The used Honda Passport market and what you're looking at

A used Honda Passport is a three-row SUV built on a truck frame, which means it handles differently than a car-based crossover and costs less to maintain than a full-size truck. The current generation started in 2019, so used examples on the market now are either that generation or the older 2006–2019 model that Honda discontinued and then brought back. The newer generation is more refined; the older one is cheaper but less reliable.

Prices for used Passports typically range from $15,000 to $35,000 depending on model year, mileage, and condition, though these numbers shift with market conditions and your region. A 2019–2021 model with 60,000 miles will cost more than a 2015 model with the same mileage because the newer generation is more desirable and has fewer known problems. The older generation (2006–2019) depreciates faster, which can work in your favor if you're buying used.

The Passport competes directly with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, and Chevrolet Tahoe in the used market. It sits between a midsize crossover and a full-size SUV in price and capability, so your choice depends on whether you need three rows regularly, how much towing you plan to do, and whether fuel economy matters more than off-road ability.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2019-and-newer Passport is more reliable and refined than the 2006–2019 generation, but costs $5,000 to $10,000 more for the same mileage.
  • Check the transmission fluid color and smell before buying any used Passport, because transmission problems are the most common repair on older models.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic costs $100 to $200 and can reveal frame damage, suspension wear, or engine issues that drop the value by thousands.
  • Insurance and fuel costs are higher than a midsize crossover but lower than a full-size truck, so factor those into your monthly budget.
  • The Passport holds its value better than most SUVs if you buy the newer generation, making it a safer used purchase than older competitors.

Model years and generation differences

The 2019–present Passport is the second generation and the one to prioritize if budget allows. It has a more modern interior, better infotainment, a stronger engine (3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower), and fewer reported transmission issues than the first generation. Fuel economy is around 18–21 mpg combined depending on whether you choose two-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The 2006–2019 Passport (first generation) is cheaper but comes with known weak points: transmission shuddering or slipping around 80,000–120,000 miles, rust on the undercarriage in salt-heavy climates, and suspension components that wear faster than competitors. The engine is the same 3.5-liter V6, but it's less efficient and produces 250 horsepower. If you find one with a clean service history and a transmission that shifts smoothly, it can still be a solid buy at the right price.

Within the newer generation, 2019–2021 models are less expensive than 2022–2024 but have fewer miles and lower prices than the oldest examples of the current generation. A 2021 with 50,000 miles typically costs $5,000 to $8,000 less than a 2023 with similar mileage, making it the sweet spot for value if you're buying used.

What to check before you buy

Start with the transmission. Have the seller let you drive it for at least 15 minutes on both highway and city streets. Shift from Drive to Reverse and back—if you feel a clunk or hesitation, the transmission may need work soon. Check the transmission fluid on a warm engine: it should be bright red and smell slightly sweet. Dark brown fluid or a burnt smell means the transmission has been overheated and may fail within 10,000 miles.

Look at the undercarriage and frame. Rust on the frame rails or suspension components is normal in older models but should not be deep enough to see bare metal. If you see orange or red rust flaking off, have a mechanic inspect it—frame rust can affect safety and resale value. Check the tires for even wear; uneven wear suggests suspension problems that cost $1,000 to $3,000 to fix.

Pull the maintenance records. Passports with regular oil changes, transmission fluid services, and brake inspections are worth 10–15% more than ones with spotty records. Ask the seller for receipts from a Honda dealer or trusted independent shop. If records are missing, assume the worst and negotiate the price down or walk away.

Have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle before you commit. This costs $100 to $200 and typically includes a test drive, fluid checks, brake inspection, and a scan for diagnostic trouble codes. A mechanic can spot transmission problems, suspension wear, and engine issues that you cannot see yourself and that can cost thousands to repair.

Transmission issues and repair costs

The first-generation Passport (2006–2019) has a known transmission problem: the five-speed automatic can develop shuddering or slipping between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. This is not universal—some Passports go 150,000 miles without trouble—but it happens often enough that you should budget for it. A transmission fluid and filter service ($150–$300) can delay the problem, but once shuddering starts, a full transmission rebuild or replacement costs $2,500 to $4,500.

The newer generation (2019+) uses a nine-speed automatic that is more reliable, but early examples (2019–2020) have had isolated reports of hesitation or delayed shifts. These are rarer and usually covered by Honda's powertrain warranty if the vehicle is still under 60,000 miles or five years old. Check the warranty status before you buy.

