2003 Honda Pilot Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Honda Pilot:

The Pilot designers have done a superb job of isolating the passenger compartment from engine, road and wind noise, to the point where it's easy to carry on a normal conversation at extra-legal speeds even on a windy day.

-- Cars.com

Because of the Pilot's wide stance, there's sufficient clearance between the wheelwells to place 4-foot-wide items, such as sheets of plywood, flat on the floor.

-- Edmunds.com

The Honda Pilot packs an amazingly large amount of interior room into its small overall package.

-- New Car Test Drive

This is a sweet V-6 whose VTEC variable valve timing system works elegantly, and itâ??s wed to a delectable and poised five-speed automatic.

-- The Car Connection

What reviewers liked least about the Honda Pilot:

Alas, the column-mounted transmission shifter is a bit fussy when selecting driving modes, but owners will likely become quickly acclimated to it.

-- Edmunds.com

The middle seats are comfortable for adults, but the third-row seats are strictly for young children or short trips.

-- New Car Test Drive

Honda Pilot Comparisons:

More power can be found in domestic SUV offerings (Ford Explorer V8, GMC Envoy, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 and Dodge Durango), but all are thirstier at the gas pump.

-- Edmunds.com

For those who intend to tow, the SUV can pull a 3500-pound trailer, 4500 pounds of boat. That's not best in class -- Ford's Explorer pulls 5550 lbs -- but quite functional.

-- The Car Connection

Best one-liner about the Honda Pilot:

Honda has a reputation as an innovator, but it's not a bad follower, either.

-- Cars.com

Honda took its own sweet time getting its first family-size SUV on the market, but a couple of minutes behind the wheel of the 2003 Honda Pilot makes it clear that every moment was well spent.

-- New Car Test Drive