2005 Honda Pilot Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2005 Honda Pilot has been updated with an excellent brand-new engine and several other general improvements that make it a solid family SUV.
As mid-cycle refreshes go, the Honda Pilot’s appears to be quite mild. But the new V6 engine delivers incredible fuel economy and more than enough power to make the Pilot feel completely new again. The new model year also means behind-the-scenes upgrades for the Pilot in the form of a new electronic stability control system, a revised steering setup, and an upgraded airbag system. This is all on top of the Pilot’s already solid capability and convenience for families, as it has seating for up to eight people and more cargo space than most of its competitors.
8/10
The Pilot, in many ways, looks like a larger version of the smaller Honda CR-V. That’s not a bad thing, because the overall design allows the taller and much larger Pilot to appear smooth and more proportionate. Honda gave the Pilot just enough of a muscular stance to hint at its capability but not enough to alienate family buyers wanting a welcoming and comfortable ride. There’s some tough-looking black plastic trim outside, but only enough to toughen up the Pilot’s otherwise friendly suburban curb appeal. Inside, everything is optimized for carrying people. That means a big, airy space with generous storage compartments and lots of windows.
8/10
The Pilot rides on the same platform as the Acura MDX and Honda Odyssey minivan, and it borrows some of the best elements of both vehicles. The Pilot’s ride and handling are surprisingly calm and tidy, both of which are characteristics of the minivan world that we all enjoy. The drivetrain is shared with Acura’s MDX, which means a new 255-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. That’s more than plenty for the Pilot, which at 4,400 pounds, gets moving with gusto with the new engine on board. The Pilot returns solid fuel economy and low emissions, too, while helping to reduce overall weight in the vehicle. It’s coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission that is unflappable in any driving conditions and remains smooth even through hard acceleration. Though the gearbox isn’t new, the software controlling it has been tweaked. The system monitors throttle position and other factors to keep the transmission in the right gear. As a result, the transmission holds lower gears longer to improve performance on hill climbs and can help provide engine braking on the descent side.
9/10
The Pilot has a rugged look, but deep down it’s a people hauler, and everything about its design leads back to that core purpose. The second and third rows are slightly elevated over the front seats to improve visibility for passengers, and the second-row seats recline slightly for more comfort. Though the cabin has been optimized to get the most space for the most people, the Pilot's third-row seats are best reserved for children. At least getting into the “way back” is easy, thanks to a sliding seat design in the second row.
With the third row folded down, the Pilot offers an impressive cargo hold, and is a class leader in cargo space with both back rows of seats folded down. There's also a 4-foot-wide load floor, which gives it the ability to haul wide cargo like building materials and lawn equipment.
7/10
Honda does a good job making the trim levels and feature sets of its family vehicles easy to understand, and the Pilot is no exception. The base LX trim comes with a basic AM/FM/CD stereo, but step up one level to the EX, and you get a premium seven-speaker audio system, a six-disc CD changer, and steering-wheel audio controls. The options packages are limited but offer the most desirable tech features. A $3,700 entertainment package adds a rear-seat DVD system to keep the kids happy and includes leather upholstery for good measure. The $4,200 navigation package also adds leather and a satellite-linked navigation system.
6/10
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested the current-generation Pilot in 2003 and found that the airbags deployed late in front crash tests. Following that revelation, Honda modified the airbag design, and the Pilot was retested by the agency. The Good overall rating that we now see for the 2005 Pilot is a result of that revision work. This still did not prevent a Poor rating for the cloth seats and head restraints, though the leather upholstery helped bump that rating to Marginal.
8/10
The Pilot is offered any way you want it, as long as the way you want it is one of only two trims. The LX trim starts at $27,350 and has the basics to make it a competent family vehicle. The EX trim starts at $29,920 and has most of the good stuff: A power driver’s seat, premium audio, a sunroof, and more. This stands in stark contrast to competitors from GM and Ford, many of which have complicated and extensive options packages that can drive their prices far north of the Pilot’s.
Published May 25, 2021 by Chris Teague
User reviews for 2005 Honda Pilot
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Britney N
May 05, 2024
Was cool ive had car for three years and no problems inspection 2022 once and only needed brakes done and its still running fine May 05, 2024
by Anonymous
Sep 16, 2022
Great Car, it might need small repairs but you will see it.Sep 16, 2022
by Susan S
Jan 10, 2022
I love this car. Comfortable and great size. They can last for years and hit 300000 miles if taken care of correctly.Jan 10, 2022
User rating:
by Britney N
May 05, 2024
Was cool ive had car for three years and no problems inspection 2022 once and only needed brakes done and its still running fine May 05, 2024
by Anonymous
Sep 16, 2022
Great Car, it might need small repairs but you will see it.Sep 16, 2022
by Susan S
Jan 10, 2022
I love this car. Comfortable and great size. They can last for years and hit 300000 miles if taken care of correctly.Jan 10, 2022
by Sid L
Sep 25, 2021
Worth the money to buy one like this durable !!Sep 25, 2021
by Joseph B
Jun 24, 2021
I love my Honda Pilot more than Ive ever loved any vehicle.Jun 24, 2021
by Darnell g
Dec 16, 2020
Rides nice and smooth great SUV. Just wish it had DVD or backup camera.Dec 16, 2020
by C H
Nov 21, 2020
Solid suv, offers nice options, good value in the pilot. Compared to the Jeep liberty, rav4.Nov 21, 2020
by Silvana C
Sep 11, 2020
Better look than a van. I am looking for an 8 passenger seat vehicle and this one has it.Sep 11, 2020
by Patience W
Jul 28, 2020
It’s a nice car I really like it very good value Jul 28, 2020
by Jacqueline W
Apr 28, 2020
great value.....features were awesome !Better than Toyota so gratefulApr 28, 2020
by Chris S
May 14, 2015
Love this SUV. It sucks gas like crazy cause all I do is city driving (12-14mpg), but it moves. 3 rows of seats for the family. Lots of space to haul with 3rd row down. AWD is super in winter time.May 14, 2015
by Anonymous
Dec 07, 2013
This generation Pilot is a screaming value right now. Ours stickered at $32,700 in 2005 and now it's worth about $10K but it is solid as can be. Didn't think twice about changing the timing belt and water pump; it's still a really nice vehicle. Update spring 2015: still love, no intention to sell in foreseeable future.Dec 07, 2013
by Anonymous
Jun 21, 2013
I like that this car is reliable, there are almost no issues, and it hardly needs any repairs. The appearance is not that great, the vehicle is pretty basic, and the wheels are ugly, but the Pilot LX is still a good car.Jun 21, 2013
by Keith M
Feb 21, 2013
The overall size and reliability of this vehicle is nice and it has plenty of power to take the family to the beach or lake while towing a boat or golfcart. Very reliable and I have my 16 year old daughter driving it because it is so safe.Feb 21, 2013
by Anonymous
Aug 07, 2012
I enjoyed driving Honda for 7 years and my spouse used this car during the back problem as it was a comfortable seat.
Great height of the car.
better than most of the SUVs.
selling as I need to try some other SUV nowAug 07, 2012
by Matty P
Mar 10, 2012
what a car, for a v6 that vtec really hauls ass! its Japanese and its a truck and its all quality made! its an amazing looking truck when its waxed and clean its actually pretty sharp. gas is so so but its hard to prosper when the car is so peppy! i average 17.5-18mpg. this cars technology complicated though, between splittng the radio with the rear and stuff and the RES. but does that stereo pump with that subwoofer! it is overall really just terrific and i do not regret buying it!
UPDATE: everything is quie good still but latley ive been noticing how sensitive the tire pressure detector is.Mar 10, 2012
by Anonymous
Feb 02, 2011
nice solid build honda quality. acceleration was
8.2 sec. 0-60, not bad for a 4000lbs truck. gas
mileage is under 20 city/highway. big inside with
8 seats to accommodate 5 adults and 3 small kids.
hoping to get another one in the near futureFeb 02, 2011
by Carmina F
Aug 18, 2010
Top of the line SUV c/w DVD player. Added Scorpion Parelli tires to fill out the wheel well. Handles great! Long distance trips to the mountains ,desert, city goes the distance. The body is a solid core and reinforced. On impact the car will not crush around the cabin area. Front airbags, side curtain arbags will deploy on impact. 5/5 crash test rating / roll over.
