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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  Its a HONDA. What more needs to be said - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By joe - February 1 - 9:20 pm

  The Pilot is all that I had hoped it would be in quality and ride. I was a bit concerned about some reviews re road noise but it is quiet in my view. It is too new to judge long term but given that it is in the third year production, I am confident I will be even more happy. The ride feels more like a luxury car than an SUV.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Steve - February 1 - 9:47 am

  This an extremely solid vehicle. I really have no complaints. I live in Michigan where we get a lot of snow and ice. Its nearly impossible to get this car to slip or slide. It has more than enough cargo space, yet it doesnt feel like an enormous vehicle when youre in it. I did have to have a power window motor replaced, but it was covered under warranty. Other than that, I havent had so much as a hiccup through 53,000 miles. The only issue I have is that the Pilot is kind of boring. Theres nothing exciting about the interior or exterior design, but I can think of much worse problems to have.

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  2016 Honda Pilot "soft pedal" issue - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By larry - February 1 - 5:30 am

  As long-time Honda Accord V-6 owners (3 since 1999) and realizing that we wanted something larger, we began to research the 2016 re-designed Pilot a year ago. After visiting dealerships several times and looking at all facets of the SUV, we purchased an EX-L with Honda Sensing in November 2016. The only options we added were color-matched side trim moldings and rear bumper applique, both of which greatly protect from door dings to sides and suitcase scratches to rear bumper....highly recommend. Incidently, we got the dealership to include both in negotiated purchase price, at no extra cost, including labor to install. We did get wheel locks and etched window security ID number, but declined upgraded security system....a $1000 add-on and dealer money-maker. We presently have 4500 miles on the vehicle, including 2 trips of 800 miles each, mostly interstate both times, with gas mileage on those trips of 28.5 miles both. Recently we had a rock, or object, hit the center of our right front fog light lens in the bumper, shattering it. I thought this would be a relatively easy fix....NOT!! The lens had to be ordered, and second appointment scheduled (18 mile round trip) for replacement. The lens (only...not the actual light assembly) was $70 and $120 for 35 minutes labor to replace...a total of $191....outrageous!!! These are available on-line from various sources quite reasonable, and there are how-to videos online showing how to replace them, which I would do next time. While there for replacement, I mentioned to the service advisor that I had noticed for sometime, but more so the past several weeks, that the brake pedal seemed "soft" when coming to stop signs or lights, and that recently, when stopped at a light in a line of traffic, the car would initially stop OK, but the brake pedal would then slowly depress, nearly to the floor, requiring increasing attention and pressure to prevent the vehicle from "creeping" forward....a safety concern. His response was, "yes, Honda is a aware of this, so far terming it a "soft pedal issue", and they are watching it". I indicated to him my concern this is ultimately a safety concern, and he indicated that "it does not seem to be present or happening with all 2016 Pilots, but likely will require a "fix", ie: a recall or software update". If buying a 2016, you need to be aware of this. Our last feature we dislike the most is the Infotainment Center in this particular model. Everything is touch, slide, and as many reviews have indicated, NOT user friendly or intuitive. The hardcopy owners manual gives you very little specific info on the vehicle. Fortunately, there is a CD for use in your computer that gives you detailed info...how to set or adjust outside temperature reading on dash; how to change bass/treble/balance/front-rear balance on radio/sound system....look at it...well worth the time. Overall, a very nice vehicle with some "hiccups" Honda needs to correct.

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  2006 Honda Pilot EXL - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By dchonin - January 27 - 6:26 pm

  I have owned many vehicles in my days, and this is my absolute favorite. The ride is amazingly quite and smooth for a truck. Because the residual value is so high (61%) and the low money factor being offered by Honda (I think .00115) there are great lease deals. I looked at the new 2006 Explorer first and it cant hold a candle to the Pilot.

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  excellent - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By deo fernandez - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This being my first time to own a Honda in which Im so glad I did decide on this vehecle is that, the outside design is so simple yet pleasing to the eyes, roomy for 4 adults and still have room the the growing kids at the back and have room for picnic gears. The ride is comfortable, fuel is perfect for this size of a car for the family. Its great SUV.

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  The Greatest Vechicle Period!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pamansand - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Pilot is greayt we have been looking at it for about a month, before we bought it. We looked at all the other SUVS in its class. Including the other sizes. The only vehicle we saw that stood a chance against the Pilot was the Land Rover Range Rover, and it was to pricey. The Honda Pilot is well beyond its price and am suprised at its that cheap.

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  My Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jeffjar - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Pilot after a friend bought one, I researched a SUV for several months, looking at several vehicles and manufacturers, I settled with the Pilot because of the driver friendly cockpit and the design of the interior, the third row seat is a great place for the kids, the reliability of the name Honda is a added security feature I like, I never was one to purchase a forign make vehicle but the Pilot has changed my way of thinking and I am very happy with my decision.

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  honda pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kt - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this is one of the best suvs ever in the snow. i feel very safe when i am driving it. it is the most comfortable ride and features are good.

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  The Big 3 Dont Compare - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By LLS - January 27 - 10:00 am

  We shopped around for months. We looked at GMC, Chev, Dodge, Ford...all of them. We had owned a Honda Accord back in 1991 so luckily for us the Honda Pilot caught our eye. After a test drive, we were hooked. Everything we read, all of the research we did really didnt do this vehicle justice. The Fisher Price interiors of the Trailblazer, Envoy, Durango, Explorer have a lot of catching up to do...not to mention trying to match the Pilots performance!

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  Great Honda SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Kaybob - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Looked at Passport, Odyssey and CR-V and had planned to buy the CR-V with some hesitations, but then the Pilot came out in June of 2002 and when we drove it, we knew it was the best Honda made to date. Comfort and power galore. We love our Pilot just as we loved our Accord before. Honda makes the most dependable vehicles on the road.