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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  May be simple, but well thought out - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Dancy - August 3 - 2:00 am

  After much research we decided to purchase the Pilot. It has great safety features, and enough seating if our kids want to bring a friend along. The rear DVD can be enjoyed and does not block the rear view. The ride is just smooth enough and still very sporty feeling. This suv handles great and feels very tight. With the recent downpour here in So-Cal, we really appreciated the well placed and well thought out controls. Things are where you need them. The window defroster works so fast and the climate control is wonderful.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Carol Hughes - July 30 - 5:16 pm

  I went from a van to the Honda Pilot and is is so much more comfortable and fun to drive. It is very spacious in the interior and has many cup holders and outlets for cell phones and other electronics. Love it!

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  Honda Reliability??? - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Laura - July 30 - 8:56 am

  I really wanted a GMC Acadia. Loved the look, but was a little scared with all the financial trouble. I also heard the GMC was not a reliable as a Honda. Therefore, trying to get the best buy for my money I bought a Honda Pilot. BIG MISTAKE. I have had major issues with the alignment. Feels like I go in ever other week. They (Honda Cars of Katy) keep telling me the Pilot was built to pull to the right. After spending 30K+ I thought I was getting a reliable car. Now after only 4 months of ownership, the paint is peeling in multiple places. The leather is already coming apart at the seams. I thought Honda was supposed to have quality vehicles, but I am sadly disappointed.

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  Disappointed with Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dsignmark - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I sold my Honda Pilot EX with Navagation 3 months after I purchased the vehicle. Got poor gas milage. Fit & finish was not up to Honda standards. Also was disappointed that a factory sunroof was not available. I previously had a 1999 Lexus RX 300. The RX 300 Lexus was by far the best car I have ever owned & driven. I bought a new 2003 Lexus RX 300 and am much happier with this SUV. I am getting 19 MPG in the city and 23MPG on the Hwy. Also, The Lexus with more standard features (Bells & Whistles) actually cost less than the Honda Pilot as the Honda dealers do not deal on the Pilot. Once you have had a Lexus, its difficult to be happy with anything else.

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  Best value out there, great vehicle. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By StingrayJG - July 29 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is priced GREAT for what you get. Edmunds TMV is more for Envoy, MDX, RX300, & Pathfinder. (and no nav. in Envoy or Pathfinder) Very smooth & quiet ride. Plenty of power. Cargo Tray & All-Season Floormats are key options for cleanliness. I love the truck but my gripe w/ Honda would be to offer heated seats in U.S. not just Canada. It gets cold here too, ya know! Driver seat memory & telescopic wheel needed. (Me=6ft, wife=52") Overall though, I love it, 110% glad I got it.

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  Better Than the Envoy - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By jdah3 - July 27 - 12:09 am

  Traded 2004 Envoy for my Pilot. So far, pretty good. Nothing has gone wrong that affects performance, anyway. Been to the dealer for clips in front seats (seat backs were squeaking). Brakes grinding and sound horrible, but told "Theyre fine, theyre just not Honda". Passenger R side of seat doesnt heat. I still feel good getting behind the wheel. Feels very solid, sure, and safe. No issues with leather as others have had. No engine or transmission problems. Radio/nav work beautifully.

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  What youd expect from Honda - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By jod - July 25 - 11:30 pm

  I went from a 2 row 4Runner to an EX Pilot, cloth interior. Very spacious and well laid out interior. Build quality, materials, and overall feel of the car is superb. Third row seat is surprisingly roomy. I love the maneuverability of the 2nd row seat to accomodate either seating in the 2nd row (recline feature) or 3rd row passengers (moving 2nd row forward). Big plusses are fuel economy with VCM (24mpg highway) and safety features. Pilot is 5 star all around in safety. Road manners are smooth and predictable. Engine is quiet, powerful, and refined, although a bit lacking in torque when compared to the 4.0L from Toyota. I recommend going with EX over LX, if possible.

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  Disappointed in first Honda - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bob Rapoza - July 24 - 5:48 pm

  Purchased this Honda because it carries up to 8 people we didnt want a bigger SUV. The battery died in the first year while on a trip, had to replace it. The rear latch for the hatch has fallen off three times and I have had to screw it back on. Makes a loud noise when driving at highway speed with windows down. Now at 63,000 miles, we have a broken motor mount. None of these items are serious, but I expected more from Honda, especially for the money we paid (we purchased the top model of the Pilot). The gas mileage also isnt very good for a 6 cylinder.

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  2003 Pilot - 7 yrs old - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Kristin - July 23 - 1:04 pm

  Ive had this car for 7 years and like all Hondas, its been super reliable. I had to replace the stereo a year ago (it broke for no reason). It was $1000 to replace, so I bought an aftermarket, but the steering wheel controls wont work with it now. The interior door handle was plastic with "metal tape" over it and it was peeling, so I had to replace it. I hate the removable headrests for the 2nd/3rd row seats (big pain), but theyve redesigned them in 2009. Overall its been a great car and Im buying another Pilot now (2010), which is even better designed. I love Hondas!

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  Pilot: Id probably buy it again - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Ted Mackley - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The only problems areas with my Pilot were a few sample defects which wernt right from day one. The cruise control "Set" button has never worked correctly, and an interior light does not turn on and off properly. The body colors are a matter of opinion, but I found none that particularly appealed to me in this model. The power outlets do not operate when the the key is not in the on or accesory posistion so charging a cell phone overnight is not possible. Comfort, ride, reliablity and quality feel are more then enough to make up for these minor problems.