2003 Honda Pilot consumer reviews

I purchased my used 2003 Honda in March of 2009. I was impressed with the vehicle. It drove smooth, felt safe, the interior leather was well maintained, and there was enough room for my kids and all of their belongings which traveled back and forth. The major mechanical problems began about a month and a half later after the purchase. There was a leak in the gas line. Tried to take it back to the dealer for maintenance, but the so called warrantee did not cover it. The mechanics then tried to over bill me for the work that was going to be needed. I went to another dealer for a second opinion. They were somewhat better however, later on down the line I found out that quite a few dealers do not visually inspect the cars while you are waiting, they just attach it to a diagnostic machine. Something obvious can be over looked and end up costing much more in repairs later on because of this process. Three months later...another major issue, and so on and so forth. Every three to four months something else had to be repaired or replaced. The last two were the radiator and thermostate. All repairs started from at least $700 and went up from there. I took my SUV in to get an oil change recently. The dealer did a free inspection of the vehicle. Future repairs needed will cost another $4,578. Yes, I did get another opinion.

Purchased new, the Pilot has never failed to deliver no matter what task asked of it. We have loaded it down at Home Depot many times with all kinds of stuff! Road trips are a pleasure, lots of room and plenty of storage. Great fuel mileage, 24 on the highway and 18 around town. Haven't even considered trading or selling. Definately a "keeper"!!

Bought new - one of the first Pilots out there. 176K miles since 9/2002. Never broke down on me but A/C imploded at 110K miles costing $1700 and needed 2 motor mounts at aobut 150K miles costing about $450. Delaer tells me it needs $1000 in brakes and suspension now. Spoiler on roof crinkled in 105 degree heat and dented the roof when rear door was opened. Not bad for 8 years of service. Quality and design are excellent. Gas mileage is 14-20, tires last 50-65K. Car is heavy and safe and makes a great road car, especially with the AWD in the winter.

I love the Pilot, it's fun to drive, performs well in all situations. Tons of cargo room. Very Spacious, great for a large family.

We love our Honda Pilot. I searched and searched for a reliable, affordable, stylish and functional choice for our family for months and it always came back to the Pilot. Being a mother of three I wanted an SUV that was fun to drive and fun for the kids, this one is both. It drives like a car and handles well in corners, on the freeway and in town. The kids love the fact that they can all take a friend and so can I. We have packed our Pilot with three grown-ups and five kids for a road trip and we were shocked at how well everyone did--total quite from the back as the kids and the other adult contently watched their movie, we actually got to have an adult conversation without interruption--can you believe that!! All in all we would recommend any year Honda Pilot to anyone seeking a great SUV.

bought ex-l w/navigation in 2006 with 40000 miles, now has 85000, best car I have ever owned, have five kids and interior still looks close to new, I am looking at luxury sedans now and many with less than 40000 miles don't look as good as pilot and it is not because kids were that good at taking car of it.

I have owned a Honda Pilot since Dec 2002. Best vehicle with limited problems. Ive driven in snow,rain, sleet, and good weather. Excellent! Best value for the $!!!

I bought my 2003 Honda Pilot used, last year (March, 2009)with 57,000 miles on it. I haven't had any sort of problems at all. I owned 2 American cars previously (Mercury and Chrysler) and they seem like junk in retrospect. I keep up with general maintenance and that's it. I've driven from PA to FL in this car twice, moved an apartment and commuted 40 miles round trip daily and now, at 90,000 miles the vehicle feels as if I had just driven it off of the lot. Very comfortable and fun to drive. Definitely recommend!

We purchased our 2003 Honda Pilot EX-L new in December 2002. I drove many other SUV's and determined this one had the best combination of features and price. We use this car mainly to transport our family around town and to travel to our grandparent's house. Here is my opinion of the vehicle. *** Great Value - In 2003 a new Pilot was priced at least $2000 less than the competition. *** Great reliability - Since 2003 we changed the battery, windshield wipers, and the normal fluids. *** Reasonable Ride - The ride is comfortable. There is some road noise on rough surfaces. *** Big car - The turning radius is very good. It is easy to turn into parking spaces, but it is a big car. The front bumper disappears making it difficult to determine how far you are away from something. We scraped the front bumper a couple times pulling out of the garage. Luckily we didn't hit the other car. *** DVD Player - We purchased the integrated DVD player with the car. We use it for traveling outside of town. My kids love it. Note you can't start the DVD while the car is moving. You have to interact with the DVD controls in the backseat to start a movie. You cannot start the movie from the front seat. My family and I have been very happy with our Pilot. My brother in law purchased a Pilot during the same time frame and he is very happy with his Pilot. This is a great family SUV. We plan to keep ours for many more years.

Bought the car because we were heading to Pa. from S. Ga. and we needed the 4 wheel drive. It paid off! Lived in Pa for 3 years and if you know anything about Mid-Atlantic winters, you know that I appreciated having the 4 wheel drive. It never disappointed! Snow and mud in Pa and sand in Fla...never an issue. I've learned that if you change all "change-able" fluids in a Honda at the appropriate intervals, your car won't let you down. And that is the case with my Pilot! After 30+ trips from Pa to Fla and back, 4 trips to San Antonio TX from Pa and from Fla....165K miles so far....the car continues to be a reliable everyday driver. I still take it on 400+ mile trips without giving it a second thought. Truly and extrordinary vehicle!