Used 2003 Honda Pilot SUV Consumer Reviews
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Great for Families with Young Children
I wanted seating for more than 5, but I didn't want a truck-based SUV and my husband didn't want a minivan. The Pilot has car-like handling and lots of room for kids and their "stuff". I am very happy with my Pilot and would highly recommend it.
Another 1st-time SUV Buyer
Purchased the Pilot in Aug,'02. Had no idea it existed; just found it on dealer's lot. Was looking for SUV to replace a large sedan & aging pickup. Biggest plus was headroom & visibility from driver's seat. I'm 6'3" & had to duck my head to see traffic signals in other SUVs. Pilot is fine for hauling passengers, but it's no substitute for a pickup. Boxes & such are fine, but you'll be very limited in large/long items, such as lumber. I'm disappointed with gas mileage. I'm careful to drive for best fuel economy, but have not come close to published ratings. Paid about $500 under sticker, got free crossbars, cargo cover & bunch of oil changes.
- EX 4dr SUV w/ LeatherMSRP: $5,99577 mi away
- EX 4dr SUV w/ LeatherMSRP: $7,998102 mi away
- EX 4dr SUV w/ LeatherMSRP: $4,500138 mi away
After 1st week
The Pilot is an attractive, versatile "suburban" SUV, geared for highway/city travel. It is larger than most in the mid-size class. It has a car-like turning radius & great pickup. Honda has added so many "little features", like shoulder straps for middle passengers, lots of cargo net hooks, hidden storage, 4 power outlets, 9 beverage holders, storage compartments everywhere. Have not yet tried 4WD feature. Have not travelled in rear seats.
Near Perfect
After reading a lot of good reviews on Honda Pilot, we finally purchased one. This SUV is everything the reviews said it was: it has good fit & finish, ideal size, nice looks and excellent ride. Having driven Hondas in the past, I do not anticipate any reliability problems down the road.
Pretty Good
I replaced my 96 Toyota 4Runner with the Pilot EX. The interior design is pretty cool. The metallic finish makes it look smart. It rides pretty well but handling is not as great as the 4Runner since the vehicle rolls too much. Seat comfort is also not too great. But I liked the automatic AC and stereo. The fold down third row is nice too since it folds down into the floor. Climbing into the vehicle is pretty easy as compared to the 4Runner and short people do not need s side step.
Love my Pilot
Not as many bells and whistles as the Jeep Cherokee but a far superior ride and comfort. This is a SUV that drives like a sedan. The stereo leaves a little to be desired.
Rides like my E300
Solid feel, and quiet - low road noise.This beats out the ML320, Discovery II, X5, Explorer and Pathfinder...and I tried ALL of them! I feel like I was in my MB E300 again. Unfortunately the dealer didn't give me a break on the price - for obvious reasons.
Almost Perfect
It looks perfect so far. I think it is the best SUV in it is class. I am so happy that I purchesed it. It tooke me 2 months of thinking and compairing with the Toyota Highlander before I decided that it is better for a family man.
Good overall SUV
I've already put down the 2G for the MDX. When the Pilot came out and a friend working at a Honda dealership told me about a cancellation, I promptly snapped it up. I had a Chevy Blazer in the past and that was a nightmare. My wife and I took the Pilot up to Mackinac Island in Michigan over the Labor Day weekend. It's big enough that we didn't need to rent a motel. We got a campsite and didn't even pitch our tent. We simply folded down the seats and we got a queen-size bed. From Chicago, the trip is about 1000 miles (round trip) and we spent a less than $65 in gas. I guess we were averaging over 25 miles/gallon. Overall, I really like this vehicle.
Great Features/Value
I hate SUV's/MiniVans, yet needed more space for Kids and stuff. After many hours of research, the Honda came out on top. For its size, carrying capacity, quality, features, and more, this crossover is a great value even at sticker. Very comfortable on trips/town. A drivers SUV with very good handling and MPG for weight. More torque would be appreciated, not necessary. Top notch build quality. Very ergonomic, well thought out.
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.
Pilot or Sequoia
Can't believe I found a SUV for a decent price. Restricted my choices to Toyota & Honda having endured poor Chevy Blazer & Dodge car reliability since 1987 (owned Toyota before either of them and it was great - so I am going Japanese again). GM & Dodge had 15yrs+ to win me back-they failed. Pilot: a landmark vehicle blending SUV & car characteristics for a decent price. Instead of buying more SUV than I need (Sequoia), I got the Pilot. Sit in one, then sit in a Tahoe - you will see.
