2016 Honda Passport: What Buyers and Owners Need to Know

There's a common point of confusion worth clearing up right away: Honda did not sell a Passport in 2016. The original Honda Passport ran from 1994 to 2002, and the nameplate was revived for the 2019 model year. There is no 2016 Honda Passport — it was never produced.

If you've seen a listing, title, or reference to a "2016 Honda Passport," it's worth investigating carefully. It could be a data entry error, a misidentified vehicle, or occasionally a red flag in a used car transaction.

This article explains what the Passport actually is, what years it exists in, and what to look for if you're researching the used SUV market around that era.

What Is the Honda Passport?

The Honda Passport is a mid-size, two-row SUV built on the same platform as the Honda Pilot. It seats five passengers and is designed as a slightly more rugged, sportier alternative to the three-row Pilot. Honda positions it between the compact CR-V and the larger Pilot in its SUV lineup.

The first-generation Passport (1994–2002) was actually a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo — a body-on-frame truck SUV that shared nothing mechanically with modern Honda crossovers.

The second-generation Passport (2019–present) is a unibody crossover with a transverse-mounted V6, available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It was new for the 2019 model year and has no 2016 production equivalent.

Why There Is No 2016 Honda Passport

Between 2003 and 2018, Honda did not sell any vehicle under the Passport name in the United States. If you're looking at used vehicles from around 2016 and want something comparable, you'd be looking at other Honda models sold during that period.

Honda SUVs That Were Available in 2016

If someone is trying to sell you a vehicle described as a "2016 Honda Passport," the most likely explanations are:

• A data entry mistake on a listing platform that auto-populated the wrong model name
• A misidentified vehicle — sometimes a Pilot or older Passport gets incorrectly listed
• Title fraud or VIN manipulation, which is less common but does happen in private-party sales

Before purchasing any used vehicle, always verify the VIN through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database and obtain a vehicle history report. The VIN will confirm the actual make, model, and year of manufacture.

If You're Looking for a Used Honda SUV from the 2015–2017 Era 🔍

The model you're most likely thinking of is the 2016 Honda Pilot, which is a popular, well-regarded mid-size crossover that carries similar buyer appeal to the later Passport.

2016 Honda Pilot Quick Facts

The third-generation Pilot was redesigned for 2016. Key specs:

• Engine: 3.5L V6 producing approximately 280 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic (base trims) or 9-speed automatic (higher trims)
• Seating: Up to 8 passengers across three rows
• Drivetrain: FWD standard; AWD available
• Fuel economy: Roughly 19–20 city / 26–27 highway (FWD; AWD slightly lower)

The 2016 Pilot was available in multiple trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. Features and pricing varied significantly by trim level.

Known considerations on the 2016 Pilot include reported issues with the 9-speed automatic transmission in certain configurations — a factor worth researching specifically before purchase. A pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic can surface transmission behavior, fluid condition, and any stored diagnostic codes.

What to Check When Buying Any Used Honda SUV from This Era

Whether you're looking at a 2016 Pilot, a 2019+ Passport, or any other used Honda, the evaluation process is similar:

• Pull the vehicle history report using the VIN — check for title problems, odometer discrepancies, and reported accidents
• Check open recalls at nhtsa.gov using the VIN
• Review maintenance records — Honda recommends oil changes and inspections at intervals outlined in the owner's manual; a vehicle with documented service history is easier to evaluate
• Have a pre-purchase inspection done — a mechanic who can put the vehicle on a lift will spot rust, worn suspension components, and leak points that photos never show
• Verify the title is clean — a salvage, rebuilt, or flood title changes the vehicle's value and insurability significantly, and rules around these titles vary by state

The Gap Between General Information and Your Specific Search 🚗

Understanding what years the Passport was actually produced — and what Honda SUVs existed in 2016 — gives you a foundation for smarter used car research. But what the right used Honda looks like for any individual buyer depends on factors no general article can resolve: budget, mileage tolerance, local market pricing, how the vehicle was maintained, and what a hands-on inspection reveals about its actual condition.

Those variables belong to your search, your market, and your mechanic.