Used 2003 Honda Pilot SUV Consumer Reviews
Used Pilot for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Good SUV but improvements needed.
the rod!, 05/24/2003
2003 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reliable SUV as expected from Honda. Good design. Acceptable interior. Fell short on the 3rd row seat design (not for humans!). Lack of standard "features" such as keyless remote entry. I'm willing to sacrifice the aluminum wheels (look) for convenience features.
Annoying Rattles and wind noise
1SmoothTE, 11/06/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Let me first say that Honda's rock, however I should have known better to buy a 1st year Vehicle. We have a annoying rattle coming from the passenger front window as well as something rattling in the passenger side dashboard. It is going into the shop in 2 weeks. Gas mileage is okay and the 240 horsepower is nice, but the 03 Accord has the very same enginge! Why would you put the same engine in your SUV? It should have a 280+ HP enginve. Just my .02!
2003 Honda Pilot for sale near you
Showing 3 of 40 listings
- EX 4dr SUV w/ LeatherMSRP: $4,499105 mi away
- EX 4dr SUV w/ LeatherMSRP: $3,995112 mi away
- EX 4dr SUV w/ LeatherMSRP: $7,988112 mi away
See all 40 listings
Going Piloting
cweave02, 05/24/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A dream to drive!
Disappointment
Unhappy consumer, 08/15/2003
2003 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car rattles on dash, stereo, and driver-side window from the first day we received the delivery. Dealer couldn't fix them after takig apart the whole dash twice and lubricating the window seals. Now it's making more noise than the 90'Camry we just donated. Called the customer relationship twice without response. Talking about the service! I had 3 Honda cars before and never had so many problems. There was a article about falling quality of Honada vehicles, but I never would have thought it has fell this far.
Great Value
bdunne, 05/28/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After some initial problems - headliner, ps noise, rear suspension noise - this car has been flawless. Love the roominess of the interior. For the money, an excellent value.
Pilot your own Honda
JackJ, 06/20/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great vehicle...comfortable...bold and filled with Honda quality. This will be undoubtingly the next "must have " vehicle
Smart Buy
RealJoy, 06/02/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our Pilot two weeks ago and so far the driving experience has been wonderful. The Pilot drives like a car and it is very easy to handle. It is very quite even if you are driving 70- 80 mph. Pricewise, this is the best buy for an SUV that can seat eight and has the reliability and comfort. Long live Pilot!
Pilot: I'd probably buy it again
Ted Mackley, 08/15/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only problems areas with my Pilot were a few sample defects which wern't right from day one. The cruise control "Set" button has never worked correctly, and an interior light does not turn on and off properly. The body colors are a matter of opinion, but I found none that particularly appealed to me in this model. The power outlets do not operate when the the key is not in the on or accesory posistion so charging a cell phone overnight is not possible. Comfort, ride, reliablity and quality feel are more then enough to make up for these minor problems.
Pilot is well rounded SUV
3x27, 06/01/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I can't say enough about the Pilot. It meets all our needs and then some. It is an urban vehicle and a traveling vehicle. It is comfortable on long drives and nimble enough for city driving. The amenities are plentiful for cost and the quality is great. There are a few minor problems with some of the Pilots out there according to other owners (mine seems to have less than others)but for a first year model, it is the least problematic than any domestic vehicle I have owned. Honda has won me over with the Pilot.
Good but not for the markup
Min-Hsien Wang, 06/19/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Pilot is a good car if in the MSRP. With markup range from $2,000 to $4,000, it justifies another look of MDX. A little bumpy on highway even the road is not that bad. A little crowded for a family of six.
perfect pilot
horsegirl, 06/03/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had nothing but great experiences with this vehicle, its eyecatching and fulfills all expectations. Its a very "easy" vehicle. I traded a 2000 Accord V-6 Coupe for this and haven't regretted my decision even once. Manuverability is never a problem, there is great visibility and turning radius is great getting into parking spots.
