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.
Remember the Hondamatic?
Patrick King, 11/30/2018
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
35 of 35 people found this review helpful
I bought a 1977 Accord brand new and had to wait on a waiting list of 6 months to take delivery! I put 220,000 miles on it in 15 years and was very happy! Don’t know why but I strayed away from Honda’s until 6 months ago when I purchased a 2003 Pilot with 240,000 miles on it! Got a great deal and have put another 50,000 on it without a hitch! Everything still works perfectly except the normal things everybody else has spoke about such as the metallic film coming off the door handles, the two from seats are starting to rip and have only done oil changes and windshield wipers since buying it! Highly recommended and I’m back to being a Honda man!!!!
Mine was a very Reliable Car
warrenam47, 09/24/2012
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
31 of 31 people found this review helpful
I live in the mountains of NC. The roads are very dangerous here, esp. in the winter. I test drove my Pilot in a snow storm, and bought it for its size and great gas mileage. i Never got stuck in the snow. and i drove this past winter for an hour from boone to beech mountain Everyday. nothing, and i mean nothing ever went wrong in the car. the only things i spent money on were literally break pads and a few oil changes. it was at 125k when i recently hit a deer going 70mph and its now totaled and im now heartbroken. there seems to be something seriously wrong with every SUV i consider to replace my pilot with. i loved luxury cars but now im feeling more sensible... and a grille guard is ness
2003 Honda Pilot for sale near you
Showing 3 of 42 listings
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,991263 mi away
- EX 4dr SUV w/ LeatherMSRP: $4,475338 mi away
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,900343 mi away
See all 42 listings
Soooo good, we named it.
autosavant, 05/29/2014
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
66 of 68 people found this review helpful
I brought home my first born from the hospital in my new Honda Pilot. After 200,000 miles in ten reliable years, I must say that it has been a pleasure owning it. "Hans" my daughter named it, the ultimate compliment; rides as smooth as it did when first purchased. It would be nice to buy a new car but just can't let go of it to see how far it'll go! Many say it's a 300K miles automobile.
Over 278,000 miles...
Stephen Wollman, 10/22/2015
2003 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
62 of 64 people found this review helpful
My wife and I are now Piloteers. I bought my first pilot--an'03--in 2013. The guy I bought if from had sent his last kid to college and didn't need the extra car, otherwise I'm sure he would've kept it. It had 245,000 miles on it. Since we've owned it (it's been my wifes primary driver) we've rolled it up to 278,000. Other than standard maintenance, I've put no money into it. It literally still handles like it's brand new. The invinceable V-tech engine is very quiet, and the transmission doesn't slip in the least. As of a week ago, we are now piloteers for life. I gave away my perfectly good Chrysler Pacifica and bought my wife a newer pilot with half the mileage. The '03 is now mine. I will never buy another vehicle. When my oldest gets into high school (in the next two years) I will give him the '03 and buy another. Make no mistake, the honda pilot is the absolute distance you can take your dollar. It is well worth the money.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Pilot is the best
roooddy, 02/07/2014
updated 08/08/2016
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Navigation System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
44 of 45 people found this review helpful
We bought the car new in Oct of 2002. The tires were replaced at 84K...still have original brakes at 102K. Never so much as an alignment needed. The usual oil changes and a timing belt is all I've done in 11 years. The best car we ever owned! Update...After 14 years no rust, interior/exterior looks great, still running the factory plugs, may be the last car I ever need.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Consumer Rating
Pao Y. Her, 07/06/2010
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2003 Honda Pilot as brand new, since now it still runs like a brand new car. It has not problem what so ever. Everything is still original except the tires and brake pads. This car is the most dependable and reliable car I have ever seen.
Looking for 350,000
Jamie, 10/01/2010
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
My wife loves her Pilot. We purchased this vehicle with 67,000 miles. At 120,000 miles, we changed the front struts and the right axle. May have something to do with the 2 deer we hit. At 140,000 we had to replace 2 switches in the transmission and have had no problems with it at all since. We did change the timing and water pump at 175,000. Even though it was suggested at 100k. Over all we are well pleased with our purchase and are looking for 350,000 miles plus. Right now we are driving at 188,000 miles.
