Best & Worst Honda Passport Years

We've ranked all Honda Passport models for each generation so you can avoid picking the worst Honda Passport years and pick the best instead.

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Ready to uncover the best and worst Honda Passport years? We’ve done the legwork, analyzing data from NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Edmunds to bring you rock-solid recommendations.

We’re diving deep into each generation, examining reliability, safety, tech, and common issues. From recalls to resale values, we’ve got the full scoop.

Whether you’re shopping for a used model or just curious about this SUV’s evolution, buckle up for a ride through Honda Passport history.

Let’s find out which years are driveway-worthy!

Related:Best & Worst Honda CR-V YearsBest & Worst Honda HR-V Years

Table of ContentsShow

Honda Passport Generations

The Honda Passport didn’t just appear out of thin air in the 90s. It was Honda’s first foray into the SUV market, born from a partnership with Isuzu when SUVs were the new kids on the block.

This collaboration resulted in a vehicle that promised to blend Honda’s reputation for reliability with the rugged appeal of an off-road capable SUV.

Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane and look at the Honda Passport generations from 1998 to today:

GenerationYears
2nd generation (CK58/CM58/DM58)1998-2002
3rd generation (YF7/YF8)2019-Present

Understanding these generational shifts is vital. Why? Because each generation brings its own set of improvements, quirks, and potential issues. Knowing these can make or break your car-buying decision.

Honda Passport Best, Neutral, and Worst Years

Now, let’s get to the core of the matter. How do we separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to Honda Passport years? We don’t just pull these rankings out of thin air. Our evaluations are based on a smorgasbord of elements, including:

  • What owners are saying (because who knows a car better than the people driving it every day?)
  • How much it’ll cost you to keep it running
  • How well it’ll protect you in a crash
  • What the experts at Consumer Reports think about its reliability and owner satisfaction
  • The number of times the NHTSA has raised an eyebrow (or sounded the alarm) with recalls and investigations
  • Ratings from the folks at Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com

We’ve crunched all these numbers and opinions to give you a clear picture. Take a look at this graph that shows how the Passport has performed over the years:

Honda Passport Car Smite Score Combined Overall Score

And here’s where we separate the heroes from the zeros:

GenerationBest YearsWorst Years
2nd (CK58/CM58/DM58)20021998
1999
2000
2001
3rd (YF7/YF8)2021
2022
2023
2024
2019
2020

Let’s cut to the chase – we’ve got winners and losers in the Passport lineup.

The best years are rock-solid performers, while the worst are trouble magnets. NHTSA recalls and complaints?

They’re deal-breakers in our book. No one wants a car that’s more hassle than horsepower. Ready to see how each period stacks up?

Let’s roll!

Best & Worst Years for Honda Passport 2nd Generation (1998-2002)

Honda Passport 2nd generation 1998 model
The 1998 Honda Passport

The second-gen Passport hit the scene in 1998, marking Honda’s authentic commitment to the SUV game. But not all years are created equal in this generation. Let’s break it down.

The Best Years: 2002

2002 is the year Honda really got its performance together with the Passport. Here’s why it stands out:

  • Engine: A 3.2L V6 powerhouse churning out 205 horses, paired with a smooth 4-speed automatic. Not too shabby for the early 2000s!
  • Fuel Economy: 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway. Not exactly Prius territory, but competitive for its time.
  • Trim Levels: From the no-frills LX to the fancy-pants EX-L, there was a Passport for every taste and budget.
  • Safety: Dual front airbags and ABS came standard. Plus, they finally ironed out those pesky brake issues from earlier years.

The Worst Years: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Now, for the years you might want to steer clear of. The 1998-2001 Passports were more troublesome child than genius:

  • Brake Troubles: ABS failures were common, turning a safety feature into a liability.
  • Engine Woes: Excessive oil consumption and erratic performance were frequent complaints.
  • Transmission Tantrums: Rough shifting and durability issues plagued these early models.
  • Rust Never Sleeps: Frame corrosion was a major concern, especially for a vehicle marketed for off-road use.

These issues, combined with multiple recalls, make the 1998-2001 models the least reliable of this generation. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Want the nitty-gritty details?

Check out the NHTSA recalls and grievances for the 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 Honda Passport vehicles.

Best & Worst Years for Honda Passport 3rd Generation (2019-Present)

Honda Passport 3rd generation 2019 model
The 2019 Honda Passport

Fast forward to 2019, and the Passport is back with a vengeance. This third-gen model is a whole new ballgame, but some years still surpass others.

The Best Years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

The 2021-2024 Passports are where Honda really hit its stride:

  • Engine: A beefy 3.5L V6 with 280 hp, matched with a slick 9-speed automatic. Power when you need it, smooth sailing all the time.
  • Fuel Efficiency: 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway. Not bad for a midsize SUV with some serious muscle.
  • Safety Suite: Honda Sensing comes standard, packing features like collision mitigation braking and adaptive cruise control.
  • Tech Savvy: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an 8-inch display keep you connected and entertained.
  • Trim Options: From the sporty Sport to the luxe Elite, there’s a flavor for every taste.

The Worst Years: 2019, 2020

The 2019 and 2020 models weren’t awful, but they did have some teething problems:

  • Electrical Gremlins: Issues with the auto idle-stop system and forward collision avoidance features were reported.
  • Recall Roulette: Problems ranged from faulty rearview cameras to fuel pump failures.

While still strong performers, these early third-gen models just couldn’t match up to the refinements of later years.

Inquisitive about the details?

Take a look at the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2019 and 2020 Honda Passport models.

Honda Passport Resale Values

Wondering how well these SUVs maintain their value? Check out this graph showing average resale values across different years:

Honda Passport Average List Price

Conclusion

After this deep dive into Honda Passport history, our verdict is clear: the 2002 model from the second generation and the 2021-2024 models from the third generation are the cream of the crop. These are the years where Honda really nailed the equilibrium of dependability, features, and value.

On the flip side, we’d suggest thinking twice about the 1998-2001 models from the second generation and the 2019-2020 models from the third.

They’re not necessarily lemons, but why settle for less when you can have the best?

So, what do you think? Which Honda Passport year looks like the best bang for your buck?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear your take on these SUVs!

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Jonathan Eckert

Jonathan is an ASE-certified mechanic with over 22 years of hands-on experience in the automotive industry. His expertise spans a wide range of vehicles, but he specializes in diagnosing and repairing Japanese cars. His previous workplace highly commended his meticulous attention to detail, and that's exaclty what he uses at Car Smite to craft the best guides for each purpose.