2003-2008 Honda Pilot: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Build quality
- Passenger room
- Cargo room
Cons
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Honda borrowed the basic design of the popular MDX from its upscale Acura division, and transformed it into a new midsize SUV. The 2003 Pilot shared its basic chassis and powertrain with the more costly Acura MDX, and used the same V6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel-drive system. Built on the same wheelbase as the MDX, but a bit shorter overall, the Pilot had different styling and softer suspension tuning. It was also slightly taller and wider. Unlike the seven-passenger MDX, Honda's Pilot could seat eight and had 16-inch wheels instead of 17s. Honda's version had 8.8 cubic feet more cargo space. Models included the basic LX and a pair of upscale versions: EX and leather-upholstered EX-L. All Pilots had antilock four-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags. Rear or curtain side airbags were unavailable. Pilot's AWD system lacked low-range gearing, but a locking rear differential could provide additional traction when needed. Maximum towing capacity was 4500 pounds. The one-piece rear liftgate did not have separate-opening glass. Second- and third-row seats were 60/40 split-folding benches. The EX model added alloy wheels, keyless entry, a power driver's seat, automatic climate control, and upgraded audio with steering-wheel controls. Optional on the EX-L were a navigation system and rear DVD entertainment, although they were not available together. Rivals included the Ford Explorer, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Pilot EX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 10 | |
| Total Score: | 66 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot.
Year to Year Changes
2004 Honda Pilot:
Only minor changes marked the 2004 Pilots. Newly standard on the EX-L were heated front seats and mirrors.
2005 Honda Pilot:
Honda's V6 engine gained 15 horsepower for 2005, now rated at 255. A tire-pressure monitor joined the standard-equipment list, and the EX-L model gained an antiskid system. All Pilots got a bigger fuel tank. EX and EX-L models substituted an in-dash CD changer for the previous single-CD player.
2006 Honda Pilot:
Pilot got freshened styling, curtain side airbags, and all models became available with both all- and front-wheel drive for 2006. The 2WD Pilots got Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system that deactivates three cylinders when cruising or decelerating to save fuel.
2007 Honda Pilot:
Honda's midsize SUV is unchanged for 2007.
2008 Honda Pilot:
The 2008 Honda Pilot added some new models to its lineup. The entry-level VP model replaced the LX. Other trim levels included uplevel EX, new-for-2008 SE, and EX-L with leather upholstery and heated front seats.
Our road test for the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2003-2008 Honda Pilot is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Able to deliver strong, ready power, the Pilot is among the quicker midsize SUVs. It's especially robust for highway merging and passing. A test EX was able to reach 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. That compares to 8.4 seconds for a V8 Ford Explorer, and 8.5 for an AWD V6 Toyota Highlander. Adding to the powertrain's exemplary behavior, the transmission shifts smoothly and promptly. An EX averaged 16.5 mpg overall, and 19.7 mpg in mostly highway travel. An EX-L model yielded 16.4 mpg in mixed driving. These figures compare to a Highlander, though Honda recommends regular-grade fuel for the Pilot, while Toyota recommends premium for V6 Highlanders. Few SUVs absorb bumps as well as a Pilot, which copes comfortably with most any surface. Although the body floats a bit over big bumps and dips, and takes a moment to settle, it never loses composure. Cracks and patchy pavement pass with little impact or notice. All told, the ride is softer than that of an MDX. Pilot is largely an easy, no-surprises handler, even if sharp turns and tight, twisty roads bring on fair body lean and noseplow. Steering can seem too sensitive at times, and does not afford even road feel. Tall tire sidewalls contribute to lazy steering response in quick directional changes. Braking is strong and stable, but simulated panic stops generate considerable nosedive. AWD copes easily with moderately muddy backwoods trails. Refined as any rival, this SUV is quieter and more solid 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 only slight body drumming over washboard roads and lane-divider dots. In addition to a generally carlike driving feel, the Pilot offers fine low-speed maneuverability and a city-friendly turning radious. Instruments and controls are satisfying, though digital readouts for the odometer/outside-temperature display and the rear-differential lock wash out in some light conditions or through polarized sunglasses. The steering-column-mounted transmission-shift lever does not block access to any control, but its travel is imprecise enough to regularly overshoot the Drive position. Honda's navigation system is easier to learn and use than most, but the screen is small and the driver must stretch to reach the main control. Cabin finish is thorough, and materials are solid and harmonious, but hard plastic surfaces abound. Providing generous front headroom, the seats are supportive and comfortable, though not exceptionally so. Taller drivers might crave more rearward seat travel and a steering wheel that tilts higher. Shorter drivers could find the thigh bolstering too prominent. Thick front roof pillars block the driver's view to some angles, but large windows and a typically-tall SUV driving stance translate to good visibility otherwise. Trucklike ride height requires most occupants to hoist themselves aboard with some effort. The second-row bench offers good room and comfort for two adults, or three in a pinch, but some competitors offer more usable legroom when a front seat is pushed back. Toyota's Highlander has lower step-in and, thus, easier entry/exit. The third row is tough to access and sized mostly for youngsters, though even they have little leg space. Ample load volume emerges when some seatbacks are folded down, though usable space is little (if any) greater than in a Highlander or regular-length Chevrolet TrailBlazer. You must remove and stow the third-row headrests in a lidded floor well to fold the rearmost seatback, but second- and third-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 is a disappointment. Bins and cubbies abound, including two-tier front seatback pouches.
