The Honda Passport is a series of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) manufactured and marketed by Honda from 1993 to 2002 and from 2018 to the present time. In the 1990s, the Passport was one of several passenger cars traded back and forth between Honda, which supplied Isuzu with the Oasis, and Isuzu, which provided the Passport and Acura SLX. Isuzu ended passenger car operations in 1993 following a corporate reorganization, and Honda was in urgent need of an SUV. This sector expanded in demand in North America and Japan during the 1990s. This partnership was mutually beneficial for the two firms involved. The cooperation ended with the discontinuation of the Passport in 2002.
History of the Honda Passport
Honda Passport First Generation (C58; 1993–1997)
The Passport was added to Honda's brand portfolio in 1994 to compete in the sport utility vehicle market of the 1990s. The Honda Passport, which was basically a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, was introduced nearly three years before the CR-V was launched in the US. When Honda introduced the Passport model in 1993, it was available in three trims: base model DX, LX, and EX. General Motors made the rear axle on some of the first-generation Passports. Others had a "Spicer 44" rear axle produced by Dana.
Honda Passport Second Generation (CK58/CM58/DM58; 1997–2002)
The 1998 Honda Passport was a second-generation vehicle available in two- and four-wheel-drive configurations. The 1998 Passport has a longer overall length thanks to a narrower wheelbase than the 1997 model. An engine of 205 hp provided the power for the 1998 Honda Passport. In addition to the six-cylinder engine, automatic transmission with four or five gears is an option. The 1998 Passport's fuel efficiency was 19 mpg on the highway when fitted with two-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. In addition to cruise control, air conditioning, an anti-lock braking system, and heated mirrors, the Honda Passport was available in LX and EX model levels. In the United States, Honda's cooperation with Isuzu came to an end in 2002 with the withdrawal of the Passport SUV. The Honda Pilot, a mid-size crossover, succeeded the Passport in 2003.
Honda Passport Third Generation (YF7/8; 2019–Present)
The Los Angeles Auto Show debuted the third-generation Passport on November 27, 2018, with the retail market beginning in February 2019. Unlike earlier generations, it was created in the United States and constructed in Lincoln, Alabama. Honda based the first two generations on the Isuzu/GM platform. However, for the third generation of the Passport, Honda switched to the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck platform, introduced in 2018. According to Honda, it is a mid-size SUV designed for off-roading and intended to compete with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner.
2022 Facelift
It received a revised front end and a TrailSport trim level for the 2022 model year, providing an aggressive off-road styling package. A bold shoulder tread pattern on the tires, model-specific bumpers, and skid plate covers are just a few features that distinguish the TrailSport model from the rest. The 2022 Honda Passport has a lot of room for cargo and passengers, making it an efficient vehicle. For those who require more than two sets of seats, the Honda Pilot, the Passport's first cousin, is a better choice, but even without the Pilot's third row, the Passport remains a suitable vehicle. For those who require more than two sets of seating, the Honda Pilot, the Passport's first cousin, is a better choice, but even without the Pilot's third row, the Passport remains a suitable vehicle.
Its primary source of propulsion is a big V-6 engine that isn't very fuel-efficient, but it delivers plenty of power and oomph. The 2022 Passport is a most gratifying and hassle-free method of transporting families and their belongings, even though it's seldom fun to drive, and its ride may occasionally be bumpy.
Price
Honda retails the Passport model with a starting price of $39,665 for the EX-L (base) trim, $44,265 for the TrailSport trim, and $47,225 for the Elite trim.
Features of the Honda Passport
Interior Features
Materials and controls are well-organized despite a mediocre appearance, but more knobs and buttons would have been preferable to less appealing touchscreen capabilities. Those who are familiar with the Ridgeline's compartment will recognize the Passport's layout right away. The front seats are spacious and well-padded, with an adjustable armrest for a custom fit. The Passport's backseat is exceptionally spacious, allowing it to carry up to five passengers. Interior cubby storage is excellent due to the many handy bins strewn throughout the vehicle and a massive container in the center console. The top trims of this interior are made of high-quality materials, and the overall look is premium. This is why the Passport is more expensive than other vehicles in this class. The EX-L model receives perforated leather seats and contrast stitching for the 2022 facelift. The interior of the new TrailSport variant has contrasting orange stitching, a distinctive instrument cluster, TrailSport embroidery on the front headrests, and amber ambient lighting. Comfortable seating is available in both rows of the Passport. It also offers a lot of room in the trunk, with more than 50 cubic feet behind the back seats and more than 100 cubic feet with folded back seats. Besides the spare tire, there's an under-the-floor storage system for your personal belongings, such as a first aid kit and plastic bottles.
Exterior Features
When it comes to exterior design, the Passport SUV has always been a little on the bland side, but it wasn't a terrible vehicle to look at. An aggressive new grille, bumpers, and an enlarged hood vent are part of this year's styling facelift. Both the bumpers and the exhaust finishers have been updated. A dual-exhaust with LED brake lights, automatic LED headlights, and intelligent programmable remote access are standard in the base model. All variants save the TrailSport are 20 inches wide, with massive 245/60R18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels. The TrailSport features a black Passport and AWD badges, and orange "TrailSport" badges. There is a power moonroof with a single touch, memory-linked side mirrors, walk-away auto-lock, and a power liftgate on every car's trim level. This feature is more prominent in the Elite model. Front and rear parking sensors are standard on all models except the TrailSport and Elite.
Standard Features
- A 280-Horsepower V6 Engine
- LED Headlights
- Push-Button Start
- An 8-Inch Infotainment System
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- A Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Intelligent Traction Management
- A Power Liftgate
- An Under-Floor Cargo Storage Area
- 60/40 Split-Folding Back Seats
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane-Keep Assist
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Lane-Departure Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Rear Seat Reminder
- Rear Seatbelt Reminder
- A Power Moonroof, Leather Upholstery, and 20-Inch Alloy Wheels (EX-L)
Elite Trim (Top-of-the-Line)
- 20-Inch Alloy Wheels
- A Hands-Free Power Liftgate
- A Heated Steering Wheel
- Heated and Vented Front Seats
- Heated Rear Outboard Seats
Specs and Performance of the Honda Passport
Honda installed a 3.5L J35Y6 V6 engine for the Honda Passport, and this model delivers 280 hp (209 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque at 4,700 rpm. This Honda Passport accelerates from 0-60 mph (97 kph) in 6.0 seconds with a top speed of 111 mph (179 kph) and a curb weight of 4,229 lbs (1,918 kg). Honda manufactured the Passport model with a 9-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain.
Release Date
Honda released the Honda Passport from 1993 to 2002 and has produced the third generation of the Honda Passport since 2018.