Overall the car is very comfortable and will go the long distance. I've owned it for 5 years and nothing major other than break change, tires and battery..a little nuts and bolts is all it needed. Great car will keep as long as she'll run!Aug 18, 2010
by Hernan L
Jul 19, 2010
This a very reliable car. We've had it for five years and no complaints. The only
2 issues, are not a vary gas saving vehicle, and is not a luxury car at all. But
most Honda are not. If you want a reliable car tba can take you from a to z in
the snow as well as in the summer, this is it, but don't expect to turn any
headsJul 19, 2010
by David M
Mar 19, 2010
The family car that gets all of us to where we are going quite
comfortably. It gets pretty good gas mileage and is AWD
when we need it to be. Great power for its size as well. It
also has a 3rd seat.Mar 19, 2010
by Nick P
Jul 28, 2009
Kept car until 2007 with 51,000 miles. EX-L RES top of the line trim. Couldn't get Navigation and DVD so I opted for the DVD. Ass warmers could have been a little bit more powerful. Very light steering and the 255 HP make it an adequate family vehicle.Jul 28, 2009
by Ashley K
Jun 26, 2008
gets great gas milage, is very smooth riding handles curves and ice well. The standard sound system is very nice, and i really love the 40/60 seats that fold down, have the third row seating has come in handy more then once and for a mid sized SUV ... we find the seating comfortable, The Vech 6 engine has surperior get up and go and i love how she handles on the freeway, over all 10 it is a great family car without loosing the sleekness of a classy SUVJun 26, 2008
by Utku A
Apr 18, 2008
8 kisilik en ekonomik Apr 18, 2008
by Rinn K
Mar 31, 2008
Smooth ride, nice pick up, love the steering.
Such a nice car.
Even though its my mama's she still lets me drive it. =]Mar 31, 2008
by Sean T
Feb 27, 2008
This is one of the best purchases that I have even made.. We have taken it on trips and it fits all that is needed for the overhead of having two kids with room for their friends.Feb 27, 2008
by Ahmed K
Jan 18, 2008
a great 7-seater SUV i luv driving this car besides the 3.5 engine is sooo smoothJan 18, 2008
by Patrick N
Jan 16, 2008
Gas mileage is great for a SUV and when sitting in it you feel on top of everything. There's a lot of nice luxury features for it but it's also useful when going through tough terrain. The V6 engine can kick in when you really need it, though a V8 would be nicer.Jan 16, 2008
What users have asked
Honda Pilot 2005 Brake problem
I have been having issues with my brake system, I think. My brakes work perfect when driving. My problem is when my car is in park. I hop in car, start the car, and press on brake to put in drive and start moving forward. The car won't move. I have to put the car back in park, push hard on brakes, and put back in drive to get something to release so the car will move forward. Sometimes I have to repeat this several times before whatever it is releases and I can drive the car. I have replaced the brake switch and the driver side front brake hose which was bled and brake fluid replaced. My brake fluid never gets low or needs to be topped off so I assume it's not the brake master cylinder. Also, my brake pads, rotors are good. My calipers seem to be in working order bc if one was stuck it usually doesn't become unstuck. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
98 views
Honda pilot 2005 ev light flashing what do I do?
My ev light is flashing and I drove it 100 miles and it's still flashing how do I make it go off so I can get it smogged?
22 views
honda alarm system goes off all the time for no reason
is there a fuse I can remove or simply disconnect the alarm system
15276 views
Car loses acceleration and jerks
After driving about 2 miles car begins to lose acceleration and jerks then only allows me to drive no more than 25mph
50 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2005 Honda Pilot?Compare this car
2005 Honda Pilot Pricing
Original MSRP
$28,065 to $32,870Price range
$4,724 to $5,069Average price on CG
$5,000YoY price change
$5,069 to $5,000Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.4 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.4 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: black
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.4 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: black
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent