We're thinking about picking up a first gen Honda Pilot, anyone here own one that can comment on their reliability?

From what I've read the early Pilots (03-04?) had some transmission issues so I was planning on avoiding those years. Does the Pilot use a different transmission than the one in the MDX and other Hondas/Acuras that is known for premature failures?

Is there anything specific to the Pilot I should watch out for when shopping for one? I've been searching online but haven't found much in the way of common problems.

 

Watch out for the transmissions - they don't have the best track record.














They use the same parts as the MDX - Honda can't seem to make a good transmission...

Are you looking for awd or fwd? I'd stick to fwd.

 

We have an '05 Pilot with ~30K miles on it, no problems whatsoever, transmission or otherwise.

 

We got a 04. Its running great with 40~k. We bought it new, havent had any problems at all.

 

My parents are currently shopping for a 2011 Pilot. The are still undecided whether to get AWD or FWD. Care to share why would you pick FWD? Thanks.

 

Had an 04 until it was stolen and destroyed. It had 140,000 miles on it with zero problems. They did have a recall on the transmission to help cool 2nd gear I believe. The recall came out very quick, so if the previous owner had it fixed then I wouldn't worry about it. Or find one with a tow package as it will have a trans cooler. My wife would rather have her old beat up Pilot than her new CRV. And all the early ones were AWD.

 

According to this:

http://www.piloteers.org/forums/69-2003-20...ion-issues.html

The Pilot got a revised transmission in 06. We'll probably try to find an 06-08.

So transmissions and gas mileage are the only negatives on the Pilot?

 

MPG is the only reason I can think of, and it's not much different between the FWD and AWD.

 

Hang on a second. They make a FWD Honda Pilot? Is that a new thing? When I was working at the dealership, I don't recall there being any FWD Pilots.

 

We have a 2007 Honda Pilot. It's coming up to 75,000 miles and it has never had a single problem minus a squeaky steering wheel when it's really cold.