The 2008 Honda Pilot can last around 250,000 miles with only some minor oil consumption and light issues. At $7,472 to $9,223, it’s a good value for a dependable midsize SUV.
Is the 2008 Honda Pilot a Good Used SUV?
- Yes, 2008 is a good year for the Pilot. It’s one of the best midsize SUVs of 2008 and owner reviews praise the passenger room, affordable ownership costs, and technology.
- Interior quality is average for an SUV in this price range with durable cloth and leather options available. The stereo system is a bit outdated and ready for a refresh.
- Reliability ratings are above average. Models from 2006-2008 all are good choices, with a spike in mechanical problems for 2009.
- Performance is okay from the standard V6 engine, but it’s not a great choice for towing.
- The Pilot is a very safe SUV, earning a perfect 5-star overall rating in government crash tests, and only dipping to 4 stars in the rollover test.
- Fuel economy is average for a midsize SUV, and averaging 18 MPG, an owner can expect to get about 360 miles of range out of the 20 gallon tank.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Honda Pilot?
- Consumer Reports says the Pilot is a great, versatile midsize SUV, with very high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the 2008 Pilot a 4.3/5 praising the passenger room, but Edmunds doesn’t like the outdated navigation system.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Pilot 4.7/5 enjoying the 4-wheel drive system, but owners complain about the lack of modern technology.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Honda Pilot Have?
The problems found on the 2008 Honda Pilot include excessive oil consumption, burnt out lights, and broken window regulators. Overall, the problems found on the Pilot are relatively minor compared to other SUVs from 2008.
Excessive oil consumption is the most common complaint from owners at around 100,000 miles. The problem is caused by the variable cylinder management system, and simply turning it off reduces oil consumption. Some owners also just add oil as needed.
Burnt out lights throughout the cabin is another issue reported by owners, happening around every 20,000 miles. The lights from Honda burn out quickly, and many people replace them with LED bulbs for about $3 per bulb, which last much longer.
Broken window regulators also show up on many Pilot models at around 110,000 miles. When the regulator fails, many people report the window falling into the door. Replacing the entire regulator assembly is about $400.
There are 9 recalls, which is worse than average, but many are minor. The most serious recall is for the accelerator pedal binding, which can cause unintended acceleration and increase the risk of a crash.
How Long Will the 2008 Honda Pilot Last?
A well-maintained 2008 Honda Pilot should last around 250,000 miles, similar to rivals like the Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are average for a midsize SUV, at $479 per year, according to ownership data provided by Repair Pal.
Since most 2008 Pilot models will have over 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the HVAC door actuator for $700, wheel speed sensor costing $150, and the timing belt tensioner which costs $500.
I had some air conditioning issues with the vehicle on three separate occasions but was able to get the system fixed each time. I have had to replace the power windows on both back windows.
With the exception of the standard upkeep, I have had relatively few problems. The car is reliable and well made.
The Honda is super reliable. We have never had aa breakdown. The only problem is the light that looks like an anvil comes on randomly and has to be reset.
How Much Is the 2008 Honda Pilot Worth?
Blue values range from $7,472 to $9,223, making the Pilot thousands more than other midsize SUVs like the Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Edge. When new, the price range was $27,595 to $35,645. Depreciation is better than average, losing about 8% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Honda Pilot?
There are four models of the Pilot offered for 2008. The first Generation of the Pilot was introduced in 2003, with the second generation arriving for the 2009 model year.
Value Package is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Air Conditioning
- Cruise Control
- Keyless Entry
- 7-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
EX is a step up, adding features such as:
- 8-Way Power Driver’s Seat
- Automatic Climate Control
- HomeLink Garage Opener
SE offers some small upgrades including:
- Sunroof
- Satellite Radio
- Rear DVD Entertainment System
EX-L is the flagship model and adds:
- Leather Seating
- Wood Interior Trim
- Navigation System With Rearview Camera
- Heated Front Seats
What Engines Come In the Honda Pilot?
The engine found in the pilot is an average 3.5L V6 which makes 244 horsepower and gets up to 18 MPG combined. Performance is okay for its size, taking about 8.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH, but the towing capacity is low at only 3,500 pounds.
What Colors Does the Honda Pilot Come In?
How Big Is the Honda Pilot?
The 2008 Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV, and a little larger than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevy Trailblazer. Passenger room is great in the first two rows, but the third row is best suited for younger children since it has limited legroom.
Cargo space is excellent for a midsize SUV with 15.9 cubic feet of room behind the third row, 47.6 cubic feet behind the second, and up to 87.6 with the seats folded flat. That’s enough for 3-4 suitcases behind the third row, and 6-8 with the third row folded flat.
How Does the Honda Pilot Compare to the Competition?
The Honda Pilot is among the best midsize SUVs on the market from 2008, ranking highly compared to rivals, and offering a reliable powertrain and nice interior.
The Toyota Highlander is a popular competitor, which costs about $1,500 more. Interior materials are a bit nicer in the Highlander, but the Pilot has more room for passengers. We recommend the Pilot for 2008, but you can’t go wrong with either midsize SUV.
The Honda Odyssey is another rival from Honda, costing about $1,200 less. Passenger space is higher in the Odyssey, especially with the second row captain’s chairs, but the Pilot’s 4WD system is better in the snow. We recommend the Pilot, but if you need to haul a lot of people, the Odyssey wins.
Do Owners Recommend the Honda Pilot?
Yes, other than some expected wear and tear this has been a good vehicle. It has good size for a family and gets good gas mileage for an SUV.
Yes it is a good vehicle. It is sturdy and it drives well. The workmanship is top notch. These cars are made to last a long time.
Our Honda has been great. We are good about oil changes and tune-ups and we have never had a breakdown of any kind. It is well-designed for our needs. The seats flop down easily for hauling oversized things and pop back easily to ferry people. Love this car.