Various Honda Pilot models
- Honda Pilot, 2016–the present (3rd Generation) In general, the third-generation Pilot is more streamlined than the first version, which had a more square shape.
- Honda Pilot, 2009–2015 (2nd Generation)
- Honda Pilot, 2003–2008 (1st Generation)
In This Article...
What year did Honda make the Pilot that was the best?
The second-generation Pilot was produced from 2009 to 2015 and featured a number of extremely significant contemporary conveniences. The latter models had more streamlined and contemporary body lines even if the overall size and shape were similar to that of the first generation. 2015 is regarded as the Honda Pilot’s best year.
Second-generation automobiles still come with the 3.5-liter engine. To increase fuel efficiency, Honda, on the other hand, used cylinder deactivation technology. Depending on how much power is needed, the engine shuts down two or three cylinders at cruising speeds. Reducing the number of cylinders in use increases fuel savings. Because of this technology, the second-generation Pilot boasts much better EPA fuel-efficiency ratings.
Both the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions score 20 mpg overall. On the interstate, all-wheel-drive cars earn 24 mpg, while front-wheel-drive models get 25 mpg. Given that second-generation vehicles continue to produce 250 horsepower, this represents a significant improvement over first-generation models.
Like the first-generation Pilot, the second-generation Pilot has experienced many airbag recalls during its entire production run. Early models up to 2011’s seat belt stitching has been recalled owing to faulty or inadequate stitching, which might lead to the seatbelt disengaging from the chassis in the event of an accident.
Due to loose nuts on the front suspension parts, which could result in steering loss, other early models are recalled. Premature piston wear in some Honda Pilot models from the 2013 model year may cause engine failure.
Honda Pilot’s Second-Generation Gets An Offroad Design
Honda was spot on with the second-generation Pilots’ use of current technology, just as it was with the first-generation models. Voice controls and satellite navigation have been added to The Pilot’s GPS game. Beginning with the 2013 model year, all Pilots were required to have a backup camera as standard equipment. Some second-generation vehicles included an XM radio, and the rear-seat DVD system was still available.
Family-friendly features have also become more prevalent. Twelve cupholders in total are included with the second-generation Pilot. The number of 12-volt power outlets was reduced to three due to the loss of one of the original three. However, a 115-volt power outlet with a standard household socket soon became accessible, enabling the family to bring along gadgets like phone chargers and portable game systems. The second-generation Pilots could tow up to 4,500 pounds, much like the first.
The second-generation Pilots may be obtained in earlier versions for less than $10,000, but if you want one with all the bells and whistles, expect to pay more over $10,000. The most appealing models in terms of technology are those from 2013 and later. If you can do without a primary backup camera and make a few other minor changes, buying a model made before 2013 can save you a ton of money. Overall, you can obtain a superb second-generation Pilot for $15,000 or less.
Which model year Honda Pilot is having transmission issues?
We don’t expect you to go out into the wilderness and try to buy an automobile that is over 20 years old. However, you might find one if you’re looking for a cheap used Honda Pilot. We’re here to advise you not to purchase it under any circumstances. This is by far the worst model year Pilot has ever produced. Users of the NHTSA and Car Complaints have encountered a lot of issues since 2003.
Users have specifically reported issues with the drivetrain, electrical, engine, and airbags. There are a lot more difficulties mentioned, but these are the biggest and most expensive. For instance, the NHTSA received reports of 105 gearbox issues, 123 electrical issues, and 112 drivetrain issues. It’s far simpler to avoid this paradigm given how frequently serious, expensive to fix problems like this occur. If you see a 2003 Pilot laying around, do not purchase it.
Furthermore, same issues reappeared for the 2005 model year a few years later. This one is still best to avoid even though they don’t happen as frequently as the 2003 model did. Even if this is a different model year, we wouldn’t anticipate anyone to be purchasing at the moment.
How far can a Honda Pilot travel?
Owners of Honda Pilot vehicles have grown to enjoy and value each and every one of the characteristics we just listed over the past 20 years. But the durability attached to Honda Pilots is what people have grown to love and value above all else.
Honda Pilots often have a lifespan of more than 200,000 km. In fact, there are entire message forums on the internet where Honda Pilot owners boast about their vehicles’ 200,000-mile milestones.