Why get anything but a Pilot
I've purchased my Pilot in Dec. 2002. I ordered it back in July 2002 and it finally arrived. Its a great vehicle! I used to drive an Accord and the transition is very well received. Its a solid car. It accelerates well and drives smooth. The space is great. I can fit my dogs large crate in the back with room to spare. For the price it handles just like the MDX for less. If you can live without the luxury of an MDX go for the Pilot. Its a practical alternative. If your a woman and would like a SUV that drives like a car consider the Pilot. I recommend it! :)
This is not an
I have owned an Acura MDX for 5 months which I absolutely love. As a result, I ordered a Pilot. I was surprised at the $31K price, which is within $4K of my MDX, despite the fact that the Pilot has no sunroof and 1 year/14,000 miles less warranty, etc. The exterior looks like an oversized CRV. The quality of the interior was not even in the same universe as the MDX (too many things to list, just compare for yourself). It did drive comparably to the MDX. In my opinion, the Pilot is a total rip-off compared the MDX. Before you buy a Pilot, check out the MDX. We ended up with a new Sequoia for only $750 more.
Value & Versatility
Very satisfied (except for bizarre positioning of headrests)so I will comment on 2 misconceptions about the Pilot. #1: Too expensive. Those who say its overpriced, I defy you to match overall value against any other SUV. If you paid over MSRP, well, there is one born every minute... #2: Gas mileage criticism. Does anyone know of a non-mini SUV that gets over 20 mpg average besides the Pilot?
A Great
I bought it for it's great all around utility. It has a lot of interior room and a lot of thoughtful storage and tie- downs. I wanted a reliable, safe and useful "utility" vehicle. It isn't as quiet or luxurious as an Acura or Lexus; but I wasn't willing to spend the extra money to obtain this additional quiet or extra "plush" interior. It rides very carlike, handles well for it's size and, if it turns out to be a typical Honda in reliabiltity, I will be happy with it. For it's price range I think it is great vehicle.
New Pilot Review
I've had my Pilot nearly 6 weeks now, and am extremely satisfied with it! I paid $1200 under MSRP at Steve Bailey in OKC--however, I would NOT have received that good a deal if I had not first asked for a quote from their internet department. If you have a pet, I highly recommend the cargo liner! I ordered one off the internet from Spreen Honda in CA and, with shipping, still paid 25% <MSRP, plus I didn't have to pay to have it "installed" (which consists of velcro-ing it down)
WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?
My wife talked me into getting a practical car. I was very sceptical being used to BMW or AUDI--but I just grow to love it more and more. Great power, decent handling, supurb layout of gages and controls. To be fair I only have 400 miles on it but there is NOTHING I wish was different yet, exccpt maybe a stiffer suspension. My son can't rave enough about the DVD and rear stereo options. We used to never take my BMW 750il as a family, we always took the surburban--now we only use this thing!! Thanks Honda!!
BEST SUV FOR MONEY
GOOD RIDE - SOFT BUT YOU FEEL THE ROAD, GOOD ACCELERATION ON REGULAR GAS, GOOD STANDARD FEATURES.
Get smart-get Pilot!
If you want to get a car for your family, but not a minivan than you definitely should consider oversized SUV with third seat. For me choice of "PILOT" was easy- I trust Honda on reliability and quality (my other Honda has 250.000 miles). Super slick, very detailed interior design. Even though it doesn't look huge from outside, it is very roomy inside! Smooth ride! Just one little thing I did not like: floor mat at driver side doesn't cover all surface- so I had to put an extra floor mat over the top.
May be simple, but well thought out
After much research we decided to purchase the Pilot. It has great safety features, and enough seating if our kids want to bring a friend along. The rear DVD can be enjoyed and does not block the rear view. The ride is just smooth enough and still very sporty feeling. This suv handles great and feels very tight. With the recent downpour here in So-Cal, we really appreciated the well placed and well thought out controls. Things are where you need them. The window defroster works so fast and the climate control is wonderful.
Smooth
was looking for a Toyota Highlander but saw the pilot and was much happier with it on the test drive. More room and has the features you really need, and not all the extras dealers put on the Highlander. Beware of dealers telling you that Honda is charging them an extra $4 - $5K to sell them, buncha bull, got mine for $1000 less than MSRP after hours of haggling.
Pilot, Another great Honda
One month owner, 4th Honda, currently own 99 CRV, 00 Odyssey, both terrific. Pilot, great room, visibility, interior lights. Ride comfort, and handling great
Joy to drive
This vehicle is just like part of my hands and legs. The control is so smooth.
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
Pilot - More than just a pretty face!
... It's rugged too! I think my Honda history tells it all... 2 Civics, 2 Accords, 1 Odyssey and now a Pilot and I'm only 29 years old. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on one take it. I purchased my Pilot in June of 2002 and most recently, we added an Element to our brood!
Good Job
New to SUV ownership. It is everything as adverised. Very comfortable. Performance is OK. Gas mileage surprisingly good. Went on 2000 mile trip and it handled like a dream on the highway.
Past reviews led us to a great car
Bought this car for my wife. This time I gave her the choice. And what a great choice it is. She is in love with her car. I am getting a little jealous because she mentions to her friends how much she loves "Bob." And to be honest the engine purrs and the ride is smoother than my X5. And speaking about luck, our Pilot was sitting on the dealer's lot the day we went there.
