Used 2006 Honda Pilot Consumer Reviews
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2006 AWD Pilot
We purchased our 2006 Pilot in November of '05, so we only have 2,000 miles on it. That said, we really like the Pilot. The ride is very smooth for a SUV and the features you get for the money are great. The build quality of our Pilot is excellent, the materials used are all nice, and our previous experience with Honda cars & vans has been good too. We wish the mileage was a little better, but we like the quick acceleration so we live with the trade off. The in dash XM radio is another favorite feature. AWD system works well in snow. Our insurance jumped up $35 a month compared to the Honda Odyssey we traded-in so check your insurance costs before you buy. Overall, a great SUV!
Excellent...!!!!!!! Value for the Money
Excellent vehicle, Value for your money. Cheaper than other competitors with navigation. Got the Pilot with Navigation. Excellent vehicle. Good control and having comfortable seating for 5 adults and in Third row kids can sit. Navigation is the coolest feature. Very helpful when driving during detour roads.
- EX-L 4dr SUV w/Rear EntertainmentMSRP: $4,19940 mi away
- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,50050 mi away
- EX-L 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,99090 mi away
06 Pilot LX
This is a review of a ten day old Pilot LX with 500+ miles driven. (Previous car was a 00 Accord LX-V6). Overall smooth power delivery and transmission shifts. The ride is generally pleasant with some road noise. On rougher roads, there were some low pitch rattle from behind the driver seat (or may be behind the second row.) Driving position is good with supportive seat. Controls are accessible and intuitive. On the first 2 tanks of gas, I am averaging about 21mpg with 80% highway (sometime congested) driving. Versatility is excellent with easy steps to different seating configurations. Overall, this SUV has most features I want and presents a good value.
Love the car - will only buy Honda/Acura
Great SUV! Traded in a 2001 CL type S for the Pilot. Plenty of room, great ergonomics, fun to drive. Has plenty of storage areas, and the dash is easy on the eyes. Not cluttered like other cars. Would reccomend this car to anyone!
What a Great Ride!!!!!!!!
So far so good I've had the Pilot for three weeks. It's awesome!
great build, good interior details
great car... I wish i had waited to buy it... seeing all the recent incentives out on SUVs. only have about 7000 miles on it now... so far .. we would definitely buy it again
Great vehicle.
I wanted a vehicle that would comfortably seat 4 adults and still have room for 4 golfbags and luggage for a long weekend. The Pilot meets all my needs. Golfbags fit easily, even between the wheel wells. The ride is very comfortable. Owned it just 3 days so far. I do have a defect in the radio LCD display. If you buy one, make sure you look at the radio with your sunglasses on. There is a defect in a polarization layer on some radio displays. Other than the radio display, it's perfect.
Good Mountain Car
This is a great all around SUV for hikers and skiers. We bought it to replace a very unreliable Lincoln Navigator and haven't been disappointed. It is very capable in the ice and snow; even with the stock Bridgestone Dueller HT tires (I can't wait to put a set of Cross-Terrains on it). It seats five comfortably, with plenty of cargo room. The third row seat really is only suitable for kids. Performance is adequate. Gas mileage could be better, although it isn't all that bad for an AWD. It will tow a light trailer or boat to the mountains or the beach. Our biggest complaint is with the seats. They just aren't very comfortable during long (over four hours)trips.
Awesome
After much research we decided to move from a CR-V to a Pilot. It is awsome. Rides like a car! We have had other SUVs and non have the ride of the Pilot.
Quality Over Flash
Owned this car a little over a month. Definitly put it through its paces-- logged over 1700 miles, highway, city, unpaved roads (my driveway), washed over roads, dry pavement, rain, snow, slush, ice. I've hauled my two year old to daycare, teenager to band practice, the whole family on a trip. Drove a few 200 mile trips for my job. I've had to park it in tight spots and inadequately plowed lots. In all these situations, it has performed without trouble. From a practical standpoint, I would highly recommend it.
I love this vehicle!!!
I just picked up my Pilot on 8/3/06. I was driving a Chevy Tracker 01 before this and WOW what a change. It is so nice to drive a car that does not feel like it is going to fall apart when using the air conditioning and keeping with traffic on the highways. While driving the Pilot, I feel very safe as well as comfortable. I love it!!
Chick Truck
Wifee wanted it, I did the research, price was right, I got it. Pilot had a few non-mechanical problems on delivery that the dealer quickly fix. This is our first Honda and first "truck" and we are concerned about the number of internal squeaks. Considered the MDX and Toureag but could not justify the additional $10K that these vechicles would have cost. For now, she likes it, I can live with it.
