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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  Honda Pilot EXL 2007 Model - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By George - September 17 - 4:46 pm

  Previously owned a 2003 Pilot. We now have the 2007 EXL 2 wheel drive. Excellent vehicle all the way around. Great acceleration, comfort, space and looks. Compared to our previous SUV which was a 4 Runner from Toyota, the Honda Pilot appears to be a more solid vehicle. It gives you a great sense of security.

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  Touring w/ our Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Jerry - September 17 - 3:50 am

  We test drove all comparable SUVs (highlander, enclave, etc...) and found this vehicle a perfect fit for our family of 5. Others may have better gas mileage, and looks good on the outside, but the Pilot drives much better. It feels solid and comfortable w/ enough power even when towing our 21ft boat. Tech gadgets took a little time to learn, but once you get used to it, it becomes second nature, convenient, and fun. I love the back-up camera on the Nav monitor. I now instinctively look for it when I use other cars. This is definitely way better than the minivan it replaced.

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  First SUV and happy w/ choice - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sherd538 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  It deffinetely handles as nice as any car that I have owned. Fun to drive and my kids love riding in it. Plenty of cargo space. Easy access to 3rd row but 2nd row should be adjustable. smooth driving but makes an unusual amount of under carriage noise. Also the rear passenger side wheel well area rattles an awful lot (appointment setup to check problem). Other then noises and rattles the pilot is a good reliable suv. ($30,000 for cars/suvs is obserd but what can we do). Compared to the other suvs its the best bang for your buck. Buy it you will like it.

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  comfort - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By alender - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle to have for families. I enjoy all the amenities that it has like plenty of room in a relatively small body, power, handling. However if you are like me and this is your first SUV after years of driving sedans, be prepared for some bumps. The ride is not as smooth as I was hoping. I do feel the minor bumps on the road, but I guess that is what you get with an SUV. Sound system is great, cloth interior is great. Tires are wide and give you great handling. Make sure you get the cross bars on the roof rack, it is very usefull. Overall great vehicle and highly recommended, just a little bumpier than I thought.

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  perfect pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By horsegirl - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive had nothing but great experiences with this vehicle, its eyecatching and fulfills all expectations. Its a very "easy" vehicle. I traded a 2000 Accord V-6 Coupe for this and havent regretted my decision even once. Manuverability is never a problem, there is great visibility and turning radius is great getting into parking spots.

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  Bought Pilot over Highlander - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Castaway - September 6 - 9:36 pm

  We had leased a Highlander and opted to not purchase at lease end in favor of the Pilot. We could not be happier. Definitely a better ride due to the weight of vehicle. Cant complain about the gas mileage, very good for this mid size SUV. Vehicle now has around 50,000 (21,000 from us). Used the 4wd this winter and it performs extremely well. Engine is very quiet. Make sure the VTM fluid is changed regularly. Overall a very nice vehicle.

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  Excellent Vehicle So Far - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Dave - September 1 - 4:34 pm

  Looked at the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9, which simply did not stand up to the size and features of the 2009 remodeled Pilot. Bought the Pilot in September of 2008, and have been very happy so far with no problems. Towed a tent camper trailer without any problems -- hardly knew the trailer was behind us -- did not have any issues with sway.

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  Still Going Strong - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By MikeM - August 30 - 5:47 pm

  Coming up on 4 years and overall still happy with the Pilot EX-L (non-Nav). The only issue has been the "auto up/down" switch on the drivers door so not bad. Plenty of room for family of three + large dog. Superb handling in the snow and drives/rides like a car, comfortable on long trips. Gas mileage is awful, we have never come close to the advertised mpg even under optimal conditions. Nothing overly jaw- dropping about the Pilot--simply Honda quality, does what is designed to without fanfare.

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  Hondas Reputation is Based on Historical Results! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By J. Perk - August 30 - 9:43 am

  I bought a brand new 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L. I had the SUV for 8 months before trading it in. The vehicle drove very well and was very comfortable - great for a growing family / large family. I traded the Pilot in as the vehicle was frequently emitting a gas/oil odor through its front vents. I bought the Pilot in several times for diagnostic and repairs but the dealer was unable to replicate the issue and therefore did not have a resolution to the problem. Honda stated they would no longer look at my vehicle given the inability to replicate the issue and suggested I go through arbitration if I was still unsatisfied. I unfortunately went through the arbitration process and lost badly given Hondas experience in dealing with these matters. Honda changed its position regarding the issue, stating it was a common issue and the car should be emitting such disgusting/hazardous fumes - noting this was not a defect, but normal. (The change in Hondas position was a result of me getting a 3rd party mechanic to verify the issue.) I was very disappointed with my ownership experience and have realized that companies dont care about their customers, just their bottom line (should have known!). Also, the radio is terrible on the Pilot (I think the company is working on resolving this issue). The touch screen doesnt have a volume button, which I didnt think would bother me, but became pretty annoying over time.

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  No Surprises... Its a Honda! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot_4A_Pilot - August 29 - 11:50 am

  Having owned Hondas in the past, it came as no surprise that our Honda Pilot would be a great, solid and reliable mode of transportation. We wanted a dependable vehicle that would be large enough to hold 5, plus our large German Shepherd dog, yet still be fuel efficient and able to get us through the snowy Wisconsin winters. No Surprises. And no regrets!