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.
Sure Footed
After buying a Pilot in December we were off to Christmas at the grandparents in the Ozarks of Missouri. It snowed a foot while we were there and this thing was awsome on the snow covered hilly roads. Some complain this thing needs more power. I think it has plenty and if you will look at the acceleration numbers you will find that it is far from slow.
2003 HONDA PILOT
I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW HAPPY I AM WITH THIS TRUCK. I WAS DRIVING A QX-4. I WAS ON A WAITING LIST FOR AN ACURA MDX WHEN THE HONDA CAME OUT. I WAITED TWO MONTHS AND GOT A BLACK PILOT. IT IS A SMOOTH RIDE AND THE FOLD DOWN SEATS HAVE WORKED OUT REAL WELL ( THE FOLD DOWN SEATS WERE WHAT GOT ME INTERESTED IN THE FIRST PLACE). THE VEHICLE IS REALLY ROOMY AND HANDLES WELL.
Solid SUV
Overall a very solid SUV and supprisingly roomy if your lucky enough to get one. Great family hauler with the benefit of 4WD if needed. So far quality seems excellent. Fairly bland styling but it avoids the plastic frills of a lot of todays SUVS (ie. Trail blazer). All of the benefits of the MDX minus a few dollars.
Honda pilot
I have had this SUV for over a year. I love it. It is great. I have only one complaint the third seat is a little too small. An adult or even a teenager can not fit in it. It is made STRICTLY FOR KIDS. If the seat was a little bigger I wouldn't be able to find anything wrong with the car. It has an ample amount of power with great standard features. It is great for the price. You know that the resale value will be high and that it is very reliable because it is after all a HONDA.
near perfect vehicle
The big three only wish they could build the quality, reliability and fun to drive of this vehicle!
Isn't She Lovely
I was trying to buy something else and When I finally had enough of being treated like an idiot,I went to the dealership next door. The Pilot was Consumer Reports #1 pick for mid-size SUV. Jeremy showed me how everything was reconfigured inside to make room for some new things,like a real holder for your cell phone & charger,a business card holder & a place for an actual pen! Cup holders & hidden storage galore! The car drove like I was literally riding on a cloud,(maybe that's why they called it the Pilot?) and that's coming from the pot-hole capital of the world!(New Jersey)We love our Pilot,and the wonderful people at DCH Kay Honda in Eatontown!
EX-L Pilot
Best all-around SUV. Smooth and quiet V6. Seats for 8 and flat cargo when 2nd and 3rd row seats are fold down. Muscular and good looking SUV. Wide stance should provide good stability.
I love my Pilot
This SUV is just the right size for me; not too big and bulky. I like the way it handles around curves and corners. The vehicle is very comfortable on both long and short trips. The interior space is adequate (especially the middle seating area). And the "hooks" that are provided in the rear cargo area really keep the contents of my grocery bags from escaping.
We love every minute in it!
This is an excellent SUV! It is so unbelievably smooth. On a recent 400- mile ride it was so comfortable, I wasn't tired of driving at all. When cruising on the highway at 80 mph the cabin was so quiet (at 80 mph the engine revs at barely 2000 rpm). Power: 0-60 mph in 8 seconds!!! These 240 horses can beat many sports cars in stoplight race challenges. Fuel economy is great and the 4WD system is technical miracle. There is a lot of passenger safety features built in (e.g., automatic detection of the size and position of the front passenger, etc.). Headroom is excellent even for Shaq-size drivers and passengers). Legroom in the second row is limo-like.
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?
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.
A Happy New Pilot Owner
This is the first SUV and 3rd Honda we have owned - we stil have all 3 of them. The '93 Accord has 120,000 miles on it and still running strong. We expect the same from our new Pilot. The Pilot has excellent handling and all the convenience features we want. It provides all the comfort and peach of mind when driving on the road. I am looking forward to those family vacation trips to Lake Tahoe or Yosemite.
From a truck-based to a car-based SUV
Having driven a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo for three years, the transition to the Pilot was easy and welcome. The ride is much more comfortable and the cabin noise is considerably less and the pick-up is great. The cargo space is far superior and since I don't tow a boat, the comparison to US SUVs puts the Pilot ahead in my case.
awesome
the best suv in the world
2003 Pilot Review
Delivered 6/8/2002. Black exterior, gray leather, navigation system, back- up camera, chrome bumper cladding, front bumper cover with foglights, and added aftermarket 8inch DVD system. Nicest driving vehicle I've owned, comfortable. Plenty of power, turns like a car, very quite interior. Third row small but functional. Excellent fit and finish. Like the looks with added front bumper covers more than the MDX.
Great Truck
Paid right at MSRP with a lot of haggling between 3 dealerships on the last day of the month. Love the truck. Love the room. I didn't need the towing ability, I just needed the space. Rides great, is quiet and handles just fine. Hwy and city driving is very comfortable. Quality craftmanship. Even the plastics don't appear to be cheap.