Used 2009 Honda Pilot Consumer Reviews
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Great SUV, solid performer.
After two road trips and a full tank of gas, I'm very happy. With 3-4 adults and 2 kids, the car accelerates well for the type of car it is, and has some good climbing power. Very smooth and very quiet. As far as cylinders shutting off, you can feel it only if you're really paying attention and looking for it - otherwise pretty seamless. After a few test drives as well as an additional 300 miles in, I'd say the braking feels as responsive as you need it to be - smooth when you need a gradual stop, and firm when you need to shed speed quickly. I feel very safe and comfortable in this car, yet it's a great pleasure to drive. Compares favorably against the Lambdas (Acadia, Outlook, etc).
So Far So Good
I just traded in my 2006 Pilot for the 2009 because I could not find a 2008 SE in my area. That being said, I read all of the reviews and was quite hesitant, but so far I am pleasantly surprised and happy with the vehicle. It is definitely geared more toward its competitors of the Pathfinder and 4Runner in that it drives much more like a truck which will be a disappointment for anyone looking for the new Pilot to be exactly like the old. With that being said, its overall functionality is much more than the previous models in that it is much more spacious, heavy duty and an "all around" family vehicle.
- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,9957 mi away
- EX-L 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,49590 mi away
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,95093 mi away
Just The Facts
Nice SUV, I love the Dark Cherry color. It has a great smooth ride and the engine is very quite. The gas mileage is okay at best. The 2009 Honda Pilot has more features than my 2005 XC90 Volvo SUV.
Great SUV Crossover
Purchased the 09 Pilot EX AWD and took it up in the snowy mountains. Handled really well w/ the 4WD. Very roomy for 8 full sized adults. Quiet ride quality.
Awesome PILOT
I had this Pilot for almost 2 months now and have put in about 3,500 miles including California trip for Christmas. Kids love the Rear Seat Entertainment, iPod connection and awesome sound system. It is very nimble and fun to drive and better gas mileage than my 2004 Toyota Sequoia. I got the "show vehicle" so it came loaded with accessories including running boards, front & back aluminum cover and the front grille is upgraded & shiny. Since my Pilot is loaded, it is a "looker". The grille actually looked more like an HDMI than a USB port as observed by others. So, there you go, a High Definition SUV.
Very happy
The lease on our 05 Pilot was up and we were so happy with it we decided to stay with the Pilot. I had seen the 09 Pilot prototype and although there has been criticism about the outside styling I LOVE the way it looks. It feels like a tough truck, but drives like a car and has plenty of room for all of us. We got the 4x4 touring with Navi and love all the features. I have friends that spend more for a vehicle to get a "name" and have less comfort and features.
Great SUV
I debated between purchasing a Highlander and the Pilot and I am glad I chose the Pilot. The Pilot comes standard with a trailer hitch and a comparably equipped Highlander is about $3-$4K more and Toyota charges $600 over and above for a hitch. The Pilot is smooth in it's acceleration and ride. The interior design is extremely well thought out and has tons of storage. The new design is much beefier/heavier/more masculine looking, which I love. You get a lot of great features for your money with this vehicle.
2009 Honda Pilot
I bought this SUV after doing a lot of research and I love the fact that the engine converts down to 3 cyl. when not going faster. I had a 2004 Jeep Liberty before and the Honda Pilot drives so much better. It is very comfortable to drive in and ride in. I love it!!!
09 Pilot is great!
This SUV is terrific! I love driving it. It rides so quietly and feels so sturdy. I am looking forward to driving it for years to come!
My first SUV
This was my first SUV and I love it! I've always owned sports cars, so it as a bit tough to choose which SUV was practical. It was a decision between the Ford Edge or the Pilot. After test driving the Pilot, I took it home the same night. Within days i was getting acquainted quite well with my Pilot. The interior is very roomy, perfect especially when you have kids or to jam a bunch of your friends for a weekend getaway. Not too happy with the mileage but expected for an SUV. I've already taken my pilot to the nation's capital from NJ for a break in. It was smooth riding all the way down even with icy and hazardous road conditions on I95. Overall this vehicle is safe and reliable.