Nice car, poor gas mileage
I like the Pilot very much--it is quiet, tight and fun to drive, but the mileage I am getting is way under what Honda publishes. I have had the car for about 6 weeks now and I am averaging about 14 miles a gallon!!! I am not a "lead foot" kind of driver. I averaged 18 mpg in my last car, a 2000 Ford Windstar (which is not known for great mileage). When I complained to the dealership, I was told that many Pilot buyers had similar complaints. Had I known the mileage was this low, I would have considered another vehicle.
We love it!!!!!!!!!!!
We traded our 03 Pilot EXL for an 06 EXL with DVD. The Pilot has definitely improved and we were extremely satisfied with our 03! More standard features now offered (sunroof, heated seats, 6 disc in-dash CD, etc.). The drive is better than ever and the improved interior cosmetic changes (dash light color - never liked the green!, leather surfaces, improved A/C vents, etc.) are welcomed changes, in my opinion. If you have/had any drving experiences with previous Pilots, you'll definitely like the 06. Would still like to see memory seats, back glass windshield open separate from the tailgate, lighted steering wheel controls, and 17 inch wheels (still looks top heavy with 16's).
A Good Family Midsize SUV
This SUV is very comfortable to drive. Leather seats are comfortable and supportive. Mileage is good for an SUV. The controls are logical and easy to operate. I like that the third row option folds flat on the floor. I bought the FWD because I never go offroad and mileage is slighly better than the 4WD. But during recent rainy weather the front wheels slipped frequently during initial acceleration. For safety reasons only I wish I had purchased the AWD.
Honda Pilot
My Pilot and the selling dealer have been a wonderful experience. I now have 8,000 miles and everything still works! I am building confidence that this trend will continue. I like a car that stands out from the rest and with the extra Honda dress-up options available, I have been able to do just that. I also added 3-M's chrome wheel-well moldings and a chrome body side accent which was not only easy to install but really gets some double takes. I love fold down second row seating which doesn't require the front seats to be moved forward for clearance. Wake-up GM!
Honda Pilot is Nice
I am really impressed with the 2006 Honda Pilot we bought. I think it drives great and is safer than most vehicles in its class. I might be converted to buying foreign cars now!!
Good work Honda!
If you are considering a larger SUV, Honda Pilot is a great vehicle. Lots of power. Commanding view of the road. Gas mileage isn't too bad at 21-25. I have no complaints. I did my research on this vehicle and there is not one thing I would change. Great reliable tough family vehicle. I live in Chicago and have experienced all seasons and the Pilot is safe year round. Lots of room and storage. Plenty of cup holders. If you are considering this vehicle, go drive one. You will like.
Impressive SUV
I was shopping for Honda CRV but could not resist leasing this SUV. Roomy interior, well layout of equipment. Very comfortable and smooth driving. The navigation system is very impressive. I can't think of any feature that is missing form the navigation system. Rear camera is very convenient, which is included with the navigation system option. Large cargo space. Although comes with seven speakerm sound quality is not that great. I wish they include Bouise radio system as Nissan Murano. The SUV is overpriced, compared with other mid-size SUV. Also, little more expensive than Honda Odyseey. Honda almost included all features with this SUV, including XM radio with three months.
Happy.. so far
I reseached my purchase for several months. I am a previous Jeep GC and MB ML320 owner and current Odyssey owner. I am very happy with the style, comfort, finish or the truck. Plenty of room, power and refinement. I purchased an EXL for a great price with the current incentives. No regrets after 3000 miles.
Honda rocks
I wanted an SUV that was going to be fun to drive,and spacious. Honda is the one brand all the other manufactures use as a benchmark. That opened my eyes. If all the other guys want to talk about Honda it must be that good!! And it is. Thank you Honda...
Mixed feelings about this Vehicle
Plus points: Very comfortable ride, smooth acceleration. Good navigation system.
Atrocious Gas Mileage (13 - 15 City)
Overall we are a little disappointed with our Honda Pilot EX=L. This is our first Japanese vehicle - recently converting from domestic vehicles due to excessive ongoing maintenance costs, and being persuaded by the constant rave reviews of Japanese cars by the Motoring media. Gas mileage is not even close to what they claim - even with variable cylinder management. The transmission cannot handle city driving - making it necessary to drive around in 3rd gear unless on the highway. Also, ride is not that great - very truck like. On a positive note, the fit and finish is pretty good (although we did have a broken grab handle on delivery)and the interior is spacious and comfortable.
Needs Better Paint
I love my Honda Pilot, but not happy with the PAINT job. The paint on the bumper started coming off in less than a month after we bought it. I have noticed little chips in the paint along with little dings. The pilot drives very smooth, more like a car, and very roomy inside.
Think before you buy
Overall a very good SUV. My major complaint is the poor legroom. Honda put a 3rd seat in the back, and the front legroom was shortened. I am tall, and can't come close to stretching out my legs on either the drivers or passenger side. A long trip would be a strain. This car is for my Wife, and she fits fine. There are also air leaks around the doors, and the inside is noisy. It will go back to the dealer soon for repair.
best suv ever by far
This is a Honda product! This means that the reliability is the best, the value is great and performance is the top of the line. This SUV drives like a car and carries up to 8 passengers, safety is 100%!! So Great!!!
Excellent vehicle
I took one look at the workmanship in a 2006 Toyota Highlander and it didn't compare to the excellent workmanship in the Pilot.
Quality makes for good purchases
Overall very comfortable ride. Great on long trips. Gas mileage not bad and almost lives up to the reviews within a mile or two.
Nice Car
I was very reticent to purchase an SUV largely as a result of the fuel economy I would lose by trading in my 2005 Accord (Which I loved!). I was of course correct in this regard however I love the Pilot. I do however get around 17 or 18 mpg which is not too bad considering the size of this vehicle. I would have to agree with previous posters that the wiper lever is too close to the shifter and I have even grabbed it by accident when trying to put the car in reverse. Overall a very nice vehicle for those looking for the size offered by an SUV and the comfort and performance of a Sedan.
Super Bargain SUV
I had been considering smaller SUVs (CRV, RAV-4, CX-7) when I dicovered Honda was selling Pilots at the same price of these lesser vehicles. Hello! With almost $7,000 off of MSRP, this was an easy decision. I'm a city boy so the FWD-only option was attractive. Honda builds great cars, this is one more example.
Love it!
I have owned a 2003 Accord EX, 2000 and 2005 Civic EX, and a 2004 Odyssey- so you can say that I like to trade cars a lot. I have 2 kids, 2 labs, and a husband- we can all fit in the pilot! My husband has driven it several times, pulling his trailer/4-wheeler and it does great. We think the towing capability rocks. (and he has a full size, 4x4 truck!) Absolutely love the XM radio and it rides so smooth. Needless to say, I have found a vehicle I will keep for a long time! At least, until they come out with a new model of Pilot! Fun to drive and worth the money.
Typical Honda quality
I had to add a trailer hitch by the dealer (I needed it to tow my 2005 Goldwing) and I had to buy a real spare tire (I will buy a better quality of tire when I replace these Goodyears) and rear mud flaps. With that said, it is an outstanding running car. Most of the time it is in the eco mode (3 cyclinders). The visibility is outstanding (it is my wife's car). The GPS is great and so is the XM stations. I miss the automatic seat adjustments that my Acura has. Honda could add a few little items that would make their customers happier without stepping on their Acura brand
Great change
I traded in my Lexus for the Pilot. I love the Pilot more. It drives like a car, I feel safer, sit higher and have been extremely satisfied. It is a nice size and don't feel overwhelmed with too much car.......the best move I made.
It's a Honda
The only thing I can find wrong with my Pilot is the placement of the windshield wiper lever in relationship to the shift lever. It is comfortable & fun to drive and I am very happy with my choice. I show off my Pilot every place I go to anyone whos interested
Great Midsize SUV
Approaching 10K, so far not disappointed at all. Runs solid, fun to drive, does not feel very big vehicle but roomy inside. Getting better gas mileage on highway with speed between 60-70 mph. Using full synthetic Mobil 1 oil may be helpful. AC makes some noise when turned on after not using AC for few days! Makes minor clunk noise going up driveway. Will write review every 10K.
So Far So Good
Leased in June 2006. So far so good. Very reliable. Only oil change maintenance. No major problems or repair work. Except for a bad back speaker that the service dept said there was nothing wrong with...it still isn't fixed. Currently deciding if I should purchase after lease ends July 2009.
Like it, but...
I have always been a big Honda fan. This is number 3 for our family. However, I have to say that the quality does seem to have gone. I have numerous rattles and noises, and this very annoying window chuffing sound when I drive in windy conditions. I like many of the features, particularly the safety features, and it sure beats my '05 Dodge Grand Caravan. However, I am a bit disappointed in the little things such as the rattles...I doubt the dealer will do much about it...no money to be made in doing so.
turbo
vehicle is fun to drive and easy to handle on any type of road conditions. pilot is roomy and perfect for my family.
Top of the line SUV
Great vehicle. Gives comfort a whole new name. I've always driven compact cars before this purchase. I had no idea what I was missing. It will be so great not to have to rent a traveling car for our next trip. The DVD system should keep the kids quiet! This SUV is well worth the price. You can't beat a Honda. This is going to be my car for a long time.
love my pilot
After much research into mid-sized suv, decided upon pilot over toyota highlander. We absolutely love the ride and quality of the vehicle. The mileage was not as good as we hoped but much better than the 12 mpg we were getting from our Expedition. We get 16 around town and 18-19 on the hwy. The kids love the rear entertainment center. We bought our accessories online and saved a bundle. If you get running boards go with the tubular steal ones vs. the plastic. The plastic ones are not well supported in the rear where the rear passengers get out. We have not tried it on the beach yet and honestly we are worried about getting stuck. Any advise? Great SUV!
Outstanding SUV
This is a great SUV. Really roomy, comfortable and the interior setup is intiutive and well-placed. If you've got at least one child, there's more then enough room for strollers, carseats and plenty of luggage. The Pilot is a dream on long trips, and my wife can relax watching movies in the back seat with our son.
Great Car
I am no car enthusiast by any stretch. I am one of those people who drive a car forever just to get one place to the next. This car is great! It feels very steady. The ride is quite and nimble. The roominess is excellent.
Great SUV but LOUSY mileage
I love my Pilot but the mileage is the PITS (thank God, I don't drive far to work). Also, when driving you hear a lot of road noise-this was disappointing as I thought it would have been more sound proof. The doors slam solid shut, but if the window is down and you close the door, it almost rattles. One other thing I don't like is when you wind the window down in the am, the dew drips into the car and onto the handle where the window controls are. Makes me concerned that there will eventually be water damage there. I bought a window guard. Other than these gripes, I love driving this vehicle. It feels very solid on the road.
Awesome SUV
I looked at them all - Pathfinder, 4 runner, Commander, MDX, Volvo and even a BMW X3. Couldn't see the difference in the SUV's 10K more?? The X3 had a tighter ride but being 6'3" the back seat on the Bimmer was not usable for an adult. The Pilot has great room in front and rear. The third row is for twelve year olds and younger. Great ride, great fit, XM is really cool, can't say anything negative about it. Alot of SUV for the money.
The Best
I just bought my third Pilot. I had an 03 EXL-ENT. I got my wife a new 06 with the DVD for the Kids. They love the 9" DVD screen. I was going to get the Ridgeline, but I got another Pilot EXL (different color):) they are great SUV. Everything in it is well built and functional.
Great vehicle with 3 rows of seats
In July 2006 3 adults and 2 children (ages 10 &12)went from central Texas to Colorado mountains. Very comfortable trip using small section of 3rd row for 1 child, other side down for luggage, etc. Strapped a large soft luggage bag on top for suitcases but created no problem. Have taken a couple of trips over 120 miles one way with 6 adults over 60 yrs old and the 3rd row seat was fine for smaller sized adults although a little awkward for older adults getting in and out. Great vehicle.
Great Vehicle
The only thing that would be nice is better fuel economy. But I understand as this is a big SUV. Love everything about it.
Wow
This is our first new car since 2000. We already have a commuting vehicle (Civic) and needed something with decent hauling capacity and a little more room and comfort to tool around in. Honda Pilot fit the bill. The size, gas mileage, performance, and price all fit perfectly for us. The leather interior is wonderful. The features were right on the money. We were ready to find a nice 05 at a discount but the new interior and exterior styling really pulled us into the 06. Still breaking it in so we haven't pushed the engine but it certainly gets going when it needs to. Already had a chance to use the VSA system (Warning: SUVs are not as nimble as coupes;). Worked like a charm.
Very Happy
Very happy with purchased the Pilot. Went into the dealer thinking we'd prefer a CRV, but after driving the Pilot, are extremely satisfied with our decision to upgrade. Did LOTS of research.
11,000 miles later...
I purchased this vehicle 9/06, and have put 11,000 miles since. I was in the market for an all-weather vehicle that could carry 4 adults plus gear on an all-day road trip in comfort, and the Pilot has performed that role beautifully. Others have complained about road noise, but I have found it quite reasonable on many long days. If this is a concern for you, do a freeway test drive and decide for yourself. The NAV system works pretty well -not perfect, but good (disclaimer - I have NOT read the entire, lengthy manual for it) but sometimes the routing is quirky. I have averaged just under 20 MPG combined.