The 2007 Honda Pilot is in the running for best mid-size SUV in this model year. The Toyota Highlander does some things better, but it doesn’t do them two-thousand-dollars better. Reliable, comfortable, and easier to handle than most mid-sizes, the 2007 Pilot remains a sought-after daily-driver to this day.
Is the 2007 Honda Pilot a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – If it’s not the best mid-size SUV released in 2007, it’s at least the best for the price.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior space is surprisingly generous for such a nimble SUV.
- Reliability 8/10 – The 2007 Pilot has fewer than 200 complaints on file with the NHTSA. Major repairs are few and far between, and basic maintenance is dirt cheap.
- Safety 8/10 – Anti-lock brakes and traction control come standard, and the SUV earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – The Highlander gets a couple extra miles to the gallon, but at the expense of around thirty horsepower.
- Value 9/10 – Simply one of the best deals on the market today.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2007 Honda Pilot?
Consumer Reports found the 2007 Honda Pilot to be an excellent blend of SUV, minivan, and wagon design concepts. They praised the SUV’s comfortable ride and quick acceleration, they liked the versatile, intuitive interior, and they found the fuel economy impressive for a midsize SUV.
Kelley Blue Book users give the 2007 Pilot a close-to-perfect 95% recommendation, with special praise for the SUV’s longevity and spacious, comfortable interior. One driver reports hauling everything from firewood to construction materials in the Pilot with no problems.
Edmunds praised the comfortable, spacious interior, with seating for eight that folds flat for big cargo jobs. They praised the car’s handling and acceleration, as well. They were less impressed by the car’s middling towing capacity and merely-adequate entertainment features.
What Common Problems Does the 2007 Honda Pilot Have?
The 2007 Pilot has generated just 190 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Around one in four of these complaints are for airbag issues with drivers reporting failure to deploy. The last few of these reports were registered after seven airbag recalls were issued.
With 19 reports on file, electrical complaints take a distant second place behind airbags. The main issue here is problems with the low beam headlights failing out of nowhere. The high beams still function in these instances, but the low beams will completely fail due to a problem with the wiring harness.
There are 14 complaints on file for vehicle speed control, with drivers reporting power surges or sudden loss of power while in motion. A 2019 recall addressed accelerator pedals getting stuck in position, but it is unclear whether this covers every one of these complaints.
The 2007 Pilot has 9 recalls on file, which sounds a bit high, but 7 of these are for airbags, and there have only been three airbag complaints since the last one went into effect. All told, the Pilot’s NHTSA numbers are remarkably low for a vehicle from this model year.
How Long Will the 2007 Honda Pilot Last?
The Honda Pilot, being a Honda, can easily last more than 300,000 miles with excellent care. But, in a used model, expect to reach a top mileage of 250,000 before the really expensive repairs pile up, and that’s if you can find one in good condition and you never skip an oil change.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $410, with the most expensive common repair being a new airbag occupant sensor, starting at around $994.
It is incredibly reliable. During our travels, my husband and I had occasion to use the 4 wheel drive and the system never failed us. We have not had any problems with the vehicle in general since we got it.
It is very reliable. I have not had any issues with it. No problems yet. I would say that these are very good and reliable vehicles.
I have had it for 3 months now and has been very reliable for me with upkeep in maintenance. It does not have any problems at this time.
It has been a very reliable vehicle with no real problems, just have to do normal maintenance and all is good.
I have put over 200,000 miles on it and the only services that I have had to do are routine maintenance. Totally reliable. Has systems in place that let me know if anything needs be looked at. I have loved this car!
It is very reliable and nothing out of the ordinary ware. Had to change oil and lights on a regular basis.
The pilot is a very reliable car. I really have had no serious problems with this car. It is a great family car.
The Pilot has a strong engine, and excellent pickup. The only issue I have identified is a faulty A/C Compressor, which can be a costly repair, but is necessary to have during the summer months. I have maintained oil changes and brake work on the car, so I have not experienced any problems otherwise.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2007 Honda Pilot is good for the model year. CD players are standard, and higher trim levels come with disc changers and a few extra speakers. The SUV is available with a DVD player in the back, but good luck finding one on the used market.
Safety technology is pretty good for the model year, too. You won’t find newer features like rearview cameras and lane keep assist, but anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard.
Is the 2007 Honda Pilot a Good Value?
The 2007 Honda Pilot is a very good value. The SUV is priced fairly, with entry-level models typically listing at around $5,660, and the high-end EX-L at around $7,306. These prices are roughly average for a mid-size SUV of this age. It’s the low cost of ownership makes this a great deal.
If you buy a Pilot with 150,000 miles on the odometer, you have a good chance of putting another 100,000 on the transmission before you have to make any major repairs. Add low maintenance costs to class-leading fuel economy and you’re ultimately spending less than you would on a cheaper, but less reliable SUV.