Value for the Money
Pleasantly practical and family-friendly, Honda's midsize SUV ranks as the Accord of its class. Delivering a laudable balance of civility and comfort, refinement and power, it serves as a highly rational approach to the way most people really use their SUVs. Toss in Honda's strong reputation for reliability, and it's no wonder that the Pilots is an authentic Best Buy--though lack of curtain airbags disappoints. High resale values translates to hefty used-SUV prices, however.
Pleasantly practical and family-friendly, Honda's midsize SUV ranks as the Accord of its class. Delivering a laudable balance of civility and comfort, refinement and power, it serves as a highly rational approach to the way most people really use their SUVs. Toss in Honda's strong reputation for reliability, and it's no wonder that the Pilots is an authentic Best Buy--though lack of curtain airbags disappoints. High resale values translates to hefty used-SUV prices, however.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Pilot EX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 10 | |
| Total Score: | 66 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Honda Pilot includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Honda Pilot .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Airbags:
The airbag warning light may come on due to a defective occupant position detection sensor requiring its replacement. It may also come on if a laptop computer is used near the front passenger seat, so this must be avoided. (2003)
Blower motor:
Blower motor overheats, blows the fuse and may melt the fan because motor cooling hose becomes clogged. (2003-04)
Check-engine light:
"Check Engine" light may glow on vehicles used where salt is used on the roads because the EVAP solenoid fails. (2003)
Electrical problem:
The rear ventilation blower may quit working because the power transistor that controls it fails. (2003)
Electrical problem:
The Homelink garage door opener may not learn the code on some early build models. (2005)
Oil leak:
The V6 engine block may leak oil due to casting porosity requiring the leaks to be sealed using JB Weld or a similar product. (2003-04)
Pedals:
The accelerator pedal may feel notchy or rough due to deposits in the throttle bore, which is most common in coastal areas, requiring a revised throttle body. (2003-04)
Rear axle noise:
Groaning noise or vibration from the rear during turns may be due to clutches in the differential grabbing because of contaminated fluid. (2003-07)
Timing belt:
Two problems on V6 engines affecting the timing belt and water pump were being handled as a recall. The automatic tensioner for the belt leaks down resulting in excessive slack while a problem with the water pump casting causes misalignment of the timing belt. Both components to be replaced at the same time. (2003)
Wheels:
If the rear wheels hop or skip when turning, the differential lubricant is probably contaminated with clutch material or water from condensation and must be drained and refilled. (2003-04)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $605 |
| Alternator | $470 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,980 |
| Brakes | $420 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $510 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $2,350 |
| Exhaust System | $380 |
| Radiator | $515 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,195 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $355 |
Our price chart for this generation Honda Pilot details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Pilot SE, EX-L | $22,000-26,000 | $20,200-23,900 | $14,300-16,900 |
| Pilot VP, EX | $19,000-23,500 | $17,500-21,600 | $12,400-15,300 |
| 2007 | |||
| Pilot EX | $19,000-21,000 | $17,500-19,300 | $12,400-13,700 |
| Pilot EX-L | $21,000-23,500 | $19,300-21,600 | $13,700-15,300 |
| Pilot LX | $16,700-18,800 | $15,200-17,100 | $10,700-12,000 |
| 2006 | |||
| Pilot EX | $17,000-21,000 | $15,600-19,300 | $10,900-13,400 |
| Pilot LX | $14,800-16,500 | $13,500-15,000 | $9,300-10,400 |
| 2005 | |||
| Pilot EX | $14,500-16,500 | $13,200-15,000 | $9,000-10,200 |
| Pilot LX | $12,700-14,000 | $11,400-12,600 | $7,400-8,100 |
| 2004 | |||
| Pilot EX | $12,200-13,700 | $11,000-12,300 | $6,800-7,700 |
| Pilot LX | $10,700-12,000 | $9,600-10,800 | $5,700-6,400 |
| 2003 | |||
| Pilot EX | $10,200-11,500 | $9,200-10,400 | $5,300-6,000 |
| Pilot LX | $9,000-10,200 | $8,100-9,200 | $4,700-5,300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Honda Pilot include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 70.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4416 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 90.3 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.4 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one powertrain has been available for the Pilot: a 3.5-liter overhead-cam V6 engine, driving a five-speed automatic transmission. Every Pilot is equipped with all-wheel drive. For 2005, the V6 rose from 240 to 255 horsepower.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.5 / 212 | 240-255 | 242-250 | 5-speed automatic: 17/22 | 5-speed automatic: 16.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Honda Pilot include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2004 Pilot EX |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2003-04 Pilot:
Heat build-up in automatic transmission may eventually lead to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage, resulting in transmission lockup.
2004 Pilot:
Certification label may contain incorrect vehicle weight and tire-size information.
2005 Pilot:
Improperly-manufactured fuel tank could be damaged in a crash and leak fuel.
2005 Pilot:
Steering column may be incorrectly assembled, which could result in loss of steering control.
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