2005 Honda Pilot Reviews, Full Information & Pricing
Pricing
$28065 to $32870
ORIGINAL MSRP
$5095 to $5890
PRICE RANGE
$5543 to $5890
AVERAGE PRICE
$5930 to $5537
YOY PRICE CHANGE
Pros
The 2005 Honda Pilot is a versatile and reliable midsize SUV that remains popular among buyers looking for practicality, durability, and excellent performance. Below are the top 5 pros of the 2005 Honda Pilot, making it a great option for families and adventure enthusiasts alike.
1. Spacious Interior The 2005 Honda Pilot offers a roomy interior with seating for up to eight passengers. Its flexible seating configurations and generous cargo space of 90.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down make it perfect for family road trips or hauling gear.
2. Reliable Engine Performance Equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine producing 255 horsepower, the Pilot provides smooth and reliable performance. It features Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, which improves fuel efficiency without compromising power.
3. Superior Safety Features The 2005 Pilot prioritizes safety with advanced features for its time, including anti-lock brakes, stability control, and front-side airbags. Its excellent crash test ratings make it a dependable choice for families.
4. All-Wheel Drive Capability Honda’s advanced all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, making the Pilot a capable SUV for all-weather conditions. Whether tackling snowy roads or light off-roading, it ensures confidence behind the wheel.
5. Low Maintenance and Longevity Known for Honda’s legendary reliability, the 2005 Pilot requires minimal maintenance and has a reputation for lasting well over 200,000 miles with proper care. This makes it a cost-effective and dependable long-term investment.
Cons
The 2005 Honda Pilot, while a reliable and versatile midsize SUV, does come with a few drawbacks. Understanding these cons can help potential buyers make a well-informed decision. Below are the top 5 cons of the 2005 Honda Pilot.
1. Outdated Interior Design Though practical, the interior design of the 2005 Pilot appears dated compared to modern SUVs. The dashboard layout and materials lack the premium feel found in newer models, which may deter those seeking a more contemporary look.
2. Average Fuel Economy The 3.5L V6 engine offers decent performance but sacrifices fuel efficiency. With EPA ratings of 17 MPG city and 22 MPG highway, it falls short when compared to newer midsize SUVs with improved fuel economy.
3. Limited Technology Features The 2005 Honda Pilot lacks advanced technology features common in today’s vehicles, such as touchscreen infotainment systems, smartphone integration, and rearview cameras. This could make it feel less user-friendly for tech-savvy drivers.
4. Road Noise and Ride Quality The Pilot's ride quality can feel slightly rough over uneven roads, and road noise is noticeable at higher speeds. This can make long drives less comfortable for some passengers.
5. Aging Safety Standards While the 2005 Pilot offers solid safety for its time, it doesn’t include more advanced features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, or automatic emergency braking that are now standard in modern SUVs.
2005 Honda Pilot: Enhanced Performance and Family-Friendly Features
The 2005 Honda Pilot introduces a host of updates that solidify its reputation as a reliable family SUV. Among the most notable improvements is the brand-new 3.5L V6 engine, which combines enhanced power with remarkable fuel efficiency. This upgrade ensures a smoother, more dynamic driving experience while maintaining the Pilot’s practicality.
Although the mid-cycle refresh might seem subtle at first glance, the enhancements under the hood and behind the scenes make a significant impact. The updated model features an advanced electronic stability control system for improved handling and safety, a refined steering setup for better responsiveness, and an upgraded airbag system for added passenger protection. These additions complement the Pilot’s well-established strengths, including seating for up to eight passengers and a class-leading cargo capacity, making it an excellent choice for families and adventurers alike.
With its combination of improved performance, enhanced safety, and family-oriented design, the 2005 Honda Pilot remains a top contender in the midsize SUV category, offering reliability, comfort, and versatility in one compelling package.
3.8
out of 5EXPERT REVIEW
Look & feel
Performance
Form & function
Technology
Safety
Cost-effectiveness
2005 Honda Pilot: A Perfect Blend of Style and Functionality
The 2005 Honda Pilot takes inspiration from the smaller Honda CR-V, yet its larger dimensions provide a more robust and commanding presence. This design achieves a perfect balance, offering enough muscularity to hint at its capability while maintaining the welcoming and approachable look families desire in a midsize SUV.
Honda’s thoughtful exterior touches, such as the subtle use of black plastic trim, add a rugged edge without compromising the Pilot’s friendly suburban appeal. Its proportions are smooth and well-balanced, giving the taller and larger frame a refined aesthetic. Inside, the Pilot is designed with families in mind. The spacious, airy cabin features ample storage compartments, large windows for excellent visibility, and a layout optimized for passenger comfort. Whether you’re on a long road trip or running errands around town, the Pilot delivers versatility and convenience.
With its blend of rugged design elements and family-focused features, the 2005 Honda Pilot is a standout choice for those seeking a capable yet comfortable SUV. Its thoughtful engineering ensures it meets the needs of active families without sacrificing style or practicality.
