Used 2008 Honda Pilot SUV Consumer Reviews

9 GOOD Years

I write this note after my 2008 Pilot has given me 9 really good years of reliable, safe and comfortable service. Other than routine maintenance, I've had no major or minor service emergencies or repairs for malfunctions in the mechanics of my vehicle. If you're fortunate to purchase a the same model with an owner as anal as myself about maintaining its scheduled maintenance, you can't go wrong. Take care of your Honda and it will take care of you!! U fortunately - my vehicle was totaled in an accident in 2016. I replaced it with (can you guess) yet another Honda Pilot! Same quality and reliability‼️

Almost 160K miles and still going

*Jan 2018 Update: still going strong...nearly 160K miles and still love this SUV. Minor issues such as a few burned out interior button lights. My 15yo daughter starts driving this summer and wants this one but not sure I want to give it up! Bought my SE Pilot in December 2007 with 4 miles on the odometer...and have about 145K miles now. Yes I'm on my 4th set of tires in that time...but it's a heavy truck and I also like having some chunkier tires for the snow and ice in Maryland so those don't have great longetivity. My husband complains about the body roll but I drive this SUV daily and love it. We've done long trips and been comfortable overall, and I can certainly pack plenty of stuff in it, including the dog, when necessary. We've had lots of preventative and routine maintenance done on it to keep it going. A few minor electrical issues, including one time when the rear A/C stopped working, but my husband looked it up and bought a $300 part from the deal to fix it himself. Some of the interior panel lights are out now, so at night I can't see all of the buttons (such as for the A/C or vent controls) but I haven't bothered replacing those, and my front map lights stopped coming on when the doors opened. I know what it will take to replace that...but not sure I want the challenge of it quite yet. Also the very back bass speaker has always been just horrible, but when I read what it would take to replace that...again not sure it's that big of a deal to me. We replaced the brakes a few years ago with some high quality after market ones that have been better than the original brakes. Overall I love driving this truck, it's done great for me in snow and rain, and I'm in no hurry to part with it as long as it keeps driving as well as it does. It has some great acceleration when needed. I've started seeing a check engine light recently, on and off intermittently had the code read at a local auto store for free and it sounds like possibly the catalytic convertor isn't operating as efficiently as it should but since this only happens about once a month (maybe) and doesn't constantly happen I'm just planning on dealing with it for now.

Luxurious Appeal in a Budget-Friendly Package

10 yrs later and this car still shows well, offering a somewhat timeless chiseled, truck-like design. People think my Pilot is much newer than it is. Leather interior is thick and holds up very well. Fake wood-grain trim looks fake, but the two-tone beige and brown interior is classy and up-scale looking. Only downside to this vehicle low fuel mileage (15-16 MPG Avg) and a sense that the vehicle is a tad underpowered. Vehicle has noticeable understeer, but it IS a big heavy truck/SUV so that's usually pretty par for the course. Fit & finish is top notch and has held up well .

Pilot

Bought new has been a GREAT car. I love the panoramic visibility from all directions. We are at 40000 miles and still have original tires with good tread left. My only complaint like other post is the fabric used on the seats, I expected more from Honda. The fabric on my civic which is twice as old looks better. That being said it is a great family hauler for those not wanting to drive a mini van. We plan on keeping it for a long time. I would buy again.

Strong

I have a 2008 Honda Pilot and this car is 200,000 miles and still running perfectly. I’ve been in an accident and I barely got a scratch which makes this the safest car I’ve ever had. The 4 wheel drive is perfect for snow and this SUV is very easy to handle. I 100% will buy again IF the one I have ever breaks down (I’d probably give it another 100,000 miles for a total of 300,000-400,000 miles before it gets close to breaking down)

Great Family Car--Great Value

After owning this great SUV for the last 3 years I just traded it in because we are downsizing. I actually made some equity in tis car which is unheard of with other cars!! Awesome car for a large family, but the mileage per gallon is very low and this SUV gets very thirsty very quickly. Gets very slippery during the rain--even with new tires.

