2005 Honda Pilot Consumer Reviews

Quintessential Honda Engineering

Written by: Bryan Lienesch on 06/16/2009

Vehicle

2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

The powerful 3.5-liter, V6 engine gives the Pilot as much pickup as any Mid-size SUV out there without hurting fuel economy. A spacious cockpit gives the Pilot's pilot roomy comfort whether they are 5'4" or 6'8". Functionality lets you flip seats up our down in seconds to meet whatever your demands are. But perhaps best of all, the Pilot rides smooth and is one of the more reliable models from a typically very reliable company. All in all, from its beautiful, edgy body to its fast and reliable engine, the Pilot will give you fun and let you keep it with few snags along the way. Maintain this vehicle religiously and the routine maintenance will be the only shop time it sees!

Favorite Features

V6 3.5-liter 255HP engine, 6-way driver power seat, alloy wheels, Homelink system, 6-disc CD player.

Suggested Improvements

Rear-lifting glass separate from tailgate, better standard-issue tires, more second row seating, more concealed storage.

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Almost a Jeep

Written by: crm on 04/04/2009

Vehicle

2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Bought the Pilot used to replace a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4. Slid the Pilot on ice into a fence (minimal damage - breakaways and scratches only!), and rented my old favorite (Jeep) while being repaired -- found out I missed the Pilot so much! Solid vehicle, so far very reliable! Gas mileage depends upon my foot - have gotten 19.5mpg around town and 24mpg highway when driving carefully, but the 255hp is too tempting! So I average 18/22 instead! Am VERY happy for around town, long trips, family adventures - fits everything we do!

Favorite Features

Seating capacity, cargo room, 255hp, large feel without the large vehicle, sound system, cup holders, reliability, safety features, 4x4 locker, road clearance, solid driving - almost everything! With new tires it always feels safe to drive in any weather!

Suggested Improvements

Factory tires awful in rain/snow. Thought I had brake issues - turned out to be the tires! Replaced with mid- range tires and no more problems!! Would like tighter steering. 2nd row seats fold almost flat but not quite... Can't lock doors to warm up in the winter - risk of theft if left unattended

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Best SUV I have ever had.

Written by: John on 02/16/2009

Vehicle

2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We bought this 2005 EX-L to replace a 2003 Pilot. After 57,00 miles, this has been the best driving SUV I have ever owned. The power was surprisingly peppy. It is easy to maneuver and drives more like a car than a truck. I am having a difficult time justifying paying up for a 2009 Pilot that weighs 177 pounds more, 3ft pounds more torque, but 5 less horsepower (250 vs 255). I added the tow package on myself and tow my motorcycles, Waverunner, and loaded utility trailer weighing 2000#+ with ease through Wisconsin hills. I bought an aftermarket Garmin GPS and don't really miss any of the other new gadgets. We have had a few minor problems that were covered by the warranty. Great in snow/ice.

Favorite Features

255hp + 250 ftlb torque = peppy acceleration for SUV and reasonable towing capacity. Rear DVD system with headphones keeps kids entertained on long trips. Third seat mandatory with 3 sons - 11, 16 & 18.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Solid Vehicle

Written by: Steve on 02/01/2009

Vehicle

2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This an extremely solid vehicle. I really have no complaints. I live in Michigan where we get a lot of snow and ice. It's nearly impossible to get this car to slip or slide. It has more than enough cargo space, yet it doesn't feel like an enormous vehicle when you're in it. I did have to have a power window motor replaced, but it was covered under warranty. Other than that, I haven't had so much as a hiccup through 53,000 miles. The only issue I have is that the Pilot is kind of boring. There's nothing exciting about the interior or exterior design, but I can think of much worse problems to have.

Favorite Features

Dependability, handling in winter weather, cargo versatility, comfortable, car-like ride.

Suggested Improvements

Telescoping wheel for more adjustability, larger lumber supports, make it a bit more exciting.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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The Best

Written by: Mark Mitchell on 11/23/2008

Vehicle

2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is a terrific vehicle. It rides well, handles well, has lots of room and has every feature you need. Reliability is top notch and you can't beat the value.

Favorite Features

Ride, space, DVD for the kids, reliability,

Suggested Improvements

Add automatic headlights and compass.

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Great SUV

Written by: Tom on 11/06/2008

Vehicle

2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Love this car. Just had an accident that totaled it and I'm going to buy another one. Reliable, comfortable, quiet, fits 8 passengers (as longs as some are kids).

Favorite Features

8 seats, electronic seat adjustments, climate control

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best SUV if you have small kids

Written by: Sam on 11/04/2008

Vehicle

2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

My wife hates to drive a minivan, so we end up buying the Honda Pilot. This vehicle is so spacious inside that you can bring along almost anything from big tents to huge coolers. This is the ideal car to take to the beach or go camping. For everyday use, this vehicle performs like any other car. But when you need to go pick up big stuff at home depot or lowe's , then this car will give you a smile that lasts all day.

Favorite Features

It is very kid-friendly with a cup holder everywhere you turn.

Suggested Improvements

Add more insulation to reduce road noise and a bigger nav screen.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Safety is questionable

Written by: ex on 07/30/2008

Vehicle

2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

My 05 Honda Pilot would come to a grinding halt without warning. The incidents occurred 3 times - 2 from taking off from a stop light and the 3rd time while driving a 55 mph. I was lucking all three cases that the individuals behind me were paying close attention.

Favorite Features

The open feeling while driving the vehicle and the third row seat.

Suggested Improvements

find and fix the issue causing the vehicle to be unsafe.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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2005 Honda Pilot EX-L-RES

Written by: charles on 06/28/2008

Vehicle

2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

First of two new Pilots we own. Bought a 2007 just because of how great this vehicle performs. We are a tall family and like the expansive window area. This one was hit(at 33000mi) in the rear by a '06 Infinity G35x. Totaled the Infinity but only damaged the rear bumper, tailgate, exhaust, driver, passenger seat and cross member. Honda repaired and drives straight as an arrow. Still very reliable at 49,000 mi. Need tires by winter(dealer say most pilots tires do not last this long-We drive city/hwy and mountain roads) Get 20 mpg with air conditioning on or off.

Favorite Features

Heated seats, and all the standard features on a EX-L-RES.

Suggested Improvements

Very poor heating and cooling for back seat(considering a 2009 Pilot to replace the 2007). Too hot in summer and too cold in winter. Front seats are flat and prefer the new design on the 2007.

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Good all around Car

Written by: sneeky127 on 06/16/2008

Vehicle

2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I waited until a nice long road trip to rate this car. Car was awesome on a 2400 mile round trip to FL and back with two kid,two strollers three big suitcases and all the stuff that goes along with a 3 year old and a 1 year old. Car got a little over 21 mpg. I think that is pretty good as I was averaging 80 mph with a loaded down car. Smooth, tight ride with plenty of power. I love the V6, lots of torque. I would improve a little on interior styling (which Honda may have already done). We were shopping for the 08 highlander and bought the 05 Pilot as the used highlanders weren't big enough and the used pilot had similar space as the new Highlander and a much better price! Certified used.

Favorite Features

Power, Honda reliability. Smooth ride with low road noise for a suv.

Suggested Improvements

Interior styling. Also would like a radio with the digital read out, stereo sounds awesome, I added an aftermarket HD Radio receiver for more listening options.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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