This car performed better than our 2003 lexus RX300
taxpayer41, 05/01/2014
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
22 of 23 people found this review helpful
My wife always liked her pilot better than my RX300. Both are 2003. I traded my lexus after 10 years ln 2013 for a Camry Hybrid, as we no longer need 2 SUV's in the family, and she didn't want to give up her Pilot. We have spent little or no additional money on the car and it now has 111,000 miles and going strong. I have to say, this car is a good buy. She still doesn't want to trade it, but we've been looking for new car that has an automatic lift gate for her. Maybe now?
So glad I bought
thollis, 12/01/2009
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle with the intent that it would be my daughter's first vehicle after she turned 16 this year and I would upgrade. This past week my daughter had her first accident which was a roll over. I cannot tell you how glad I am I bought this vehicle. It did everything it should have to protect her. Everyone including the insurance adjuster has commented on what a great job the support system in this truck did in protecting my child. Thank you Honda.
Can't Take This Car Down
The Tank , 03/11/2009
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car used/certified with about 10k on. I have driven it from state to state and just love the way it drives. We have dubbed it the "TANK" because we were rear ended twice while sitting at a stand still and virtually no damage to the Honda. The cars that hit us on both occasions folded up like a slinky. Will drive this car until it falls apart. I LOVE IT.
Window regulator problem
powderpuff, 08/05/2011
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
27 of 30 people found this review helpful
Have really loved the Pilot since we bought it new. We are having trouble with the leather seats coming apart, but that we can deal with. The major problem is we have now replaced all 4 of the window regulators once and one of them twice! Three this year. This is really irritating because they just go down all of a sudden when driving along or when parked at a parking lot we come out and one will be down! We are lucky we haven't had it stolen. Plus in the desert in the middle of the summer it sucks to have a window all a sudden falls down! As well as the $350 it costs each time to fix. Honda rep says there isn't a problem are we the only ones with this problem?!
Most expensive vehicle ever!!!!
baust, 07/05/2011
2003 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
29 of 33 people found this review helpful
Our Pilot has been family owned since new and was dealer maint. up to 80K. We bought it from her parents with 80K miles. It's hardly even needed any maint. done. I did the timing belt/waterpump/plugs @ 107K, the first brake job was done at 125K. We drive mostly highway. Here's the catch: The first transmission went out at 130K miles. Honda quoted us $3,700 to replace it with a factory reman. with a 3-year/36K warranty. We had them replace it because we didn't want to ever have to worry about it again. Now 2 years later @ 172K and the transmission needs to be replaced again. They won't cover anything because we have put 42K on it. They quoted us $4,700. Can YOU afford one? We can't.
Just float along...
Hondalvr, 12/12/2006
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
After test driving 6 other Hondas (CR- Vs, Accords, Element) I was lucky enough to get a super-clean "pre- owned" 2003 Pilot in March of 2006 with only 22k miles on it. I'd had a Jeep Cherokee for 11 years before that, so there was a huge difference in ride comfort (long overdue!). The professional reviews are right, it drives like a luxury sedan and I don't think I've ever been in anything more comfortable. I'll be hanging on to this one for years to come...
Love My 2003 Pilot
FlyMeAway67, 03/27/2018
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
The Great: Excellent in snow and is better than any suv I have ever owned (I never got stuck in the snow here in MI) Comfortable leather seating and headroom. Heating and cooling works super. Minimal problems in the 5 yrs that I have owned it and I still love driving this thing! The Bad: Power door lock actuator on drivers door is broke (common) VTM sensor light pops on, the oil temp sensor on the differential is bad (common) Transmission light pops (had it scanned nothing wrong) but people have replaced their trans because of this common problem needlessly, it eventually stops popping up on after a couple of months on its own. 2nd row seats eventually will not fold down flat (common) Over-all: My Pilot has 193,000 miles, the body has a 1 quarter size rust spot on the passenger side lower rear wheel area and no where else, doesnt leak a drop of any fluid anywhere, all electronics work as it should, the steering is tight as if it was new. I am ready to replace this only because its starting to rust so I am hoping to find another one 2003 to 2005 with low miles and from the south so I can start all over again
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Brilliantly Designed & Built
Sardar, 06/02/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
The Pilot borrows from both the Odyssey & MDX and adds a touch of its own. There is plenty of room for 8, & the detailed finishing and features for the interior are truely well thought out. It has a quiet interior and the view from around the cabin is excellent. Its going to be an excellent road cruiser and versatility of the seat configurations allows even tall passengers to be comfortable on long journey - you can always fold the one or both of the middle row seats for the extra leg room...there is even reclining middle row seats! The power is more than adequate and the fuel economy is excellent for the size. The best thing is that 85/86 octane can be used!
