Is the Honda Passport an unibody?
The current Honda Passport is a unibody crossover built on a platform shared with the Honda Pilot, while the original Passport (1993–1998) used a traditional body-on-frame chassis. So, the answer depends on the model year.
Construction across generations
Key architectural differences between the two Passport generations are summarized here:
- First generation (1993–1998): body-on-frame chassis, based on the Isuzu Rodeo, prioritizing rugged towing and off-road capability with a truck-like construction.
- Second generation (2019–present): unibody construction on a platform shared with the Honda Pilot, offering a more car-like ride, improved efficiency, and modern on-road manners while still providing AWD options.
These points illustrate the shift from a traditional body-on-frame SUV to a modern unibody crossover in Honda’s Passport lineage.
First generation: 1993–1998
The original Passport was built on a body-on-frame chassis derived from the Isuzu Rodeo. This configuration emphasized rugged durability and towing ability typical of truck-based SUVs of that era, but it generally offered a stiffer ride and less interior refinement compared with later unibody designs.
Second generation: 2019–present
The current Passport, launched in 2019, uses a unibody construction on a platform shared with the Honda Pilot. This approach integrates the body and frame into a single unit, delivering smoother ride quality, better fuel efficiency, and contemporary safety and technology features, while maintaining practical space and versatile cargo capacity.
Why the distinction matters
Construction type affects ride comfort, towing capabilities, repair costs, and off-road behavior. Unibody SUVs like the Passport generally offer a quieter ride and better efficiency, suited to daily driving and family use, whereas the original body-on-frame Passport was more aligned with rugged off-road and heavy-duty towing use common in the 1990s era.
In practical terms: today’s Passport is a unibody crossover; the classic Passport from the 1990s was a body-on-frame SUV.
Summary
The Honda Passport has evolved from a body-on-frame SUV in its first generation to a modern unibody crossover in its current generation. This mirrors a broader industry shift toward unibody construction for everyday practicality and efficiency, while preserving the Passport’s versatility with available all-wheel drive and ample interior space.
Is the Honda Pilot a frame or unibody?
unibody construction
The Pilot's unibody construction and independent suspension are designed to provide handling similar to that of a car, and it has integrated perimeter frame rails to permit towing and light off-road use.
What is the most common problem with the Honda Passport?
The most common problems with the Honda Passport include infotainment system malfunctions, such as the display going blank and speakers crackling, and issues with the 9-speed automatic transmission, which can include delayed or harsh acceleration. Other frequent complaints involve body hardware issues like a rear hatch that won't open and occasional electrical problems with features like the fuel filler pipe or air bags.
Infotainment and electrical issues
- Display screen and audio: The infotainment screen may go blank, and speakers can crackle or pop.
- Fuel system: Some models have had issues with a faulty fuel filler pipe, leading to fuel leaks.
- Body and interior: Common problems include a rear hatch button that breaks, a gas smell inside the vehicle, and fading or peeling paint.
Transmission problems
- 9-speed transmission: Some owners report delayed, harsh, or erratic shifting with the 9-speed transmission, particularly in models from 2019-2022.
- Engine and related systems:
- Varnish buildup: This can cause a ticking noise from the engine.
- Oil in spark plug tubes: This can lead to misfires.
- Timing belt: Newer models have a timing belt that requires replacement, which is an expensive but necessary maintenance item to prevent engine failure.
Other potential problems
- Steering: Some 2023 models have been recalled for a risk of steering loss due to a loose ball joint.
- Brakes: Some reports mention premature brake wear and issues with the ABS light coming on.
- Vibration: Some owners have experienced vibration, particularly at highway speeds.
Is the 2026 Honda Passport an unibody?
The newest fourth-gen Passport is also unibody and features a fully modern interior, although you could say that its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 seems positively old school when most of its competitors use turbocharged four-cylinder or hybrid powertrains.
Are Hondas unibody?
Rather than using separate body and frame components bolted together, every Honda features a single structure that can provide both greater rigidity and lighter weight.
