Overview & Reviews

Leather-equipped EX models get heated seats and side mirrors as standard equipment. Honda has improved the navigation system this year with a larger database, and all models have improved walk-in accessibility to the third-row seat. All Hondas have a seatbelt reminder system added for 2004.

• Roomy interior with eight-passenger seating, versatile storage and cargo-hauling abilities, many standard features, comfortable ride.

• Mediocre towing capacity, feels big behind the wheel.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 551.00

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  bad year for pilots - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By pilotfixer1 - May 26 - 6:01 pm

  If you have a chance to buy another make of small SUV you will be money ahead to go with that make. We have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle from the doors locking while charging the A/C, to when the battery is going bad the oil light comes on and the oil level and pressure is fine, to the ignition not accepting the key that I have been using for the last 3 years, to the transmission making a rumbling noise if the oil is not changed every 10,000 miles (the manual recommends every 30,000 miles). Not to mention the huge problem with mice getting into the interior of this vehicle. And these are just the major problems. And we have only owned it for 3.5 years.

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  Ideal large family vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By floridamom6 - April 30 - 1:16 am

  The car has a smooth ride, and road noise is minimal on highway. We added a hitch and roof rack, and with 6 adults and loaded with cargo, the car handles quite nicely except that it is underpowered, especially if its fully loaded. Acceleration and hill climbs are slower than I would like. This car has a lot of cargo space with room for car seats in 2nd and 3rd rows, though access to 3rd row can be a bit challenging for an average adult. 3rd row is best for kids or small adults as legroom is limited. We are happy with this car. Great family or roadtrip vehicle. Its held its value well, and we will be holding on to it for a long time.

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  240K+ miles and still going strong! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By gymeni - April 26 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this car new in October 2003 and it had 31 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. I now have over 240K miles on it and the only issues I have ever had with it are: drivers door handle had to be replaced after not being able to open the door from the inside, AC compressor went out once. This car has been subject to at least 3 Honda recalls, one being the transmission issue. I will continue to drive it until the wheels fall off. My 1st gen (1997) CRV, which I also bought brand new, is still on the road today with another owner as well. Bought my daughter a new 2009 Fit as a graduation gift. She treats it like her baby! I stand by Honda, trying to decide which I will buy next.

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  Cheap Air Conditioner - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By anthonysch - January 9 - 4:49 pm

  I bought my Pilot in 04 and it has been mechanically reliable and comfortable with the exception of the AC. After 45k the compressor went out and I was quoted 1500 dollars for the repair. I also had another Honda with the same problem. The dealership was willing to give me a small break on the repair, no doubt because they are fully aware of the problem. I have 200k on my Camry and the air works great. Honda, please upgrade your cheap ACs.

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  LOVE my Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mathspiffy - September 29 - 11:20 am

  We bought our Pilot in Feb. 2012. It had approximately 87,000 miles on it. I upgraded from a Honda Civic to get more space for kids, cargo, and to have a great roadtrip vehicle for the family. Our Pilot has been everything we needed and more. All weve done is regular maintenance, and we have had no problems. It drives like a dream on the highway and has TONS of space for carseats, kid stuff, and other cargo. We are adding a hitch for a cargo rack and the running boards next, and itll be perfect. We are very pleased with our Pilot and will be keeping it as long as it runs!

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  So far so good........ - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By fukengroovin - August 21 - 10:22 am

  I bought my 2004 Pilot EX-L in Dec 2008 with 52,900 miles. Im now at 110,300 miles. I am a DIY mechanic and have done all the scheduled maintenance myself. The 17 city and 22 hwy fuel ratings are not accurate. Best highway was 21 and routinely get 18-19mpg in mixed driving at high altitude in Colorado and Wyoming. When I lived in Southern California, I routinely got 15-16mpg in mixed driving and a highway best of 19. So fuel quality and altitude definitely effect fuel economy. Ive replaced motor mounts, spark plugs, shocks/struts, timing belt, and valve adjustments. Overall a great vehicle with no transmission problems.

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  2004 Honda Pilot EX-L - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By flamio - February 17 - 9:17 am

  I bought this car with over a 100K on it and have had it for about a year. So far it has been fantastic! It has nice power and runs very well. A couple months ago I hit a big Ohio deer and I barely felt it. Me and my family were completely safe, which made me very happy I bought this SUV. Last winter I could not get my Odyssey up my long driveway in the snow, with this, its a breeze. The leather is comfortable. The kids love the heated seats. Im 64" and its very roomy. Sound system is awesome. I average about 19.6mpg. On a long trip through Canada I actually had 25mpg highway. Its used, buy the extended warranty if youre worried about the tranny going and drive worry free!

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  documented torque converter problems...DON"T BUY - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By hapeacres - January 27 - 11:08 pm

  I purchased a used 04 Pilot with 100K from a used car lot for 9,000. The car drove great during the test drive. On the way home I felt a "rumble strip" like noise under the car when exiting the highway at about 40 mph. I found out that the torque converter is a common problem and leads to transmission failure on the 03 to 05 Pilots. Acura did recall on this same problem. Why not Honda? Are they waiting for someone to die? My car was bought "as is" so I am S*** out of luck. I am still a Honda fan as I bought an 08 CRV for my wife which performs flawlessly, as well as two ATVs which I beat the snot out of. However, I am ready for a class action suit on this one!

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  Still great after 8 years and over 200k miles - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ldd12 - January 18 - 3:59 pm

  My 2004 Pilot EXL is still great after 8 years and over 200,000 miles. I bought it in spring of 06 when it had 50k miles, so someone before me drove a lot, too. Ive not had all the issues Ive read about, but I dont abuse the vehicle. I get oil changes every 5-6k miles, but do spread out the scheduled maintenances and fluid changes a bit more due to quickly rolling up highway miles. My Pilot replaced a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 that had the gas-guzzling 5.2 liter V8. The main reason I replaced the JGC was due to terrible gas mileage (9-15) and slipping transmission. Ive not had any transmission issues with my Pilot, but I dont abuse it, either!

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  Disappointment! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mansell2004 - January 5 - 2:48 pm

  When my husband died I decided to trade our Honda accord in for a fourwheel drive Honda Pilot. We had been so pleased with our other cars that I felt sure that the Pilot would probably be my last car, We had put so many trouble free miles on the earlier cars, and I had all the confidence in the world in Honda. This no longer holds true. I was totally amazed when I had to spend over $3000.00 to replace the transmission with a little over 80,000 miles on my car.The Honda dealer wanted over $4,000.00. Then I find this was a well know problem when I purchased it. I will never recommend Honda to anyone again!!