Airbags failed to deploy

I loved my Pilot the whole time I had it. Recently I was involved in a accident where I rear ended a sedan and another SUV rear ended me. myself and the other 5 passengers were all safe, but my airbags failed to deploy; none of them. My radiator was busted, but still no airbags. I filed a complaint with Honda, but have not received a response. The NHTSA is also looking in to the matter. My insurance company told me that I hit above the airbag sensors. I'm no expert on sensors, but rear ended a sedan! My radiator was busted! The only thing I want to know is where were my airbags when I needed them?

Best SUV I have owned

I can't say enough good things about this SUV!! I bought it new 3 years ago and it now has 50,000 miles on it. I have the entertainment system which is great for long trips! The reliability is amazing! I have only had to do regular maintenance on it. It has never been to the repair shop for issues. The only complaint that I have is the fabric on the seats does not wear well at all. I should have splurged for the leather. I will only buy Honda from this point forward!!

Love this truck!

We traded in my 2001 Honda Civic for the Pilot. Like other reviewers, we looked at the MDX, Highlander etc. This was my favorite by far. I love the look of this truck vs a cross over. I feel like I have a presence on the road and I love looking at the car. The interior could be a little more fashionable It is pretty simple but it has plenty of storage space and room for all passengers. We recently had 6 adults in the car for an hour and everyone was comfortable. Comfortable, fun to drive, great leather and XM. Who wouldn't love this vehicle? I see a lot of complaining about the gas mileage. I am getting about 17- 18 mpg in city and 20 mpg if I am on the freeway. Pretty good!

Ok but not up to what I expected

I sold a 4-runner when getting this, and despite it being a Honda, it has been far more problematic than it should be. I'll start with the pros though... Pros: Comfortable seats, roomy, third row, good view out, good power. Cons: Handling is boatlike around corners, road noise is more than I would have wanted, the interior has so many squeaks and rattles that I've given up having it at the dealership to fix them, various delivery defect: tire belt problem, warped rear brake rotor, multiple key FOB problems. I am hoping that the long term reliability outweighs the various downsides.

Four months of Pilot ownership

I bought my 2008 Pilot EX-L with navigation after considering all other SUVs. The most important considerations in selecting it were safety, room for 8 if needed, comfort, and flexibility to go in snow and travel on moderately rough unpaved forest roads. I also wanted a vehicle with driver's compartment space for stowage of essential gear. The navigation system and XM radio have made driving more efficient and travel more enjoyable. Thus far, my Pilot has met all of my expectations. Fuel consumption has been quite reasonable considering vehicle weight. Ride has been very comfortable on 10+ hour trips.

Great Value. Legendary Honda Reliability

This is a fantastic SUV for the average middle class family that wants virtually no service issues or maintenance requirements. Not to mention the 4wd which is good for those times us citi-dwellers need some help in the mud or snow and the 2nd and 3rd row seats fold away.

Road Noise

August 27th, 2008, I took my 2001 4Runner Limited to trade for 2008 Pilot AWD w/entertainment. I need more than five seats and like Pilot appealing. I have a big disappointment, ROAD NOISE! Here is my two cents for potential buyer, test drives on freeway, drive on a road with speed 40 mph or more and try to open back windows. It could break your EARDRUM. I learned how to overcome the road noise by turning on radio as loud as I can take every time I get on freeway.

A great People and Stuff Mover

This is my favorite vehicle to drive. I'm not sure what is different about my Pilot, but I've got plenty of acceleration on demand. So much so, I've caught myself by surprise and squealed the tires while leaving a parking lot. I've never owned a new car before but I came into this expecting Honda reliability and my Pilot has kept up its end of the bargain. The only parts that have needed replacement or adjustment were minor and the dealer replaced them quickly and under warranty. Fuel economy is better than the EPA estimate with 24 average MPG on the interstate, city mileage is worse at 14 average MPG but I live in a city with quite a few hills.

2nd Excellent Pilot

Loved my 2005 pilot so much, that when the 2008 model offered side impact airbags, I bought it. I have been driving Honda pilots now for 5 years and have had absolutely 0 problems. Really. None. Extremely reliable. Roomy. Comfortable. Can see extremely well. If the Windows are down in the back without at least one of the front Windows being open a bit, there is an obnoxious vibrating noise from the back Windows.

Great buy for long term ownership

Built like a tank. Very sturdy. Bought in 2008 , no repairs required yet just routine maintenance. Paint and interior look brand new 8 years later. Great SUV

perfect fit machine

This car was purchased for my wife as she is in sales and travels far, getting caught is bad weather was a constant in the northeast. This SUV never disappointed ever, as I felt she was safe in a Honda. It is still used as my sole vehicles as the weekender, since it seats seven it is the vehicle of choice to go out with family and friends. The entertainment center kept the kids entertained on long trips and the cargo held all shopping, vacation and household projects gear. Proper maintenance, normal wear and tear all expected nothing too costly. My only complaints are road noise inside the vehicle, and now that we are older third row seating is difficult to get in and out of. This was my first Honda and has been a great purchase. I am now looking into another seven passenger vehicle with higher gas mileage(Hybrid?),quieter, and with easier third row access with increased leg room as everyone is now older.

Lots to love about a Pilot

I've owned respectively a Rambler, a Honda Civic, a VW Golf, a Prius, Smart Car, Toyota Yaris and NoW the grand mamoo of all ----the Honda Pilot. What a joy! I feel like a princess and a cowgirl. My dreams of comfort, safety, reliability, and handling have all been met. Probably won't need a husband again! And there's an eco-button which averages around 33 mpg. Does it get better for me than that? Get in and get up up and away. I took a road trip within 2 months of buying it used.

Upholstery the WORST ever

We have the 2008 Honda Pilot with fabric seats. This upholstery is hideous. There is no way to keep it clean and/or stain free and EVERYTHING (even water) causes stains that are next to impossible to remove--even by a professional. We are so disappointed by Honda. We love the car, but each time we get in and have to sit on and look at this nasty upholstery, the loves lessens a bit.

2008 Pilot review

Just purchased a '08 EX-L Pilot with Nav to use as a third car. Car drives really well and will work great as a puppy hauler and road trip car. I typically stay away from Honda's and this is my first in some time. Good cars, but generally far too sterile, uninspired styling, and lacking in performance for my tastes. Zero issues so far and I especially enjoy the leather and back up camera. I have been very unimpressed with Acura/Honda Nav systems so we'll see how this does over time.

2008 Honda Pilot - Expensive vehicle to maintain

I purchased the 2008 Honda Pilot new in Feb 2008. The driving noise is ridiculous as others have mentioned. Only get between 25000 to 30000 miles out of any type of tire. Car now has 150,000 miles on it and it has been maintained by Honda precisely as recommended. Spent over $3000 for large maintenance items in 2014 and now looking at over $4000 in repairs including stuts, bushings, rear main seal, main bearings and engine fan motor. Have had motor mounts repaired at least 3 times and have paid for several intermediate inspections (one in Dec 2015 & one in Jan 2016 because of excessive tire wear) that revealed nothing wrong with struts or bushing and now two months later they both need to be replaced and have ruined another set of tires. Hmmm...maybe it's the dealer's technicians at Clear Lake Honda in Houston? I have never had so many things go wrong on a car.

Best Bang for Your Buck

The 2008 Honda Pilot is a great deal, pricewise (especially with big rebates now) and quality. Honda has had over 5 yrs to work out any bugs from an already solid SUV, so I feel like I own one of the most reliable vehicles on the road. In addition, it has enough pep, is versatile and roomy inside (we love the 60/40 split 3rd row seat for extra passengers when needed without shuffling around the car seats in the second row). It rides like a heavy-feeling, rather sporty car instead of a "floaty" truck- like truck. It’s a Honda with great resale.

Best Midsize SUV

Solid on road handling, easy to learn interior features(like the Navigation sys),lots of room for 8, safety and reliability. Although 16 MPG for city, very efficient on long distant driving. The drive is so comfortable...good job Honda!

The Educated Consumer's SUV!

