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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  Best Mid-size for the money - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jshallue - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Problem with the engine starting. It does not want to turn over at times. Dealer says they know about it, but cannot fix it.

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  Quintessential Honda Engineering - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bryan Lienesch - June 16 - 1:23 pm

  The powerful 3.5-liter, V6 engine gives the Pilot as much pickup as any Mid-size SUV out there without hurting fuel economy. A spacious cockpit gives the Pilots pilot roomy comfort whether they are 54" or 68". Functionality lets you flip seats up our down in seconds to meet whatever your demands are. But perhaps best of all, the Pilot rides smooth and is one of the more reliable models from a typically very reliable company. All in all, from its beautiful, edgy body to its fast and reliable engine, the Pilot will give you fun and let you keep it with few snags along the way. Maintain this vehicle religiously and the routine maintenance will be the only shop time it sees!

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  First week and we love our Pilot! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - June 14 - 10:48 pm

  I brought home our Pilot fully loaded about a week ago after a smoking deal almost $8K off sticker with Edmunds.com help. I narrowed down my choices to the Pilot vs the Acadia. The Pilot came fully loaded and almost $6k cheaper than the Acadia. The Pilot has good pick up, lots of space, and a nice exterior. The middle row has plenty of room for my kids and the split 3rd row can stay down for storage or up for additional passengers. Pilot comes standard with 8 passenger seating. The rear DVD system comes with 2 wireless headphones. Touring edition comes with lots of standard features We love our Pilot and are sure to enjoy it for many years. Our other car is an Odyssey.

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  Quality Over Flash - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By WorkingMom - June 13 - 12:16 pm

  Owned this car a little over a month. Definitly put it through its paces-- logged over 1700 miles, highway, city, unpaved roads (my driveway), washed over roads, dry pavement, rain, snow, slush, ice. Ive hauled my two year old to daycare, teenager to band practice, the whole family on a trip. Drove a few 200 mile trips for my job. Ive had to park it in tight spots and inadequately plowed lots. In all these situations, it has performed without trouble. From a practical standpoint, I would highly recommend it.

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  Drives fine, but number of issues still - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By tobyward - June 12 - 9:52 am

  Subwoofer doesnt work for many people. Radio switches from Mono to Stereo sounding like volume is changing. Charging system issue keeps popping up and dealer doesnt know how to fix any of these issues. Honda is closing cases opened via corporate. This is very frustrating for current owners. Can read more here: https://t.co/JdvyKEMyCr Beyond that like the capacity in the interior, drive, and fuel economy. Breaks could be improved, and front seat comfort could have been better quality.

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  Pilot is a great value - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By msymbrad - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the Honda Pilot after considering several other SUVs and hybrids. Knew that we wanted the Pilot immediately after driving it. It is a very solid, comfortable, fun-to-drive vehicle. Was kind of hard to find a dealer who is willing to sell one under msrp in our area of the midwest. When you consider the features and quality of the Pilot compared to other SUVs, the price these vehicles command is a little easier to take.

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  EXCELLENT SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Dustin Mardis - June 11 - 10:00 am

  After driving almost every SUV from $25,000 to $40,000, we decided to purchase the Pilot (EX-L with DVD). This is by far the nicest vehicle I have owned. The Pilot has all the options I was looking for at a fair price with Honda quality and reputation. If you are looking for a quality SUV with all the options, look no further, this is the one to buy!!

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  Couldnt be happier!!!!! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Rob Lo - June 9 - 3:58 am

  We considered the Highlander and Murano, but after we drove the Pilot is was over! This vehicle just oozes quality. The minute I sat in the Honda you could see how much better and thought out the interior was compared to the competition. Also the dealership was far above Nissan and Toyota when it came to friendly and professional service. We bought the Black cherry w/ Black leather and the vehicle is just beautiful!!! It does pull to the right slightly so Ill be taking it back to get fixed. No big deal.

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  New but loving it. - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By MK - June 6 - 10:17 am

  Took receipt of the vehicle and took it on a 3000 mile vacation drive. Although new it drove great and averaged between 22.8 and 24.4 mpg for the trip. No problems at all. Very comfortable.

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  best auto on the road - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By papadad913 - June 6 - 9:50 am

  we just traded a 2003 pilot ex for a 2005 ex. we put 50,000 miles on it, and it was still perfect. in fact, with very little touch up, it was put out the next day as a honda certified used car. 100,000 mile guarantee.