What a wonderful vehicle
Matt C., 09/20/2019
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Listen, if you’re looking for an all around amazing vehicle, look no further than Honda. The Pilot is absolutely no exception. I have a 2003 Pilot that my parents bought brand new off the truck. I bought it from them when it had about 175k miles on it. It had the transmission replaced at around 100k miles but it was because something else went out and metal shavings got into the transmission and we were forced to replace it. The car has very little rust about the rear wheel wells and it is a 16 year old car so as expected. We just replaced the alternator a few months ago and I replaced the rear brakes recently. This thing is a tank. Let’s talk about how it handles in the snow. I drive at my job, so I know what normal 4wd feels like. My Pilot is absolutely ridiculous. I can’t force the wheels to break free and drift. I feel so safe while driving in the snow. One time a child was crossing the crosswalk and ran out in front of me and there was ice and snow on the road, so I slammed on my brakes. The car behind me bumped into me because I stopped so fast(no damage). So this thing is amazing in inclement weather. Usually with big vehicles, they aren’t very fast. But the Pilot is quick to go and quick to stop. I try to not push it very often but sometimes the situation calls for it, and I can rely on it to go quick. Overall, I rode in a car seat in this vehicle and now I drive it with nearly 214k miles on it with plenty of life left. Absolutely would recommend any Honda but especially the Pilot.
Incredible Impressed!
MassSnowMan, 01/18/2010
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
We bought our 2003 Honda new and have close to 200,000 miles on the car. It is still going strong and we've had no problems. We have done all of the recommended maintenance as outlined in the Honda owners manual (oil changes, brakes, engine tune ups, etc.) The car has been great in the snow and with good tire tread(all season radials), we have had NO problems thus far. Reliability has been exceptional. The interior has held up fairly well after the wear and tear of three kids. Our oldest child is now driving and this car will probably be driven "into the ground" by her. Our experience has been so good that we are looking at the 2010 Pilot! Overall, we're happy with our Honda Pilot!
Just Love IT!
Smiley, 09/14/2010
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
I just bought mine this weekend and I love it. It has 139,000 miles on it but the guy took care of it and has all the paper work down to every oil change. It rides very well.
Great SUV
Clay, 01/02/2005
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Other than the tranmission recall and free oil changes, was in shop once for RR door rattle, fixed. It lives up to it's calling, it seats eight, but only put small kids fit in back. Seats fold down for carrying cargo, hold road well, no vibration or other problems reported by others - that's with the Goodyear tires - the Bridgestone's don't do that. Problem reported about bad sound problem with windows down - that's only if you have just the rear windows down. Holds road well, 4WD works when needed. Looks like I'll get about 24K miles on original tires. Get 15MPG in tight city driving (Dallas), 19-20 on highway, I drive agressively. Carries a LOT with rear seats down. Pleasure to drive!
Experience
David Carter, 10/23/2016
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Navigation System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
We have had a 2003 for 13 + years. We have nothing but good comments to make. We plan to buy a new one in 2017. The 2003 wear-well. Our experience make it wise to buy a 2017 model. We are having some difficulty choosing to sell it. It serves us well.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Happy Honda Owner
AJM, 11/17/2008
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Purchased to replace a 1997 Suburban, and have been very impressed with the vehicle. Normal maintenance and have followed Honda's recommended maintenance schedule and the vehicle continues to impress mile after mile!
2003 Pilot Transmission Failure
DownSouth, 08/28/2010
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Bought certified pre-owned in 2005 with 30K miles. Bought extended warranty. Paid off last month and warranty ran out 8-9-2010, trans failed 8-23-2010. No help from warranty but Honda paid 25%. Picked up today and drove 1/4 mile and it made a grinding noise with ABS and VTM lights coming on. Waiting on Monday. All dealer service since purchased.