My wife and our two kids stepped up from a 4cyl 07' accord to the 08' Pilot expecting more kids soon. So the space was perfect. We got out of our lease with 1 1/2 years left on the lease and still got a really great price! The Honda Staff was very accommodating as with our first lease. The truck has great handling for a seasoned driver. And the power is there when I need it. Living in Brooklyn with a family means I need great gas mileage, the ability to modify the seating arrangements with room to spare for a quick trip for groceries, and a great sound system! I love my truck and could not imagine driving any other!

belt noise revisited

Still too early to report on gas mileage. Wrote partial review earlier about belt/pulley noise. Third time was a charm, dealership stepped up and replaced my Pilot. I picked out another EX-L off the lot and started fresh. Great customer service. Much nicer experience. Fun to drive? Come on it's a nice sedate transporter. Hopefully this time it will be Honda quiet and reliable. Like a great minivan without all the room and stereotype.

200000 miles and drives like new

Good Deal

The reason I bought this car for reliability and it has not failed. I used it to haul my tent trailer up down the mountain ranges in British Columbia Canada and it did the job well. Hauling the trailer I got about 20 miles to a imperial gallon at about 70 miles/hr. Handling is reasonable braking is fair, fabricate interior stains easy. Not a lot of negatives other than the cost to purchase it new back in 2008.

13+ years and counting, best SUV I've ever owned

I purchased our 2008 Honda Pilot EX 4WD new in 2008 at the end of the model year and end of body style making it cheaper than a used model. It is the last new car we've purchased and it's been an absolute trooper with three growing kids and the trials of snow-laden Northeastern winters and 90+ degree summers. The exterior has a few small scratches but the paint has held up extremely well for a car that has always been parked outside. The interior still looks close to new due to careful cleaning and detailing twice a year. We've owned quite a few other cars but this one is our trusty steed that just keeps on cranking year after year after year. With only 52K miles on the clock I'm pretty sure it will be running for another decade or two with continued careful maintenance. Few upgrades have included LED low beam bulbs (standard halogens burnt out every year like clockwork) and swapping out the double DIN head unit for one that includes navigation, DVD and Apple Carplay a couple of years ago which has completely refreshed usage of the beast. We also have a 2014 Pilot Touring, purchased used, and while the newer Pilot has taken over daily duties due to more interior space and creature comforts I still turn back to the 2008 model as it has sharper handling, better braking and much better acceleration (with no pesky cylinder deactivation). Gas mileage across the two, despite what you read, is quite comparable if not the same around town with the 2014 perhaps edging 8-10% better highway mileage. One vehicle for all seasons, all conditions, all the marbles? Give me the 2008 Pilot every time!

I wish my wife would let me drive it!

I must say that our Pilot is very nice to drive. Nice comfortable seats, navi, and interior bike mounts make for a great road trip vehicle. I also like the integration of the radio, navi, CD, back-up camera. The wife loves having a commanding view of the road. Some minor issues, wheel noise for one, which seems to ba a common complaint. Also, no MP3/Ipod hook-up.

Gas Guzzler

Not happy with gas mileage she gets 12 in the city and 18 on highway not what I expected from a Honda. Rear sub rattles sounds way to much, been in two others same thing. Seats are impossible to clean. Besides theses issues runs well no problems.

After 3 Years, Still a Great Vehicle

We purchased this car new based primarily on safety and reliability rankings. Haven't had to test safety, but reliability and quality have been excellent.

Favorite Vehicle since '88 CRX

Purchased on Good Friday at a substantial discount (26% to be exact). It is powerful, roomy, has an excellent feature set, and big! The 2006 makeover gave it a rugged look all its own (instead of a larger 1st Gen CR-V). Gas mileage could be better, although, considering it is a 4WD, 17-18 combined city/highway isn't bad. Have slowed down considerably since moving from a Grand Prix to the Pilot, which helps with gas mileage. I'm a pretty big guy and this vehicle fits me very well . . . plenty of headroom, shoulder room, and hip room.

Terrible

2008 Honda Pilot. Very overrated vehicle, especially considering cost,. Heavy low speed steering; adequate power; figgity transmission; plows doesn't handle; mediocre brakes; gas guzzler;terrible stereo system ( good if you like rap- vehicle has a factory sub-woffer ). The following quit before 87,000km.....A/C -$2700 to repair - Honda dealer won't help; brakes $1,100; transmission $1,700; electrical issues $ 500. Honda service very expensive....my previous BMW service was cheaper. When you drive a Mazda, Toyota, or domestic the Pilot feels 30 years older.

