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 - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By frank2003 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  My new Pilot definitely lives upto its hypes that I heard of in the News & Views. Heated front seats and some price reduction would be nice!

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  Best Value SUV - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Rwags - July 3 - 8:19 am

  Great family ride. Have 2 kids who play a lot of sports, and taking them and their friend to games has been a breeze. Have had 8 people in the Pilot including 6 10 year old boys and everyone fits with plenty of room. Even when I have fewer kids, the kids will elect to sit in the third row. Just goes to show you how much space it has.

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  Touring, Better than MDX, X5 or GX470 - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By 09Touring4x4 - July 1 - 6:28 pm

  My first Honda, we were set on the MDX or the Lexus gx470 but they just did not have enough room. MDX does not have the feel of luxury U think it might. We bought the Demo model with 6500 miles but it has everything you can imagine and then some! Most all the accessories (dark wood trim all over, premium lighted side steps, all weather mats, chrome grill, front and back aluminum underside etc) were added. Have not taken for a long trip yet but it is fun to drive and has a lot of room. My 2 1/2 year old loves the wireless headphones so she can watch her Thomas videos while we listen to the radio or music CD.

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  Honda Pilot 2009 - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Werner Doerwaldt - June 29 - 9:20 am

  Has an excellent comfort level. Has a huge safety feel to it. Third seat, though, is a wash.

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  1st Honda- very disappointed - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By C - June 25 - 9:41 am

  I thought Honda was supposed to be one of the best... well what happened? Do they not check out everything before they sell them? 1st time I turned on the A/C I got a horrible smell - then fog (not condensation) of course the service dept didnt believe me when I called, but oh wow, now they do because it is sitting in their shop. They have no idea whats wrong.

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  Must have been built at 4pm on a Friday - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By No2Honda - June 24 - 11:18 pm

  Cant believe this is a Honda! I have the same issue other owners have complained about: pulls to the right. This alignment issue may also contribute to the various steering wheel vibration issue at high speeds. Also many squeaks and rattles throughout the car. I even have interior panels coming loose already! I am so disappointed in my 3rd Honda. Not what I was expecting, at all. Should have bought a Toyota/Lexus... Honda, you just lost a future customer!

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  Nice Honda SUV. Practical and Powerful. - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Techmine - June 24 - 4:17 pm

  Last month I bought my new Pilot and am impressed with the practicality and overall design of the vehicle. Interior shows excellent space management. Leather seats are big and comfortable. All the controls on the dash are good except the A/C buttons. I love the backup camera. It makes life very easy (especially while parallel parking). Turning radius beats most cars including my 02 Maxima! RES comes with upgraded sound system which is also wonderful. Storage options in the cargo area are also good. Like the tire pressure monitoring too. The drawbacks are mileage (even with VCM), road noise and vibrations (only sometimes) due to VCM. Still waiting for first long drive. In city MPG - 16-18.

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  Happy Pilot Owner - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By amypf - June 24 - 10:22 am

  Ive owned my Pilot for about a month now and I love it more every time I put it in drive. It is really smooth and comfortable. I love the the ipod control through the radio, bluetooth capability and great turning radius. For me it is the perfect size. I often drive with 7 passengers (+13 year olds) and it holds them perfectly. I had read previous reviews complaining about the glove box, now I understand - even the manual doesnt fit in it. Its only good for McDonalds napkins.

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  Very disappointed - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Danny - June 23 - 2:27 pm

  I got this brand new 2009 Honda Pilot EX-4WD about a month ago. So far, my experience with this new Honda Pilot became kind of a nightmare. I found this car was built by cheap workmanship made in Canada (or USA whatever). The interior parts are not aligned precisely and some are falling apart after 7 days of purchase. I had to take back my car to the dealer twice to have them fix my dash board assembly, and theres still about 1/8" of gaps between the parts. Also, the front passenger seat developing strange noise if someone sits on it. This car ALSO started to developing engine noise. When I step on gas pedal, theres some kind of metal-clicking noise comes from the engine. Too many to list.

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  No Regrets!!! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Chris - June 21 - 11:22 am

  The comfort level is phenomenal. Im less fatigued on long drives even after a full workday! Everything is within the drivers complete reach. This is my first Honda, or foreign auto for that matter, and I am completely sold. Their performance record is certainly an added bonus. You cant beat the quality and value for the price.