Absolutely the Best!
teacherkennedy, 08/18/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Honda Pilot combines the driving luxury of an Accord and the convenience of an SUV. As a past Honda owner, my expectations were high. The Pilot exceeded all of my expectations. I highly recommend this vehicle!
Super SUV
Jackson, 06/26/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It took a while but Honda really got it right with the Pilot. Forget about Explorer and Trail Blazer, this Honda SUV has got the right stuff and the quality missing in Ford or Chevy.
honda pilot--2003
yabiz1, 07/20/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
we have the ex-l with dvd player. it drives and handles more like a car but has the versitility of a truck--seats fold easily, there is plently of space for larger families and their gear. kids love the tv and its easy to run from the front seat. for heavy towing and off- roading its not as well suited as the trailblazer and its cousins, but for light camping and home depot runs, its perfect.
I Love this car!!!
Felix Mendi, 06/06/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I havent been so happy with a car in years. If you have kinds and hate the idea of a minivan. You owe to yourself to check out the Pilot. The third seat is perfect for kids. I just cant say enough about this car.
proud to own one
Natwalt, 08/22/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I live my life on the road with 4 active children. The versatility and power, combined with the seating capacity is the best value for your money. On long trips with my family it feels as comfortable as being in our living room. I previously owned the Honda Odessey and traded that van in for the versatility of the all wheel drive. Although the van offered more spacious comfort while seating 7, the Pilot, which can seat up to eight, can take me more places using the same gas milage. Being able to put the back seating down and use as cargo is like having a truck. Very durable with luxurious comfort. It's a big hit with my family.
BMW X5 eat your heart out!
jpm, 10/07/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's all been said in the other reviews, this vehicle is an absolute gem. Having driven many SUVS and spent much time in various BMW X5's recently, without a shadow of doubt the Pilots powertrain puts BMWs offerings to shame. Their trannies are crude and clunky and the 3.0 is gutless by comparison.
Best SUV for the Money Anywhere!
kellnron, 10/11/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We took a beating by trading a 2001 Subaru H6 Outback LL Bean edition to buy this model and I still don't regret it. The transmission is smooth as silk (unlike the Subaru). It rides on the highway very smoothly & quietly (I don't miss the crossbar wine of the Subaru). It has plent of cargo space for anything and the 7-passenger seating is great. Everyone in my family wants one after they have driven it. Honda hit the nail right on the head with this one, it's a great value.
Great car - rated #1 by CR
philippe, 05/14/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The best car in the mid-size and large size SUVs. Better than the Acura MDX (whom the Pilot is derived) and $5000 less. A bargain!
pilot
chris menges, 08/21/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great vehicle- holds more people and stuff than you expect-lots of little things like lots of cupholders
Honda Pilot
Laura, 07/23/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I adore this car. I traded in my Volvo wagon for it and would never look back. The main bone I need to pick is the difficulty in setting up the DVDs to play from the front seat- I need to climb into the back seat to use the menu feature and that is a major PITA. ;)
All that glitters is not gold!!
seanyoun, 06/26/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Be aware if you plan on purchasing this car. You will be forced to buy options at a very highly inflated rate (running boards 1k, fog lights $800, bumper garnish $900). I went into 3 dealerships and none of them would move an inch off the msrp. In fact, msrp was untouchable plus they make you purchase 2 or three options and by the time you're done haggling, you will most likely pay $35-36k if you're lucky. Other than that, the car itself is a nice ride overall. The only gripe is that the car is so plain looking.
best balance..
picky joe, 08/13/2002
2003 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
yeah, it's soft sprung. so what? this is kinda car that you'd take your kids and grand ma out to see grand canyon on a 30hour drive. so softer the better, aight? with that, i don't think anything else can handle the way this truck does. even for a seden, it's quite tight. it's body rolls a bit and it dives somewhat in the corners but that is very very minimal price to pay for that quiet/hushed/cotten-candy ride. joe
Honda Pilot
JeffM, 11/29/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought his vehicle used and am happy so far. The kids enjoy the DVD and my wife enjoys driving it.
