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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  Disappointing Experience and VCM Woes - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By restlesspirate - March 16 - 11:07 am

  I traded a CRV for this 2013 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring. The Pilot came home and immediately had a moonroof leak that soaked the interior. The drain tubes were disconnected from the factory. That should have been a sign. The MPG never made it to 25 on the highway, and averages of 15-17 were common in mixed driving over 7000 miles, even with minimal passengers. The VCM was horrible. Sometimes it felt like a bad torque converter, other times it stumbled on flat ground regularly while activating/deactivating cylinders. The only way to tolerate driving it is to drive it in D3, which shouldnt be necessary on a 40K vehicle. We traded back into a Camry SE V6. Honda has VCM troubles.

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  Bad Vibration in ECO mode - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By rich_a6 - March 6 - 3:29 pm

  When in ECO mode and you encounter a slight grade where there is a light loading on the engine, it vibrates and makes a droning noise. It does it anywhere from 35mph and up including highway speeds. It did not do it on my Odyssey in ECO mode. The shop mechanic first said it was "Normal". I have had 20+ cars in the last 50 years and this isnt normal. Then he said this was very typical of the 2013 Pilots. Honda mad a design change in 2013 and dont apparently dont have a clue how to fix it!

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  2012 Pilot Touring 4x4 - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By ndjacks - March 6 - 12:32 pm

  This is my second Pilot, I loved our 2005 model. But this review is for our 2012. As you research the 2012, many Pilot owners will complain about a vibration at various speeds, it is very annoying and I hate it. The dealer says the same thing to everyone that complains, it is normal, it is the variable cylinder management system. Maybe normal for Honda, but not something you should feel EVERYTIME you drive it, it should be seamless. I told a service writer to enter it on the service ticket, he did it by hand, guess Honda doesnt want proper documentation or a paper trail. Otherwise its a great vehicle if you need to haul 8 people around.

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  Looking for an SUV...? - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By hybridman2012 - March 3 - 4:34 pm

  Well....dont look any further. If you have not owned a Honda (my 5th), you dont know what I mean. Honda reliability, over all comfort, safety, service, price, ( did I mention reliability & safety) and the best dealers around...its a no-brainer! I get a soild 22mpg all the time and get a 25mpg on cruise, level ground, at 65mph. Beat that anywhere. You are also riding in the safest vehicle make on the market! We live were it snows... no worries it performs great! The 8 passenger capacity will haul the gang in style, without leaving that "one" behind. Just go and drive the Pilot you will come home with it! Financing has always beat the others hands down. Go see for yourself!!

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  I love my Honda Pilot !!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By prazb2jc - February 16 - 7:15 pm

  Purchased a used 2006 Honda Pilot EX, 3.5L, V6, 5-spd, 54,000 miles in 2012. My first Honda EVER after owning GM/Ford products. I researched this model in depth & found great ratings & high resale values. I also queried strangers driving Honda Pilots. None had ANY negative comments & ALL said theyd purchase a Honda again that convinced me! Its been 2 years & my odometer reads 66,000 miles - runs like the day I bought it. Unlike my prior GMs/Fords, my Honda has never seen the inside of a repair shop - EVER. I maintain my vehicles regularly. My Honda has more than proven its quality, value, & reliability. Its Honda for me from now till eternity!

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  honda pilot - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By ivan_babij - February 14 - 1:53 pm

  Honda pilot is a great car, roome and comfortable. To prevent engine vibrations in "eco" mode, which is only happens in cold weather, use premium fuel in winter and mid grade or regular in summer. Fill out a full tank with premium fuel and drive 75 mph on Highway with D3 on for about 20 miles and its gone. Pilot is much beter choise that his rivals Pathfinder and Grand Cherokee, because they aretrue lemon cars with transmission problems.

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By les_bennett - February 14 - 12:14 pm

  I never write reviews but after the outstanding performance of my Pilot this week, I felt compelled to. We had over 14" of snows with drifts up do 19". The pilot barreled right through. Up hills without any problems. The VTM kicked in as it should and functioned flawlessly. When all other were stuck at home, I powered through in my Pilot!

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  Pilot is the best - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By roooddy - February 6 - 7:49 pm

  We bought the car new in Oct of 2002. The tires were replaced at 84K...still have original brakes at 102K. Never so much as an alignment needed. The usual oil changes and a timing belt is all Ive done in 11 years. The best car we ever owned!

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  2013 Pilot vibration - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By kingsheds - January 28 - 3:28 am

  After owning 5 Hondas with no problems the time came to pull the trigger on our biggest purchase to date..a new 2013 Pilot EX-L 4x4, to accommodate our 3rd child. We purchased our pilot in September of 2012. I immediately noticed a bad vibration in Eco and have taken it to Honda 2 times now. I have also had a problem with the brake pedal being squishy. Honda wont do anything about the vibration, and they bled the brakes claiming there was nothing wrong with them. The dealership is also stating that Honda says the vibration is normal in my make and model..WHAT!!..NORMAL!!!! This is a $37,000 vehicle. Honda Im opting out of the class action suit and suing. I suggest others do the same.

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  Dont see what all the complaints are about - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By mattj2125 - January 4 - 8:12 pm

  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.