Honda Pilot Generation 1 (2003–2008)

Honda Pilot Generation 1 (2003–2008) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Honda Pilot — body generations

Generation Produced Facelift
Generation 1 2003–2008 —
Generation 2 2009–2015 —
Generation 3 2016–2022 —
Generation 4 2023–present —

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the Pilot

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

Engine Years in this model Also used in VIN builds ⓘ
Honda 3.5L V6 (J35) 2003–2026 7 models 326

Honda Pilot fuel economy: every year & engine (EPA) →

Used Honda Pilot prices by year → · Honda Pilot vs Jeep Wrangler · Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot · Honda Pilot vs Subaru Forester

About this generation

3.5 L J35Z1 V6 (2006+ FWD) 3.5 L J35A9 V6 (2006+ 4WD) The first-generation Pilot was unveiled in December 2001 and later released for sale on June 3, 2002 for the 2003 model year. The 2003 and 2004 Pilot models featured the J35A4 engine, an all-aluminum 3.5L V6 SOHC with VTEC, producing and of torque. The 2005 Pilot received a new engine, the J35A6, which added drive-by-wire throttle and produced and of torque. Other changes included the transmission with revised 4th and 5th gear ratios providing a smoother transition between gears, along with a new fuel tank design, increasing the Pilot's driving range by over .

All Pilots from 2003-2005 feature VTM-4, Honda's four-wheel drive system. The Pilot received more updates in 2005 starting with the 2006 model year, engines were either the J35Z1 (FWD) or the J35A9 (4WD). Both engines were rated at and of torque; the power reduction is because Honda used the updated SAE net power standard. This was the first time 4WD was not standard on the Pilot. The new FWD models featured Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which can deactivate up to three cylinders under light load to increase fuel economy, to help control noise from the system Honda added Active Control Engine Mount System (ACM) and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

Further, this version of the J35 featured updated iVTEC and the automatic transmission a shorter 1st gear ratio. With powertrain updates and the lack of VTM-4 the FWD version had improved fuel economy of 18-city/24-highway, an increase of +1/+2 mpg versus the 4WD. All Pilots from this generation feature a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot has front struts with a coil-spring, multilink rear suspension for a flat rear load floor.

The front track is 66.3 in (1,684 mm) and 66.5 in (1,689 mm) at the rear. The Pilot has a 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) boat/3,500 lb (1,588 kg) trailer towing capability with the optional dealer-installed towing package. Pilots with Honda's Variable Torque Management 4WD system (VTM-4) sent most power to the front wheels under normal driving conditions. Under acceleration or if wheel slippage is detected at the front wheels, up to 50% of power can be sent to the rear wheels.

The system also features a VTM-4 lock button on the dashboard which locks the rear differential and sends 25% of the power to each rear wheel. However, the VTM-4 lock function only operates in first gear, second gear and reverse, and automatically disengages above , then re-engages when the speed drops below . Design of the Pilot was by Honda's Ricky Hsu through 1999, when styling was approved. The Pilot can accommodate eight passengers in three rows configured as stadium seating as a standard feature.

The third row can seat three, but the limited legroom makes it suitable only for small children or adults on short trips. Similar to the Honda Odyssey, the rear seats can be folded into flat surfaces for larger cargo. Options include a DVD entertainment system or a navigation system for EX-L models, but both cannot be installed simultaneously on the same car. Other features include ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and 282° of outward visibility.

For the 2004 model year, Honda increased adjustability on second-row seats and added heated front seats and side mirrors to EX-L models. For 2005 model year, Honda added tire pressure monitoring, electronic stability control, revised steering, and upgraded the airbags. The front passenger airbag featured occupant-sensing deactivation. Honda revised the Pilot in October 2005 for the 2006 model year. Changes to the exterior included a new fascia with a different grille insert and halogen projector headlights, and tail lights with clear lenses.

The EX trim level received redesigned wheels, and the original EX wheels were featured on the LX trim.

Source: Wikipedia — Honda Pilot — First generation (YF1/2; 2003), CC BY-SA.

Recalls & complaints by year (NHTSA)

Year Recalls Complaints Most reported
2003 14 746 Power Train, Electrical System, Air Bags
2004 13 544 Power Train, Seats, Air Bags
2005 15 679 Power Train, Service Brakes, Air Bags
2006 10 266 Air Bags, Service Brakes, Structure
2007 9 211 Air Bags, Electrical System, Service Brakes
2008 9 132 Air Bags, Structure, Power Train

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

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