2005 Honda Pilot: A Blend of Performance and Efficiency
The 2005 Honda Pilot shares its platform with the Acura MDX and Honda Odyssey, adopting the best features of both vehicles. The result is an SUV with calm, composed ride quality and handling that mirrors the smoothness of a minivan. These characteristics make the Pilot a top contender in the midsize SUV category for families and commuters alike.
Powering the Pilot is a robust 255-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine, borrowed from the Acura MDX. Despite its 4,400-pound weight, the Pilot accelerates with ease, thanks to its responsive drivetrain. Additionally, the vehicle offers impressive fuel efficiency and low emissions, aided by its lightweight design. The V6 is paired with a refined 5-speed automatic transmission, which has been enhanced with updated software. This system intelligently monitors throttle input and road conditions, ensuring smooth gear transitions. It also holds lower gears longer for better hill performance and provides engine braking on descents, adding a layer of control in challenging driving scenarios.
With its advanced platform, reliable drivetrain, and balanced performance, the 2005 Honda Pilot delivers a driving experience that combines power, efficiency, and practicality. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling long road trips, the Pilot is designed to meet your needs with confidence.
2005 Honda Pilot: Designed for Families and Versatility
The 2005 Honda Pilot may boast rugged styling, but at its core, it’s a people-focused SUV with a design centered on comfort and practicality. The second and third rows are slightly elevated for improved passenger visibility, while the second-row seats offer a slight recline for added comfort. Though spacious, the third-row seats are best suited for children. However, accessing the back row is simple, thanks to the second row’s sliding seat design.
The Pilot excels in cargo versatility, offering class-leading storage space with both back rows folded flat. Its expansive cargo area includes a 4-foot-wide load floor, ideal for hauling wide items like building materials or lawn equipment. Even with the third row in use, the Pilot provides ample cargo capacity, making it an excellent choice for families who need flexibility for passengers and gear.
With its thoughtful design, generous interior space, and functional cargo features, the 2005 Honda Pilot is a reliable companion for both daily commutes and family adventures, effortlessly blending rugged aesthetics with family-friendly convenience.
2005 Honda Pilot: Trim Levels and Features
Honda excels at simplifying trim levels and feature sets in its family vehicles, and the 2005 Honda Pilot is no exception. The base LX trim provides essential features, including an AM/FM/CD stereo, offering practicality and value for budget-conscious buyers. Stepping up to the EX trim unlocks premium enhancements like a seven-speaker audio system, a six-disc CD changer, and convenient steering-wheel audio controls for an elevated driving experience.
The Pilot also offers optional packages to cater to modern family needs. The $3,700 entertainment package includes a rear-seat DVD system, ideal for keeping kids entertained on long drives, while also adding luxurious leather upholstery. For those seeking advanced navigation capabilities, the $4,200 navigation package integrates a satellite-linked navigation system and leather seating, combining comfort with cutting-edge technology.
Whether you prioritize premium audio, family entertainment, or advanced navigation, the 2005 Honda Pilot's trim levels and packages deliver practical and desirable features for families seeking versatility and comfort in a midsize SUV.
2005 Honda Pilot: Safety Enhancements and Crash Test Ratings
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) initially tested the current-generation Honda Pilot in 2003 and identified a delay in airbag deployment during front crash tests. In response, Honda made significant revisions to the airbag design, addressing the issue and improving overall safety. Retested by the IIHS, the 2005 Honda Pilot earned a Good overall rating, reflecting these crucial updates.
However, the safety improvements didn’t extend equally to all seating configurations. Cloth seats and head restraints received a Poor rating due to limited support, while the leather-upholstered models achieved a Marginal rating, offering slightly better protection. Despite these challenges, the 2005 Honda Pilot remains a safer and more reliable option than earlier models, with enhanced airbag systems and improved crash test performance.
With its revised safety features and commitment to addressing concerns, the 2005 Honda Pilot provides peace of mind for families seeking a dependable and secure midsize SUV.
2005 Honda Pilot: Trim Levels and Value
The 2005 Honda Pilot keeps things simple by offering just two well-equipped trims that cater to families seeking reliability and value. The base LX trim starts at an affordable $27,350, providing essential features that make it a practical family SUV. It includes everything needed for daily comfort and functionality, delivering strong performance without unnecessary extras.
For those seeking more luxury and convenience, the EX trim starts at $29,920. This upgrade adds desirable features such as a power driver’s seat, premium audio system, a sunroof, and additional enhancements to elevate the driving experience. Honda’s straightforward trim approach stands out against competitors like GM and Ford, whose complex and extensive options packages can significantly increase overall pricing. The Pilot’s simplicity ensures families get the features they need without breaking the budget.
With its streamlined options and competitive pricing, the 2005 Honda Pilot delivers an unbeatable balance of practicality, comfort, and value, making it a standout choice in the midsize SUV market.
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Last Updated On Jan, 26-2025
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.