Satisfied Buyer
After looking at and test driving the Acadia, Outlook, Edge, CX-9, and Pathfinder, I was pleasantly surprised by the redesigned 2009 Pilot. The GM products were "cheap" looking on the inside, and the driving experience was average. The others lost out to either styling, or functionality. A family of four, two large dogs, and all the gear to go away for the weekend fit comfortably in the Pilot. All of the features are easy to operate, and convenient. I honestly could not be more pleased with the vehicle and enjoy driving it. I also found it to be priced significantly lower then its similarly equipped competitors.
Love my pilot
I traded my 06 Accord in for a Pilot because of space issues after having our first child. I love my Pilot! The space in the back is amazing (with the back seat laid down). The drive is awesome. My husband keeps saying he can not believe how well it drives. The gas mileage is a bit disappointing but we realized that it would drop drastically from my Accord. we are averaging around 17-18 mpg. One complaint is the fog light inserts. Because of the base model, the just put some plastic caps in them. Not too attractive. And the rear ac/heat controls are only in the back of the middle console, so you can't see them from the front seat to change.
Great 2nd Pilot
Just traded my 2005 Pilot for 2009 Touring with Nav and DVD. Looked at MDX, RX350, X5, CX-9, and Murano. This is much better than the others.
Pilot Wins Hands Down!
After 6 months of research, watching this forum, looking at the other internet sites - and waiting for the Honda cash incentives to return ($1,500 on Pilot till 2/2/09) - I pulled the trigger and bought a new Pilot two weeks ago. I looked at everything in this category including Highlander, Veracruz, CX-9, Traverse, Arcadia and the Acura MDX. Hands down, the Pilot trounces them all in features, technology and value. This vehicle has better tech than even the more expensive Acura MDX (USB audio interface for iPod). If you are looking at a mid/full size SUV - you must consider the Pilot. My wife loves the storage and the smooth handling. I love the tech toys - bluetooth, navi, iPod, etc.
great suv
A very good and reliable SUV. I have a 2003 Pilot and the 2009 version has come a long way. I won't complain about fuel economy as this is an issue with every SUV V6 or V8 I've every owned. I added every feature I could and I'm glad I did as Honda options are excellent.
A Hard Choice
Our family had been looking at replacing our mini-van (Honda) for about 6 months. When our 2003 Odyssey sold in less than 24 hours, we ended up having to make a quick car purchase. Thankfully I had been doing lots of research. My 1st choice was a Chevy Tahoe, but I wasn't that thrilled with the size and lack of cargo space. We drove the Mazda CX-9, Acura MDX, Toyota Highlander, and the Honda Pilot. Of all of the vehicles, Honda had the smoothest ride. My husband and I are both very tall, and we fit comfortably in both the front and second row seats. The gas mileage isn't great, but it wasn't any different in any of the vehicles we drove (I'm not sure why it is constantly brought up).
Blessed and Beautiful
This new vehicle is so exciting to drive and to ride in. Comfort and safety are hallmarks. One feels so secure in traveling in this truck. Being a truck, one feels confident to be able to haul heavy without loosing control due to overweight. I could not have purchased a better vehicle.
What happened Honda?!?
I had some pretty high expectations after happily owning two prior Hondas. And let me tell you, I have been pretty disappointed with my Pilot purchase. We placed both Honda and Toyota on top of our list for cars to look at, due to their good designs and quality ratings. We have worked with the dealership to TRY to fix several issues: 1-Known alignment issue with no fix. 2-Interior parts not installed correctly. 3-Rattles in the interior. 4-Steering vibration. 5- Temperature gauge stuck at reading 56 degrees. 6-AC display does not show on or off when running unless you press the button twice. Again, deeply disappointed with all the problems so far, and there is only 2500 miles on it!
More than expected
It was worth the wait. There is no vehicle that can match this, or even comes close
Love my pilot
I purchased my pilot 3 weeks ago. It is so fun to drive and very comfortable. You can't beat a Honda. The turn radius is exceptional. Love the back up camera.
Vinyl Seats?
