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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  Smart, cool and smooth... - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Kinsey Party of 5 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the 4th Honda Ive owned, and the first SUV, and everything I love about Honda is compounded in the 2004 Pilot. Extremely smooth ride, outstanding, well-thought-out features, and smart styling. We opted for the Leather/DVD EXL, and after our first car trip with our 3 kids, I noted the DVD was well worth the price due to how quiet the kids were during the ride! The only disappointment I had was due to the popularity of the Pilot, I had very little negotiation room on the price with several dealers, but I dont doubt I got my moneys worth: the Pilot seems like it was built just for our family.

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  Never a problem - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kate - July 16 - 4:52 pm

  I bought this car coming from owning a Toyota Sienna Van. I had owned Toyotas for years and years and was nervous to switch, but the third row seat sold me. I have never had a problem with this car in 5 years. I have replaced the tires and the battery, and probably need brakes, but nothing has ever broken down on it. It is roomy, even in the third row. I have had 8 adults in this car several times and everyone survived. The interior was well thought out. Id own another Honda. (I only wish it had rear camera or sensors. - My Honda has a dent in the back hatch.)

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  One Day and lovin it - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By lovin it - July 13 - 12:29 am

  I have had my Pilot for 1 day i brought it at Honda east. It is certified and has a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty. Great on gas. had 50,500 miles when i brought it. My kids love the 3rd row seat. The trunk is really small when the third row seat is up. Very spacey and reliable.

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  The 9 speed trans. is the worst Ive driven - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By RJ - July 12 - 7:29 pm

  Stay away, I regret spending my hard earned money on this junk, the 9 speed gear box is dangerous, it shifts randomly jerking everyone around and speeds up on down hills. Acura has lost a lot of respect because of this 9 speed so WHY Honda do you put this in the new pilot???? Consumers Report has info on this issues saying to be careful or youll be sorry. I trusted the Honda name so didnt do my homework before buying. I have 7,000 miles and waiting for the new Highlander, it has the Lexus 8 speed that is smooth as silk, yes Ill take a beating but am forced to make the change, I wont drive it, nor will my Wife drive it. STAY AWAY

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  2005 Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By dlmorgan - July 12 - 4:06 pm

  The 2005 Honda Pilot is well made in fit & finish. It travels well in comfort & limited road noise. It falls well short of the sticker advertised gas mileage however. Upon returning to the dealer because of 13 to 14 mpg, I was reminded of the 11 to 36 mph fine print. Futher, I was informed that all of the dealership Pilot owners were getting the same mileage. I also find the Pilot hard to start. It requires several overturns of the engine to start. The dealership check this and informed me that this is normal for all pilots. The handrail by the head could be hazardous in quick lateral moves or in accidents. A previous Honda owner, & disappointed.

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  Still Lovin Honda - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Chris - July 12 - 1:09 pm

  This is now our third Honda and definitely the nicest.The Pilot has amazing interior space, is incredibly comfortable and, like all Hondas, the engineering is superb. I would have liked to have the option to get both the Navigation and rear entertainment systems together-something Honda really ought to consider. Additionally, the steering wheel controls are inadequate. Unlike my Civic, which you can go up or down on the radio stations, you have to cycle all the way through 6,1, 2,3,4 to get to preset 5. Stupid. I would also like a cooling option on the leather seats. Even with climate control, in a hot climate the leather doesnt breath and gets hot.

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  Happy with my Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By mercara - July 12 - 12:46 pm

  I bought Pilot EXL AWD over a year back and thought I would use it for a while before I did the review. A year and 10K miles later, I am completely satisfied with my Pilot. This vehicle gives you the practicality of a minivan or close without having to buy a minivan. The vehicle has good ergonomics and the lot of nice storage compartments, etc. It handles well and gives about 21.5 mpg on the highway and about 16 ~17 in the city. The third row seats are excellent, for moderate sized adults. Great Value for Money.

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  First Honda - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By gregpro50 - July 10 - 7:00 am

  This is the first Honda I have owned. I have a wife, soon will have 3 kids, a dog, and a boat that we need to pull. Looked at everything that seated more than 5 people, had decent fuel economy, and could pull a reasonable sized boat. Honda was last on my list to look at but when we did we ended up buying it. So far we really like it. We get about 17 mpg city and as much as 21 mpg on the highway. Lots of room in the inside, good storage, comfortable. We are impressed. The closest competitor would be a Toyota Highlander and it doesnt hold a candle to the Pilot.

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  Excellent Ride! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Proudmom - July 8 - 5:37 pm

  I had a ford explorer before but the Honda Pilot is better by far. It has more room and it rides smoothly. I am so glad I bought this car.

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  I wish my wife would let me drive it! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By eagle07746 - July 8 - 2:27 pm

  I must say that our Pilot is very nice to drive. Nice comfortable seats, navi, and interior bike mounts make for a great road trip vehicle. I also like the integration of the radio, navi, CD, back-up camera. The wife loves having a commanding view of the road. Some minor issues, wheel noise for one, which seems to ba a common complaint. Also, no MP3/Ipod hook-up.