Used 2005 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A) Consumer Reviews
Used Pilot for sale
I love my Pilot, even at 187,000 miles!
hampton6410, Port Clinton, OH, 08/20/2012
Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
62 of 62 people found this review helpful
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.
Great even after 250k miles!
Luke E., Newark, DE, 01/31/2019
Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
40 of 42 people found this review helpful
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!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2005 Honda Pilot for sale near you
Showing 3 of 72 listings
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,599233 mi away
- EX 4dr SUV w/Leather and Entertainment SystemMSRP: $4,689236 mi away
- EX 4dr SUV w/LeatherMSRP: $4,950244 mi away
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Our Pilot
Piloteer101, Ann Arbor, MI, 01/31/2016
Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
21 of 22 people found this review helpful
After out 2010 Chrysler Town & Country was totaled we found this beauty on the lot. It's pretty to look at, the paint on this thing is AMAZING. We like that the outside looks small, but there's 8 seats. It's really fun and smooth to drive too. Just wish that you could get DVD entertainment along with Navigation at the same time, not sure why that wasn't possible.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not Bad
cupcake617, Uniontown, OH, 01/13/2012
Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Loved my Pilot I traded it in at 95,000 miles never had any trouble with it. Very reliable for us. My biggest complain was the terrible access to the 3rd row seating. The seat moved up no more then 12 inches, once my kids got in the back I couldn't get back to help them buckle up. Also, gas mileage very crummy.
High Quality SUV
Nancy, 07/04/2010
Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/Leather, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I am the 2nd owner of this 2005 EX-L with built in navigation and entertainment system. Got it 2 yrs. ago as I wanted an SUV with excellent visibility and reliability. Honda has not disappointed me as vehicle has both. Only maintenance has been oil changes. I now need new tires at 63k miles-not bad! Gas mileage is not great-I average 18 MPG combined but this is a 6 cyl. so gas mileage is not going to be fantastic. I was thinking of downsizing to get better gas mileage. I looked at many other SUVs and none compared with the Pilot. I don't want to sacrifice comfort and space so I am keeping it. Excellent headroom, spacious interior. Rear a/c great for my dogs! Handles great in snow.