We compared to the other suvs this was clearly the best value and performance has been excellent. However, we strongly advise a longer than 30 minute test drive. At about 15 minute your back will start sweating. I had leather seats in every car since 1980, and never have we sweat so much! I cringe at the thought of driving anywhere over 20 minutes. Add to the cost of reupholstering and the value drops significantly.
Amazing
I am 58 years old and have had numerous vehicles, cars and pick-ups; the Pilot is the one vehicle I have truly enjoyed. Before I bought the Pilot I researched the Edge; Flex; the Honda CRV and a couple of others, finally cutting my choices down to the above 3 vehicles. I researched the vehicles on line and then went to a few dealerships, stopping at a Honda dealer last to check out the CRV. On the floor was the Pilot, it had the room I wanted and a nav unit which I felt was a must, one test ride and I was hooked. By controlling my speed I average right at 24 MPG highway driving which for all the size and comfort is acceptable
I made the right choice!
I know I made the right choice the minute I sat in the Pilot. I loved the new design and all the features it has to offer - all included as standard (depending on the model you choose). It has an amazing amount of room, smooth ride, and lots of storage. Compared it to the Highlander and the Acura MDX and know I made the right choice!! Go for it. You won't be sorry!
Not as fun but better then 06 MDX
I went from an 06 MDX touring with Nav, RES and running boards. Priced the same vehicle for another 3 year lease and would have to take an additional $100/month out of my pocket for 39 months. Once I test drove the Pilot, I fell in love. I will say that it is not nearly as fun to drive but functionality and space overcome the need for speed. Comfort matches if not beats the 09 MDX I tested. I also tested the GM equivalents including the overpriced fully-loaded Enclave. For a family of 5, and for about $200/month less than the MDX I recommend the Pilot Touring.
Great Choice
Looking for more space and knew I liked my mom's 2006 Pilot as well as Honda's great reputation. Also was considering the new Ford Flex b/c my husband works for Ford, and although it drove well, I decided to go with the Pilot and couldn't be happier. Space is phenomenal and I like the new interior styling much better than previous models, especially the shifter on the dash, storage cubbies, and blue convenience lighting. Don't think there's another SUV in this class with so many standard features for price, like backup camera, leather, sunroof, and RES. Comfy drive and tight handling and I don't hear the gas sloshing like others mentioned. Neg: headrests tilt forward and some road noise.
So far so good
Was looking at the Highlander and was totally surprised by the great deal Honda was offering on these. Very comfortable and I love the room and cargo configurations. Cabin is slick. Heating controls are kind of an odd design, but you get used to it. I think the Highlander ride was smoother and more car like, but the Pilot takes bumps well enough. Very versatile. Road trips, tailgating, cargo hauling, towing (included!). Its great for just about anything. MPG is about as advertised, not great. So far so good. I'm very happy with my choice.
Worth the wait
My wife and I were waiting for a this 2009 version to come out since we saw the concepts. My wife has the 03 CRV and that has been a workhorse and we love it. We are hoping that this Pilot will do the same for us. We are enjoying it so far. We had a snow storm and it drove like a tank as it plowed through ice and snow. We were looking at the 4runner and we found that the Pilot drove much better - the drive feels more comfortable, yet firm and responsive to drive, it also feels much more powerful - even with the V8 version of the 4runner. Finally you get more for your money with the Pilot.
A great vehicle!
Just finished the first 1000 miles on the 09 Pilot Touring with R&N 4wd. This vehicle is so comfortable and fun to drive. It is very quiet, roomy, and the features are never ending. I also have a 2004 Pilot that has also been great, but I must admit that the new body style is greatly improved. I have been pleasantly surprised at all the nice electronic features that have been added. Have not complaints at all at this point. Gas mileage is about 20, very similar to what the 2004 Pilot gets.
Excellent Choice
We looked at every Mid-size SUV on the market and the 2009 Honda Pilot was at the bottom of our list. My husband test drove it first and said I should really check this car out and I am so glad I did. It is beautiful inside and out, fun to drive, easy to park, great stereo, kids love it, and it has every bell and whistle you can think of. I am extremely pleased with the new Pilot. Who needs a mini van when there is an SUV like this on the market?
Design Defect of Front Springs
The steering on my brand new 2009 2WD Pilot was pulling to the right the first day off the lot. At first, I thought it was the road, but the pull was consistent on all road surfaces. After calling the dealer, I discovered that Honda did not redesign the springs for the all-new 2009 Pilot, and as a result, the alignment problems are becoming prevalent. Here's the problem: the 2009 models have more weight distribution in the front compared to 2008 models, and heavier springs should have been used. The dealer indicated they needed Honda approval to fix the problem. The fix consists of replacing the right front spring with a rear spring from a 2009 4WD model.
Gotta love Hondas!!
Test drove many different SUVs but Honda Pilot was just eye catching, its ride comfort unmatched. There were so many options to stow your stuff and transport an entire family comfortably. I was a bit surprised that the mileage was low for a Honda but with my driving style expect to come up at the higher range.
Love It!
We were torn between a Toyota Highlander and the Pilot and went with the Pilot because of the cavernous interior and more comfortable seat. We definitely made the right decision! We've only had the car for about a week. Others have complained about the lack of pick up but we don't have any complaints. We love the interior. Although it feels so roomy, it is much easier to park and maneuver then it looks. I do agree with the others who stated that some of the interior components seem a little cheap. Also, I've never had a rear wiper before and I've gotten OCD about keeping the darn thing clean. Are they always so prone to dirt? I seem to be spraying and wiping constantly.
Great Buy
We purchased our Honda Pilot last week and so far we love it. The interior design is wonderful and there is plenty of room. The new exterior looks great. The quality of the leather and plastic are nice. So far we are averaging 17.3 miles, but we have only driven 200 miles and I am sure after the break in period our average should improve.
My best Honda ever!
I've owned five Hondas since 1983 and I have to say that my Mocha Metallic 2009 Pilot EX-L is quickly becoming my favorite one. Its car-like and quiet ride has surprised me; its roominess for 8 adults impresses everyone. It's a slam-dunk choice, especially for the goodies you get for the money.
New Pilot is huge
I'm really enjoying all the room my Pilot has to offer. I find it very quiet and really like the way it rides. The seats are comfortable and heated. I traded in a Xterra and gained more room and slightly better mpg.
Honda Surprise
There are a lot of negative comments about this car. We LOVE IT. It feels like a truck when you sit in it. It seats 8 COMFORTABLY. It drives so quiet and so smooth. The toys are great. The sound is amazing. We gave it a test drive to dismiss it and drove it off the lot!
powerful truck at cost of fuel economy
I just traded in my 2003 Pilot with 90,000 mile on it still going strong. I just wish the new pilot had similar if not same mileage per tank as old model. I was able to get close to 350 miles per tank (which was smaller) where as I only got 250 or less with new one (bigger tank). I do notice the new one drives more like a truck with more power. I have to agree with one of the review about the sloppy finished interior (under the driver seat has metal parts sticking out beyond the carpet). Overall, I do love my new Pilot and my kids love the XM radio and navigation. Not crazy about the bells and whistle but nice to have for those who might appreciated it. I still am glad I got the car.
A thousand times better...
When I had my 08 4WD EXL w/Nav Pilot at the dealership, I made the mistake of looking at the 09. Most expensive dealer service I've ever had because I bought an 09 4WD Touring w/Nav and RES a week later. I liked my 08 and it was serviceable, but I didn't love it. Everything I would have changed about the 08, Honda changed for 09. The joystick Nav system is so much better than the touchscreen. I LOVE THIS CAR, and it's a Honda. This is my 4th Honda. Can't beat their reliability.
Great Truck
I can't believe how GREAT this pilot is. It is so comfortable, handles well, electronics could not be better. First tank of fuel got 16 mpg with mixed driving.
2009 Pilot has the right combination
I purchased a "plain Jane" LX FWD version in fall of 2008 because it beat the nearest competition (GMC Arcadia) on interior features, width of roominess and price ($4500 cheaper on base model after all the rebates and negotiation at actual dealers). After 1 year of internet search, two car shows with a measuring tape in hand, I test drove both the Pilot and Arcadia back to back on the same piece of city/highway road on the same day. Pilot has great sound, is smooth and quiet and had the exact room I needed - I wanted to be able to have two 36 in long dog crates kept regularly in the back of the SUV with the 3rd seat down and still be able to have the 2nd row seats up for passengers.
