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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  horrible noise from front passenger side - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By suzannened - June 9 - 3:52 pm

  the dealership and Honda reps have tries to fix this noise 3-4 times and it still is occurring. Last time they reset the computer hoping that would help...really! Aside from this nightmare,the car is roomy but cup holders for the driver should be switched so the retractable cover on the console doesnt have to open all the way. The Dvd player should be a larger screen as there are 5 passengers trying to view it. Windshield wiper in the back window is loud when turned off and sets back in the holder. Yes all minor issues compared to the squeaking noise up front. Would I buy Honda again, probably not. (sad since have bought 3 hondas so far).

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  New 2015 Pilot - Love the car but lost confidence in it & Honda - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By jmcinpa - June 5 - 4:55 pm

  May 22nd I Traded in my perfectly working 2011 Element because it had Takata airbags ( which Honda never notified me of ) and couldnt afford to have the replacement complicate my drive out west in August.. I traded for a brand new 2015 Pilot EX with 7 miles on it. Drove the Pilot home that evening. May 23rd I drove the Pilot a few places May 24th Drove Early in the evening I went to move the Pilot and it wouldnt start. Tried many times to start it and it wouldnt start. We put the trickle charger on it overnight. May 25th It started in the morning and I drove to Agway. I shopped at Agway for about 20 minutes and the 2015 Pilot wouldnt start. Cont- in Favorite Features

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  Honda pilot SE - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By trickyfl - May 29 - 9:28 am

  Since day one i took it back next day has a dangerous problem hestates when you lease expect it. sitting a light go to take off it like someone hits the brakes. taken it in twice they say nothing is wrong. one day im gonna pull out and im gonna get hit. ASk a friend who use to be machanic at honda now head mechanic at acura , he said it was transmission, not getting right info from computer .he decribed it perfect told that to honda goes in one ear and out the other. i traded a perfect honda 2011 pilot in for this . i want that one back. HOnda service has not done anything helpful . as soon as i can afford to get rid of this i will.

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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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  3rd time Pilot owner - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By tdr5 - May 14 - 8:07 pm

  Just bought a new 2015 Pilot EX-L. Have had a 2004 and 2010, and this one is the best yet! Price was reduced $8600 off of MSRP, so the price was the best ever I have had on the many Hondas I have owned. The vehicle rides great, and the silver with black leather interior is sharp! Very satisfied with my purchase. I have not had any issues with vibration, as that seems to have been corrected by Honda. Go buy one while you can still find a 2015.

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  A Good (Not Great) Vehicle - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By dg4827 - May 14 - 2:21 pm

  Bought in 2011 with 40k miles, just turned 94k. Shes been fairly reliable, just oil changes/brakes/tires up to this point. I was told brakes were the weak point on Hondas. My brakes constantly warp. Interior quality is ok, seats are very sturdy and comfortable for long drives/trips. The armrests and center console have torn and bubbled, respectively. Enough with the bad though. Im a big fan of the automatic eco mode that turns off two cylinders while cruising to maximize mileage. I average 19.5/20 mpg a tank. I like the aux outlet for the radio also. Sound system is decent for a base model. It has surprisingly held its value over the years. Big safe vehicle that I would recommend to anyone

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  Avoid Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By dph1 - May 12 - 8:31 pm

  I am a long time Honda owner (all Accords). I purchased a 2014 Honda Pilot new in April 2014. After two days of owning it, I realized I made a huge mistake. The VCM system causes vibrations and jerks when it transitions from 6, 4 and 3 cylinders. You will not notice on a test drive because the engine has to warm up first for it to engage. Honda posted a software update TSB that helps but did not resolve the problem. If you want to buy a Honda V6 with VCM, insist on a long test drive at speeds greater than 60 on flat roads. I just sold my Pilot for a Sienna - best move ever even if it is a minivan. Toyota knows V6s should run on all 6 cylinders.

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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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  A Very Good Value Three Row SUV - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By Bryan Connington - April 6 - 9:23 pm

  A really super vehicle. Very smooth ride . Very quiet cabin, including at highway speeds. Plenty of power (although I have not been towing) and good automatic shifter. Some great deals available (I was helped get an excellent price through edmunds Price Promise) - Breakaway Honda in Greenville SC made this one of the easiest car purchases I have ever made.