Little things bug me

We got this a few years old for the safety factor. The mileage is not great, but it is a big heavy (hopefully safe) vehicle. The cloth seats are TERRIBLE!! They stain with just water on them and NOTHING cleans them. The idle has a vibration sound that just about hurts my head at stop signs, and if you open a rear window on the freeway, it WILL hurt your ears. It is just okay in my book

Overall Satisfied

Had the Pilot since Feb, 2008. Living in Boston, Stop and Go traffic doesn't help the fuel economy. Been in to the deal twice since purchase, wheel alignment and wheel Balance. OEM Bridgestone Tires suck. Overall the car is good, great visibility, comfortable on long trips, Gas mileage is good compared to other same size SUVs. I get around 22-24 MPG on Highway going around 70 mph. Light foot on the gas pedal will help a lot with this car. Black Paint came off muffler after 2 weeks on the road.

Needs improvement

Picked up my new EX-L on Saturday, by Monday the following negative traits were observed in the first fifty miles: Shudders at idle. The transmission and/or engine surges at cruising speed. Road noise is absolutely horrid at highway speeds. My eight-year-old F250 CC 4x4 is quieter. Ditto for handling. The body lean on curves and corners makes this vehicle feel like it is tipping. Even at low speeds. The aforementioned F250, with much greater height, weight, and ground clearance handles better. Suspension allows the front end to "dive" under just moderate braking. Positives: Brakes are excellent. Interior fit and finish are above average. Audio, though outdated no MP3 disc or USB.

Quality over aesthetics

With 4 months and 3,000 miles now logged I feel I can offer some insight. With the Honda nameplate you obviously are getting a quality vehicle. I'm planning on getting 10 years/110,000 miles out of it and then handing down to my son in elementary school for college use. I did lots of research beforehand and wanted the optional 3rd row w/out having a huge vehicle. Bingo! My colleagues piled in for a trip with the 6' 1" guy choosing to sit in the way back. He said he was comfortable...but he didn't look it. They all commented on how much bigger it looked and felt inside than what they thought it would be. I upgraded from a Jeep Gr. Cherokee, and this is hands-down far superior.

Disappointed

Car was great for 70K miles. Since then, transmission, power stearing pump, radiator, car now has 85K miles, time to sell. All maintenance done by dealer. Too expensive to run anymore. I suggest looking at Nissan,

This Honda "doesn't sell itself"

Granted we are on 9 nine years and 127k miles... however, it's been one problem after another (especially with the electric/sensors). We have kept it as up-to-date maintenance-wise as recommended. The catalytic converter even went... the catalytic converter! I grew up with Hondas... this is the last one.

Rattling noise

I have heard this rattling noise for months now. I have even taken it to 2 different Honda Shops and no one claims to hear the noise or even tell me where the noise is coming from.

Do not buy 08' Honda Pilot. 0 STARS

I bought this vehicle at 60,000 miles. At first everything was great. I got up to about 130,000 miles mostly highway. I constantly had to replace BRAKES/ROTORS/CALIPERS. Gets worse. My ATM/ VSA/ BRAKE/ EMERGENCY BRAKE/ ABS are all on the dash. I have replaced all new ABS wheel sensors, new battery terminals, flushed the brake system. So the last thing it could be is a ABS module(which Im not spending another $500-$1,000 on this SUV, i rather scrap it) and I'm highly upset my 4x4 is failing too. Not to mention I had the electrical issues where the dash and the inside lights would go crazy. I no longer have that issue. If your looking for 4x4 don't consider a pilot 4x4 is only engaged under 20mph. STAY AWAY FROM THIS SUV especially USED. Probably wholesale.

I Love my Pilot!!

