Where Is the Honda Pilot Made?
Honda Pilot Production: Made in America
When you think of Honda, your first thought might be of Japanese engineering, and you wouldn’t be wrong. Honda is one of the world’s most respected automakers, with a reputation for building long-lasting, high-quality vehicles. But what many drivers don’t realize is that a large number of Honda vehicles, including the Honda Pilot, are built right here in the United States.
So where exactly is the Honda Pilot made? And why does it matter? If you’re considering this family-friendly SUV, here’s what you should know about how and where it’s built.
Honda Pilot Assembly Location
The Honda Pilot is manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA), a state-of-the-art facility that has been producing Honda vehicles since 2001.
This isn’t just an assembly line—it’s one of Honda’s most advanced and capable plants, responsible for building four major models:
Honda Pilot
Honda Passport
Honda Ridgeline
Honda Odyssey
Every Honda Pilot sold in the U.S. rolls off the line in Alabama, ensuring quality, consistency, and a strong connection to American manufacturing.
A Closer Look at Honda’s Alabama Plant
Honda’s Alabama plant spans more than 4 million square feet and employs over 4,000 workers. It’s one of the largest automotive manufacturing facilities in the South and is a cornerstone of Honda’s U.S. production strategy.
Key highlights:
Opened in 2001
Over $2 billion invested into the facility
Capacity to produce over 340,000 vehicles per year
Builds both vehicles and V6 engines on-site
This level of integration ensures tight quality control from start to finish. Everything, from welding and painting to assembly and testing, happens under one roof.
U.S. Made Components
Assembly is only part of the story. Many of the core components of the Honda Pilot, including the engine and transmission, are also built in the U.S.
Key American-made parts include:
3.5L V6 engines manufactured at the Alabama plant
Automatic transmissions are built at Honda’s Ohio transmission facility
Frames and body components sourced from U.S.-based suppliers
This high percentage of domestic parts contributes to the Honda Pilot frequently appearing on the Cars.com “American-Made Index,” which ranks vehicles based on how much of their production supports the U.S. economy.
Global Design, Local Production
It’s true that Honda is a Japanese brand, and that’s actually a good thing when it comes to engineering. The Honda Pilot benefits from a global design approach that blends Japanese precision with American practicality.
Here’s how it works:
Design and Engineering: The Pilot was co-developed in Japan and the U.S., specifically tailored to meet the needs of North American families.
Manufacturing: All final assembly for U.S. Pilots happens in Alabama.
Testing: Pilots are road-tested and quality-checked at the factory to ensure they meet American safety and durability standards.
The result? A well-rounded SUV with the best of both worlds: world-class engineering and homegrown production.
Why Domestic Manufacturing Matters
Buying a vehicle made in the U.S. has a whole lot of benefits that go beyond patriotism. Here’s why it’s important, especially for Montana drivers and families:
1. Support for American Jobs
Honda’s Alabama facility directly employs over 4,000 people, and its supply chain supports tens of thousands more. When you buy a Honda Pilot, you’re helping support local economies in states like Alabama, Ohio, and right here in Montana (via dealerships like Corwin Honda Kalispell).
2. Faster Parts Availability
Domestically built vehicles often have quicker access to parts, service updates, and technical support, making repairs and maintenance more efficient.
3. Proven Quality Standards
Honda’s U.S. plants are known for their meticulous attention to detail. Vehicles are built to meet or exceed strict American safety, emissions, and quality regulations.
4. Reduced Environmental Impact (Shorter Supply Chain)
Producing and distributing vehicles closer to home reduces emissions tied to global shipping and helps keep more of the environmental footprint local and regulated.
Is Every Honda Pilot Made in the U.S.?
Yes. All Honda Pilots sold in the U.S. are built at the Lincoln, Alabama plant. This has been the case since 2004, and it continues today for all current-generation models.
If you’re buying a Pilot from a dealership in Kalispell, Missoula, or Billings, you can be confident it was built right here in America.
This commitment to U.S. production helps explain why the Pilot remains such a consistent and reliable performer, not just in lab tests, but on the road in real conditions.
Made in America, Built for Families
When you buy a Honda Pilot, you’re getting more than just a three-row SUV with great tech and safety features, you’re investing in a vehicle that supports American workers and American values.
You’re also getting a vehicle that’s been designed to meet the unique needs of American drivers:
Spacious enough for growing families
Strong enough for towing and adventure
Comfortable enough for long-distance travel
Safe enough to trust for years to come
Whether you're navigating snow-packed roads in Kalispell or heading out to Glacier National Park, the Honda Pilot is ready—and it was built just a few states away.
From its American-made engine to its Alabama-assembled frame, the Honda Pilot is a great example of what happens when global quality meets domestic craftsmanship.
It’s a vehicle that works hard, drives smoothly, and lasts long. All while supporting jobs and communities across the country.
Visit Corwin Honda Kalispell to Test Drive a U.S.-Built Pilot
At Corwin Honda Kalispell, we’re proud to offer vehicles that combine world-class quality with American-made dependability. Every Honda Pilot on our lot was built in the U.S. and backed by Honda’s reputation for reliability.