When Honda first introduced the Passport (better known as the Izuzu Rodeo) back in late 1993, Honda showed that they were not exactly the most competent company when it came to making quality built mid-sized SUVs. While the Passport offered adequate performance off-road, the Passport had a cheap feel to its interior, was somewhat anemic in acceleration, and was not exactly a joy to drive on the pavement. Even though Honda claims that the 2003 Pilot is not a replacement for the extinct Passport (discontinued for 2003), the Pilot is definitely replacing a void this company has had in the U.S. marketplace since day 1; the lack of a mid-sized SUV worthy of the Honda nameplate.

For the 2003 model year the 2003 Pilot comes in two trim levels; base LX and EX (tester). One engine is available for all trim levels, a smooth 3.5 liter V6 (also found in the Honda Odyssey and Acura MDX) producing 240 horsepower and 242lb-ft of torque. One transmission is also available; a 5-speed fully automatic.


Driving Impressions:

The Pilot is not slow by any means, however it's also not as swift as I had predicted. The Pilot's engine does boast an impressive horsepower rating (240 hp), though this power is severely hampered by the Pilot's hefty curb weight (tipping the scales at near 4,500lbs). Like my experience with other Honda vehicles, acceleration comes extremely smooth. Almost all engine noise is kept isolated to the outside world, and under the hood; not in the cabin.

The 5-speed fully automatic transmission shifts with no fuss whatsoever, even under full throttle this new transmission keeps its composure. I do feel that Honda should have introduced a CVT transmission for the 2003 Pilot. The addition of a CVT most likely would have helped out with both fuel economy and acceleration. Nissan did this with the equally powerful 2003 Nissan Murano; the Murano feels significantly faster than the 2003 Honda Pilot and receives almost 3 more miles to the gallon.

All 2003 Pilots come with AWD. The Pilot's engine sends power to the front wheels during normal driving situations and is distributed to all 4-wheels when the front wheels lose traction. This AWD system enables excellent traction on slippery surfaces. If you have owned a powerful 2 wheel drive SUV or FWD car you undoubtedly know the consequences of accelerating hard on a wet surface. The Pilot's AWD system eliminates this tire spinning, enabling good acceleration and traction in slippery conditions. If you get stuck in the sand (as I did) you can push the VTM button which locks AWD until 20-25 MPH. Since taking the Pilot in deep sand resulted in some sticky situations, I don't think it would be a very good idea taking this vehicle too deep in the rough. If you do so, you might want to think about going aftermarket with the tires, the standard P235/70R/16 All Seasons are not exactly extreme off-roading material. Honda does offer a generous 8 inches of ground clearance.

Note: The Honda Pilot can tow up to 3,500 lbs.


The Pilot may not have been too impressive in the acceleration department, however it definitely showed above average handling manners for a vehicle in this class. The Pilot's steering does feel a bit dead, though body lean/roll is minimal giving the Pilot both a safe and solid feel on the twisties. The Pilot also feels much smaller than it actually is when tackling harsh turns. This is great if you are upgrading from a sedan, new SUV buyers should not feel overwhelmed by the girth of the Pilot.

Compared to the late Passport, the new Pilot feels like a Lincoln Town Car during high speed freeway driving. While not as refined as some current SUV's on the market, i.e. the Nissan Murano or the Toyota Outlander, the 2003 Pilot does a fairly good job absorbing bumps and keeping rattles to a minimum. Wind, engine, and roadgrain noise are also kept devoid from the cabin at high speeds.

Passing power is decent, though it seems the Pilot could do with a bit more top gear power here. Perhaps I'm getting spoiled with some of the sports cars I have driven in the past month, but it just seems like the transmission needs to down-shift just a tad too much to get the power needed for quick passing maneuvers. The same can be said about hills. Hills are taken fairly well if you put the gear selector in 'D3', though with the cruise control set at 65-75 MPH, going up steep inclines the transmission is hard pressed to stay in top gear.

