Best & Worst Honda Passport Years

The Honda Passport, a versatile SUV known for its reliability and performance, has seen multiple generations since its inception. While some years have been celebrated for their exceptional quality, others have faced criticism for various issues. 

The best & worst Honda Passport years provide you with a comprehensive guide to make an informed decision if you’re considering buying one.

 Honda Passport Generations

The Honda Passport has gone through three primary generations:

1. First Generation (1993–1997): The initial Passport was essentially a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, offering a rugged design and capable off-road performance. However, it faced competition from other established SUVs and struggled with reliability issues.

2. Second Generation (1998–2002): The second generation continued the partnership with Isuzu, maintaining a similar rugged appeal but with improved features and better performance. Despite some advancements, it was still overshadowed by competitors in the market.

3. Third Generation (2019-Present): After a long hiatus, the passport was reintroduced in 2019. This modern iteration boasts advanced technology, a powerful V6 engine, and a spacious interior, making it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment.

Here is a concise summary of the different Honda Passport models spanning from 1998 to the current year.

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

Honda Passport: Best, Neutral, and Worst Years

When evaluating the best and worst years for the Honda Passport, it’s essential to consider factors such as reliability, performance, safety, and owner satisfaction.

Extensive data analysis has been used to categorize Honda Passport model years into groups of top-performing, average-performing, and underperforming years.

Generation	Best Years	Worst Years
2nd (CK58/CM58/DM58)	2002	1998 1999 2000 2001
3rd (YF7/YF8)	2021 2022 2023 2024	2019 2020

The graph combines ratings from the mentioned sources to offer a comprehensive perspective on the performance of the Honda Passport over various years.

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

The Honda Passport’s second generation, which spans from 1998 to 2002, there are some standout years worth noting. The 2000 Honda Passport is often considered one of the best in this lineup due to its reliability and performance.

With a well-built V6 engine and solid handling, the 2000 model year offers a smooth driving experience that many owners appreciate.

Honda Passport Best Years:

1999: This year saw improvements in reliability and performance, with fewer reported issues compared to other years. The 1999 Passport offered a balanced blend of power and comfort, making it a popular choice among buyers.

2001: The 2001 model received updates in safety features and interior quality. It had a more refined driving experience and better reliability ratings, contributing to its status as one of the better years in the second generation.

Neutral Year of Honda Passport

2000: The 2000 Passport was relatively stable but did not stand out significantly in terms of reliability or performance. It was an average year with no major drawbacks or exceptional qualities.

Worst Years Honda Passport

1998: The first year of the second generation faced several reliability issues, including engine and transmission problems. Owners reported frequent breakdowns and high maintenance costs, making it one of the least desirable years.

2002: Despite being the final year of the second generation, the 2002 Passport suffered from unresolved mechanical issues and lower overall reliability. It failed to make a significant improvement over previous years.

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

The Honda Passport’s third-generation models, the 2019 release marked a strong start with its refined design and impressive off-road capabilities. The introduction of modern safety features and a spacious interior made it a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts.

Best Years For Honda Passport

The 2020 Passport and newer models are considered the most reliable and best years to buy used for this generation:

• Honda had time to work out the initial kinks from the 2019 model year.
• It is praised for its spacious interior, standard AWD, off-road capability, and Honda’s reputation for reliability.
• Earned awards like U.S. News’ Best 2-Row SUV for Families in 2022.
• No major issues or complaints have been reported yet for 2020+ models.

So while the 2019 had some growing pains, the 2020 Passport and later model years have been solid, reliable vehicles that combine comfort, versatility, and Honda’s quality build, like the Honda CRV years and Honda Fit years. Buying a certified pre-owned 2020 or newer passport would likely be the safest bet for this generation.

Neutral Years:

 2021: The 2021 model did not see significant changes from the previous years. It remained a reliable choice but did not offer any groundbreaking improvements or notable issues.

Year To avoid Honda Passport

The 2019 Passport had some teething issues that make it the worst year of this generation to buy used:

• Issues with the 9-speed transmission, including rough shifting and hesitation.
• Problems with the infotainment system and electronics.
• Recalls for issues like infotainment freezing, brake booster, idle stop system, and fuel pump.

While Honda likely resolved many of these issues in subsequent model years, the 2019 Passport seems to have had the most complaints and problems right after its reintroduction.

Conclusion

The Honda Passport has had its share of highs and lows throughout its various generations. The second generation saw some reliable years like 1999 and 2001, but also faced challenges, especially in 1998 and 2002. The third generation, starting in 2019, has generally been well-received, with the 2019 and 2020 models standing out as the best years.

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