For quick guidance: the original 1993–1994 Honda Passport is the main generation you should avoid due to age and reliability concerns; the modern Passport (2019–present) has no single year to avoid, but buyers should review recall history and service records, with extra caution for early-production models.
Two Generations of the Honda Passport
The Passport has two distinct generations spread across decades: the original 1993–1994 model, which was a badge-engineered Isuzu Rodeo, and the current generation launched in 2019. The advice below helps buyers navigate which years to consider or avoid.
First generation: 1993–1994 Honda Passport
This is the old, badge-engineered variant; today it is rare and parts availability is limited. As aging vehicles, they tend to accumulate more maintenance costs and rust issues depending on climate. Safety tech is well behind modern standards, and resale value is typically low. If you must own one, ensure thorough mechanical inspection and full maintenance history.
- Parts availability and maintenance can be costly or difficult decades later.
- Rust and structural corrosion are more likely in older frames, especially in salted climates.
- Safety features from the era are dated (no advanced driver-assistance features standard today).
- Limited dealer support and potentially higher long-term ownership costs.
In short, the 1993–1994 Passport is the clear year tier to avoid for most buyers, unless you are seeking a low-mileage collectible and are prepared for higher upkeep and scarcity of parts.
Modern Honda Passport: 2019–present
The modern Passport is built on Honda's Ridgeline platform and offers more space, better safety features, and modern technology. There isn't a specific model-year to universally avoid, but buyers should be mindful of the early teething period of a new generation and watch for recalls or service campaigns that affect any year.
For shoppers considering used examples from this generation, the best approach is to review recall statuses, inspect service records, and test-drive to notice any transmission or infotainment quirks typical of the era. Below are general considerations for this generation:
- Check for open recalls on the vehicle’s VIN using NHTSA/Honda resources; address all recalls before purchase.
- Review the service history for transmission-related maintenance and software updates, as early 9-speed automatics can be sensitive to fluid conditions and recalibration.
- Test the infotainment system, backup camera, and driver-assistance features for reliability.
- Avoid high-mileage examples if maintenance history is sparse; favor lower mileage and documented upkeep.
While there is no single year to avoid in the modern Passport, prioritizing later model years (with the latest hardware and refinements) and ensuring a clean recall history can improve ownership reliability and resale value.
What to check when shopping used Honda Passport
To make a well-informed decision, use a focused checklist that addresses common issues across generations and the specific needs of a used-Passport purchase.
- VIN-based recall checks and outstanding campaigns.
- Comprehensive mechanical inspection, focusing on transmission, suspension, steering, and braking components.
- Evidence of regular maintenance, including fluid changes and timing belt/chain status where applicable.
- Rust inspection, especially for frames and underbody in regions with road salt or humidity.
By going through these checks, buyers can mitigate the risk of buying a Passport with expensive, looming issues, regardless of year.
Summary
The main years to avoid for a Honda Passport are the early first-generation models from 1993 and 1994, due to their age and limited parts support. For the modern Passport introduced in 2019, there is no specific year to avoid, but buyers should be vigilant about recalls, service history, and early-production quirks. Prioritize later model years with clean maintenance records for the best long-term reliability.