If you can find one, BUY IT
DukeBlueDevil, 07/22/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We waited quite a while to get this car- -all the while seeing others zipping around in theirs and feeling Pilot envy! I LOVE THIS CAR. Our first Honda but definitely not our last. We are converts from the Volvo crowd. All I can say is that it was well worth the wait for it to arrive at the dealership.
Great car except for slight vibration
Snoopy, 01/18/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Navigation System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like everything about the Pilot except for a slight vibration between70- 80 mph. This is our 10th Honda product and I have loved them all. I'm sure Honda will solve the vibration problem, but in the interim it is aggrevating.
my pilot info
absorb, 08/22/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our experiance thus far has been excellent. We believe this car will serve our familys needs for the next 10 years. We have already been on several road trips and even thru the mid-west with it and are impressed.
Honda does it again
DO Ridgefield, 06/13/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Forget all your preconceived notions of Honda and test drive the Pilot before you buy any other midsize SUV. The ride, interior finish and cabin space are tops. Do your homework and you'll find that no other car company offers anything close to what Honda's offering at this price. Add Honda's reputation for reliability and it's a no brainer. We have two kids so we added the DVD system and it's worth every penny. Honda had families in mind when they developed this SUV and they nailed it.
Worth the Wait
bytrain, 07/01/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Navigation System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Honda hit a home run. We'd been on a waiting list for this vehicle, and it was worth the wait. Classic Honda design with lots of included bells & whistles. Feels more like a car than an SUV - smooth ride, no tippiness, and very solid.
suv that drives like a car
lulu367, 06/17/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
best suv on the maket for safety and fuel economy and fun to drive, feels like a car not a suv. Its not if 4wd all the time so you save on gas.
Excellent SUV Overall
Jbnibs, 08/22/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have driven Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokees for the last 12 years and was very pleased with them. This year, when it was time for a new car most of my research kept pointing to the Honda Pilot. I have not been disappointed with my choice. The interior design, style and spaciousness are all top quality. I have driven only 3500 miles, so I cant comment on reliability but Honda has a long history of reliability so I have no concerns there. I would recomend this SUV to anyone looking for a midsize SUV.
Poor Mileage
gam14, 06/17/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The good: Handles well; Fun, smooth drive; Good performance and seating options. The bad: Terrible mileage! My Pilot averages 14 mpg city/17 mpg hwy. Dealer explains my cruddy mileage as being the result of "vehicle to vehicle variance". Consumer beware! Another problem is that the driver is unable to control unwanted backseat air conditioning. Finally, leather used in seating stretches and makes new seats look old and worn.
Great vehicle.
Jim90068, 07/23/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had the Pilot for 3 weeks. Paid over sticker, unfortunately. Enjoy the drive the room, and the layout. Mileage so far, though -- 2 tanks of gas...is only 10-12 mpg in city traffic. Please tell me this will improve dramatically.
Cool Crossover!
NHusain, 06/26/2003
2003 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent vehicle. I understand a lot of people like bold styling than bland. But it's really not ugly, just bland. You will notice its overall solid feel. I like the fact that it's based on MDX and Odyssey. Hopefully, it should enjoy a great resale value as well.
honda pilot, pros and cons
tracy10, 08/21/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle. I switched from a minivan to this midsize suv, i love it. it drives wonderfully, plenty of room for 4 kids too. We motorhome, so we bought it for the towing capabilities too. basically hook it up and go!!! its super. you wont go wrong with this one..
Great Vehicle
McDonaldD, 06/30/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent Vehicle!! Bought it in March and drove to South Carolina in May!! What a joy. Tons of space, quiet and comfortable.
Ho Hum
Not Buyin', 10/02/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been using a Pilot, but won't be buying one. Does anyone get near the advertised MPG? Does anyone with taste really get excited about the exterior? Just another SUV aspiring to be a minivan if you ask me. Not worth the price premium--you can buy a vwery decent sedan AND a pickup for the price.
Great SUV except in the curves
LarryL, 07/05/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Honda got it right with this one! The vehicle ives up to the rave reviews that it has been getting, with excellent Honda quality throughout. Just a reminder, this is a SUV and not a car; you need to slow down on the highway exit ramps!