What are the Different Models of the 2007 Honda Pilot?
The 2007 Pilot is offered in just three trims, from the base LX to the high-end EX-L. All three models are available in rear or four wheel drive, so in total you’ve got six Pilots to choose from.
The base LX model includes:
- CD player with
- 4 speakers Cloth seating
- Remote keyless entry
- Manual air conditioning
- Anti-lock brakes and traction control
- Cruise control
In the mid-range EX you’re getting all that, plus:
- 8-way power driver seat
- Fog lights
- Automatic air conditioning
- 3 extra speakers
- Driver lumbar support
- 6-disc CD changer
Finally, the top-of-the-line EX-L adds:
- Heated front seats
- Leather seating
- Power sliding/tilting sunroof
- Heated mirrors
What Engines Come In the 2007 Honda Pilot?
- The 2007 Honda Pilot comes packed with a 3.5L V6 engine delivering 244 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. The V6 is paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission and configured in front or four wheel drive. It averages 18/24 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
What Colors Does the 2007 Honda Pilot Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2007 Honda Pilot?
The 2007 Pilot is very comfortable, with the back seat stretching 56 inches across, the seating being nice and firm, and the suspension holding up well over the years with few complaints on file. The SUV is advertised to seat 8 people, and it lives up to the promise.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2007 Honda Pilot Have?
The 2007 Honda Pilot packs 16 cubic feet of cargo in the back, and you can fold the seats down for up to 87 cubic feet of storage space. That’s enough for pretty much anything you could reasonably want to carry, including light-duty furniture hauls and refrigerators.
Inside the cabin you’ll find plenty of pockets, slots, and cup holders. While iPhones weren’t really a thing yet at this point in time, the car does include slots for cell phones. Whether your phone will fit, you won’t know until you try. If not, you’ve got a handy pen holder.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2007 Honda Pilot was the second to last of the nameplate’s 1st Generation, running from 2003 to 2008.
2004: The biggest changes for 2004 were adjustable second rows and heated side mirrors.
2005: Stability control and tire pressure monitoring were made standard features for 2005, and the steering was overhauled.
2006: A facelift year for the Pilot, 2006 saw the SUV getting a new front end with bolder headlights and grilles. The EX-L model got an automatic sunroof in 2006, too.
2007: No big changes for 2007, though Honda added Nimbus Gray Metallic, Dark Cherry Pearl, and Formal Black exterior color options.
2008: There were no major changes for the final year of the Pilot’s 1st Generation.
2009: The 2nd Generation Pilot was 2.9 inches longer than the previous model, steering received an overhaul for sharper cornering, and new features included rear sound systems and HondaSensing lane-keep assist.
How Does the 2007 Honda Pilot Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota Highlander was arguably the best mid-size SUV of this era. It’s a little cushier and a little more fuel-efficient than the Honda Pilot, but it’s not nearly as powerful, and it typically lists for a couple thousand dollars more than a comparable Honda.
A 2007 Ford Escape is usually a reliable alternative to the Honda Pilot, listing in the same price range, but 2007 wasn’t a great year for the SUV, with lots of transmission problems and potential for early breakdown.
The Honda Pilot is a contender for best 2007 SUV overall, and it’s the hands-down winner for best SUV for the price.
Do Owners Recommend the 2007 Honda Pilot?
Yes, it is an excellent vehicle. It has plenty of room in the back for passengers or in the case of my husband and I, for our camping equipment. It gets great mileage on the highway. I think with proper maintenance, this car would last forever.
Yes it is. We bought it last year used. It is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. It drives smooth. Have not had any troubles with it yet. I just love it a lot. I would buy another Honda pilot in the future.
Yes it is. It is able to haul my kids and dogs and has been great for camping and beach trips with plenty of room for all. I have towed a boat with it and it did great. I am overall very happy with it.
Yes it is a very good vehicle. The only thing I do not like is that it does not get incredibly good gas mileage.
Yes had no service except maintenance. I have over 200,000 miles on it and every mechanic that I have been to says it will go way over 300,000 miles. Has a 3rd row of seats so when needed I can put 8 people in it. Plenty of room for all my needs!
Very good and very dependable. Good gas mileage and comfortable on long drives. Plenty of room for luggage and groceries.
I love my car. It had been trustworthy for us. It is very comfortable and I love driving this SUV. When I originally started looking I was thinking of getting another make but I drove the pilot and that sealed the deal. I would definitely recommend this car.
Yes, it is reliable, sturdy, and has excellent seating capacity. The engine is a strong V6, allowing great pickup, especially on the highway. It is a great car that can last several years if properly maintained with oil changes and scheduled maintenance when necessary.