Honda Pilot 2003 - 2008 review

 

Overview

2005 Honda Pilot. (Photo: Honda) Honda Pilot interior. Click for larger photo Second-row has separate A/C controls. Click for larger photo Honda Pilot access to the third-row seats. Click for larger photo Second- and third-row seats can be folded down. Click for larger photo Honda Pilot with third-row seats up. Click for larger photo The 2003-2008 Pilot is a well-built mid-size car-based SUV with a strong V6 engine, roomy and versatile 8-passenger interior, good crash-test ratings, comfortable handling, smooth ride and best in class cargo space. Introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model, the Pilot was available only in 4WD configuration. The FWD version was added later. The Pilot shares its basic design and many components, including the powertrain, with Acura MDX. Honda Pilot has rigid unibody construction with transversely-mounted engine and fully independent suspension with McPherson struts in the front and multi-link trailing arms with coil springs in the back. The only powertrain choice is a strong 3.5L 24-valve SOHC V6 VTEC engine mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2003-2008 Pilot's engine has a timing belt that needs to be replaced in recommended intervals. The Pilot has disk brakes on all four wheels; the ABS is standard. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control is available (standard on late models). The Pilot offers electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system that Honda calls Variable Torque Management 4WD (VTM-4). This system doesn't have a low-range and is not designed for heavy off-roading, but it will give you more stability and control in all weather conditions as well as some off-road capability. The VTM-4 system uses computer-controlled wet clutch packs installed on both rear axles inside the rear differential and can vary the amount of torque sent to each rear wheel according to the demand. When cruising under normal conditions, the Pilot is powered by the font wheels. When the vehicle is accelerating or wheel slip is detected, torque is sent to the rear wheels. For extremely slippery condition, there is a "VTM-4 Lock" mode, activated by a button on the instrument panel that effectively locks the rear differential to improve traction. Inside, Honda Pilot is comfortable and surprisingly roomy for a mid-size SUV. The 2003-2008 Pilot is equipped with three rows of seats to carry 8 people, although the third-row seat space is limited. With the second- and third-row seats folded, the Pilot provides best in class 90.3 cu. ft (2557 liters) of cargo space. The fit and finish is good. The dashboard is a little plain, but functional. The instruments and controls are simple and easy to use. The visibility is good. The center console has numerous storages. The second-row passengers have separate controls for the rear heating and air conditioning. The list of available features includes navigation and rear DVD. On the road, the Pilot handles comfortably and offers smooth and solid, although not exceptionally quiet ride. The Pilot feels pretty stable and secure at all speeds thanks to wide track and automatic 4WD system. The 3.5L engine is smooth and powerful. The tight turning radius makes city driving and parking maneuvers easier. On the downside, the road and some wind noise are present. The 2003-2008 Honda Pilot received five stars in both frontal and side-impact crash tests and four stars in rollover tests performed by the NHTSA. For more details, visit Safercar.gov.

Pros

- Good crash-test and rollover ratings
- Comfortable, spacious and practical interior
- Eight-seater
- Strong V6 engine
- Automatic four-wheel drive
- Great handling
- Smooth ride
- A lot of cargo space with rear seats folded down
- Good resale value

Cons

- Road and wind noise
- Poor fuel economy, especially in a city
- No telescopic adjustment on the steering
- Paint on some interior plastic trims wears fast
- Rear gate glass doesn't open separately

Overall

Honda Pilot is one of the top choices if you need a mid-size SUV. It offers a strong engine, good crash-test ratings, comfortable secure handling and smooth ride. With a roomy functional interior and seating for eight, the Pilot could serve as a sporty alternative to a minivan. Don't expect the Pilot to be cheap on gas; if better fuel economy is important for you, look for a 4-cylinder SUV. The 2003-2008 Pilot has been pretty reliable overall, however, it's a complex vehicle - don't expect it to be completely trouble-free. Early models had some issues with an automatic transmission.
Look for models from 2005; the early-year models always have more problems. Consider an extended warranty to protect from unexpected repair costs.
You also may want to look at Toyota Highlander, which is a similar mid-size car based SUV.

What to look for buying a used Honda Pilot

As a first step, check used car history records. A history report may help you to uncover some of the problems the car might have in the past such as accidents, flood damage, rolled back odometer, etc. Follow this link: How to check used car history
- Check the service records if available - it's important to verify that the car was properly maintained.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have the problem assessed with your mechanic or a Honda dealer before buying a car; in worst cases repair might be quite expensive.
- Pay more attention to test automatic transmission. Strong "thump" when shifting into reverse could indicate a problem.
- Check with Honda dealer if all necessary recalls have been performed.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car
- Before buying a vehicle, have it properly inspected by a mechanic.
Shop wisely, check few cars to compare; it's worth to pay a little extra for a well-maintained vehicle in good condition. Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Some models may be costly to insure. Get the insurance quotes first.

Few maintenance tips

- Wash and wax your vehicle regularly to protect the paint.
- If you live in the area with high humidity, rustproofing will help to protect the car body from corrosion.
- Regular oil changes are important to keep your engine in a good shape.
- Check your tire pressure regularly, unequal tire pressure will cause increased wear of the 4WD system components.
- Winter tires will provide much better traction on the snow.
- Change transmission fluid in recommended intervals using original Honda transmission fluid.
- Stick with original Honda parts and fluids.
- Follow recommended maintenance schedule and keep all the fluids clean and topped up.
- Have your car inspected, at least once a year, in a garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at fast lube places; the vehicle must be on the lift.
Check more car maintenance tips

Honda Pilot short specifications (2005 Canadian model)

Dimensions:
Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: Wheelbase:	188.0 in (4775 mm) 77.3 in (1963 mm) 70.6 in (1793 mm) 106.3 in (2700 mm)
Ground clearance:	8.0 in (203 mm)
Seating Capacity:	8
Towing Capacity (trailer/boat):	3500/4500 lbs (1590/2045 kg) See your Owner's Manual for proper towing operation.
Cargo volume:
behind 2nd row seats, 3rd folded: with 2nd and 3rd rows folded:	48.7 cu. ft (1379 liters) 90.3 cu, ft (2557 liters)
Engine:	3.5L SOHC 24-Valve, 3-Rocker VTEC™ V6 255 hp @ 5,600 rpm (SAE net) 250 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
EPA Fuel Economy:	city: 15 MPG (15.7 L/100km) hwy: 20 MPG (11.8 L/100km)
Recommended Fuel:	Unleaded, 86 or higher
Fuel Tank Capacity:	20.4 US gal (77 liters)
Engine oil capacity:
Oil change, including filter:	4.5 US qt (4.3L)