Great SUV
mweiss, 08/22/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a very versatile vehicle. The seating options make is so convenient for handling large items or passangers and the ease of switching from cargo to passengers is effortless.
The Pilot is Excellent!
happygirl, 08/22/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Pilot in January 2003 after much research and test driving of many other SUVs. The Pilot by far is the best mid-sized SUV on the road today. Suprisingly comfortable in its seating of 8 (and 8 adults!). The DVD entertainment package is a MUST for anyone with kids and long trips. I have always owned Honda, and this vehicle does not disappoint!
Pilot is the best SUV
wildbill, 06/10/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Dealing with a Honda dealership is among the worst of all experiences. Owning the new Pilot is among the best! The head room and extra width, along with solid performance and a simple, well thought out interior, make this the best SUV that still fits into your garage. After 3 MBZs and an Audi TT, I am holding onto the Pilot!
Luv my Pilot
Pilotlover, 08/23/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best vehicle I've bought. I have owned 3 other Honda's with no problems and this one is better than ever.
First SUV and happy w/ choice
sherd538, 02/28/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It deffinetely handles as nice as any car that I have owned. Fun to drive and my kids love riding in it. Plenty of cargo space. Easy access to 3rd row but 2nd row should be adjustable. smooth driving but makes an unusual amount of under carriage noise. Also the rear passenger side wheel well area rattles an awful lot (appointment setup to check problem). Other then noises and rattles the pilot is a good reliable suv. ($30,000 for cars/suv's is obserd but what can we do). Compared to the other suv's its the best bang for your buck. Buy it you will like it.
Comfortable ride
NYer, 12/01/2002
2003 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The truck rides smoothly and feels very solid as I put more than 1000 mile on it. The interior design is flawless as I found everything is quite handy. But recently, I feel there is noise from right front wheel as it goes over a bump. The dealer should not be only concerned about selling cars, but also how the consumers feel
Love our Pilot
caseyb1, 07/22/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Read all the reviews, drove the competition. We have never been happier with a vehicle. The pilot has all the features & capabilities that we need.
Honda Pilot sets the standard
bobdahl99, 08/06/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very impressive! This is a quality built vehicle. Ride is smooth and quieter than our 200 Mercury Grand Marquis! Excellent around town and cruises the interstate effortlessly. (Getting 20 MPG @ steady 75 MPH.) Honda has lived up to its reputation!
PILOT ON THE GROUND
panathas, 08/13/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
WE HAVE BEEN DRIVING OUR PILOT FOR TWO WEEKS AND LOVING IT. WE SHOPPED AROUND FOR A NEW SUV FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS AND TEST DROVE MOST SUV'S WITH THE SAME PRICE RANGE AS THE PILOT BUT THE PILOT HAD MORE TO OFFER. WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY WITH THE MILEAGE BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN DRIVING MOSTLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND REGULAR FUEL MAKES IT MORE AFFORDABLE.
Three-Month Difference
LARDI 2, 12/04/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had the PILOT now for 4 months and Iam really satisfied with its performance except for two things. 1) Fuel economy is not true. This truck consumes gas like crazy!! 2)Iam having slight slow startup problems. Other than those two minor complaints, Iam generally happy with my PILOT. I also should have waited for another 3 more months before buying my PILOT. Why? The answer is $5,000.00 difference in the ourchase price.
2003 Pilot
bull, 07/23/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. Honda has a solid reputation. This is my second Honda. Bought the Accord years back and thought it was time to return.
Still Getting Acquainted to an SUV
Brizzi, 08/06/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My intro to the SUV was the result of necessity. I must admit that the vehicle is every bit as comfortable on the highway as my wifes El Dorado but,I miss the "feel" of the road. Another thing that surprises me is that the gas mileage is lower on the SUV and I runnnning almost 85 horsepower less. Inside, there is plenty of room and comfort and it is pleasing to the eye. As far as the outside goes, it's just another SUV. The vehicle itself is very good. I just need to get used to it.