The 2011 Pilot can last over 250,000 miles with only minor oil consumption and paint issues. At $11,497 – 14,695, it’s an affordable choice for buyers looking to carry a lot of people.
Is the 2011 Honda Pilot a Good Used SUV?
- Yes, 2011 is a good year. Owners really enjoy the comfortable interior, reliable engine, and cargo space.
- Reliability ratings are very good. Models from 2009 through 2015 are all good choices; avoid the 2016 model with transmission problems.
- Performance is weak from the V6 engine.
- The Pilot is a safe SUV earning four out of five stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is poor at up to 19 mpg combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Pilot?
- Consumer Reports finds the Pilot to be functional but missing the interior quality of earlier models, and it has average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Pilot a 4.2/5 and likes the smooth V6 engine, but finds the infotainment difficult to use.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the pilot 4.5/5 and like the comfort on and off the road, but find the standard technology features to be weak.
What Common Problems Does the 2011 Honda Pilot Have?
Problems in the Pilot are relatively minor including oil consumption issues, chipping paint, and low-quality upholstery.
Excessive oil consumption is the most common complaint showing up at around 100,000 miles. Some owners choose to just check the oil regularly and top it off as needed, and others replace pistons and rings costing over $2,000.
Easily chipping paint is another frequent issue in the first 50,000 miles. The clear coat tends to chip easier than some other vehicles. The only solution is to repaint the affected areas at a cost of $1,000 per panel.
Deteriorating interior upholstery is also a problem at around 90,000 miles. The vinyl and cloth wears out quickly and has to be replaced as the vehicle ages costing around $1,200.
There are 11 recalls which are all minor including front suspension damper bolts, seat belts, and many for various airbag issues.
How Long Will the 2011 Honda Pilot Last?
A well-maintained 2011 Pilot will last over 250,000 miles, similar to many other popular midsize SUVs including the Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are reasonable at $594 per year, according to Repair Pal.
As a Pilot reaches over 100,000 miles owners should prepare to replace the throttle body for $525, parking brake shoes costing $350, and HVAC blend door actuator for $400
We have found it to be very reliable. We have the standard upkeep but for the most part it gets excellent gas mileage and is great to drive.
Not the best on gas. Not very fast especially off the start and gets pushed by wind quite a bit. Other than that no problems.
Mine is reliable. I have not had any issues with mine. However I've had family members that have had a lot of mechanical problems
No there is no problems. If we have a problem we get it fixed. We check the tires so the tread is good and new tires were put on when we bought the car.
I bought this vehicle less than 2 years ago. So far it is very reliable. No issues so far. Low maintenance. No problems for me.
Honda is a very reliable brand. My husband got T-boned and walked away just a little sore. We will be Honda owners for life.
Average maintenance for the vehicle but it is very reliable. No known major problems. Mine has 250,000 miles on it and still going strong.
We've had absolutely no problems with our Pilot. There was one recall regarding an air bag but it was very quickly handled by the local dealership. It's been very reliable from the day we bought it.
How Much is the 2011 Honda Pilot Worth?
Blue book prices range from $11,497 – 14,695 making the Pilot more affordable than a 4Runner or Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $28,320 to $40,670. Depreciation is similar to rivals losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Pilot?
There are four models of the Honda Pilot. Technology is a bit dated since it was last updated in 2009. There are improvements for 2013 adding a new premium navigation system and standard backup camera.
LX is the entry-level model offering:
- 17-inch Steel Wheels
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- Dual-zone Climate Control
- Seven-speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System With 3.5mm AUX Jack
EX is a step up adding some features including:
- 17-inch Alloy Wheels
- Painted Trim Pieces
- Eight-way Power Driver’s Seat
- Tri-Zone Climate Control
- Six-CD Changer And Satellite Radio
EX-L offers more luxury with upgrades such as:
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Sunroof
- Auto-dimming Mirror With Backup Camera
Touring is the flagship model and comes with:
- Premium Leather Seating
- Power Liftgate
- Rear Window Sunshades
- 10-speaker Premium Stereo With Navigation Bluetooth and USB Connectivity
What Engines Come In the Pilot?
The pilot has a relatively weak 3.5L V6 making 250 horsepower. Performance is slower than other SUVs, taking 9.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour.
What Colors Does the Pilot Come In?
How Big Is the Pilot?
The 2011 Pilot is larger than other midsize SUVs including the Xterra and 4Runner. Passenger room is great, fitting adults in the third row, which is rare for a midsize SUV.
Cargo space is similar to rivals with 18 cu. ft. of room behind the third row, 47.7 with the second row folded flat, and up to 87 with both rear rows down.
How Does the Pilot Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota Highlander is a close competitor costing $2,000 more. The Highlander has fewer complaints from owners, but the Pilot is more comfortable. Both are very good midsize SUVs, but we give the edge to the Highlander with lower ownership costs.
The Mazda CX-7 is another midsize rival, which is $3,000 cheaper. Interior materials are nicer in the CX-7, but the Pilot has more power and room. We recommend the Pilot since it’s a more versatile choice offering better passenger and cargo space.
Do Owners Recommend the Honda Pilot?
Yes, reliable and accommodates our entire family comfortable. The third row of seats was a huge selling bonus for us and the comfort and space of all three rows was important.
Great vehicle. Very dependable. Great in snow which is important where I live. Plenty of space and love the DVD system.
Yes. Its roomy and has good storage space. It drives well and has few mechanical issues. The third row seat folds down which is nice
Yes I like it a lot and nice to drive. The car was used and the mileage is good. I make sure we do regular service as oil change and replacing wipers etc.
Yes it is a very good vehicle! As far as performance, roominess, style- everything! I love it has a 3rd row seat- as that is a requirement for me. It is comfortable.
I absolutely love my Pilot. It is reliable, easy to drive, fits my kids and a ton of groceries AND a large stroller without feeling cramped. I have driven it all over the country and it has always worked great. No complaints.
Favorite car I've ever owned! It handles well and is very spacious. Mine has 250,000 miles on it and is still going strong with average maintenance done. I have five kids and it works great for us. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants decent fuel economy and a lot of space options. Back seats fold down completely and the little ones will as well if need be. I love my sunroof. Overall I don't have any complaints I absolutely love my pilot!
Yes - it's roomy for hauling grandchildren, groceries, building supplies. We driven to the beach with all our luggage, etc. The mileage is not as high as we would like, but not bad. It's a very comfortable vehicle with leather/power seats.
