What year did Honda start making the Passport again?
The Honda Passport was reintroduced for the 2019 model year, with production beginning in 2018, marking the model’s return to Honda’s lineup after a long hiatus since the original Passport ended production in 2002.
Background: A hiatus ends and a comeback
The original Passport appeared from 1993 to 2002 (with regional variations over the years) as a rugged, two-row sibling to Honda’s mid-size family SUVs. After 2002, Honda paused the Passport nameplate. In 2018, Honda announced the revival of the Passport as a new two-row SUV built on the Pilot’s platform, designed to offer practical cargo space and capable all-weather performance without entering the three-row segment. The model year 2019 Passport would mark its return to North American showrooms, with manufacturing slated to begin in Mexico.
What makes the Passport distinct?
Although it shares its underlying architecture with the Pilot, the Passport is positioned as a more rugged, sportier two-row SUV. It emphasizes a roomy cargo area, a clean two-row interior layout, and available all-wheel drive to support light off-road use, appealing to buyers who want outdoor adaptability without a larger three-row SUV.
Timeline of the Passport revival
Key milestones in bringing the Passport back to market:
- 2018 — Honda announces the revival of the Passport for the 2019 model year, with production planned for its Celaya, Mexico plant.
- November 2018 — The Passport is unveiled as part of Honda’s 2019 lineup at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
- 2019 — The Honda Passport goes on sale in North America as a 2019 model year, with ongoing production in Celaya, Mexico.
- Subsequent years — The Passport remains in production with incremental updates and feature refinements, preserving its two-row layout.
In summary, Honda restarted Passport production for the 2019 model year, with manufacturing beginning in 2018, and the model has continued in production since its revival.
Today’s Passport: What buyers can expect
Today’s Honda Passport offers a practical, spacious two-row interior, capable towing, and a blend of comfortable on-road manners with light off-road capability. It remains a solid choice in Honda’s SUV lineup for buyers seeking cargo versatility and outdoor-ready styling without moving up to a three-row configuration.
Current lineup and features
Trims typically include base, EX-L, and Touring, with Honda Sensing safety features and available all-wheel drive on select versions. The Passport emphasizes rugged styling cues, generous cargo space, and a straightforward cockpit designed for everyday use and weekend adventures.
Summary: Honda’s revival of the Passport began with production in 2018 and a 2019 model-year launch, returning the nameplate to Honda’s SUV lineup after a long absence. Since then, it has remained in production as a two-row, versatile utility vehicle designed for buyers who want space, capability, and practicality.
