, with a 34 inch waist -- not that big, but I find the drivers seat very uncomfortable. Its too small and the outside ridges are too hard. Ive driven older Honda Pilots and liked them, which is one reason we bought a new one. Dont know what they changed, but it was not for the better. My wife has no problem, but if youre my size, or larger, beware.