Used 2005 Honda Pilot Consumer Reviews
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Great Vehicle
damatsam, 10/07/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this vehicle after my daughter bought a CR-V. The ride is very smooth, better than expected. Wind noise is a little annoying, but you get use to it. Gas mileage is not all that great. Overall, I am very satisfied with my vehicle.
Great Car So Far
Eric In Texas, 10/13/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ok, my second time to try this. Great SUV all around. Wanted leather seats and they gave me a great deal well below invoice. Instead of paying $1500 for DVD for the kids, bought a great, portable one instead. Very comfortable, good acceleration and view all around the vehicle. Good storage and like all the latches/power ports/cup holders. Gas mileage not good, but comparable to other SUVs in it's class. Don't like where the gear shift is up near steering wheel, temporary spare tire (buying my own full size 235/16" rim and spare), or that back glass doesn't open seperately. Outside styling a tad bland and tinted front side windows at my own expense. Still, great SUV for the money and worth it
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- EX 4dr SUV w/Leather and Entertainment SystemMSRP: $5,99545 mi away
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Wins for its use of interior space
Mike, 10/07/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We test drove all the midsize SUV's looking for one with economical V6 power, good looks, and ample interior space. The Pilot won the contest for its excellent use of space on the inside. 8-person capacity (assuming some of those 8 are kids), a plethora of storage places, and fold-flat rear seats. While I am not a fan of column shifters, it allowed Honda to really make the center console useful. The exterior styling is so-so. The navigation system is touch-screen and fully operable while driving (for better or worse) but otherwise pales in comparison to the Pathfinder's. The Pathfinder also trumps the Pilot with regards to performance. The Pilot can handle light-to-moderate off-road use.
Pilot class AA
tfxm1, 10/06/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A great vehicle with great road feel and quiet, great performance. it's very comfortable and seats eight! My wife loves it!! Easy to drive and a pleasure in traffic
Happy Owner
jusa1, 11/11/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Chose the Pilot after considering many competitors in it's class. We have not been disapponted in our choice. We love the style and features and the interior funtionality of the seats. Using the third row is easy, and stowing it is painless. My son loves the entertainment systems, and my wife an I love that we get to hear "adult" music again. We got 20 mpg on mixed driving from the very first tank. Not bad for a vehicle of this size and power. Dealer provided a price at invoice (below Edmunds TMV at the time) with no bargaining. They also gave top value (again based on Edmunds values) for the 2001 CRV that I traded.
Love My Pilot
Susan, 11/13/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought an end of year 2005 Pilot with leather/moon roof. Love the car. Rides so very smooth. Great large tinted windows perfect. gas mileage good, not great, but as expected. If I wanted economy I would have bought a Civic. I needed roomy, clean lines, great back seat, lots of storage areas. wonderful family vehicle, super comfort on long rides. Thank you Honda !!!
Fun and safe to drive
szurow, 11/15/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is very nice to drive and handles well. I feel safe and secure and my children enjoy the DVD feature.
??
mom of three, 12/02/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My entire family has enjoyed our 2005 Honda Pilot. The high safety ratings are a must for us. We owned a Honda Odyssey prior to this vehicle. It was totaled when a semi 18 wheeler slammed into the rear end of us. With the protection we had during the accident, I think I will always buy a Honda. We were skeptical about the Pilot at first but we have not regretted it for a moment. During our vehicle shopping experience we drove several SUV's, including the Mercedes. None of the others compaired to the Pilot. My fourteen year old daughter is hoping she will be handed the keys when she gets her licenses in a couple of years. So..... it must be pretty cool to teenagers too.
I wouldn't give my Pilot up for anything
Sivilay Thiphakhinke, 12/01/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Pilot for over a year now and it still runs as well as it did when I first bought. I love the way it handles. The AWD is great and it makes me feel so much safer. I've driven other SUVs and the Pilot is by far, my favorite. My niece even went out to get herself one after taking mine out for a test drive.
