Used 2009 Honda Pilot Consumer Reviews
First Honda
This is the first Honda I have owned. I have a wife, soon will have 3 kids, a dog, and a boat that we need to pull. Looked at everything that seated more than 5 people, had decent fuel economy, and could pull a reasonable sized boat. Honda was last on my list to look at but when we did we ended up buying it. So far we really like it. We get about 17 mpg city and as much as 21 mpg on the highway. Lots of room in the inside, good storage, comfortable. We are impressed. The closest competitor would be a Toyota Highlander and it doesn't hold a candle to the Pilot.
So far So Good
I purchased in January 2009. I like almost everything but a little disappointed in the gas mileage. The inside nice and roomy, I love the leather seats. I added a woodgrain dash which gave it a very rich look. I also installed after market remote starter, alarm and keypad entry. I am quite satisfied after 7000 miles, but definitely needs better mileage. I live in the city of Boston so 90% of driving is city miles. Probably getting 13-14 mph city. The pickup could be a little better, but its adequate. I have a heavy foot. Overall I am happy.
- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,49512 mi away
- EX-L 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,90031 mi away
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,950303 mi away
2009 Honda Pilot
This our third Honda (2002 Accord & 2007 Odyssey), and the first time I have been disappointed. Don't get me wrong, this is a wholly capable vehicle; big, powerful, stylish, but it just doesn't move the meter for me. We have a family of 5, so room was one of primary reasons for getting the Odyssey in '07. In '09, the wife wanted to look 'cooler', so we got the Pilot. Other than 'cool points', the Pilot does not do anything the Odyssey can't. It has less room (something I wanted), but comparably equipped, costs more. If you want more functionality, get the Odyssey (respect the van!), if you want to look 'cool', then the Pilot is for you.
Too much cost cutting
Poor build quality. Poor fuel economy. Rough feel while driving. Honda seems to have attempted to perfect the process of cost cutting. Unfortunately the quality of the car has suffered greatly. A lot of rattles, very rough road ride. If you tap on various parts of the cars, like the mirrors, they are loose and rattle. The front rotors needed to be turned after 17k miles and the dealer would not cover it. It's my wife's car and she is an easy driver. The dealers have extremely poor customer service. I can not get a service rep on the phone to make an appointment for warranty work. Functionally this car is great for us. As it is now I will trade it in when it gets to 60-70k.
Bit of a letdown
My second Pilot, upgraded from the 2004. Although I love Honda's reliability, the quality of this Pilot is a bit of a disappointment. Driven for almost 2 years now. I have had issues with the window's rattling from the start. Very annoying and they have been unable to fix. Seat fabric in the EX is not easy to clean and can stain. Seats squeak in the back, seat belts rattle on plastic if not straight. Overall doesn't feel as well made as my "04." It is fun to drive and I feel very safe in it. I love the large size, fits everything. Gas mileage isn't great but I didn't expect it to be. Due to rattles and squeaks, will probably be my last Honda. Need better quality on the inside.