First SUV
Replaced a horrible GMC Safari with the Honda Pilot. Should have done it sooner. Took pilot on a 500 mile trip to Myrtle Beach and got 22+ MPG during break in. Fit, finish, reliability on ours has been perfect (1500 miles so far). Rides quiet and smooth--sometimes I think it has shut off sitting at a light. Mileage is as advertised, although the mileage readout feature on dash can teach you to be light-footed and bump the mileage up some (AWD gets close to 16 in stop and go commute and close to 23 mpg on I-95 with its occasional slowdowns). Turning radius makes it easy to handle. Seating comfort and room is 100% better in 2009 than 2008.
Good Deal, but marginal gas mileage
I enjoy the versatility of the Honda Pilot with its 3rd row seat as we have four children. Ride is comfortable and the integrated MP3 for my iPod is incredible. The navigation system is average.
I Love My 2009 Pilot
I like the look of this vehicle and how it drives. We've used it to tow a horse trailer with no problem. I wish that there was more room behind the third row seat. There really isn't much. The stereo, XM radio and DVD player are great. I enjoy driving this vehicle. I have had no issues with the cruise control or acceleration speeds. I'm not a big fan of the middle console between the front two seats. It's a weird size and junk gets lost in it. The glove box is pretty much worthless.
Great SUV, but questionable gas mileage.
For the most part this vehicle is awesome. Some people have had an issue with the exterior, but I have had nothing but compliments on its looks. It's one tough truck for sure. The handling is excellent. Although, it took some getting used to the transmission that slows you down when you take your foot off the accelerator. The turning radius is unbelievable. The only thing troubling me right now is the gas mileage. I went from a 4-runner with a V8 to the Pilot thinking I would get better mpg with a 6cyl. So far thats not the case. I primarily drive in stop and go traffic. I am only getting about 13 mpg. I do run the A/C constantly, so that may have something to do with it. Otherwise, I love it.
Happy So Far
This was our first SUV purchase and so far we love the Pilot. We looked at almost every mid size SUV on the market and decided on the Pilot. This is also our first Honda.
Another Pilot for us
Originally hated the new styling, hoped for more rounder then boxy. Now that I own one, I like the shape, it grew on me. We are very happy with this vehicle. Coming from an 04 Pilot there are many changes, more space, bigger feel, smoother drive, better interior. Plastic dash doesn't bother me, controls are easy to learn. I do find myself sitting forward when driving, it's not the headrest but the support behind my back pushing me forward. Seats are very comfortable. Pick-up can be a bit sluggish when merging onto the highway. Love the radio and the way it displays station, song title and artist. Much better access to the handle for lowering the third row then in the 2004.
My First Honda
I have had this 2009 Pilot for two months now and it has been so far the best I have ever owned. The ride is great and the fuel mileage is better than I excepted for the heavy SUV. My wife also likes this SUV and rather drive the Pilot rather than her Lincoln Crossover. Overall the 2009 Pilot is a great SUV. I replaced a 2006 F150 with this 2009 Pilot EX.
One awesome Truck
This truck replaced a 2008 Volvo XC90. I never thought I would love a truck as much as the Volvo. I was very wrong. The Pilot has a very smooth ride and great pickup for its size. The interior is roomy enough for several kids and all of their gear. Road noise seems less than in older models. Gas mileage is not great - 16 mpg on average, but it's mostly city driving. I have black interior/exterior and it's really classy looking. Was mistaken for the big Mercedes SUV the other day!
Off to a very good start
After one week it's a very good car. Economy is good as SUVs go, but too bad it's not even better. The cylinder shutdown feature works as advertised, and doesn't really interfere with driving. Ergonomics in the driving position are excellent. The electronics are really good, and the sensors help with maneuvering at low speeds. Room is very good in back (why we bought it in the first place).
Initial impressions favorable
Nice styling improvements from 2008 model. So far seems to be very well built and drives very well. Also seems to be a good value for the money. In my opinion handles better and contains better electronics than my 2007 BWM X3 and is about 10 grand cheaper !