Saved My Husband's Life
KenziesMom, 06/10/2010
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
13 of 16 people found this review helpful
My husband bought me a 2003 Honda Pilot EXL for Mother's day. We had just had a baby and I was driving a 2002 Mustang and needed something I felt would be safer. We had no major problems. The engine mounts had to be replaced and the transmission was beginning to act a little squirrelly. However, my husband wrecked it before we were able to get the transmission checked out. He fell asleep behind the wheel on the way home from work (oil field) and went off into a steep ditch hitting a concrete embankment which caused the Pilot to roll twice landing upside down when finished. My husband was not buckled and ended up in the back by the cargo door. He WALKED away with NO INJURIES. Thank you Honda!
Transmission Failed
Steve, 07/09/2009
2003 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
Having owned and driven multiple Honda Accords since a 1979 model, I was expecting a similar non-eventful and reliable experience with a 2003 Pilot that was purchased used. But the transmission has just failed at 140k miles. Sadly, this is standard for the Honda Pilot if you quickly glance around the internet. The same problem extends to other Honda models with the V6: the Accord, Odyssey, and Acura TL. These and other Honda transmission issues have been subject of numerous recalls and class action suits over the years. I am otherwise a Honda fan and enjoy the Pilot, but this one reliability issues is a serious shortcoming that anyone purchasing must be financially prepared for.
Happy Owner
Steve Gibson, 03/31/2017
2003 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
In 2008 I purchased a 5 year old '03 Pilot with 60k miles on it. It's been the most reliable vehicle I've owned. I kept up the routine maintenance and it still runs perfectly. I am seriously considering replacing it with another late model Pilot. Highly recommend!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best SUV yet!
Arthur, 01/09/2007
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We purchased a '03 White EX-L with Gray leather 10/02 - to this day, the paint still shimmers like new, leather takes wear & tear but is flawless. This is my everyday car, 66k, no problems. Impeccable fit & finish. Extremely comfortable on a 16 hr trip. Amazing mpg, I average about 23 mpg on a tank of gas. Likes being light footed, heavy footers will suffer. Great ergonomics. Rides better than my wife's Sequoia that cost me 44k. Feels big & safe like a truck. Lots of room to spread out & huge cargo room when seats folded. Only thing done was scheduled maintenance, tires/brakes at 42k, & trans. recall. No competition, Def buying again. If its well pampered, nothing goes wrong!
america, take note
yachtracer, 01/04/2007
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is an outstanding suv. Plenty of power, space and comfort. Hauls everything we need, both inside and by trailer. It is very reliable and the build quality is obvious.
Honda Owners Beware
Pilot Owner, 10/13/2010
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
Had the torque converter and transmission replaced with only 89k miles under normal driving conditions. Total cost was over $3600. Better have deep pockets for Honda repairs, as they love their parts.
3 Years of Driving
zzedo310, 06/03/2009
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
As the title states, I've owned my 03' for 3 years. In that time, I've put 60K miles on it and drove it from AK to FL and several trips in the CONUS. No major issues. Minor issues: recommended tune-ups are costly, both the 60K mile tuneup and 90K mile tune-up were around $1000 each. To get fully installed towing package, another $1000. Drive train belt, another grand. At 100K miles, just as another owner here stated, my speaker system is going downhill. During long trips, I notice a buzzing sound coming out of the speakers. Annoying enough to shut music off. Great storage cubbies in front for maps, flashlights, etc.
luv it
hapeinTN, 08/11/2009
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought it used in 03 with 77k and have never looked back. It's the only car I have ever owned that I can actually drive all day and not have back and leg fatigue. It has performed flawlessly. After hearing others who owned Honda's, rant and rave about their reliability, I now have to agree with them. Two years later and 35000 miles, no issues! Our last car was a Sable wagon which by the same mileage was on it's second tranny and numerous other issues. Thanks Honda for providing such wonderful vehicles with such outstanding value!
Honda pilot 03 transmissions
jona, 10/18/2010
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 17 people found this review helpful
I also have a 2003 honda pilot. We have kept up on all maintenance on this vehicle. Had drive light flash and was told 4th gear pressure sensor was bad, had that fixed. A month later my transmission starts acting up, take to dealer and they told me I needed a whole new transmission and was gonna cost us $3000.00 to fix
Depreciation rated too high
Susan, 09/17/2006
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Chosen for the 3rd row seat and fun to drive, the Honda Pilot is a great family car. The feelings of safety and power are comforting. The ventilation is strange-if one window is open, the air pressure is overwhelming and more windows need to be opened to compensate. Only one other problem in 3 years- the front row passenger side door lock stopped working with the remote. Sold with only 34,000 miles after 3 years, I got only half what I paid for it, and it was in good shape.