If you find a first-generation Passport with transmission shuddering, you can negotiate the price down by $2,000 to $3,000 to account for the repair. Some buyers accept this trade-off because the rest of the vehicle is solid; others prefer to spend more on a newer generation to avoid the risk.

Pricing and what affects resale value

A 2019 Passport with 80,000 miles typically sells for $20,000 to $24,000. A 2021 with 50,000 miles costs $24,000 to $28,000. A 2023 with 30,000 miles runs $30,000 to $35,000. These ranges vary by region, trim level (Sport, EX, EX-L, Touring), and condition, so check local listings on Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, or AutoTrader to see what dealers and private sellers are asking in your area.

All-wheel drive costs $1,500 to $2,500 more than two-wheel drive on the used market. Higher trim levels (EX-L and Touring) add $2,000 to $4,000 because they include leather, a power liftgate, and a better infotainment system. A clean title and no accident history add 5–10% to the price; a salvage title or frame damage can cut the value in half.

The Passport holds its value better than the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Chevrolet Tahoe over five years, which means you lose less money if you sell it later. This makes it a safer used purchase if you plan to keep it for five to seven years and then sell.

Insurance, fuel, and ownership costs

Insurance for a used Passport runs $100 to $150 per month for a 40-year-old driver with good credit and a clean driving record, though this varies widely by state, age, and coverage level. The Passport is not a high-theft vehicle, so theft insurance is cheaper than for some competitors. Get quotes from at least three insurers before you buy to see what your actual cost will be.

Fuel economy is 18–21 mpg combined, which means a 15,000-mile annual drive costs roughly $1,800 to $2,200 per year in gas at current prices (assuming $3.50 per gallon). A midsize crossover would cost $1,200 to $1,500 annually; a full-size truck would cost $2,200 to $2,600. Budget for this difference when you compare the Passport to other options.

Maintenance on a used Passport is moderate. Oil changes run $50 to $75 every 5,000 miles. Brake pads cost $200 to $400 per axle. Tires run $150 to $250 each. The Passport does not have major known issues outside the transmission problem on older models, so you can expect routine maintenance costs similar to a Toyota 4Runner or Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Comparing the Passport to similar used SUVs

The Toyota 4Runner is more reliable and holds its value better, but costs $5,000 to $10,000 more for the same model year and mileage. It also gets worse fuel economy (16–18 mpg) and has higher insurance costs. Choose the 4Runner if reliability is your top priority and budget is flexible.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is cheaper than the Passport by $2,000 to $5,000 for the same year and mileage, but has more reported transmission and electrical problems. It also depreciates faster, so you lose more money if you sell it later. Choose the Grand Cherokee if you want the lowest upfront cost and do not plan to keep it long.

The Chevrolet Tahoe is larger and seats up to nine, but costs $3,000 to $8,000 more and gets worse fuel economy (15–17 mpg). It is more expensive to insure and repair. Choose the Tahoe only if you need the extra size and can afford the higher running costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What mileage is too high for a used Passport?

Passports regularly reach 150,000 miles with proper maintenance, so mileage alone is not a deal-breaker. What matters more is service history and condition. A 120,000-mile Passport with full records and a clean inspection is safer than a 60,000-mile one with no records and transmission shuddering. Check the transmission fluid and have a mechanic inspect before you decide.

Should I buy a first-generation or second-generation Passport?

The second generation (2019+) is more reliable and refined, but costs $5,000 to $10,000 more. If you can afford it, buy the newer generation to avoid transmission risk. If budget is tight, a first-generation with a clean service history and a smooth transmission can work, but budget $2,000 to $3,000 for eventual transmission work.

Is the Passport good for towing?

Yes. The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is enough for a small boat or utility trailer. The frame is truck-based, so it handles towing better than a car-based crossover. Check the owner's manual for the exact towing capacity of your model year, and have a mechanic inspect the transmission and suspension before you tow regularly.

How much does a transmission rebuild cost on a Passport?

A transmission rebuild or replacement runs $2,500 to $4,500 depending on whether you choose a rebuilt unit or a new one. A fluid and filter service costs $150 to $300 and can delay problems but will not fix shuddering that has already started. If you find a Passport with transmission shuddering, negotiate the price down by $2,000 to $3,000 to account for this repair.

What is the best model year to buy used?

The 2021 Passport offers the best balance of price and reliability. It is new enough to have the improved nine-speed transmission and modern features, but old enough to have depreciated $5,000 to $8,000 from its original price. A 2021 with 50,000 to 70,000 miles typically costs $24,000 to $28,000 and should have several years of warranty coverage remaining.