2003 Honda Pilot Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
17 City / 22 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
240
Seats
8
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Natasha F
2003 Honda pilot family SUV.
It fits a family of 8. It is size is reasonable and it drives well. It has heated seats, DVD and CD player. Also has a tape deck in it. The only thing I do not care for is when we have to use all the back seats there’s no trunk space. Otherwise I love this SUV.
accountCircle Margaret B
Honda pilots are reliable and dependable and are like the energizer bunny.
It is the most comfortable seating, leg room, foot room and getting in and out. I love the built in camera and GPS. It is now 16 years old and still going strong. I love Hondas and especially the Pilot model. Of course it has needed a few repairs like new transmission.
accountCircle Holly M
3rd row seating makes it easy for all my children to be comfortably.
This car is amazing, it has 3rd row seating, leather seating, storage rack on top, storage in the very back for cargo or groceries ands its roomy and comfortable. There are plenty of cup holders and a nice TV for 2nd and 3rd row to keep all my kids calm.
accountCircle Derek B
I would definitely buy another Honda again.
I have had no major problems with this vehicle; it has been very reliable throughout the years that I have owned it, which has been since late 2003. It is a comfortable vehicle, it has seating for 8 passengers, and I now have over 253,000 miles on it.
accountCircle Brenda L
One Tough Reliable Vehicle
The Honda Pilot is a very reliable vehicle. I have had no major issues with is until this year. A car being 16 years old and 242,000 miles needed a new alternator. Other than that, I have only paid for regular maintenance. It has always handled all weather conditions well (in WI and VT).
accountCircle Lacey M
Great roomy family vehicle
I've owned my Pilot for 6 years now. I have over 250,000 miles. I've never had any type of major problem. Its extremely roomy, comfortable and drives smooth. Seats in back lay down and you have about if not more room than a truck bed. When I get a new vehicle, it will be another Pilot just newer.
accountCircle Ni B
It's very dependable. And it fits a good size family.
I love how many people it can sit and it's great for family outings. I feel safe with my family in it
accountCircle Haley B
Silver 2003 Honda pilot with v6 engine.
Did have trouble with the timing belt getting out of rhythm which resulted in broken pistons and needing an entirely new engine. Handles extremely well in snow and poor road conditions. Gas mileage is about average for a 2003. Rusting on both rear corner panels likely from salt getting kicked up from tires. All inside amenities work well and have not had to replace anything.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Ann R
Car for parts! This car is only useful for the parts that it can give.
Dents, Engine problems, runs bad, just really old. I ran my car into the garage and I didn't get it fixed. I have key issues and my car is currently in the shop for it. Makes a creaking noise when I open the door. Horn doesn't work, unable to honk it. Radio does work. This car is useless and just doesn't work
accountCircle Rebecca B
The most important thing others should know about my car is that it is expensive to repair.
My vehicle is four wheel drive and I love this about my car. The thing I hate about my car is that it has blind spots that can not be seen in the mirrors or by just looking. Newer models of my car have driver assist so these blind spots are not an issue. Would like my car better if it had this feature.
accountCircle Peter F
It does not shift out of park unless you press a switch in the steering wheel.
It has issues with its transmission, so it is just very frustrating to drive sometimes, since it bucks and struggles to maintain a regular speed.
accountCircle Ronald M
Expensive to maintain lives at dealers shop every weekend.
Rough riding, expensive to maintain, low quality of materials to build it and designed to have lot of dealer replaced parts as they are not in parts store. Poor gas mileage. Chrome peals of on inside electronics are bad nothing works right electric seats have burned up, if it is electric it will not work right!
accountCircle Jasmine A
Roomy and reliable for many years
My vehicle has been very reliable since I purchased it more than 10 years ago. I've had very few problems, and it's running strong with almost 300,000 miles. It's very roomy and can easily fit luggage or a large family. It drives very smoothly and gets decent gas mileage as well.
accountCircle Tamara W
Overall it's a great vehicle for a family over 5 due to its 3 row seating.
My Honda Pilot has very low gas mileage! It drives pretty well but you will be out of a lot of money for a short trip. It has 3 row seats which is a plus! It also has DVD player and cloth seats. On the highway it will be a smooth drive since it's a 4 wheel drive.
accountCircle Erin B
Good vehicle overall, needs better air flow
My Honda Pilot is very dependable. It had to have a transmission rebuild around 150,000. It was money well spend, because it has ran flawless since. I love all the space for my kids. I do wish there was more air vents for the 2nd row and especially 3rd row. No one can ride in the 3rd row during summer, it's too hot.
accountCircle Katherine C
It's great on gas. It runs great. Tons of room also.
I need new tires. I don't have many complaints. It just needs tires.

