2003 Honda Pilot: Road Test
Archived Review
2003 Honda Pilot EX
2003 Honda Pilot ▼
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- MSRP: $26,900 -$32,520
- Invoice: $24,203 -$29,254
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Our road test for the 2003 Honda Pilot includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Honda Pilot from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Honda Pilot, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Honda Pilot help you decide if a 2003 Honda Pilot is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| EX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.9 |
Among the quickest midsize SUVs, at 7.9 sec 0-60 mph for test EX. That compares to 8.4 sec for test V8 Ford Explorer, 8.5 for AWD V6 Toyota Highlander. Transmission shifts smoothly and promptly.
FUEL ECONOMY
| EX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.7 |
Test EX averaged 16.5 mpg overall, 19.7 in mostly highway travel. That's comparable to Highlander, though Honda recommends regular-grade fuel for Pilot, Toyota recommends premium for V6 Highlanders.
RIDE QUALITY
| EX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.4 |
Copes comfortably with most any surface. Body floats some over big bumps and dips, but it's never upsetting. Softer than MDX.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| EX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.5 |
Pilot is mostly an easy, no-surprises handler, even if rushing along tight, twisty roads does bring on fair body lean and noseplow. Steering can seem too sensitive at times, and yet does not afford enough road feel. Braking strong and stable, and AWD good enough to easily negotiate moderately muddy backwoods trails.
QUIETNESS
| EX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.1 |
As refined as any rival and quieter than most. Coarse-pavement tire thrum and highway wind noise are moderate at worst, the V6 never rises above a muted growl, and there's little body drumming over washboards and lane-divider dots.
CONTROLS
| EX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.1 |
Hard to fault, though digital readouts for the odometer/outside-temperature display and the rear-differential-lock wash out in some light conditions or through polarized sunglasses. Steering-column-mounted transmission-shift lever doesn't block access to any control, but its travel is imprecise enough to regularly overshoot the Drive position. Cabin finish is thorough and materials are rather like an Accord's: solid and harmonious, if unexciting.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| EX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.3 |
Generous head room. Seats comfortable, though not exceptionally so, and taller drivers may want more rearward seat travel and a steering wheel that tilts higher. Thick front roof pillars block driver's view to some angles, but large windows and typically tall SUV driving stance mean good visibility otherwise. (An optional dealer-installed rearview camera displays on the navigation screen; it costs about $1000 plus installation.) Trucklike ride height requires most occupants to hoist themselves aboard with some effort.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| EX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.4 |
Second-row bench affords good room and comfort for two adults, three in a pinch, but some competitors offer more usable leg room when a front seat is pushed back. And Highlander has lower step-in and thus easier entry/exit. Third row is hard to access and sized mostly for kids, though even they have little leg space.
CARGO ROOM
| EX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.8 |
Honda claims class-leading load volume, though usable space is little if any greater than in a Highlander or regular-length Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Must remove 3rd-row headrests to fold rearmost seatback, but 2nd- and 3rd-row seats drop easily to form a flat deck, and some rear shoulder belts detach for cargo-carrying convenience. Lack of separate-opening liftgate glass a slight inconvenience. Bins and cubbies abound, including 2-tier front-seatback pouches. A lidded floor well just ahead of the tailgate can store headrests.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| EX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 5 |
Honda's first homegrown midsize SUV strikes us as the Accord of its class. It's a highly rational approach to the way most people really use SUVs. A tight focus on room and versatility, refinement, ride comfort, and workmanship replaces unnecessary hardware or tough-guy posturing. Toss in Honda's strong reputation for reliability and resale value and it's no wonder Pilot is in short supply and rarely discounted.
Total Score
| EX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 66 | 51.2 |
Total Score: 66
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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