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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  Just got my 2004 with leather - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Ritch_M - July 16 - 2:00 am

  So far, this is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It handles like a dream and gets respectable fuel mileage for an SUV. The sound system in the EX model is fantastic with the sub woofer. The front seats are extremely comfortable. The 3.5L engine combined with the 5 speed transmission gives you all the power you need in both city and highway traffic. Its so smooth, I dont usually even notice when it shifts. I got the midnight blue pearl color, and it is the prettiest blue I have ever seen on any car. The metal flake really sparkles in the sun.

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  a real thoroughbred - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By dykhuis - July 14 - 3:46 am

  fun to drive, lots of power, all features are easy to use: radio, cd, navigation. Lots of cargo capacity, tight steering radius, easy to park.

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  navigation not working and idle stop as well - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Ari Castillo - July 13 - 1:39 am

  after paying close to 50K the dealer can not still find whats the problem with the idle stop and navigation. since first day the navigation signals bars are in red sometimes in green but when is in red it looses actual location. I live in washington DC so I expected to have the green bars all the time. the iddle stop does not work after 1800K it stop working. If someone has the same problem please let me know

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  Pilot Rocks! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By bruingirl - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV, you feel very safe while driving. You get the same car as the Acura for $8,000 less, while using regular fuel. Acura needs Premium! Mileage is good for a car this size. Drives like a dream!!!

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  Good, Bad, Ugly - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By hondafan - July 9 - 4:22 pm

  Good - Honda Ride, Functionality, lot of space. Went on a 1000 mi trip on Jul 4th weekend. Loved the ride. Drives like Honda civic. Price - Lot of good deals around. Bad - Interior & Exterior Gaps. Wind noise on highway is a bit high (typical Honda product) Ugly- Cheap interior plastic material, & rear carpet. The plastic around the key area getting lot of scratches already.

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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By A55 - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Even at list, its a lot of vehicle for the money. Superior to the competition in almost every way.

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  Pilot is the best SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By wildbill - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Dealing with a Honda dealership is among the worst of all experiences. Owning the new Pilot is among the best! The head room and extra width, along with solid performance and a simple, well thought out interior, make this the best SUV that still fits into your garage. After 3 MBZs and an Audi TT, I am holding onto the Pilot!

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  Great SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By carmenda - July 9 - 9:56 am

  Fun to drive SUV. Compared to Nissan Pathfinder and found the pathfinder drives like a truck. This SUV drives so smooth and reminds me of the Honda Accord. Test drive this SUV and you wont be disappointed.

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  Transmission Failed - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Steve - July 8 - 8:41 pm

  Having owned and driven multiple Honda Accords since a 1979 model, I was expecting a similar non-eventful and reliable experience with a 2003 Pilot that was purchased used. But the transmission has just failed at 140k miles. Sadly, this is standard for the Honda Pilot if you quickly glance around the internet. The same problem extends to other Honda models with the V6: the Accord, Odyssey, and Acura TL. These and other Honda transmission issues have been subject of numerous recalls and class action suits over the years. I am otherwise a Honda fan and enjoy the Pilot, but this one reliability issues is a serious shortcoming that anyone purchasing must be financially prepared for.

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  Relatively new but great so far. - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By SJF - July 4 - 6:12 pm

  Great functionality - particularly for hauling kids w/ the third row seating. If a mini-van is not an option for aesthetics or other personal reasons, the pilot is a good blend that gives you the functionality of a mini-van with the appearance of an SUV and a very robust SUV at that.