Honda Pilot (2nd Gen)
09-15 · Honda Pilot
The 2nd gen Pilot is the best-value Honda 3-row on the used market, J35 V6, Honda reliability, 8 seats at $10k–$16k, still with the timing belt caveat.
Scores last updated: June 14, 2026
Score breakdown
Our take
What it really is
An improved Pilot with 5-star NHTSA and better refinement. The J35Z4 keeps the timing belt, still due at 105k miles. ESC wasn't standard until 2012. Transmission reliability improved notably vs. 1st gen. RepairPal 4.5/5 is competitive with Toyota.
Why it's on this list
Honda reliability, 8 passengers, and sub-$16k prices. The 2nd gen Pilot with documented timing belt service is one of the best large-family SUV values available. Widely serviced independently.
The honest trade-offs
Still a timing belt, budget for it. ESC not standard until 2012, verify if present. Fuel economy modest at 20 combined. Takata airbag recall on some Pilots, verify completion.
What to buy and what to avoid
12-15 EX-L or Touring with AWD. Verify timing belt and Takata airbag recall status. ESC standard from 2012. The J35Z4 is among the most durable V6 engines in this class once timing belt is maintained.
Annual cost of ownership
Key specs
Safety
Rust vulnerability
Reliability data
Repairability
References
Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.
- [1]datasetRepairPal
Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.
- [2]governmentNHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.
- [3]governmentNHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.
- [4]datasetIIHS Safety Ratings
Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.
- [5]governmentEPA Fuel Economy Guide
Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.
- [6]forum threadCarComplaints
Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.
- [7]datasetiSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.
- [8]publicationBankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.
Looking to buy a Honda Pilot?
Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.
Modernize this car
CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.
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