Used 2012 Honda Pilot EX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A) Consumer Reviews
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2024 Update at 160000 miles
SG, Harrisburg, PA, 07/21/2021
updated 07/22/2024
Honda Pilot EX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
171 of 174 people found this review helpful
My 2012 Pilot is now twelve years old and has 160000 miles on it. The car has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned, and I've owned 2 Hyundai's, 3 Chevies, 2 Jaguars, 2 BMWs and 1 Acura SUV. This vehicle, hands down, is the best SUV for my needs. Let's review step by step. 1. PRO: Spacious, huge SUV. I think, the only SUV with more space out there may be the Suburban. This one has a third row seat for up to 8 passenger transport, and you'll still have some space left in the back for some bags. 2. PRO: Gas Mileage/Economy. Mine, with a healthy mix of a smaller city/highway driving, has 19.7 mpg average on display. Highway easily gets 23 mpg, and if you fill your tank literally to the brim, you will be able to go around 400 miles on one gas tank. I've seen as much as 425 and as little as 375 highway. That's ridiculously good. 3. PRO: Utility/Towing. Yes, this vehicle is perfectly capable of towing a small trailer filled with firewood, mulch or lawn equipment. I'm quite sure I've towed around 1 ton before. You need to be gentle with heavy loads, and absolutely follow the maintenance schedule and have your timing belt service every 100,000 miles! 4. PRO: All-Terrain Capability. Absolute champion! I recall being in a freak snow storm, where roads went from nothing on them to 2.5 feet of snow. Seemingly, my vehicle was one of the very few that actually got places with no problem, just hit that wonderful 4x4 differential button, and off you go. This thing is a beast when it comes to terrible driving conditions on the road. I would not recommend doing any crazy off-roading on it, that's not what it's built for. However, on-road driving is just excellent, regardless of how crappy your tires are. 5. PRO: Reliability. Aside from recommended maintenance, you will have a vehicle that's "turn the key and go". Yes, your key fob will most likely fall apart after 7 years. Hopefully you'll get two of them to start. But overall, I have had absolutely no problems. Windshield wipers, tires, brakes and fluids will be all the things to worry about, other than that not much else. I'll share a few things under "cons", but those are not "must-fix" items. 6. PRO: Comfort. Yep, even with cheap cloth seats this thing floats from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma like a boat, with minimal driving fatigue to speak of. Driver and passenger seats are exceptional, the third row not so much - it's for occasional use only, you'll have your third row folded for extra space in the back most of the time. The vehicle is heavy, so you won't be feeling bumps on the road like in a smaller sized car or a huge pickup with stiff suspension. Also, at 145,000 miles original suspension (shocks/struts) are still just fine. I'll touch on the sway bars in a bit. 7. PRO: Value. I purchased this with 38,000 miles back in 2014, and with all the dealer "extras" it was right around $27,000. Good luck finding such SUV these days close to that price. On top of that, today's trade-in value is well above $8,000 (not that I'm planning to give up my Pilot). 1. CON: You "may" experience some issues with engine mounts. Mine are basically done for, which causes some internal vibration from the engine and more noise - while idling. You don't experience those things while moving. According to a reputable mechanic of mine, it's not a critical issue and the engine "won't go anywhere". It's a comfort/noise issue, which I don't care about, it sort of feels like a performance vehicle this way. 2. CON: Sway bars going bad. Yes, unfortunately SUVs are top heavy and need those pesky sway bars as a part of suspension package. Those things can go bad anywhere around 90k mile marker to 120k mile marker. Basically you'll hear this joint clunking sound either going slowly over bumps or making turns. Repair per each is around $200 give or take. Again, not a crucial component, but something that gets on your nerves, so you'll probably get it done. I have. 3. CON: Economy mode can act finicky. This car, from what I understand, has the "HEMY"-like ability to shut off half of the cylinders in economy mode when your RPMs are just over 1000. Your transmission may show signs of jerkiness once in a while. This is no big deal, and is not something that gets worse. Just FYI. Tip: change transmission fluid and it will be back to normal. 4. CON: Acceleration of a huge SUV. Yes, it's just that. Huge SUV that's good on gas, so don't expect to race this thing with a 6-bucket engine. Just enjoy the car for what it is. When you really need to pass something, just put the pedal to the metal, and it will get the job done. I hope you find this review enjoyable and helpful! Good luck on the road, and keep it rubber side down! 160000 mile update: the infamous Spool valve gasket leak caused alternator to fail due to oil getting into the alternator. Dealership repair cost: around $1900.
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Still going strong after 167,000 miles
James D, Saint Cloud, FL, 04/20/2018
updated 04/26/2021
Honda Pilot EX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
43 of 44 people found this review helpful
The car is a good all purpose vehicle. My daughter loved the car so much she convinced me to sell it to her. Not the most techie, nor the fastest, nor the most plush. The Pilot is part truck, part minivan, part car. Very practical from the daily commute to hauling a trailer and camping. I can load this with kids, lumber or garden supplies (or both!) If you want luxury, go get a Escalade, if you want a sports SUV, go get a Cayenne, if you want the everyperson versatile vehicle that you can rely on to not leave you stranded in ice, snow, rain or just broken down, buy this if you can find one! I miss that vehicle...but glad my daughter has it now.
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Blue tooth/home link
sharynk, Cleveland, OH, 03/11/2015
Honda Pilot EX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
I hate the hands free. So far the car has been evaluated and 2 microphones replaced, 1 blue tooth, speakers. I still have garbled voices on both ends. When connecting the noise is also garbled. I called the service department from my car and I was asked to call back on a land line. What is wrong with this? I realize this is not necessarily the service departments techs as they need to follow proticall but but but. I can't be the only car with this problem. I know I'm not. Hope I can get this resolved. I have had a few honda pilots and I now am very unhappy,
My Dream Luxury SUV!!!
R.W. Bey, Albany, GA, 08/23/2015
Honda Pilot EX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Since I have purchased and driven my "luxury SUV" , I have enjoyed every moment behind the wheel. Thank you Honda!!!!
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