2008 Honda Pilot Review
2008 Honda Pilot Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Eight-passenger capacity, generous storage and cargo-hauling abilities, comfortable ride, smooth power delivery, excellent crash test scores.
Cons
- Rivals offer roomier third-row seats and more agile handling, can't order entertainment and navigation systems together, starting to look its age.
What’s new
The 2008 Honda Pilot sees two new trim levels as the Value Package replaces the LX and a new Special Edition debuts. The former boasts a few more features than the outgoing LX, while the latter is essentially a cloth-upholstered EX with a sunroof and DVD player.
Edmunds says
Although the aging 2008 Honda Pilot faces many newer rivals, it remains a strong choice for a midsize crossover SUV thanks to its versatility, strong reputation for quality and high safety ratings.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Honda Pilot Value Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$234/mo for Pilot Value Package
Pilot Value Package
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Sensible folks who place function over form will agree that a minivan remains the most efficient mode of family transport. Quite simply, a big, front-wheel-drive box offers more passenger and cargo capacity compared to a like-sized SUV. But most image-conscious Americans find minivans seriously lacking in the cool factor -- something that SUVs, with their muscular bodies and big tires, have in spades. Those looking for a combination of minivan utility with SUV image should consider a midsize crossover SUV, such as the 2008 Honda Pilot.
At its debut back in 2003, the Pilot was one of the first midsize crossover SUVs, meaning it was (and is) car-based rather than truck-based. As such, it provides more cabin room than a truck-based ute, as well as a fully independent suspension. The latter typically provides better handling and a smoother ride than a solid rear axle setup can. Other charms of the Pilot include seating for up to eight, a strong yet fuel-efficient V6, the option of all-wheel drive and impressive crash test scores.
Now in its sixth model year, this generation of the Pilot is due for replacement (likely in 2009) and faces stiff competition in the form of newer rivals such as the spacious triplets from GM (Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook), the Toyota Highlander, the Mazda CX-9 and a pair of Hyundais -- the Santa Fe and upscale Veracruz. Of course we'd advise back-to-back test-drives of them all, but one shouldn't count the Honda out just yet. Far from being an old dog no longer in the hunt, the 2008 Honda Pilot still counts solid engineering and an enviable reputation for overall quality and resale value among its strengths. As such, it remains a sensible choice for buyers needing a jack-of-all-trades crossover SUV.
Performance & mpg
All Pilots are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 244 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. The sole transmission is a five-speed automatic and buyers may choose between front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, which "shuts off" three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration to improve fuel economy, comes on the FWD versions.
Fuel-economy ratings for the FWD model stand at 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway for 2008. It is one of the few SUVs classified as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV). Towing capacity for the Pilot is 4,500 pounds -- about 1,000 pounds greater than many crossover rivals, but well below the ratings for traditional truck-based SUVs like the Ford Explorer or Dodge Durango.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are all standard. In government crash tests, the Pilot earned perfect five-star ratings across the board for front- and side-impact protection. In frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Pilot received the highest rating of "Good."
Driving
As the Pilot features a stiff unibody structure and a fully independent suspension, it is quite smooth and comfortable on normal roads. However, with a curb weight of more than 2 tons, there is no escaping the Pilot's bulk, and compared to more modern competitors, it can feel a bit clumsy around corners. In terms of off-road ability, the AWD Pilot can take on common hazards such as boat ramps, washed-out gullies and rough roads, but not much more.
Interior
With its three-passenger third-row seat, the 2008 Honda Pilot seats eight. But that last row is best left to small kids, as legroom is tight. Cargo capacity with the second- and third-row seats lowered is respectable at 88 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, cargo capacity is 48 cubic feet. With all seats occupied, there's still enough room for grocery bags, baby equipment or a set of golf clubs. The cabin features good ergonomics, straightforward controls and high-quality materials, but the design is getting long in the tooth and looks dated compared to newer crossovers.
2008 Honda Pilot models
The 2008 Honda Pilot is a midsize crossover SUV. Four trims are offered: Value Package, EX, EX-L and Special Edition. The Value package replaces the former LX trim and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, air-conditioning (with a separate unit to cool the rear seats), cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a seven-speaker stereo with satellite radio and an in-dash CD changer.
Stepping up to the EX adds an eight-way power driver seat, extra interior storage, automatic climate control and HomeLink. Satellite radio is not available on the EX. One may also choose an EX with leather seating (EX-L), which also comes with a sunroof, satellite radio and heated front seats. A navigation system with rearview camera or a DVD entertainment system are available on the EX-L -- but you can't get both.
The Special Edition slots between the EX and EX-L in terms of pricing and equipment. It has a cloth interior, but compared to the standard EX, adds a sunroof, satellite radio, a rear DVD entertainment system and a 115-volt power outlet.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#15 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Honda Pilot from 2008-2022.$465/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.11x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).15.3%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Honda Pilot.
5 star(56%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(1%)
104 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
9 GOOD Years
Linda Carr, 09/10/2016
2008 Honda Pilot Value Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I write this note after my 2008 Pilot has given me 9 really good years of reliable, safe and comfortable service. Other than routine maintenance, I've had no major or minor service emergencies or repairs for malfunctions in the mechanics of my vehicle. If you're fortunate to purchase a the same model with an owner as anal as myself about maintaining its scheduled maintenance, you can't … go wrong. Take care of your Honda and it will take care of you!! U fortunately - my vehicle was totaled in an accident in 2016. I replaced it with (can you guess) yet another Honda Pilot! Same quality and reliability‼️
4 out of 5 stars
Almost 160K miles and still going
Dee, 01/13/2017
2008 Honda Pilot Special Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
*Jan 2018 Update: still going strong...nearly 160K miles and still love this SUV. Minor issues such as a few burned out interior button lights. My 15yo daughter starts driving this summer and wants this one but not sure I want to give it up!
Bought my SE Pilot in December 2007 with 4 miles on the odometer...and have about 145K miles now. Yes I'm on my 4th set of tires in that … time...but it's a heavy truck and I also like having some chunkier tires for the snow and ice in Maryland so those don't have great longetivity. My husband complains about the body roll but I drive this SUV daily and love it. We've done long trips and been comfortable overall, and I can certainly pack plenty of stuff in it, including the dog, when necessary. We've had lots of preventative and routine maintenance done on it to keep it going. A few minor electrical issues, including one time when the rear A/C stopped working, but my husband looked it up and bought a $300 part from the deal to fix it himself. Some of the interior panel lights are out now, so at night I can't see all of the buttons (such as for the A/C or vent controls) but I haven't bothered replacing those, and my front map lights stopped coming on when the doors opened. I know what it will take to replace that...but not sure I want the challenge of it quite yet. Also the very back bass speaker has always been just horrible, but when I read what it would take to replace that...again not sure it's that big of a deal to me. We replaced the brakes a few years ago with some high quality after market ones that have been better than the original brakes. Overall I love driving this truck, it's done great for me in snow and rain, and I'm in no hurry to part with it as long as it keeps driving as well as it does. It has some great acceleration when needed. I've started seeing a check engine light recently, on and off intermittently had the code read at a local auto store for free and it sounds like possibly the catalytic convertor isn't operating as efficiently as it should but since this only happens about once a month (maybe) and doesn't constantly happen I'm just planning on dealing with it for now.
4 out of 5 stars
Luxurious Appeal in a Budget-Friendly Package
Ben, 05/15/2018
2008 Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
10 yrs later and this car still shows well, offering a somewhat timeless chiseled, truck-like design. People think my Pilot is much newer than it is. Leather interior is thick and holds up very well. Fake wood-grain trim looks fake, but the two-tone beige and brown interior is classy and up-scale looking. Only downside to this vehicle low fuel mileage (15-16 MPG Avg) and a sense that … the vehicle is a tad underpowered. Vehicle has noticeable understeer, but it IS a big heavy truck/SUV so that's usually pretty par for the course. Fit & finish is top notch and has held up well .
5 out of 5 stars
Pilot
rucool, 02/17/2012
2008 Honda Pilot Value Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Bought new has been a GREAT car.
I love the panoramic visibility from all directions.
We are at 40000 miles and still have original tires with good tread left.
My only complaint like other post is the fabric used on the seats, I expected more from Honda.
The fabric on my civic which is twice as old looks better.
That being said it is a great family hauler for those not wanting to drive a … mini van.
We plan on keeping it for a long time.
I would buy again.
2008 Pilot Highlights
Value Package
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $27,595 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $234/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Pilot include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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