Good Truck
Dave-er-oni, 06/02/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Just got the thing this morning. Drove 150 miles with it today. I have the white with leather trim and a DVD; the dealer also added mud flaps and cargo mat and crossbars on the overhead rack. Was marked up at the dealer 800 over MSRP but worth it. Its a great vehicle. The seats aren't as comfortable as the american cars we considered (Bravada) and the dash has too much plastic and no wood which is odd for a $35,000 SUV. But that being said its very sold; very good looking; very . . . Honda (which is to say good)
Great Used Vehicle Purchase!
Sharon Brown, 09/15/2017
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this 2003 Pilot in 2009 with 143,000 miles on it. Since that time I have been diligent about timely oil changes and using higher octane of gas. Hate to jinx it, but so far so good - no major problems. I am now at 230,000 miles and have only had to repair common issues like struts that rust in a snowy (salty) place, and brake and exhaust mounts (same rust problem). This tough vehicle has been parked outside every winter since I bought it and has always started. I love how comfortable it is for both driver and passengers. My husband wants me to down size now that our kids are grown. I will resist giving up my Pilot until the bitter end.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
smooth ride and fun in snow
alleys, 05/30/2005
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
have enjoyed this vehicle. Haven't had to do anything other than change the oil. I did out Michelins on it at 35k miles because the factory tires were humming. lots of fun driving in the snow this winter. Very reliable vehicle and vitrually no maintenance
GREAT!
Novvandk, 09/06/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The Honda Pilot is one of the best cars I have ever driven, and I have only needed to take it into the shop once, and that was for an oil change. GREAT CAR!
Air Compression
M.Chu, 08/25/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I'm a first time Suv owner and I love it. The only problem I have with my Pilot is that when you open the rear windows and close the front windows the outside air is compressed in the vehicle causing a sharp pain to your ears. It's worse than the popping feeling of an airplane. I wonder if other Pilot owners have experienced this. I have also expierenced that when you go over a bump you feel it. It's not a smooth ride when it comes to bumps in the city (NYC).
Workhorse for multiple generations
cdk1999, 07/16/2020
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Purchased ours in 2009 with 43,000 as the family car. Six years later it became my first car at 16. Now around 245,000 miles, the engine could easily get to 300k. The rest of the vehicle has been beaten up by three teenage drivers for five years, so it requires more mechanical TLC than your average vehicle (brakes have required several repairs in the last few years). Overall though, it's gotten us through New England winters without a hitch. I've never worried it would let me down, and couldn't have asked for a better first vehicle.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
great family travel vehicle
wisfam, 01/17/2007
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Great family vehicle. Comfortable ride and handling (after replacing OEM tires). Good ergonomics for a big man.
The gray ghost
Austin, 06/29/2017
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a tank. I would go anywhere in the SUV. When daughter moved into an area with snow and rain weather, this is what I sent her in after driving it cross country with it fully loaded with belongings. I have complete trust in it. It has had regular repairs and air bags replaced. It isn't the most beautiful SUV but it is what I'd chose for any event...fully loaded, or one person. Steady, ready, and willing to go.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Can't Go Wrong with a Pilot!
Coleen, 07/12/2006
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Pilot in Jan of 2006, and it's the best decision I've made. Prior to purchasing, I researched every SUV out there, and test drove a few. This vehicle drives and rides like a luxury car! It doesn't feel like you're driving an 8-passenger vehicle, has more than sufficient power, very roomy in front and middle rows for large adults, great cargo space, and looks quite stylish. I have the EX-L model loaded with everything. Kids LOVE the DVD player. I love that they can listen with wireless headphones and I can play my CD or Radio! Leather seats remain beautiful and are easy to clean up! Not a single hint of mechanical problems! Drives great--everyday!
Never thought I'd have a car w/200,000 miles on it
Carolyn J, 09/25/2017
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Great for those soccer carpools, road trips, hauling stuff. Very reliable.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Solid and powerful, but pricey
DanJ, 06/01/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I was surprised that the exterior looks more muscular and athletic than the most photos show. It has a more masculine look than the Highlander. The Pilot EX interior wasn't as attractive as the Highlander Limited - and the dealer-installed faux wood is about $600 extra. Still, the interior was comfortable - although perhaps more designed for a larger-framed person than is the Toyota. It was very roomy inside for a mid-sized - with the 2nd & 3rd row flat, the storage space was cavernous.
Bill's Review
Carstoons, 07/25/2003
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I was a 37 year GM/Ford person. Glad I made the switch. I tow a boat and also load it up with gardening stuff. This is by far the best tow vehicle I have ever owned, in both handling and power. It also has the smallest engine. I did have some problem with an A/C leak but that has been corrected. I do not like the air flow system very much. On a cool day the vent doesn't give you cool outside air- you have to put on the A/C or open the windows. Which brings up another problem. At highway speeds with only one back window open I get this wierd air compression thing that bothers my ears. Playing with windows or turning on the A/C corrects it. Bill
Dissatisfied Pilot Owner
scoot3, 06/15/2008
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Most everything is OK with the Pilot with the exception of the transmission. I would strongly recommend that anyone buying a Pilot to plan on trading the Pilot before the power train warranty runs out. If not, you will be facing a $2500 fix. Pilot had a transmission recall but it was not a very good fix. Also radio and CD player are poor quality. Had to replace.
Never a problem
kate, 07/16/2008
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car coming from owning a Toyota Sienna Van. I had owned Toyotas for years and years and was nervous to switch, but the third row seat sold me. I have never had a problem with this car in 5 years. I have replaced the tires and the battery, and probably need brakes, but nothing has ever broken down on it. It is roomy, even in the third row. I have had 8 adults in this car several times and everyone survived. The interior was well thought out. I'd own another Honda. (I only wish it had rear camera or sensors. - My Honda has a dent in the back hatch.)
Honda's are great
Chonus, 06/14/2008
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a great SUV. Very dependable and well built. Get 26 mpg on highway. Roomy and comfortable.
BETTER THAN ANY MIN-VAN FOR FAMILY FUN
KKWISNER, 08/03/2002
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
WE WERE REALLY LOOKING AT SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO DRIVE AFTER DRIVING A MINI- VAN FOR 11 YRS.THIS SUV HAS BEEN A GREAT KID-HAULER AND TRAVELER...THE KIDS LOVE THE DVD SYSTEM...NO HEARING "ARE WE THERE YET". WE HAVE REALLY BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM SINCE THE OTHER PASSENGERS DO HAVE THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE TEMPERATURE. ALSO, WE HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED WITH ALL THE STORAGE AND SOUND SYSTEM..GOOD QUALITY. THE ONLY COMPLAINT BEING THE NOISE WHEN ONLY THE BACK WINDOW IS DOWN...IF YOU CRACK THE FRONT WINDOW ..THE ROAD NOISE DISAPPEARS...WE WERE TOLD THIS IS COMMON IN SUV...BY HONDA. WE WOULD RECOMMEND THIS SUV ...HIGHLY!!!
2003 Pilot Falling Apart
Disgusted Pilot Owne, 08/07/2008
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have a 2003 Pilot EX-L with RES with 79,000 miles. Gradually, the thing is falling apart. After 3 years, the A/C broke. Shortly after that, 2 door locks broke. The quality of the leather is terrible. The driver's side visor mirror cover broke. The plastic on the bottom side of the driver's side broke off. One of the rear A/C vents broke. The car is even starting to rust right in the middle of the passenger's side door for no apparent reason! This is unbelievable! When I speak to Honda about these issues, they say they have never heard of such problems. However, I am finding by reading online that my problems are quite common. What has happened to Honda's quality?
2003 Pilot with 210k miles
Bad Audio, 04/06/2009
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Have had mixed results with my 2003 Pilot. Have had two major transmission repairs, one covered by warranty and the other one cost me $900. HOWEVER, the biggest disappointment has been the RES (rear entertainment center). There is an annoying low frequency buzz that appears on both radio and DVD play. While it's minorly annoying on the speakers it incapacitates the wireless headphones. Unfortunately, Honda's solution is to replace the whole unit for a fee of $1700. Have mixed opinions of purchasing another Pilot.