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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  2013 and 2014 have "normal vibration". It drives me crazy! - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By scoutgator - January 2 - 4:11 pm

  I would not have bought my Pilot if I had known that there was a "normal vibration" when cruising in ECO mode. Mine is very noticable at 1500 RPM and even according to technician, it shouldnt be there. My car has 5K miles on it. I would have spent my $38K on a different vehicle if I had known this. If you are considering buying a Pilot, test drive it thoroughly at 1500 RPMs!!!

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  Honda missed - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By rickricka - December 19 - 7:06 pm

  Got my 13 Honda Pilot 5 months ago, 17k miles, at about 10k the known and accepted (By Honda ) Shudder Vibration in the VCM started, Since I drive so much it is not a characteristic I can accept, it shudders and vibrates at about 1500-2200 rpm. I will write to Honda but dont expect anything back since the dealership is aware, so should be HONDA. If you dont care about long trips being disgustingly frustrating, buy it, if you want a reasonable ride ,stay away until Honda get its right. ALSO Bluetooth Microphone is from the dark ages ( Toyota fixed theirs years ago) it doesnt work well with cell phone. I think I trade for a better ride,but it will hurt because may features are nice

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  Hurray Pilot - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By runeye - December 14 - 9:05 am

  The Pilot is a decent SUV. The acceleration is pretty good for an SUV though you really have to rev it if you want the full power of the startup torque. Highway driving is fun with this vehicle as the gear changes are smooth. Spacious interior with quality leather and the foldable backseat help since I carry heavy equipment with the work I do. I dont really use the entertainment much unless I have friedns with me. The Nav system works well and efficiently. My only issue with the vehicle was for a while, the Hold button on my key wasnt opening the trunk and I had to do it manually. Then a week later, it would work, and then stop working. But now it seems that problem is gone.

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  Love my Pilot! - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By at2005 - December 9 - 10:21 am

  I love this vehicle so much! Its a dream to drive. I went from a luxury SUV to the Pilot & am pretty satisfied with it. I love the way the Pilot drives & parks. Ive owned cars that dont handle as nicely as this truck does. The only thing I would improve is the ride. Its much rougher/tougher that my previous SUV, but other than that Im in love. If they keep this vehicle like this or improve it further I will be a Pilot owner for life.

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  Bought a 2010 brand new and still love it... - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By twiswall - December 6 - 10:18 am

  We drove every midsize SUV there was available and it came down to the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot. The Toyota drove better, more like a car, but it only seated 7 people. The Honda was closer to real 4WD (still not real but close) and seated 8...a real 8 full sized adults. Some that seated 7 really only seated 5 adults and 2 kids in the 3rd row. In the end we needed the full 8 seats and while the interior does not have much style to it, it is functional. I wish I would have waited another year as Bluetooth became a standard interior feature that was only available on the Touring in 2010. Other than that this is a great midsize SUV to own.

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  Junk - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By kadamec - November 27 - 8:26 am

  The Bad...This is easily the worst car Ive ever owned. The active fuel management does not work properly. After many trips to the Honda dealer, they say that the car is OK and nothing is wrong. At 60 - 70 MPH the car vibrates and sounds like its gasping for air. An audible sound from the engine compartment is easily heard when the engine transitions from 6 cylinders to 4. Dump the tires too. They are so rock hard for milage purposes that after 25,000 the ride is rough.

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  Honda has lost it... - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By rick2456 - November 22 - 9:37 am

  I have bought 4 Hondas in my lifetime, including the 2013 Pilot touring 4wd. Only some minor issues thus far, but for sure the dealerships and Honda corporate are always trying to downplay the problems or consider them "normal". Honda has lost me for life. My other complaints are related to the ergonomics of the vehicle. 1) Cant load MP3 or WMA files on the hard drive. CD songs only. 2) Navigation doesnt show as much info as even a $80 GPS and you have to pay $150 for map updates. 3) No always on compass. The only compass is the navigation and it only points toward the north. Doesnt show you what direction you are heading. 4)Climate controls are ridiculous and hard to find/use.

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  Disappointed - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By db1155 - November 12 - 6:17 pm

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

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  Loved our 2011 Pilot bought a second one - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By jplyman - October 5 - 2:13 pm

  We have a 2011 Pilot EX-L and it has been great so great in fact that I purchased a second one. If your looking for a car ride or a station wagon SUV than this will not be your car. However, it excels at what it does and that is being a SUV that can carry anything and everyone. We comfortably fit all three of our kids in the middle row (2 car seats (3&4 and 11 yo). It is not the quietest SUV but that is what the radio is for -). The reliability and safety is awesome. Also, the value is hard to beat - I looked at all the competitors but the American SUVs just cost to much to get the same features that we wanted (leather & sunroof). Didnt like the lower seat height of the CX-9

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  First new car ever - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By pilot27106 - October 2 - 6:28 am

  I bought my first new car ever. That being a 2013 Honda Pilot exl. I did much of the same research on here and still decided on the Honda. I will say it is not as stylish as the others. However, there are a few great things to be said about the SUV. Gas mileage averaging 22.5 in the city. I drive mainly in the city. Nice heavy duty plastics used. Not cheap materials like the rest. No squeaks and rattles. The seats are very comfortible in the front and rear with plenty of leg room. Finally, it has more than enough power. I promise! I have yet to find a situation that I have needed a 300hp or twin turbo motor. This is a utility vehicle. I have owned 50 plus cars,tr