20005 Honda Pilot
Pat Howell, 12/03/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I find the Honda Pilot to be an excellent quality vehicle. It's interior design gives the driver and passengers exceptional comfort and room. It is a true eight passenger vehicle and affords comfort for all even when loaded to capacity. The Honda Pilot handles well both around town and on the highway. One only needs to sit in the vehicle and close the door to experience the solid workmanship.
Great Car!!
thrilled owner, 12/04/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Pilot for almost 6 months now and I love it!! The storage is great...drink holders for everyone too! The seat warmers are great. Has great "get up and go" and very easy to handle when driving. Smooth and quiet. I absolutely love my car and am so glad I have it!!
Maine Pilot lover
John T, 12/17/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have now had our Pilot for one year. Its been a pleasure to own and drive. We have taken a couple of long trips (Maine to Ohio and back, Maine to PA and back) and have always exceeded the EPA highway mileage of 22 mpg. We get 18 city and 24 highway.
great SUV
Lori, 12/19/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Going from a 91 civic to this of course was a huge step up. This is a great SUV. It took everything we gave it on the test drive, went over 90 mph and took it semi-off road, for a non- off road SUV, it did pretty good. The heated seats are great. But i love most that you can feel the power behind it. Some SUV's i tested couldnt get out of their own way.
Honda pilot, solid and reliable
JP Madden, 01/14/2006
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Before buying we had test driven and seriously looked at the Toyota Highlander as an alternative. The Honda won out mainly because of the "Value for money" with the extras. The stereo with 6 in dash CD, the climate control, the leather. All of which were add-ons with the toyota unless you got the limited option. in the end we have had no regrets at all. One key difference is that the highlander is full time 4x4, pilot is a full time front wheel drive with 4x4 coming in when traction requires or in low gear and selected on. It sounds like a lesser option but believe me when you are in the highway you don't want to waste fuel econ. on 4x4. when you do need traction its there in spades!
I Love My Honda Pilot
kailove, 01/15/2006
2005 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 05 Pilot to replace my two door Toyoya Solara, and I could not be happier. The SUV gives me the room and storage that me and my son need on a daily basis. The ride is smooth and I have never had an issue with it.I can haul a stroller and gorceries with no problems. I have driven it out of town a couple of times and it is a great road trip!!!
I Love My Pilot
Julie, 01/31/2006
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is by far the best vehicle i have ever owned. Very safe and very reliable and so much fun to drive i love my pilot
Great Choice
tcp27705, 02/13/2006
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Honda Pilot was a great choice for my family. It has seating for 8 for those occasions when you have a big group to haul around and just a little stuff. The rest of the time it has a ton of storage space for luggage, toys, groceries, or whatever you need to have in the car along with 5 people. The back seat (2nd row) is wide enough for 2 kids in car seats plus an adult to sit between them. Try that in an Accord or any other mid-size sedan. Or even in a Highlander. Good luck squeezing in. That's not a problem in a Pilot. We have averaged 18 MPG overall. Usually 16-17 around town, 20-22 on the highway.
05 Pilot
C Moore, 02/15/2006
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall excellent, this is my first Honda purchased after reviewing serveral web sites and looking at four other SUVs. Honda won out based on overall features and price.
My opinion!
LARRY, 03/08/2006
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Needs a more distinct look from the CR-V.
Take Me to Your Pilot
Bruce Epley, 05/25/2006
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have only taken one major trip with my new Pilot since purchasing it in January, but really enjoyed the feel and comfort, as well as the handling. Coming from a Transport minivan, I'm giving up a bit of room, but feel much safer on the road. Got just a little higher than 20 mpg packed to the gills with moving my daughter home from college.
Honda Fan
Mark Zehnpfenng, 05/27/2006
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Pilot is the best vehicle we have owned. It drives great, has all the features we need and has rock solid reliability.
Solid and comfotable
Keith, 07/15/2006
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We are very satisfied with our Pilot. It is a solid vehicle, the gas mileage is good. We recently took 5 adults on a trip with luggage and were all comfortable.
One of the Best
Kenny Dodson, 12/05/2006
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been one one the best vehicles I have ever owned( strike that.... It is THE best) I traded in my Lexus RX300 because I needed a larger vehicle ( my son made the family number 5 and the Lexus just became too small). I was kind of second guessing myself at the beginning thinking I should have stayed with another, larger Lexus( but the price was astronomical for the Lexus 450) so I finally decided on the Honda Pilot. Man, after owning this car for a year and a half, this was only a lease but at the end of this lease option I am definitely keeping this car in the family. Comfort, size, safety and driving stability all makes this car a must have.
Great SUV
boris, 01/06/2007
2005 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is second Pilot I have. It suits me perfectly. Plenty of space in a front (I call it my second office). I need to put seats down and up quite often - its easy and convenient and creates plenty of flat space. Occasionally we use 3rd row - access is not great, but doable.
Awesome midsize SUV
PilotN In Richmond, 01/14/2007
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just recently purchased my gentle used Pilot and been enjoying it ever since. Had a little over 16k miles and seem brand new. Very tight construction. Much better mileage than you would expect for it's size. Very spacious, storage galore. Firm but comfortable ride. Quiet cabin and even still with windows open, impressive. Awesome engine and 5 speed. Silky smooth running. Typical Honda quality aplenty.
A Great Midsize SUV
Very Good SUV, 02/07/2007
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Pilot is an awesome midsize SUV. Although built like a car, it's very sturdy, solid feeling. Very refined. Strong engine power w/smooth transmission. Gas mileage is very good if you don't gun the throttle. With 5 people (some large sizes included) and some light gear, I've managed to get 21.4 on a 360 mile round trip doing speeds up to 80 mpg. Very good for its size indeed. Quiet on the go. Super visibility and comfort to spare. Good handling with firm but comfortable ride. You should definitely check out the Pilot if in the market for midsize SUV. Glad this one is mine.
Love this vehicle
Jim D, 02/24/2007
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had zero problems with my Honda Pilot EX - I love it. I feel like I'm driving a luxury vehicle. This SUV is fast. This SUV is the perfect size for a family with two kids. Many people who ride in it can't believe how smooth and quiet it is. There's almost no wind noise when driving on the highway. The AWD system works great. Can't say enough good things about this vehicle.
What am I missing?
threeputt, 03/24/2007
2005 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I should have posted this sooner. My wife and leased our '05 Pilot in September of '05. The dealer drove it himself and put 5k miles on it. The seats are uncomfortable. Spongy braking, hiccuppy acceleration, upper body roll, poor sound and a noisy interior. On the positive side, good turn radius, good build(lousy seat belts) quality. Based upon what I've read from others, this vehicle is overrated. Never, and I repeat never, let your wife tell a Honda order taker that she absolutely loves it. They will never back off on price. I'm on the hook for another year. Then, he lease is UP!!!!!
Very Uncomfortable Leather Seats Design
Hal, 04/23/2007
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall quality car except bad front leather seats and headrests that are totally uncomfortable. Bad design! Gas miles are as good as claimed.
Great for the size
disneymaniac, 06/30/2007
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great on gas and easy to control. Never have to worry about finding a parking space large enough. Has a very good pick up for getting on freeways. Great resale value.
2005 Honda Pilot Review
Joanne Goodale, 07/15/2007
2005 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love driving this Pilot. We've have taken it on several road trips and have found it extremely comfortable with plenty of room for luggage. Also, the 3rd row seat has come in handy many times. You can split the second and third row seats which is offers different options for passengers and baggage. The turning radius is better than my volvo's.
2005 Pilot EX
Marty, 05/27/2007
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Pilot has been everything I would expect in an SUV. Only two problems typical of this model. Rough ride on rough road surface. Rear roof air deflector collects ice and breaks when hatch is opened unless ice is cleared first.
Out of control Pilot
JD, 03/10/2008
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Pilot EX for almost three years. Overall I've been very happy with it but I've had two unexpected problems within the past couple months. The starter died and was luckily covered by Honda of America and most recently when I was driving on the interstate doing around 50MPH on dry pavement, the vehicle lost control after I switched lanes to avoid a car that cut in front of me. This resulted in a crash off the road. I have no idea what caused this crash. Maybe ESC would have prevented this incident. The vehicle didn't roll and unfortunately it wasn't a total loss. Once a car is taken apart, it's never the same.
Love the Pilot!
JD, 12/06/2007
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had the Pilot EX for just over two years and it's the perfect vehicle for a family with two kids and their stuff. Everyone who rides in the Pilot can't believe how smooth and quiet the ride is. The Pilot is also fast. I don't "get on it" that often but it really moves when it has to. I have 42K on the clock and it's been super reliable. The size of this SUV can feel a little clunky around town and the highway ride is great.
Very Pleased
donl, 04/02/2008
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have driven vehicle off road and in snow without incident. Very comfortable for me whereas most cars bother my back driving for extended periods. Mileage as advertised. First vehicle owned that required absolutely no warranty work.
Great SUV !!
Joe, 04/20/2008
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been the best SUV experience. Only maintenance has been oil changes and service agreement maintenance. Runs like a top. Exterior and interior looks are average but engine and roominess make up for it. Can't beat the Honda workmanship!!
So far so good...
chadbo, 05/14/2008
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We generally keep our cars for at least ten years. We're hoping the Pilot continues the streak. So far the it's been a pleasure. It's our road trip vehicle, our hauling' vehicle, and our dirt road vehicle. To this point it's performed well in nearly every area.
Great car!
BH, 06/28/2018
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Exceptional vehicle. We bought it new. It has performed very well. Only issue is fan motor for A/C and heat, It begin vibrating at high speed about 7 years ago. So we run it on low speed. Everything else has been good.
- Performance
Very reliable vehicle!
looney2ns, 09/04/2022
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've always really liked the way this car handled everything. Driving, hauling people, and cargo. 141,000 miles and going strong!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great purchase...
Arthur, 01/06/2023
updated 01/08/2025
2005 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love driving....
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great vehicle
Brian, 01/07/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I would buy it again, no buyers remorse at all. My main complaint is that Honda still does not make an SUV as good looking as the domestics.
Honda pilot review by Alan Taylor.
alan taylor, 07/10/2005
2005 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I checked just about every vehicle in this class. I ended up with the Pilot because it has room, good gas mileage, is well appointed inside and looks great. Faults are that the seat adjustment is primitive and the A/C needs constant adjustment for comfort. Also the second row of seats does not lie flat. It has a 4 ft width inside which is great for a sheet of plywood. I sometimes need to do this. I would prefer that the tailgate lie flat which it does not. Neither does any other car. Ride is smooth unlike some SUVs which are choppy. I added leather.
change window washer and gear shift
teeny, 11/18/2004
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love love love my pie in the sky. But everytime I try to put it in gear I accidentally turn on the wipers because their so close and similiar. Also I would love to see Honda sell some beautilful colors in their car line. I'm use to american muscle cars and love the brighter and hotter colors.
Honda Winner
Ron, 03/18/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
An all around outstanding SUV. Looked at several other SUVs ranging from the domestics and so-called hi-end european models. The Pilot won hands down for my wife and myself. It has a wonderful balance of performance and luxury with an emphasis on relaibility. We also own a Honda CR-V and rely heavily upon it's reliability and durability.
Reliable Vehicle
Cheryl Hontz, 12/19/2005
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Is a dependable, well-built vehicle. Can feel the safety in driving the car. Is a heavy vehicle and feels like it can sustain the normal fender-benders. Very comfortable to drive, good pick-up and driver control. Turning radius better than expected. Would recommend to others.
Great....but the Buzzing will kill me!
Justin, 04/19/2006
2005 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My wife and I are fairly happy with our Pilot. We have 25k miles on it now and still doing well. Great get up and go and good simple luxury items. My only problem is the buzzing that seems to come from the entire dash no matter which road I'm on. I am going to have a 2nd dealer look at it, but no improvement so far. I push on the plastic dash in many different areas and it stops for 30 seconds or so... then it starts right back up. Only option is to open the windows or turn up the stereo! I have a 1996 Corolla with 206k miles on it and still no buzzing!