The 2004 Honda Pilot feels like a full-size SUV in the cabin, and it feels like a compact SUV at the pump. The Explorer is a little cheaper and the Highlander is a little more luxurious, but this is hands-down the best 2004 mid-size SUV for the price.
Is the 2004 Honda Pilot a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – The Highlander is the better mid-size SUV in some ways, but not by a wide enough margin to justify the two thousand dollar difference in listing price.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – It’s technically a mid-size, but smart interior design will have you thinking it’s a full-size SUV. The only issue you’re likely to have: Some drivers have reported premature corrosion in the subframe, which can affect the suspension.
- Reliability 8/10 – If you can find one in mint condition, you could easily pass 300,000 miles on the original transmission. In any event, this is a low-maintenance SUV with few major issues to worry about.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2004 Pilot’s safety features may be dated by now, but strong crash test ratings make up the difference.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Averaging 17/22 miles to the gallon, city/highway, the Pilot is more fuel efficient than most mid-size SUVs from this model year.
- Value 9/10 – Simply one of the best deals on the used car market today.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2004 Honda Pilot?
Consumer Reports praised the 2004 Honda Pilot’s comfortable ride, tight handling, and excellent fuel economy. They found the SUV to be a perfect blend of minivan, SUV, and wagon features, with peppy acceleration and high-quality interior materials.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Pilot a very strong 95% recommendation, singling out sturdy build, spacious third row, easy maintenance, and reliable powertrain for special praise. Among the few negative reviews, one driver reports that the “radio sucks!” Another driver had issues with broken door latches and peeling paint.
Edmunds liked the 2004 Pilot’s spacious interior and wealth of standard features. They found the steering to be a bit unwieldy, noting that the Pilot feels heavy behind the wheel, and they felt that the towing capacity came up lacking.
What Common Problems Does the 2004 Honda Pilot Have?
8 of the 2004 Honda Pilot’s 13 recalls are for airbag problems, ranging from exploding inflators to failure to deploy. Airbags are a leading cause of complaint, as well, making up 79 of 531 total complaints, with some drivers reporting that the airbags deploy for no reason.
Powertrain complaints take the lead on the SUV’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration page, with 140 reports ranging from rough shifting to total transmission failure. One driver reports the car refusing to go into gear, then leaving it overnight only to find that it functioned perfectly in the morning.
Premature rust has been reported in a number of units, with the rear subframe suffering major corrosion. This is an easy problem to prevent with a coating of anti-rust spray, but can be impossible to fix once the rust settles in.
In total, the 2004 Pilot has 13 recalls and 531 complaints on file with the NHTSA. Both of these numbers are within expectation for a twenty year old SUV.
How Long Will the 2004 Honda Pilot Last?
A Honda Pilot can last 300,000 miles or more if it’s been maintained well enough. But, buying used, you should expect to hit 250,000 miles before the more expensive repairs start to outweigh the cost of replacing the whole thing.
RepairPal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $542, with heater core replacements being the most expensive common fix, starting at around $1,413.
I have not had any problems with the Honda since I bought it used 4 years ago. It seems to be very reliable.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology on board the 2004 Honda Pilot is pretty good. You’ve got a CD player with four speakers in the entry level trim, and some models come packed with a DVD-based navigation system. Phone connectivity was still a thing of the future in 2004, however.
Safety technology is pretty good for 2004, with anti-lock brakes as a standard feature and full dual-stage airbags with occupant sensors.
Is the 2004 Honda Pilot a Good Value?
The 2004 Honda Pilot is an excellent value. An entry-level LX with under 170,000 miles on the odometer typically lists at around $4,286, while a high-end EX goes for just $4,857. Combine that with excellent fuel economy and low maintenance costs and this is one of the best values in the used car market today.
Note that the typical listing prices are a bit high in contrast to the vehicle’s fair market prices, which average about $500 less. If you have a friend who’s good at haggling, bring them to the dealer with you.
What are the Different Models of the 2004 Honda Pilot?
The 2004 Honda Pilot is offered in just two trim levels, the base LX and the high-end EX.
With the entry-level LX you’re getting:
- Power windows and door locks
- Manual air conditioning
- Cruise control
- CD player with 4 speakers
- Power exterior mirrors
- Anti-lock brakes
The top-of-the-line EX adds:
- 8-way power driver seat with lumbar support
- CD player with 7 speakers and steering wheel mounted controls
- Automatic air conditioning
- Optional rear DVD entertainment system
- Optional leather trim
What Engines Come In the 2004 Honda Pilot?
- The 2004 Honda Pilot comes packed with an all-aluminum 3.5L V6 engine delivering 240 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission and configured in all wheel drive, and averages 17/22 miles to the gallon, city/highway. The engine can tow up to 4,500 pounds, with a payload capacity of up to 1,536 pounds.
What Colors Does the 2004 Honda Pilot Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2004 Honda Pilot?
With 57 inches of rear hip room and a spacious third row, you’ll have a hard time finding any complaints regarding the 2004 Pilot’s comfortable interior.
The biggest concern you’re going to have will be in the suspension. For the most part, the SUV has held up well over the years. But, with reports of premature rust in the rear subframe, you have to be on the lookout for corroded shocks and struts when you take the Pilot out on a test drive.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 Honda Pilot Have?
You’ve got all the cargo space you need in a 2004 Honda Pilot. With all the seats up you’ve got 16.3 cubic feet of storage space, and with the seats folded down you have 90.3 cubic feet. That’s two big suitcases with the seats up, and more space than you’re likely to need with the seats down.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2004 Honda Pilot was the second model year in the SUV’s 1st Generation, running from 2003 to 2008.
2003: The 2003 Honda Pilot was launched with an all-aluminum V6 engine and a spacious interior pushing the boundaries of the mid-size class.
2004: Heated side mirrors were added for 2004, and the second row was more adjustable.
2005: The 2005 Pilot featured tire pressure monitoring and stability control as standard features, the steering was given an overhaul, and the SUV was offered in a front wheel drive configuration.
2006: 2006 was a facelift year for the Pilot, with a whole new front end featuring bolder headlight and grille designs, and an automatic moonroof in the EX-L trim.
2007: No big changes for 2007, but Nimbus Gray Metallic, Dark Cherry Pearl, Formal Back, and Aberdeen Green Metallic color options were new for this model year.
How Does the 2004 Honda Pilot Compare to the Competition?
The 2004 Honda Pilot is hands-down the best mid-size 2004 SUV for the price. The 2004 Toyota Highlander is one MPG more efficient and the interior is more luxurious, but it runs about two thousand dollars more on average, without delivering an extra two thousand dollars in value.
A 2004 Ford Explorer is priced to move, averaging around $3,500 for an entry level model. But every dollar you save buying an Explorer, you’re going to pay back in maintenance costs, and it’s not as likely to make 250,000 miles as the Pilot.
The Pilot feels like a full-size SUV with compact SUV fuel economy. It’s the best of both worlds at an excellent price.
Do Owners Recommend the 2004 Honda Pilot?
Yes I love it! Runs good and is already old haven't had any problems with it.. only the a.c off and on.. but other than that I love it..
It is a great vehicle. It fits 7 passengers easily, is roomy, and gets pretty good mileage. It is not the most stylish of vehicles but is practical for our family, which includes twin 4 year old's and a dog.