Braking is excellent. Unlike some sport utility vehicles on the market that use fade prone rear drum brakes, the Pilot comes standard with 4-wheel disc brakes coupled with 4-wheel ABS. This set-up enables excellent, vibration free braking that insures quick and potent stopping power .

Fuel Economy is about average from a mid-sized SUV. The EPA rates the 2003 Honda Pilot at 17/22. This puts the expected fuel estimates of the Pilot in the same league with SUVs like the Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet TrailBlazer.

Interior Accommodation:

Other than the unfortunate gray on simulated tree meat interior theme, my Pilot EX offered interior refinement in a league above most SUVs in this class. Unlike the late Passport, the 2003 Pilot's plastics feel solid, and the leather ($1,200 option) feels rich. The Pilot also offers an excellent drivers position which enables excellent visuals in all directions and easy access to all the gadgetry on the dash fascia. The only major gripe I have about the quality of the Pilot's interior are the cheap feeling plastic netted map pockets. This netting theme is not only located on the door map pockets, but also along the center console, and the back of the front seats.

The Pilot EX is not exactly loaded to the brim with standard equipment, however if you have the money you can equip this SUV with almost anything you could think of. With a standard 7 speaker CD/cassette 150 watt sound system, power everything, cup holders at every corner, 6 air bags, rear climate controls, etc. etc. this vehicle is definitely not a poor relation, even with just standard equipment. For all standard and optional equipment visit www.HondaCars.com.

Note: No sunroof is available.

The two front bucket seats feel excellent. The leather feels good to the touch, and the seat bolsters offer just enough support to satisfy most drivers. My only gripes with the Pilot's seats are the obvious decline in quality with the 3rd row seats. While the 60/40 split 2nd row offers adequate comfort, the 3rd row full bench seats feel hard as a rock. If you have kids, I forewarn you that there will probably be some fighting as to who is not going to get stuck sitting on those 3rd row seats.

The most significant attribute offered from the Honda Pilot is it's available stowage space. With the 2nd and 3rd row folded down there is approx. 90 cu. ft. of cargo space. The Pilot offers tons of small cubbies throughout the cabin for small items, a huge center console up front, and a fairly large hidden storage area in the far rear of the vehicle.

Exterior Innovation:

While companies like Hyundai, Dodge, Kia, etc. etc. are going with bold designed Sport UTES, the 2003 Pilot is, to say the least, "conservative." There is really nothing about the new Pilot that sets it apart in the styling department from the huge herd of SUVs on the road. Almost looking like a large version of the CRV, the Pilot was definitely not built to turn heads. Instead, the Pilot offers a fashionably practical design that should not age too fast; a common problem with flamboyant designs. My only concern here is that Honda might have went a little too "plain" with the Pilot.

Price/Warranty:

The base price of the Pilot starts at around $27,000 for LX models with just standard equipment. If you want the EX add a little over 2 grand and you get upgraded alloy rims, premium sound, roof rails, and a second row seat fold down activity tray. You also must opt for the EX trim level in-order to buy the leather package, the DVD system, or the navigation system. With all options the Pilot can tip the scales at over $41,000. If anything does happen to your Honda Pilot, Honda offers an extremely stingy 3 year, 36,000 mile bumper-bumper warranty.

Final Thoughts:

I like the Pilot, though I still think Honda needs to do some refining here. The Pilot not only lacks the availability of a sunroof (a must have for me), Honda also needs to update the Pilot's rear seating and lower the price of options. Honda especially needs to do something about the standard warranty, it seems such an accomplished automotive company would offer a more generous warranty. I'm rating the 2003 Pilot at 3 stars with my recommendation, however I do highly suggest shopping around before you buy.

Looking for a more up-scale SUV? You may want to read my review on the 2003 Nissan Murano



-Happy Car Shopping!


Amount Paid (US$): 32,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: EX-L 5-speed Auto