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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  Our baby... - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By VR - November 27 - 6:36 am

  Performance, in several different facets, is near top of the line. The handling around turns for a vehicle of that size is jaw dropping to me having been previously accustomed to driving an Explorer for 6 years. I was initially somewhat skeptical that an engine displacement of "only" 3.5 L was enough to get the kick in the pants sometimes required to merge into tight traffic. Again, very impressed with the Honda VTEC engine. Its operation is very smooth, quiet and very responsive when getting into the higher RPMs thanks to the variable valve timing. Its more acceleration than Ill ever need for daily commuting. Plenty of room for passengers in three rows of seating.

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  Lots to love about a Pilot - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Walkn1 - November 25 - 4:09 pm

  Ive owned respectively a Rambler, a Honda Civic, a VW Golf, a Prius, Smart Car, Toyota Yaris and NoW the grand mamoo of all ----the Honda Pilot. What a joy! I feel like a princess and a cowgirl. My dreams of comfort, safety, reliability, and handling have all been met. Probably wont need a husband again! And theres an eco-button which averages around 33 mpg. Does it get better for me than that? Get in and get up up and away. I took a road trip within 2 months of buying it used.

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  Excellent, but not exciting. - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Returning Honda Owner - November 24 - 11:18 am

  What Honda does well is create vehicles that are solid and dependable, but not necessarily fun to drive, with certain exceptions. I have a 2017 Pilot EX-L and it has a very nice interior that has many features and comforts which add to a smooth driving experience. It is very spacious, both for passengers and cargo and has a lot of safety measures and technology that are on par with anything in its class. On the highway, this car is as smooth as can be. My only two complaints are the following: It isnt terribly engaging to drive. I just lost a 2006 Jeep Commander that drove like a car and hugged the road. The Pilot feels "safe" and almost boring to drive. I felt that the Toyota Highlander handled better, but I went with the Pilot because of other things that beat out Toyota. It handles more like a van than an SUV and I feel that the driving "experience" is less than exciting. Its fine and it drives nicely, but I want a little more engagement. The second complaint is that the touchscreen is not terribly intuitive, which is not only annoying, but is distracting to use while driving. Yes, some of the controls are also on the steering wheel, which helps, but even for the passenger, the screen isnt the easiest (although I hear it is an improvement over the last model). There is no volume button or dial and therefore you have to locate the touch volume and tap it repeatedly to change the volume. There is no need for that, as a dial is far easier to use while driving. Technology should make things simpler, not more difficult. I have a 2010 Audi A4 with outdated technology, but it is much easier to use. Those two things aside, the car is very comfortable and grows on me the more I drive it. The traction in snow is excellent, as is braking and it is a very well made vehicle. If Honda could add a little more excitement to the car, it would really increase the overall excitement. No regrets, thus far.

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  The Best - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Mark Mitchell - November 23 - 9:47 am

  This is a terrific vehicle. It rides well, handles well, has lots of room and has every feature you need. Reliability is top notch and you cant beat the value.

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  Love this SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JenI - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is awesome. The interior is great and the highway noise is minimal. Vehicle has been involved in a 4 car accident and held up superbly! Minimal damage after being hit in the front, side and rear-up. Would highly recommend!

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  Insane family SUV! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Pig - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Wow. We couldnt be happier with our new Pilot. We gladly traded our 1999 Dodge Durango for our new Honda and it has already eclipsed the ol Dodge in every department. The Pilot is like a condo on wheels. Room for me (63" 250), spouse, to kids and all our gear. We even have room for Grandma now when she comes to visit. The choice between the Pilot and MDX came down to value. We chose to save the extra $9,500.00 and pay for private school. If you are wishy washing around about this vehicle, get off your duff and buy one.

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  Its a Honda - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By RICK - November 20 - 1:33 am

  The only thing I can find wrong with my Pilot is the placement of the windshield wiper lever in relationship to the shift lever. It is comfortable & fun to drive and I am very happy with my choice. I show off my Pilot every place I go to anyone who’s interested

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  Honda at its best - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Dale - November 20 - 1:30 am

  So far this vehicle has exceeded my expectations. My combined mileage has been 19 MPG and as advertised, 22 MPG straight out highway driving. Cabin noise level is very quiet. What little road noise there is, comes from the cheap Goodyear tires. I have read a few online reviews about "drive line vibes" but even up to 90 MPH, my Pilot is very smooth and drives very tight. We have had 2 snowfalls recently; the 4WD works great and the vehicle gets excellent traction. The Pilot drives, rides and performs much better than the Grand Cherokee, Explorer and Four Runner. These vehicles dont compare in quality either.

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  Happy Honda Owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By AJM - November 16 - 10:03 pm

  Purchased to replace a 1997 Suburban, and have been very impressed with the vehicle. Normal maintenance and have followed Hondas recommended maintenance schedule and the vehicle continues to impress mile after mile!

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  Great SUV - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Eric - November 14 - 1:43 pm

  I picked ours up CPO with 18k on it. Gas mileage is good for its size, 18 around town 22-23 if you stay at 65 on the highway. Much quieter than the Odyssey we had previously but not a quiet car by any stretch. Mostly tire noise so a different set may solve that. Great ride, decent pickup.