And, dare I say it, that’s just the beginning! Many Honda Pilot owners have likewise logged well over 300,000 miles on their vehicles. It’s a major factor in why so many individuals have started to think about purchasing a used Honda Pilot.
The Toyota Highlander is larger than the Honda Pilot.
Midsize SUVs with three rows of seating are now the go-to choice for families with four or more children. Customers who purchase in this class may anticipate plenty of room for passengers and cargo, a wide range of convenience amenities, and (for the most part) simple car-seat installation.
Two of the most popular options for a crossover SUV with a third row are the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. The 2022 Honda Pilot and 2022 Toyota Highlander are comparable in size and interior space, other from that. Both come with a typical V6 engine. Toyota also has a hybrid Highlander available for those looking for improved gas mileage.
This 2022 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander comparison will aid in your decision-making if you’re torn between the two vehicles.
A Honda Pilot will depreciate 27% after 5 years and have a 5 year resale value of $32,882.
Pilots have been a fantastic vehicle overall. But as parents shuttle soccer teams, scout units, and everyone else to and from practice, the beach, and other locations, their owners push them hard. Although they will always exist, pilots usually experience some major wear and tear. Grab one if you can find one that is clean and reasonably priced.
The anticipated depreciation over the following ten years is shown in the figure below. These outcomes apply to cars that travel 12,000 miles annually on average and are in good condition. Additionally, it counts on a $45,001 initial selling price. Enter the purchase price, anticipated length of ownership, and yearly mileage estimate. The Honda Pilot’s anticipated resale value can be determined using our depreciation calculator.
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The Honda Pilot is constructed on a truck frame.
How do we distinguish between an SUV and a crossover? A crossover is lighter and constructed on a car platform, to put it as simply as possible. An SUV, on the other hand, is much heavier and is constructed on a truck platform. The Honda Pilot is still seated on a car’s platform even if it appears to be bigger, bulkier, and more powerful than most. It is still a crossover by definition, regardless of how Honda categorizes it or its features.
The Acura MDX and Honda Odyssey minivan both share a unibody chassis (like a vehicle) with the Honda Pilot. Yes, a Pilot shares the same mechanical foundation as the less expensive and frequently less appealing minivan. Due to the negative connotations associated with minivan purchases, “The Pilot has a different shape but retains the same soccer mom appearance. Due to this, even though Honda’s website’s home page for the Pilot section claims “It’s actually a crossover, a midsize SUV.
How trustworthy are Honda drivers?
Breakdown of the Honda Pilot’s reliability rating. The Honda Pilot has a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, which places it 13th out of 26 midsize SUVs. It has cheaper ownership costs than the national average due to the $542 average annual repair cost.
A luxury vehicle is the Honda Pilot.
Do I need to purchase a Honda Pilot? Although this Honda is a decent car, we do not automatically suggest it. One of the priciest SUVs in its class is this Honda. You’d be wise to take into account other top competitors in the class, such as the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.
What is the Honda Pilot’s main issue?
The transmission breakdown issue is likely the most significant of all the issues Honda Pilots encounter. Fortunately, this issue mostly affects the 2003 model. Other Pilot models have seen a few rare transmission failure incidences, though.
The Honda Pilot never shifts out of 4WD.
The automated Honda Pilot can determine when to engage the rear wheels, so it isn’t always in all-wheel drive. To deliver torque to various wheels, Honda’s Real-Time AWD with Intelligent Control System continuously assesses the state of the road.
When necessary, it rapidly and effectively activates the AWD system, functioning faster and more effectively than mechanical AWD.
Is there a timing chain or belt on the Honda Pilot?
Timing belts are standard on all Honda Pilot engines from model years 2003 through 2021. From 2003 to 2021, every Honda Pilot engine is an interference.
In a combustion engine, the timing belt (or chain) maintains the correct synchronization between the various engine parts.
Serious engine damage may result if the belt or chain strains or breaks.
Timing chains are typically rated for the lifespan of the engine, while timing belts have a suggested replacement interval, however they do need to be inspected on occasion.
Understanding the timing system in your car or a potential purchase might help you save future costs and hassles.
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