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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  2003 Pilot with 210k miles - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Bad Audio - April 6 - 1:45 pm

  Have had mixed results with my 2003 Pilot. Have had two major transmission repairs, one covered by warranty and the other one cost me $900. HOWEVER, the biggest disappointment has been the RES (rear entertainment center). There is an annoying low frequency buzz that appears on both radio and DVD play. While its minorly annoying on the speakers it incapacitates the wireless headphones. Unfortunately, Hondas solution is to replace the whole unit for a fee of $1700. Have mixed opinions of purchasing another Pilot.

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  Our first Honda - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Mike L - April 5 - 12:30 pm

  Bought our Pilot in October & have 11000 miles on it already & love it. It hasnt even had a squeak! Just returned from a 4850 mi trip from the Midwest to CA & return & ave 20.5mpg on Interstate, mountain & city driving while having the cargo area quite full, very pleased with that. Wish it had another 35HP in the mountains. Found the Nav MUCH easier to use than the 2005 Sienna we traded.

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  Almost a Jeep - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By crm - April 4 - 1:02 pm

  Bought the Pilot used to replace a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4. Slid the Pilot on ice into a fence (minimal damage - breakaways and scratches only!), and rented my old favorite (Jeep) while being repaired -- found out I missed the Pilot so much! Solid vehicle, so far very reliable! Gas mileage depends upon my foot - have gotten 19.5mpg around town and 24mpg highway when driving carefully, but the 255hp is too tempting! So I average 18/22 instead! Am VERY happy for around town, long trips, family adventures - fits everything we do!

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  Great Mid Size SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By HVA - April 3 - 12:47 pm

  Approaching 50K, so far not disappointed at all. Runs solid, fun to drive, does not feel very big vehicle but roomy inside. Getting better gas mileage on highway with speed between 60-70 mph. Using full synthetic Mobil 1 oil may be helpful. Will write review every 25K.

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  Seats - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By tory - April 1 - 8:16 pm

  I just purchased this vehicle. I have had 2 other Hondas a 2003 Pilot and a 2006 Odyssey. I loved both of them and the seats. This new pilot has the worst seats, I can actually feel the wire in the back that is for the seat heater. I contacted Honda and they said to go look at another Honda Pilot 2009 and see if it had the same thing or if this was a defect. I did and I could also feel the wire. Has anyone else had this problem?

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  ** Honda 2009 Pilot ** - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By lufaca - April 1 - 2:46 pm

  I am pleasantly surprised with the pilot. It is extremely comfortable and fun to drive but my only complaint is the fuel economy. Once you come to terms that the size, comfort do not come free then you can justify paying for the extra mileage. If you ask me if I would buy a pilot after knowing what I know now my answer will be yes. I will buy another one.

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  Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By JCL - April 1 - 5:16 am

  Weve had it only a few days but we love our new pilot. The interior room is surprisingly large. You can really get 8 people in it. The nav system is fun to play with and pretty accurate. The sound system is awesome. The whole interior is spacious and well thought out. Lots of room for things. The ride is very comfortable and car- like.

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  A BIG Upgrade - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Piloteer - March 31 - 10:15 am

  This is my 3rd (and best) Pilot. Its basically a luxury car (feel and look) on the inside and a truck on the outside. I took mine fully loaded with four adults and gear on a 700-mile round trip and got 22mpg, primarily due to the variable cylinder management. The added dash displays make the driver smarter and more cognizant of maximizing opportunities. Im very satisfied with this vehicle all around and recommend it highly. Its a buyers market and mine (fully loaded with crossbars, all-weather mats, side steps, wood trim interior, appearance package) out the door with all taxes, tags, delivery, prep, etc. was under $35,000. Leverage your buying power and get one for yourself!

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  The SUV for car lovers - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By YJHB - March 31 - 3:08 am

  If I could give Honda/Acura a "20" in reliability, I would. My 06 Acura TL was feeling cramped with 2 car seats lodged in the back. We looked first at bigger cars, then sat in the back of a Honda Pilot and looked around. The thing has a LOT of family friendly amenities, and the rear temperature control is superb it heats up quickly and stays at the set temperature. Driving it was a pleasant surprise to me, a gearhead car devotee. In short, it feels tight and light body roll feels minimal, and it brakes and corners competently under moderate usage. Its the most car-like SUV Ive ever driven. Acceleration is leisurely compared with my fast TL, but the kids are oh-so-much happier. TY HONDA!

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Honda4Me - March 30 - 9:13 pm

  Since purchasing this SUV Ive been more than pleased. It makes driving fun again. Its roomy but sleek on the inside. Ive found that it has plenty of power for everyday driving and Ive averaged 20 MPG so far (both city & HWY). After driving domestic cars my whole life I can now see why they are in so much trouble. The Honda Pilot is best in its class in my opinion.