I upgraded from a 2005 CRV because my lease was up(we also had a baby on the way, and I am not a big fan of the new Pilots), and I could not be happier with this SUV. I am fairly short and with the 8 way power seat,it is very comfortable for me to drive. My biggest complaint is the lack of rear space when the 3rd row is up. It is also hard to get car seats in/out of the 3rd row. My husband would like for it to have a telescoping steering wheel and I wish the SE came standard w/a leather wrapped steering wheel. We will definitely consider buying this one when the lease is up next year.

Good Vehicle

I purchased a 2008 Honda Pilot it was used but certified .....so it is 3 years old its a really nice comfortable vehicle YES the problems with the rear windows down is annoying but whats more annoying is The audio system is EXTREMLY POOR Thats my biggest beef with it . I mean its getting to be nice weather out, You hear a GREAT SONG you wanna put the windows down open the moonroof and CRANK UP THE TUNES its like WTF ?????? YOU CANT HEAR THE SONG !!!! is there like a child proof selection here ????????You turn it up all the way its like damn !!!!!!! ok I am done venting now but other then that good smooth ride !

Dissapointed

Got my 08 pilot and thought I was going to love it like all of the other Honda products I bought in past years. But it turns out, I was pretty disappointed. The suspension is too mushy to tackle anything off-road, I don't know why everyone raves about Honda's interior fit & finish, because the Pilot's is horrible. Also, there is a lot of tire noise and a horrible rattle in the passenger side door.

Great ride

We received our Pilot LX 2WD May 30 after returning our Mazda MPV. I have to say not having a minivan is nice. I don't think we sacrificed anything except indoor parking. The width of the Pilot is about 6 inches wider than our old van was but is a much finer vehicle. Still good for carpool but has the added power needed to accelerate and overtake. On the whole, with all incentives, this was a great purchase. I think it looks nicer than the new 2009.

Best SUV of it's Class

I have owned SUVs from Expeditions to Escapes and this was my third Honda purchase (never disappointed with Hondas). I love this SUV. The exterior is nice, nothing too special but as a family man I don't really care. What matters to me is a great vehicle for me and the family. We have two kids and the problem was taking along their friends. This vehicle is large enough for the family with friends and their stuff. I also drive this daily to work through narrow city streets. It's a pleasure to drive. Good acceleration, great handling and fun to drive.

Best SUV I've ever owned!

I love my Honda Pilot! It's reliable,comfortable,economical,the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Never, ever a moments trouble with this SUV. It's my 3rd Honda. I won't drive anything else. I expect a lot from my vehicle & this SUV delivers and more. Such a smooth ride, great for interstate driving. Handles well on snow and ice.

Very safe - 2nd one

I originally had a 05', but got t-boned at 50 mph and came out without a scratch. Needless to say, excellent in the safety category. I purchased a new 08' and really it's pretty similar. Love all the room, can haul a lot of large teenage boys and baseball equipment around. Cons are you can't have your windows down due to the vibrating noise; road noise could be better; and have a squeak in my dash when the road not perfect. Had it in several times to fix it, they keep telling me they found a pen in the dash. How many can they find in there. Not from me. Would like a iPod jack.

First SUV

We researched and researched some more as we were looking to upgrade from our 2001 Kia Sportage to a family car that had significantly more room and Safety factors. We were also looking for a SUV that already had a track record for Reliability. Everywhere we turned - the Honda Pilot kept popping up in our internet searches. I am not one that enjoys going to the dealership so I found one online at a price I liked! It is a 2008 Honda Pilot 4WD VP model. Wanted to buy new but the prices are too steep. SO I bought it sight unseen through the internet through a dealer that does Home Delivery! We fell in love with all of the features and could not be happier! Will keep this forever!

Still Lovin' Honda

This is now our third Honda and definitely the nicest.The Pilot has amazing interior space, is incredibly comfortable and, like all Hondas, the engineering is superb. I would have liked to have the option to get both the Navigation and rear entertainment systems together-something Honda really ought to consider. Additionally, the steering wheel controls are inadequate. Unlike my Civic, which you can go up or down on the radio stations, you have to cycle all the way through 6,1, 2,3,4 to get to preset 5. Stupid. I would also like a cooling option on the leather seats. Even with climate control, in a hot climate the leather doesn't breath and gets hot.