Honda Pilot Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
LX
240 HP 20-20 MPG 8 Seats
car
EX
240 HP 20-20 MPG 8 Seats
Photos may not match model

2003 Honda Pilot Owner Reviews

4.18
114 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 48%
4 stars 29%
3 stars 18%
2 stars 3%
1 star 3%
accountCircle Christina T on March 29, 2021
Best SUV We have ever owned
The Honda Pilot has really been a lifesaver for me and my family! This SUV has so much space with the added 3rd row of seating and it still has trunk space as well. It rides very smooth is easy to handle and is great on gas. We use this SUV everyday and for road trips all over the world and we have yet to have any issues.
accountCircle Ebony S on March 23, 2021
Dependable and attractive vehicle.
I really love this car because it has many features. You can place the car on traction in bad weather, there is a/c for front and back and also it is a great vehicle to travel in. The only thing I don't enjoy is gas mileage. It can be a guzzler but that is the only thing wrong and it is very worth it.
View All Reviews (114) chevronRightAlternative

Ranks #6 Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2003 Honda Pilot has an average owner rating of 4.18 out of 5 which ranks it #6 of 16 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
2003 Isuzu Ascender
4.67
2
car
2003 Toyota 4Runner
4.56
6
car
2003 Honda Pilot
4.23

Ranks #3 Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Honda Pilot has a combined MPG of 24 which ranks it #3 of 16 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
27 MPG
2
Tie
car
2003 Nissan Murano
24 MPG
2
Tie
car
2003 Buick Rendezvous
24 MPG
3
Tie
car
2003 Honda Pilot
22 MPG

Is The 2003 Honda Pilot A Good Car?

It’s a great vehicle. It seats 7 passengers and fits my needs. It is spacious enough for my family and our luggage when we travel.
Cynthia C.
Yes it runs good. I haven't had it to long. It does make a noise in the back tire area but it starts right up every time.
Sierra M.
Yes I love it. Got 183k miles and runs like a champ. Only had to replace things that you would expect on 2003 such as ball joints and brakes
Kristen S.

How Reliable Is The 2003 Honda Pilot?

It has been very reliable. It is very high mileage but still going strong. I've just replaced a front passenger axle and the tires.
Molly K.
It runs just fine. The only problem is a funny noise in the back tire area. The radio doesn't work but other then that I it seems fine.
Bianca W.
Yes very reliable. Had one problem where the timing belt broke and in turn the pistons snapped off. Took it to the shop and said they'd never seen anything like it before. Ended up needing a complete... Read More
Daniel R.

Is The 2003 Honda Pilot A Good Value?

It was $5000. It was a great value and continues to be. Gas costs are high because it’s not very gas efficient but I don’t drive far too often.
Jen S.
I bought it from a friend for 500.00 with 254,000 miles. I'm not sure what it's worth. The body and interior are both in good shape.
Zachary S.
Bought it for $4000 with 130k. Seemed to be fair. Inside was not extremely clean, but outside was. Runs well
Vanessa H.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2003 Honda Pilot code p1456?

Answer: The p1456 code listed for the 2003 Honda Pilot will indicate an EVAP system leak has been detected. This is one of the most common fault codes and it typically can be the result of a loose or damaged fuel cap....

What's the 2003 Honda Pilot axle nut size?

Answer: The 2003 Honda Pilot axle nut size is M24-1.50 Thread. The transmission fluid needs to be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Along with fluid changes, terrible sounds will come from the transmission. Old...

What is the 2003 Honda Pilot main relay location?

Answer: The Main relay in a 2003 Honda Pilot is in the engine compartment fuse box. The ignition main is in slot 23, this is A50 AMP relay, and the battery relay is in slot 20, this is a 120 AMP relay. To get to the...

What is the 2003 Honda Pilot fuel pump relay location?

Answer: The 2003 Honda Pilot has a fuel pump relay that can be found in the engine compartment of Your car. The first thing You need to do is go to the front of the vehicle, and using the prop arm at the left side of...

How do i perform the 2003 Honda Pilot security system reset?

Answer: The body control module (BCM) in Your 2003 Honda Pilot helps prevent the vehicle from being stolen by shutting down the starting system when necessary. However, sometimes, this happens for no reason, and You'll...
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Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety