Used 2003 Honda Pilot SUV Consumer Reviews
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Great Suv
rugged looks, nice ride and made well inside and out. paid list, and added the following: side steps, fog lights,auto diming mirror, rear mud guards, wheel locks,trim grain and rear cargo cover. very satisfied (compass comes with the auto diming mirror)
BMW X5 eat your heart out!
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.
- EX 4dr SUV w/ LeatherMSRP: $3,900626 mi away
- EX 4dr SUV w/ LeatherMSRP: $4,995680 mi away
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,950690 mi away
Good but not for the markup
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.
honda pilot--2003
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.
exactly what I wanted in an SUV
Looking for a bigger vehicle for past 8 months. Waited to see what Pilot was like. The final choice came down to Highlander, Odyssey and Pilot. Highlander was quickly eliminated. There was a lot of going back and forth between Pilot and Odyssey. I think we made a good decision.
Best SUV for the Money Anywhere!
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.
jack of all trades
This thing definitely has a nice car ride. Very cozy. I like it that darker tint is standard now. Only couple hundred miles into it so far. Got it because couldn't find an Odyssey, which we wanted due to having a 1st child. So far we are glad; can do a lot of different things with it!
It;'s a Honda.
I bought this Honda several weeks ago after looking at all the options. The only other SUV I considered was an Acura MDX. Too early to tell how reliable this vehicle will be but I like the interior design and materials (my dad has an Accord with 300,000 miles). Ergonometrics are excellent. Ride is great and the engine allows me to cruise as fast as I like effortlessly. It is so practical that it could be construed as boring but everything works so smoothly.
Off to a good start
The Pilot gives a smooth, roomy ride. Lots of storage and cargo room for a midsize SUV. Very pleased with the performance, especially the quiet transmission and acceleration. But we miss the rear door window that opened separately from the door that was on our old Explorer.
Worth the Wait
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.
Great vehicle.
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.
Best SUV out there!
What a great alternative to the mini- van and Suburban! Just got back from a family fly fishing trip to Montana and the Pilot performed flawlessly. We got 22-23 MPG, just like we're supposed to. It drives like a car, great turning radius, quiet, and stable. The V6 accelerates well, even at freeway speeds. We got aftermarket leather - better quality and it cost us less. We also got aftermarket DVD player and flipdown monitor and saved about $1,000 for a bigger screen and better unit.
Ho Hum
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.
What I Bargained For
Exactly what I wanted. No issues at all.
sas
What a machine! Only wish it had a V8! From the 1st look I had to have 1.
excellent mid-size suv
Excellent car for the paid price (exact MSRP+destination fee). The powerfull 3.5/6 cyl VTEC engine with well- designed 5-gear AT provides great acceleration at every speed. Superior stability during rapid turns due to a wide span of the wheel base and very rigid chassis. Spacious interior will satisfy the needs of sport-oriented family with a bunch of kids.
Perfect Timing!
Really wanted the Pilot but just could not come to the realization that I was going to be forced to pay MSRP and atleast a 4.9% finance rate! And during the days of interest free financing going on with the American truck makers. I almost decided against the Pilot until I read one of these reviews and someone made the statement, "I'd rather get a bad deal on a good vehicle than get a good deal on a bad vehicle". I thought that statement made alot of sense. So now I'm a proud Pilot owner and I even was able to work a deal with the local dealer to get a great price on some running boards and have one of the dealer add on's at no cost.
Honda Pilot EX-L RES
I bought at the end of June. Have close to 2000 miles on it. Don't pay more than MSRP + Taxes. Why? Because considering the alternatives and that this is a first year model, I don't think the Pilot is worth more than $36,000 OTD. I had a problem with a wind noise coming from the passenger side. Also have a problem with the drivers side windshield washer leaking out fluid onto the hood. I still need to take it in for that... Nice SUV overall. This is my first import purchase. I do miss the power of the Chevy V-8's and the low range. I'm actually one of the few SUV owners that enjoy tackling rough terrain where you need low range to get up the hill...or down one.
I love this SUV!
Traded in my old Ford for a sleek new Pilot and it was the best thing I ever did. Smooth ride, good acceleration, and good mileage for an SUV. The only problems include price (supply/demand issue), and exterior finish. I would have preferred to have the door handles be the same body color rather than black plastic. Otherwise, the Pilot is an absolute winner in every respect!
Pilot is the best SUV
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!
Great Family Vehicle
Great vehicle and have no regrets buying it. Rides great, runs strong, and has tons of storage space. Seems like a bargain compared to most other SUVs. Rear entertainment system is great and I highly recommend getting it. Roof rack is functional compared to MDX which adds even more carrying capacity. Styling won't turn heads but neither do I.
Incredible
First car I have ever had that there is nothing I can complain about. Perfect
great mini-van
it's a great minivan, with all-wheel drive to boot. It's great for car- pooling to soccer practice, famiy trips and holds ton's of groceries in the back.
Best Riding SUV
The Acura MDX and Honda Pilot were very similar with their car-like ride, space and features. Both of these vehicles were head and shoulders above the others that we tested. We went with the Honda Pilot due to the higher cost of the Acura MDX. In our minds, we could not see paying the extra money for the extras that the MDX offered.
Pilot Rview
Love this SUV! As a former owner of a Suburban which broke down constantly, I love the reliability, handling, and styling of the Honda Pilot. Very practical car and stylish at the same time. Priced correctly by Honda, but the problem is that dealerships are adding $2000-$3000+ as the Dealer Markup because of the demand.
AWESOME
It was one of the best cars i have ever driven
My first Experience in a PILOT
Road trip 600mile.I got only 12- 14city/19mpg highway. VERY NOISY road/tire noise in 2nd/3Rd row where your childrens sits! Poor gove compartmnt design, your legs hits it when you stretch or try to put your legs agains the wall. Noise/squeeks behind the dash or radio. Wind noise is usual, but you will hear it loader than the highlander and sequoia. So if you looking for a quiet,nice,car for trip= this is NOT the car!!!! 2nd row seats is not even as roomy as a honda Accord. 3rd row seats are for children under age of 10. 4-YEARS of engineering a pilot and this is what they came up with?
Great car!
Traded up from our troublesome 2000 Tahoe LS. Excellent in every respect.
Pilot review of trip to Vegas
Looking for 2 years then this came out, bought it over Highlander. So much more roomy, 5 of us to Las Vegas with luggage, cooler etc., tons of cargo area, was able to see in rear view mirror too. Air is soooo cold, love the center console. Took 7 large basketball players for three days to games, no complaints, even in third row, there feet were squished but they had no problems. Got so many looks when picked up at valet at hotels, people pointing on street, it was great. I love the white and cloth seats, after leather it really is more comfy and cool. My son loves the subwoofer.
2003 Honda Pilot
needs larger gas tank, some minor trim problems, great, great car for the price. fun to drive.
good
Very nice over all car perfect for a big family with a seeting for 8 nice engine 240 hp 3.5 leeter v-tec v6
All that glitters is not gold!!
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 $35-36k if you're lucky. Other than that, the car itself is a nice ride overall. The only gripe is that the car is so plain looking.
LOVE IT!
MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BOTH OWNED ACCORDS.I NEEDED SOMETHING ROOMER.THIS IS IT. IT HANDLES JUST LIKE A CAR. THIS IS MY FIRST SUV AND I AM SO HAPPY THE PILOT WAS MY FIRST CHOICE. I RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THE CHANGE FROM A CAR TO A SUV WITHOUT LOSING THE SMOOTHNESS OF THE RIDE NOT TO MENTION IT IS AFTER ALL A HONDA.
Great Vehicle - worth the wait
Huge Honda fan = Have owned 4 other Civics and Accords Have owned Chevy Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder and most recently Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado..... None compare to the Pilot NOT EVEN CLOSE
Fun and Fast
Not your usual SUV. Build strong but drives like a tight sedan. Corners nice and has great pick up. Very Pleased with my first Honda!
Honest Pilot Review
Well my wife got her PILOT. OK 34K$ for a honda, but thats what she wanted. Sure its a nice well made SUV, but 34K$ It rides nice and soft, turns nice, breaks are OK, engine has a lack of low end, ok after you hit 25mph. Basicly a large 4x4 mini van. My new 2003 5.4 expedition gets the same mpg go figure.
Best Suv There Is
This vehicle is a supurb car. It handles of road situations very well. The engine is finely tuned and fells likea sportscar. The interior is spacious and well thought out. Like the eight passenger seating. And best of all its a honda. I am very pleases with my purchase.
Great vehicle
I've had it for 2 weeks now with 700 miles under my belt and it's fantastic.
Ex-Explorer Owner
We have just purchase the Pilot this week. I owned a '96 Explorer.There is no comparision to the new Explorers. Pilot is light years ahead of anything in this price range. Fit/finish exceptional. Comfort handling all exceptional to everything we test drove.It is worth the wait on the dealers waiting list(2 monthes).
Pilot
This is most definatly the best SUV on the market in this price range
Well worth the buy!
I just took delivery of my new pilot on Monday 10/07/02. What a vehicle! I just took it on a 292 mile road trip and would you believe I received 23.8 miles per gallon with speeds between 60-70 mph. we only used 12.2 gallons of gas. Honda has done a great job on this vehicle. Very very comfortable. We are a former 1996 Honda EX Passport owner. This was a good vehicle, very few problems, we bought it certified with 15,000 miles on it. During ownership we put approx 60,000 miles on it. There is no comparison with the Honda pilot. We are truely pleased with our decision to buy the Pilot.
2003 Honda Pilot
Best all-around value for midsize SUV's. Honda has a definite winner here!
Problems with my Pilot
I bought my Pilot for list price on July 20th and I am extremely disappointed. The front hood, side panels, and the front grid/bumper do not align properly and cannot be corrected. Passenger side door light cover was missing. Window trim was bent. Intermittent problem with acceleration (feels like it's not getting gas at times) Rear AC vent fins broke. "Side air bag off" warning light flashes on and off at times and is scheduled for repair.
Awesome SUV
Wasn't expecting my Pilot til mid October, but it arrived 10-3. Just in time for the Honda 3.9% APR, too! I reviewed this ride and compared with others in it's competition and the Pilot was a winner everytime.
Leather interior
Hi do not have my pilot yet, but getting one this month.. ordered the EX-L and wondering how everyones leather is holding up? heard that it could be saggy or strechy? most people say its not to bad, but wondering if it is worth taking it in under warrenty.. thanks for the info rob
Great SUV!!!
We have had this Pilot for only 2 weeks and we have already put 2,000 miles on it. It drives like a dream and the seats are so comfortable and it is so much more quiet than our previous SUV. We drove for 8 hours to Gulf Shores, Al and I was not worn out when we got there! The gas mileage is already better than our old Mountaineer and it is only going to get better. Paid sticker for it and had leather, rubber floormats, foglights added. Love this SUV!!
Great buy!!!
I bought this SUV after comparing it with both Lexus' SUVs, Toyota Sequoia and Highlander, Acura MDX, Mercedes Benz and BMW SUVs. I have to say it is very smooth to drive, has great power, and the features are incredible. Even though in Puerto Rico it is much more expensive than in the States, I believe it is worth the price.
AWSOME
I love this thing. The day after I got it I had to pull an Explorer out of the mud.
Honda Pilot
Even at list, it's a lot of vehicle for the money. Superior to the competition in almost every way.
Pilot - Detail to Engineering
Everything from design to build quality is typical Honda excellence (I also own a CR-V). Practically no detail was overlooked. The EX is great value for those priced out of the Acura MDX. Why pay for a name... when 67% of the parts between the 2 vehicles are common?