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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  Dont bother - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By blakecatch22 - December 22 - 10:54 am

  We owned a 2005, 2007, and now 2014 Honda Pilot. The main problems are the fuel economy and power numbers are tepid, the 5-speed gearbox is jerky, and acceleration took nearly 10 seconds. Plus the transmission cost a small fortune to repair. Please, take my word and buy aToyota Highlander (which we now own) or the Honda Odyssey.

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  Rattling noise - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By yblandin - October 23 - 8:43 am

  I have heard this rattling noise for months now. I have even taken it to 2 different Honda Shops and no one claims to hear the noise or even tell me where the noise is coming from.

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  We love our pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By yohahn_bravo - October 2 - 6:53 am

  Oir Honda Pilot is the best. It is so versatile and big yet drives like a small car. We have never brought the car into a repair shop for anything more than scheduled maintenance. I swear this car will run for ever. The interior has supportive seats and after 100k there is not a tear in the drivers seat leather not even wore out. Really good on the snow stability control barges in exactly when u need it. It is really just like a box so visibility is crazy good. Rearward visibility is as good as it gets with a back up camera. The only feature I would like on this pilot is just a little more horse power and torque it never feels stressed but I just LOVE power.

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  No Honda Reliability - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By vq35de1 - September 29 - 3:34 pm

  This car has a lot going for it, its comfortable, has tons of interior storage, seats eight comfortably, etc.... BUT, we have had a lack of reliability including a transmission sensor and now the engine. Look into the Honda VCM V6 problems. The cylinder shut off system ends of fouling the plugs leading to a million warning lights and a trip to the dealer. The "fix" is to replace your plugs or short block depending on how bad things got. There doesnt seem to be a fix, just a band-aid. Now Im going to have to trade her in way before I planned because once the extended warranty is up I dont want to pay the maintenance.

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  My 6th Honda Pilot - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By bobg1957 - September 14 - 9:38 am

  I have owned a 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010,2012 and now a 2015. I am really disappointed with Honda. Since my first Pilot the quality of the Navigation system has gone down, the software ease of use has gone down, brakes are worse and the wind noise at Highway speeds is beyond description, you might as well turn off your radio. So why do I keep buying them? I was hoping things would improve, but they dont. I kept going back because I love the all the space and the engine/transmission along with the good gas mileage for such a large SUV.

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  Not a 4WD - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By dabizmike - September 3 - 1:32 am

  Bought this after salesman said this was 4WD (says so on vehicle) had no way of testing since it was bought in July. took to Outer Banks in NC and got stuck twice. Attempted lock in as manual says and still did not help. Transmission fluid overheated and had to sit and wait for it to cool down. Friend driving a Rav4 was able to drive in sand better than we could and his is not 4WD. Was able to dig out once and then had to be towed once. Even letting air out to less than 20lbs did not help with getting through sand Might be better in snow butnot looking forward to testing out.

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  Best SUV I have owned. - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By bluewaters94 - August 29 - 8:03 am

  I ended up with my 2012 pilot after a long search for a decently priced SUV that would accommodate 3 car seats across the middle seat because I have triplets and did not want a minivan. I have owned 3 other SUVs and the Pilot, being the 4th, is by far the nicest and most reliable. I have about 27,000 miles on mine and, to date, have not experienced any of the vibration problems others have written about. You get a lot for the money with this car and even better is that it really holds its value. I definitely plan on driving this one into the ground!

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  VCM Horrible - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By thebigv21 - August 26 - 10:02 am

  My wife had this vehicle for a month. While driving, when the engine went into ECO mode there would be a stutter and hesitation. The entire floor would vibrate. I researched this problem and it seemed that a lot of people were having the same issue without a fix. I traded the vehicle in instead of dealing with this. Bought a highlander and it runs much better.

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  First Pilot, Early Review - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By hiphophawley - August 21 - 7:35 am

  We got our pilot about 1 month ago. We love the interior room, and it tows boats great. The rear cargo area has plenty of space with the rear row of seats folded away. Gas mileage has been consistently around 18, with mixed city and highway driving. Best mileage was about 24 hwy, worst mileage was 17 towing, not on highway. I will update the review as I have the suv longer.

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  Not impressed - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By ncg8r2 - August 10 - 6:22 pm

  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.