2011 Honda Pilot Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.11/5 Average
98 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2011 Honda Pilot returns mostly unchanged from last year. Navigation is now available on the EX-L trim level and a rear entertainment system is now included on the Touring model.

Pros:
  • Pleasant ride, decently roomy third-row seat, smooth V6, clever interior storage features, perfect crash test scores.
Cons:
  • Poor braking performance, sluggish acceleration, unremarkable fuel economy, button-heavy center stack.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 98.00
  • LOVE IT - 2011 Honda Pilot
    By -

    I have owned my 2011 Pilot for two years now and have nothing but great things to say about it. The amount of cargo space and thought that went into this vehicle goes well beyond its truck like exterior. (Which I love) This SUV has places to store things behind every corner, and even has plenty of room when I have 8 people packed into it. IT never slips & slides in the rain or snow, and has been nothing but reliable to me since I purchased it in the summer of 2013. The only thing I have had to replace is the brake pads, but thats expected in any large 3 row crossover. Its get up and go is good, but I struggle to overtake cars on the highway without really hitting the gas pedal. Overall, I would recommend this vehicle to any family that does not want a minivan, wants a bang for there buck, and wants to ride in style. My rating for the Pilot? 10/10 best car I have ever owned.

  • probably my last Honda - 2011 Honda Pilot
    By -

    After owning EIGHT previous Hondas in this family (several Civics, Accord, CRV, even one previous Pilot), this one has convinced me to look at other cars. Its either a lemon or Hondas just arent made like they once were. I have had many, many minor annoyances and a couple major ones that have cost us a fortune. Its been to the dealership FOUR times for a problem that still isnt corrected despite several claims that it was just the sensor so they adjusted it, then it needed parts which I bought and paid for labor to replace with no difference...and we still have the issue with the back hatch. We also have horribly squeaky brake-like sounds when backing out of our inclined driveway which they cant figure out or fix. And the biggee was something that was actually recalled and, despite always taking this car which was under warranty only to the dealership for service in order to be covered without a doubt for years, I wasnt told about until I took it somewhere else. That shop took me and showed me that it was leaked fluids from some joints behind the front wheels and they easily found a service notification for my model and suggested I take it to the dealer that had always serviced it because "they would have to cover it since they were the only ones that touched it while it was under warranty". Well, guess what...they knew that was a problem but didnt mention it WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY because it wasnt bad enough yeah, waiting until it progresses and is NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY seems legit. Im done with Battema Honda in OKC and probably Honda altogether. Maybe going to check out Toyotas this time around.

  • Not impressed - 2011 Honda Pilot
    By -

    After years of hearing how everyone LOVED their Honda Pilot, we broke down two years ago and bought a 2011 EX-L with 22,000 miles on it. After 4 months, the sunroof started to leak.As soon as the 36K mile warranty ran out, transmission issues. 3 months ago, more transmission issues. Last month, brand new battery went dead 3x in a week. Took the battery back but it checked ok as did alternator. Dealership was stumped said it was fine. Left me stranded and having to call tow truck twice. Turns out - another dealership 4 hours from home where I happened to be stranded - found an A/C switch was malfunctioning causing battery drain. Cant wait to find a replacement. It wont be a Honda.

  • Its a GOOD SUV - 2011 Honda Pilot
    By -

    Bought back in 2012 with 45k on it, has about ~80k now. Very reliable, all Ive done is perform scheduled maintenance. Gets around 19 mpg but if driving with a light foot you can get around 22 avg. I love the ECO mode that will switch the engine to 4 cyl when driving on highways. I just the rear had A/C vents in the roof as opposed to having them at knee-level. Its a Honda, so I EXPECT it to last for years to come! Great car, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good reliable SUV. One thing that is weird that might be unique to mine is that the buttons on the radio will occasionally not work, but the volume and tune nobs work fine.

  • Great Vehicle - 2011 Honda Pilot
    By -

    We purchased our EX-L with 29K miles on it. This is what you get. Solid, sturdy build inside and out. Smooth driving experience. I have not had any issues accelerating or braking. Lots of room, especially in the third row. You actually have room to put some suitcases in the back with the third row up which is something that cant be said for many SUVs. The plastic is plastic...its not any cheaper than other vehicles. It is classy and very functional with no flash. That is what you get with Honda.

  • Dont see what all the complaints are about - 2011 Honda Pilot
    By -

    I drove literally a dozen different SUVs, domestic, foreign, you name it I drove it. The pilot is the best you can get, hands down. We thought we were sold on the Tahoe or suburban, or gmc and ford equivalents, but they are incredibly expensive and totally unreliable. We bought our pilot used with 44k miles on it and you would think its new. Transmission is smooth as silk and the 4x4 is second only to jeep. We take our 4x4s to the beach every year and the pilot can almost hang with the wrangler and would if it had a locker in the differential. If you complain about this truck, you are too picky and should probably buy used. My only complaints so far is the ridiculous Eco mode.

  • Disappointed - 2011 Honda Pilot
    By -

    24,000 miles. Rotor, tire, transmission issues. Unsafe, unreliable vehicle.

  • Excellent choice and still enjoy driving it. - 2011 Honda Pilot
    By -

    Great alternitive to a minivan and it has 4wd (on demand AWD I guess). The only issue was the cheap tires that came with it lasted only 28k miles. It is very comfortable and can tow my 20 ft boat pretty well. Love the SUV rugged look even though its more of a soccer mom crossover. We have had great lck with this vehicle and plan on keeping it forever.

  • current pilot owners trading up -look at alternatives - 2011 Honda Pilot
    By -

    Purchased 2.5 yrs ago and is a major dissappointment. Also own 2003 (which we love). If trading up from that, you will be very dissappointed. + smoother transmission v. 2003. road noise better Neg.: recall problems - inferior paint resulting in rust - is happening to ours. Also serious recall on missing airbag harness screws. Other issues: terrible mileage, transmission problems - stranded us on a road trip & not covered by warranty, door hinges mis-aligned so door wouldnt close properly, undersized brakes - rotors warped at 10,000 miles, poor location of shifter (knock into neutral with knee) reduced center console space/clausterphobic, cheap materials, stain prone seats/cant get out

  • Still deciding - 2011 Honda Pilot
    By -

    I just purchased a 2011 Pilot EX-L with navigation (FWD). It has 19, 000 miles on it. I admit the gas mileage is disappointing, especially considering it does not have 4WD. I am still getting about 20 mpg on the highway, around 15 in town. I agree that the interior appears cheaply made but will withhold judgment until I see how it holds up. I am wondering if anyone else has experience with the FWD model? I live in a snowy area, but in the six years I owned my first pilot, did not once use the 4WD option. Hoping that the traction control and good snow tires will keep me going. One day after I bought the pilot we had a pretty significant snow storm and had no problems...

Honda Pilot Reviews By Year:
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