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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  Scrooges Review - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pdozier - November 14 - 2:00 am

  First SUV and love it. Gas Mileage much better than most SUVs. Can think of 3-4 improvements (see below). Have a black Pilot..probably would do silver or white next time due to dirt issues. For a first year car, simply wonderful.

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  Superbly designed and executed vehicle - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Robert Rosenquist - November 13 - 12:48 am

  I got the EX-L with AWD, since we frequently go to snowy areas in winter. The Pilot is very comfortable, the controls are intuitive and easy to operate, and the ride and handling feel solid but not harsh. The mileage is surprisingly good for a vehicle of this size, although the actual mpg calculated by odometer miles vs gallons at the gas station are about 1.5 - 2 mpg less than the calculated mpg per tank on the dashboard. Nevertheless, we got high mid-high 20s on a recent long trip over predominantly level terrain, despite having the AWD version. The materials have the look and feel of quality, the ride is quiet and smooth, and it is a thoroughly enjoyable vehicle to drive. The very back seat can easily hold two average sized adults, compared with negligible space in the very back seat in a Toyota Highlander I had compared in making the purchase decision.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Betasigman - November 12 - 4:06 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned in terms of utility and function. Considering Ive owned a 89 Toyota Camry, 95 Isuzu Rodeo and 97 Infiniti Q45t, this is the one that you can take anywhere, anytime and with anything.

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  Four years and going strong! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By tdr_honda - November 9 - 5:12 pm

  I purchased this 2004 Pilot EXL-RES new in October 2004. It now has 70K miles and still runs and looks great. I never keep a vehicle for more than 2 years, but this one is a keeper! I have had no problems with it and it runs as good today as it did when I bought it. I keep it well maintained and clean, and in return it just runs and runs. I am probably going to trade my other car, a Suburban, in for the 2009 Pilot. I would highly recommend this vehicle - I have owned many, many Hondas and this one has been the best.

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  One of the first Pilots built - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bill - November 8 - 1:50 pm

  I own a 2003 honda Pilot. Its been a very good driving crossover vehicle. The front plows a little when turning. The cabin is noisy but I crank up the 155w stereo. Under 45mph it whistles and all of the window regulators have been replaced. Never buy a first year model - lessons learned. The vehicle goes great in the snow and its fun to goose it when starting out in wet conditions. This vehicle has a wide stance, not too tall, front wheel drive and would handle better in emergency manuvers where 4x4s would probably flip - very important, ask my neighbor. I bought this because I was tired of being beaten up by my previous SUVs and needed a better ride. Overall - smart vehicle.

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  Pretty Reliable - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By 123abc - November 6 - 8:10 pm

  I love the great gas mileage that the Pilot gets as we travel all over the country. I can fit comfortably many of my childrens friends.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Tom - November 6 - 4:34 pm

  Love this car. Just had an accident that totaled it and Im going to buy another one. Reliable, comfortable, quiet, fits 8 passengers (as longs as some are kids).

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  Muscle car grandma loves her 2016 Honda Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jean Curran - November 5 - 6:27 am

  I did a considerable amount of research between the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot before selecting a 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L with Honda Sensing. Without I doubt I made a great choice. My previous vehicle was a 2002 Toyota Sequoia Limited. After nearly 200K miles it was time for a change. I am a 61 year old grandma but I have managed the touch screen without difficulty. The 280hp engine with AWD gets me where I need to go. I also travel in a very comfortable cabin loaded with features and creature comforts. I added Honda Sensing to my vehicle. The crash avoidance, lane departure, blind spot monitoring and back up camera are wonderful. The Pilot offers a great deal of cargo space for groceries, sports gear, luggage or the family critters. Second row seating is very comfortable, 3rd row a bit tight for two larger adults but access is relatively easy. Lots of options for roof racks and other accessories that are not already standard. I do not test drive cars for a living. However, acceleration, handling and breaking are important to me. My Pilot gets the job done and I am averaging about 24.5 miles per gallon. My other vehicle is a 1970 Chevelle SS454 with a 375hp engine. 45 years of technology have certainly brought about massive changes. I hope to have my Pilot for a very long time.

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  Best SUV if you have small kids - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Sam - November 5 - 12:23 am

  My wife hates to drive a minivan, so we end up buying the Honda Pilot. This vehicle is so spacious inside that you can bring along almost anything from big tents to huge coolers. This is the ideal car to take to the beach or go camping. For everyday use, this vehicle performs like any other car. But when you need to go pick up big stuff at home depot or lowes , then this car will give you a smile that lasts all day.

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  enjoy driving it - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Debbie_Five - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy my Pilot. I wanted the third row seating withouth the HUGE SUV. Also, I love the sage brush with the fern leather interior. I am not unhappy with my decision. I do not have the rattles and unexpected road noise I read so much about.