The Honda Passport first appeared as a 1994 model year vehicle, and a revived second-generation model arrived for the 2019 model year.
Generations and release years
First generation (1994–1998)
Before listing the key release details, here is a concise overview of the original Passport timeline and its distinctive setup.
- Introduced for the 1994 model year in North America.
- Built on the Isuzu Rodeo platform and marketed by Honda as a two-door SUV.
- Available with four-wheel drive and other options of the era; production continued until model year 1998.
- Discontinued after 1998, with no direct Passport lineup until the revival decades later.
The original Passport thus ran from 1994 through 1998, after which Honda did not offer a Passport for many years.
Second generation (2019–present)
Before listing the revival details, here is a concise overview of the modern Passport timeline and design approach.
- The Passport was revived for the 2019 model year, after a roughly 20-year gap since the original ended in 1998. The revival was announced in 2018 and went on sale as a 2019 model.
- It is built on the Honda Pilot’s platform with a two-row, unibody design, positioning it as a midsize crossover SUV rather than a body-on-frame SUV.
- Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine and offered with all-wheel drive, aligning with Honda’s mid-size SUV lineup while emphasizing cargo and off-road versatility.
The modern Passport has been in production since 2019 and remains available in Honda’s lineup as of the latest model years.
Summary
The Honda Passport has two separate release eras: the original 1994–1998 generation and the revived 2019–present generation. In short, the Passport first came out in 1994 and then re-entered the market in 2019, with a long gap between generations.
What year did Honda start making the Passport again?
2019
The Passport nameplate returned as a two-row mid-size crossover SUV slotted between the CR-V and Pilot for the 2019 model year. The third-generation Passport was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 27, 2018. It is built at Honda's factory in Lincoln, Alabama.
What are the best years for a Honda Passport?
Those who want a Passport of their own will likely want to avoid some models while putting their full focus on others.
- Best: 2024-2026. Honda.
- Best: 2023. quiggyt4/Shutterstock.
- Best: 2022. Honda.
- Best: 2021. Honda.
- Best: 1996. IFCAR/Wikimedia Commons/CC0.
- Worst: 2020. Honda.
- Worst: 2019. Honda.
- Worst: 2001.
What is the best month to buy a Honda?
The end of the year, particularly the months of November and December, can be a good time to purchase a Honda. This is because many dealerships offer special promotions and incentives to clear out their inventory before the new models arrive.
What are the common problems with Honda passports?
Problems with Different Honda Passport Models
- Rough and delayed shifting.
- Unexpected harsh accelerations & decelations.
- Lurching effects.
- Sudden transmission failures at surprisingly low mileage.