2005 Honda Pilot Review
2005 Honda Pilot Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy interior with eight-passenger seating, versatile storage and cargo-hauling abilities, many standard features, comfortable ride, smooth power delivery.
Cons
- Mediocre towing capacity, side curtain airbags not available, feels big behind the wheel.
What’s new
The 2005 Honda Pilot receives a new 255-hp engine, along with numerous functional changes. A tire-pressure monitoring system has been added, and EX models with leather get vehicle stability control. Slightly increased fuel capacity helps extend driving range, and a revised power steering pump provides improved on-center steering feel. Inside the cabin, the instrument panel has been tweaked with ambient lighting and a six-disc CD changer for all EX trims. A driver footrest has been added, and leather-upholstered EX models can now be had with a sunroof. The LX now has standard keyless entry, and all models get an integrated remote key and fob. Honda has made slight frame changes this year that resulted in improved IIHS crash test ratings.
Edmunds says
One of the best crossover SUVs available, the 2005 Honda Pilot is an excellent choice for large, active families in need of versatility.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.32 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$241/mo
Pilot EX
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Honda Pilot.
5 star(78%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(1%)
396 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
I love my Pilot, even at 187,000 miles!
hampton6410, 08/20/2012
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
We bought our Pilot used in 2009 and now even at 187,000 miles it still drives just as good.
We have not had any major issues and only do the Honda recommended maintenance.
We do change the oil at 3000 mile intervals, not 5,000.
The Pilot has been a great car overall.
The only thing that I wish was better was the gas mileage.
We have also owned two CRV's and currently own a 2005 Accord, … and all have been great.
We have had no major issues even with our 2003 CRV with 197,000 miles that we just traded in on the Accord.
5 out of 5 stars
10 year old Honda Pilot...strong vehicle.
Chris Williamson, 06/16/2016
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I've always wanted an SUV. Dreamt of driving a Ford Explorer. Then I came across this Honda Pilot at the dealership's used lot. It had one adult owner and meticulous records, taken in for oil changes, maintenance, and repair like clockwork. So it was in great condition and it showed. I've now been driving it for a few months and I love it! It has 3 rows of seats in case I need to haul … people, but those fold down to create a lot of cargo space if I need to haul equipment. It's a 2005 so of course I upgraded the stereo (had a tape player lol). The speakers are next. the starter went out as did the AC. The starter was a pain to fix but I did it myself. The AC I haven't taken in yet. Hopefully it doesn't cost too much. Overall a great ride!
5 out of 5 stars
Great even after 250k miles!
Luke E., 01/31/2019
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Perhaps the number one problem consumers have with this car (based on reviews and word-of-mouth) is that the radiators fail. This is common for this year of Pilot in particular, and involves the intra-radiator transmission cooler fittings failing and mixing fluids. Antifreeze is really horrible on automatic transmission clutch packs and burns them out quickly (when, not if), leaving you … with a time bomb of a vehicle. Fortunately (though I didn't think it was fortunate when reading the Carfax!), my Pilot was involved in an front-end collision when it was nearly new, resulting in a new unit being installed and removing the radiator that was part of the "bad batch." I have since bypassed the radiator cooler with an external unit (and temp gauge for good measure) and have had no issues (the pan temp remains below 160 at all times). This was because the current "replacement" radiator has over 200,000 miles on it and I didn't want to take any chances on the fittings failing again. However, if you own this vintage of Pilot, I would recommend you either replace the radiator or bypass it with an aftermarket transmission cooler ASAP. Most of the bigger RV-rated air coolers are more than sufficient. As for other maintenance items, I do all my own work so the following list of replacements should be taken with a grain of salt and do not consider labor costs. So far, I have replaced the alternator, both manifold pre-catalytic converters (the rear bank was a particular PITA), the ground strap, had to seal the fender grommets (was leaking into the cabin), replace exhaust rubber hangers, and do a valve adjustment. Everything else was standard maintenance including two timing belts, batteries, tires, spark plugs, fluid changes, etc. I would not trade this Pilot for the world. My only gripe is that it does not have side curtain airbags; it only has front side airbags. However, I knew this when I bought the vehicle. It has been flawless thus far with regular fluid changes, and I wouldn't give up my car for anything. The drivetrain is strong enough that it will last to 400k. The interior is spartan (to be generous), but I love my Pilot!
5 out of 5 stars
Powerfull fun car!
Pilotman08, 03/01/2017
2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
My 2005 pilot has 205,500 miles on it currently sitting. We take it all over Colorado. I am a college student with a 2 hour commute each day and this car just makes it so enjoyable. The ride is excellent. It’s very smooth (luxury car smooth) and it’s got a weighty feel to the ride making it feel very secure and planted on the road. Road and wind noise is pretty good in terms of being … quiet, but it could be a little better. Steering is moderately heavy not super light or too heavy, adds to the planted feel. Braking is not the best given it’s 4500 pounds, so be prepared to replace brake pads quite often along with tires. The engine is probably the best part of the driving experience, it’s got a ton of character. Driving the pilot around town, it’s got a strong acceleration feel off the line and the gas pedal is a little too sensitive at first (easy to get used to) so it feels quite fast. Easy to beat people from a red light to merge or change lanes. Floor it and the engine sounds way to good after you cross vtec. People say the engine lacks low end torque, but I think this car has lots of torque. Floor it from a stop and the steering wheel jerks to the right (and it’s 4wd), it’s just a side effect of a really really peppy engine. Mine at 204k beat my friends 2004 cayenne v6 in a race time and time again, so it’s saying something there (even though the v6 cayennes are basically a v6 Touareg). Highway merging and passing are extremely easy with this engine and confidence inspiring. Visibility both forward backwards and also out the sides is excellent and confidence inspiring. Interior is free of rattles or creaks and each and every part is still fit in place like it’s new. No scratches on any interior panel either. Seats look brand new and are sort of firm, but extremely supportive And way to comfy (excellent bolstering and grip). It makes me sleepy sometimes lol. Interior is all hard plastic minus where you keep your elbows, but the plastic doesn’t feel cheap and hollow, and the interior feels quite nice for the price. In the 200k+ miles that I’ve owned this car, the only issues were the ac going out at 130k and replacing brake pads and tires way to often. Recently my motor mount wore off but that’s just going to happen on each and every car. Transmission is still holding up as we speak and I continue to beat the crap out of this car (random full throttle accelerations, racing friends, fast turns, and hard braking) so it’s probably the reason why my tires and brakes wear out so often, but this drivetrain was meant to be beat on! The car loves to rev and the engine and transmission are holding up extremely well for my style of driving (I give it 25% throttle at every stop light) for the last 4 years. Oh forgot to mention that the cargo room is absolutely massive. With the third row seats up it’s a little tight and the third row itself is cramped and best suited for small adults or kids but with the seats down and even the second row seats down you can practically sleep in it without your feet touching the tailgate. I RECOMMEND THIS CAR HIGHLY FOR ANYONE WHOS LOOKING FOR A DECENTLY FUN TO DRIVE, COMFORTABLE, AND PRACTICAL CAR THATS EXTREMELY RELIABLE AND WITH A VERY PEPPY ENGINE
2005 Pilot Highlights
LX
| Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
|---|---|
| Cost to Drive | $241/month |
| Seating | 8 seats |
| Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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More about the 2005 Honda Pilot
Used 2005 Honda Pilot Overview
The Used 2005 Honda Pilot is offered in the following submodels: Pilot SUV. Available styles include EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A), EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A), EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A), EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 5A), and LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A). Pre-owned Honda Pilot models are available with a 3.5 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 255 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2005 Honda Pilot comes with four wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2005 Honda Pilot?
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Should I lease or buy a 2005 Honda Pilot?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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