Solid, safe performing vehicle.
The Pilot is not a "sexy" vehicle, but it is a perfect case of form fitting the functional needs. The cargo area is always surprisingly large. Other members of the family that have borrowed it to help move had the same surprised reaction. The seat adjustment is very flexible and will fit my 6' 3" frame as well as my daughters' small sizes. The cruise control is very smooth and works without having to think about it. All we have had to do since we bought it new in 2011 is replace the battery and do preventive scheduled maintenance. The paint and interior fittings have held up perfectly to our harsh Texas climate. Both heat and high humidity.
The items that keep me from giving it a full 5 stars are small and more wishes than shortcomings. First and foremost, this car locks itself constantly and is a terrible nag about the sequence you do things. When you live in a more rural setting, the last thing you need is for it to lock (or worse, relock) itself when you are out of the vehicle. It takes 3 clicks of the unlock to get the rear gate to open. Annoying when you hit the interior unlock and then walk around to the rear to find it still locked. Quite often that happens when the key is still in the ignition, which is a necessity in our heat - you cannot shut it off every time you exit the vehicle to open a gate or pick up a package or such. In fairness the second annoyance is not limited to Honda. Here in the south you have to start the car and AC when you first enter the 140 degree vehicle and then roll down the window, close the door, and fasten your seatbelt. The whole time the thing will be beeping at you. And lastly the AC vents and system are strained to the maximum to just barely keep up with our heat if you are not on the highway. Overall it averages about 18.5 mpg which is about average for this year and weight vehicle. Our model is either old enough or plain enough that it does not have driver seat/mirror memory, it does not have Bluetooth on the sound system.
Would I buy this vehicle again? Absolutely. Would I look for upgraded seat and sound systems? Yes or immediately do an after-market sound system.
Overall, a real family workhorse and solid performer.
Recommended