
2012 Honda Pilot
Should You Buy a 2012 Honda Pilot?
The 2012 Honda Pilot is a versatile SUV designed for families and those needing ample passenger space, with seating for up to eight. Powered by a robust 3.5L V6 engine, it delivers 250 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, making it capable for both city driving and highway cruising. The four-wheel drive system enhances its off-road capabilities, while the 5-speed automatic transmission provides a smooth driving experience. With a combined fuel economy of 20 MPG, it strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, making it a practical choice for daily use or long road trips.
However, potential buyers should be aware of its NHTSA complaint data, which includes 224 total complaints, with notable issues related to the engine and powertrain, particularly within the first 20,000 miles. Despite these concerns, the Pilot boasts a high reliability score of 94.9/100, indicating that many owners have had positive experiences with the vehicle over time.
The 2012 Honda Pilot is best suited for families or individuals who need a spacious, reliable SUV for daily commuting and occasional road trips, particularly those who value seating capacity and off-road capability.
Strengths
- +Spacious interior with seating for up to eight passengers
- +Strong V6 engine provides good power for towing and off-road capabilities
- +High reliability score indicating long-term dependability
- +Four-wheel drive system enhances traction in various conditions
- +Good fuel economy for a midsize SUV
Weaknesses
- -Reported engine and powertrain issues in early mileage
- -Some complaints regarding service brakes
- -Less advanced technology features compared to newer models
- -5-speed automatic transmission may feel outdated
- -Higher noise levels at highway speeds
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2012 Honda Pilot has reported a total of 224 complaints to the NHTSA, with the most frequent issues involving the engine and service brakes. While there have been 22 crash incidents and 2 fire incidents, there have been no reported deaths. The majority of complaints are concentrated in the early mileage range, suggesting that potential buyers should pay close attention to the vehicle's service history, particularly for models with low mileage. Overall, while there are some concerns, the reliability score suggests that many owners find the vehicle dependable.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 3.5 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- Automatic 5-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 20
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 190.9 in
- Width
- 78.3 in
- Height
- 72.8 in
- Wheelbase
- 109.4 in
- Curb Weight
- 4,328 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –