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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  Honda hits a Home Run with the Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By fzzywolf - June 22 - 10:00 am

  When looking for an SUV I researched them all. Without exception, I found the Pilot to be the best bang for the buck. Yeah, its pricey and you probably wont get it for less than invoice plus, but Honda reliablity will help it last a decade. My last Honda Accord lasted 280,000 miles and the Pilot will last just as long, Im sure. Just a non-parent comment: Do your kids really NEED a DVD player in the back? Reading or a sing-a-long is good for them. Dont give in.

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  Pilot Praise - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MIPilot1 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  High build quality, good mileage for a SUV - 17-22mpg. Versatile interior, excellent for hauling kids to college or trips to Home Depot. Exterior styling a little bland. Nav system is the best I have ever used. Low noise levels, good handling, precise steering for an SUV. Has most of the advantages of a minivan without looking like one. Better value than the Acura MDX.

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  Pleased with Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jonny - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Comfort and ride are excellent. The ride is car-like and the view is mini van like. smoothness and power make up for lack of options.

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  So much more - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By P MANN - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I took a Fully loaded 6 cyl. Saturn Vue (with the Honda engine) for a test drive and ended up returning it in 3 hours!!! During my above test drive I drove to the Honda dealership. For the 2K more that I paid for my Pilot I feel as though I got 10K more in value! There was just no comparison in the comfort of the ride and the interior appointments. I love everything about this car. I wanted a SUV that I know has a great company behind it. Reliability is very important to me. We left the dealership and immediately took a 500 mile trip. It drove perfectly.

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  A Very Safe and Comfortable Ride - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Yiasou - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Honda Pilot. It rides and handles so well.

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  My Little Honda Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By shallwechat - June 19 - 4:52 pm

  I never knew how good a vehicle could be until I had this one! We LOVE it! I think it gets pretty good gas mileage, 18-19 in town and 21 or so on the highway. It has just enough room for us in case we have to leave during hurricane season, myself, my hubby, my son, 2 dogs, 3 cats, 1 turtle (and a partridge in a pear tree maybe - lol). It rides smooth, shifts smooth and I have had many compliments on it! My next vehicle will definitely be another Honda pilot!

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  Honda Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Brad Seiter - June 19 - 2:20 pm

  Solid vehicle, interior componentry is superior to other vehicles in its class.

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  Great car, if only gas mileage better - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Slurban - June 16 - 10:14 pm

  5 of last 6 cars my wife & I owned were Hondas. We are very satisfied with them and the Pilot is no exception. It rides well & has great drivers seat room (I am 6 4"). You definitely wont feel cramped in the car. It also is very quiet. After 5000 miles I average 13 miles to gallon, but I only drive in the city. I was looking more for the 17 it said on the sticker. If it were not for the gas I would say this car is fantastic!

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  Great ride - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By MontrealDave - June 16 - 3:09 pm

  We received our Pilot LX 2WD May 30 after returning our Mazda MPV. I have to say not having a minivan is nice. I dont think we sacrificed anything except indoor parking. The width of the Pilot is about 6 inches wider than our old van was but is a much finer vehicle. Still good for carpool but has the added power needed to accelerate and overtake. On the whole, with all incentives, this was a great purchase. I think it looks nicer than the new 2009.

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  Good all around Car - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By sneeky127 - June 16 - 2:56 pm

  I waited until a nice long road trip to rate this car. Car was awesome on a 2400 mile round trip to FL and back with two kid,two strollers three big suitcases and all the stuff that goes along with a 3 year old and a 1 year old. Car got a little over 21 mpg. I think that is pretty good as I was averaging 80 mph with a loaded down car. Smooth, tight ride with plenty of power. I love the V6, lots of torque. I would improve a little on interior styling (which Honda may have already done). We were shopping for the 08 highlander and bought the 05 Pilot as the used highlanders werent big enough and the used pilot had similar space as the new Highlander and a much better price! Certified used.