Just purchased the wife a base 2021 V6 AWD with 32K miles for $23.9. It works for her and it's a bullet proof drivetrain on a regular family hauler, worth every penny for my family.
My wife putts one of these around, kids thrash it, extended warranty until 150k or 10 years, Living the dream man....living the dream...Taking it to home depot tomorrow (its Saturday after all)
Love my 2022 Trailsport. You can't even compare it to the CX50, Outback, etc. It's so much bigger than all of those. I cross shopped them all and this is kind of in a class of it's own for 2 rows. We can fit two car seats in the 2nd row AND my wife can fit in between them to to entertain.
@@epicmickey2351depends on what you want to do. They both will last a long time with proper care. Side gig as a trail guide? 4Runner? Go see grandma or get groceries? Passport. Had a ‘06 Pilot until this year and sold it with 298k miles on it. Both brands last. Our family has always preferred Honda interiors and driving dynamics. So, to each his own. My next vehicle may be a new 4Runner or Land cruiser . IDK. Still have some years and miles to rack up on what I have.
Leased my second Passport in a row this past November. There is nothing else in the market like it. Wife loves it and it is awesome for long trips. Does the job.
I have a 2020 Elite I bought last year to replace my aging but still very clean '13 RDX. I love it, bought for the V6, 5 seats, heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats and the interior room. I cross-shopped the CX5, CX50, Blazer and even an SQ5. In Blue with black trim, it stole my heart. Plan to keep it for a long time.
It's simply a utilitarian vehicle, but what sets it apart is the J35 engine. Bulletproof. If you take a Honda out of ECO mode, VCM doesn't engage and you can turn off the start/stop (although in our Odyssey it is pretty seamless).
That's not true that VCM won't engage when eco mode is off, at least not on the Ridgeline. The only was to disengage it is with an aftermarket device like S-VCM. The device is only about $100 and easy to install though.
I own a 2020 AWD Elite and I absolute love mine. I bought it second hand in 2022 and I couldn’t be happier. I do wish it had a 360 camera I absolutely love it.
Wife drives a '22 Trailsport. We also use it to go camping and to haul our dog around here in NM. I'm pleasantly surprised at how well it handles more moderately challenging off-road trails like Cinnamon Pass in CO. It's just a really good SUV.
Yeah people like to complain that it's not an off roader, which yeah of course it's not going to be rock crawling or doing 50mph off road in the desert. But all you need for a good majority of realistic off road scenarios is some clearance and better tires. Honda's AWD systems helps too.
Well said, and i agree on all points. I purchased a 2019 Passport in the "Elite" trim in 2020. And now, 4yrs and 60k miles later I have zero regrets. People constantly get in the car and assume it's brand new. The Elite trim really pumped up the luxury perception of this model, I think.
All the car channels posting about the ZR1, I see a Savage geese notification and get excited only for the Honda passport to rear it's reasonably priced and midrange head
These are among my favourite type of SG vids. Mark and Jack going back and forth, lots of perspectives, tonnes of info and insight, no BS - and Mark ripping up on a STI.
I have a 2021 AWD Touring with about 30K miles. I've owned about 7 different cars in my lifetime, and I dread the day that I will no longer find a V6 with an automatic transmission for a vehicle this size. I love my Passport. It's a unicorn. It checks every box I care about: road-trip-worthy, handles inclement weather easily, off road decently, comfortable on the highway, and comfortable on the terrible city streets with potholes, etc. I'm driving my Passport until it dies.
I really appreciate the fact that Honda is still putting NA V6s in their SUVs. That alone is enough to make me want to consider this vehicle and others in their lineup.
We love our ‘22 Trailsport. We use it for a daily driver, with occasional mild offroading and trailering our dirtbikes, gear, and people to various tracks. We have also occasionally pulled our 4500lb toyhauler & bikes with it when our primary truck was in the shop. Having moved from a large 4-door v8 pickup to this, after 60,000 miles, we can say this is a great vehicle. Hoping to get another 300,000 out of it. :)
Have 2022 Trailsport that I bought for two reasons. It's huge interior space and that J35 V6 V-Tec naturally aspirated engine. All the rest is just icing on the cake. Sometimes simple is better.
I love the Honda V6. My parents bought a brand new 2007 Accord with a V6 back in the day, and it still is one of the most effortless cars i've ever driven. Also, it still drives fantastic 17 years later.
My 2003 Accord EX V6 still going strong. Just changed all six iridium spark plugs. Couple more years and i won't even have to get an emissions test (25+ years old vehicles exempted).
Just bought this in Canada in the blue. There was no negotiating on price, but it is kind of a vehicle in its own league. I live in butt ass cold Alberta Canada so this will be perfect for the winter. Rock solid build quality for sure. I got motorcycles to have fun, this will haul me and the wife and all of our crap and a motorcycle to someplace nice for vacation….
Good review. We purchased a 2021 Passport Touring ( 2WD). The normally aspirated V6 and 9 speed transmission were major factors plus it has a mini spare and jack as opposed to the anemic tire pump that was in our 2015 Acura TLX. We keep our vehicles a long time and truly enjoy the vehicle.
CX5 Carbon Turbo for about $36k is a really good purchase. Lots of power, and good amenities including acoustic glass (which makes the Bose sound system sound really good). Might be my next purchase
Hi guys, I'm the owner of a '21 Ridgeline Sport (base), and I love the thing. The main draw was the engine and transmission, plus being the base model there is a lack of creature comforts that you would expect on most modern vehicles, meaning less stuff to break. I really feel like Honda deliberately went classic with these vehicles, at least as classic as they could get. Also I DO take the Ridgeline into the desert 3+ times a year and I can attest to its modest off-road capability. That's why when cross-shopping with the Crosstrek, the transmission in the Ridgeline was such a big draw for me, as well as the old J series V6. Love your guy's reviews, particularly the newer love letter to the NSX, my all time dream car. Keep up the great work and I look forward to your next video. Drive safe!
I did the timing job on our Crosstour in three hours. I had never done one before and had a good beer buzz going the whole time. Love working on Hondas. I also disabled the VCM at 30K miles.
What did you use to disable it. We have a 2013 RDX with 182k miles. Has the typical idle shake that I've lived with for years. Just had the dealer do the timing belt for the second time (very expensive but I've only done a timing chain on old cars, never a belt on a modern car). I heard of the VCM muzzler but never bought one. I'd like to do away with the VCM and hopefully get rid of the idle shake.
@@LongIslandMopars our Crosstour is also a 2013. I use the VCM Tuner. It's a small variable resistor that plugs into one of the coolant temp loops just under the throttle body. 30 second install. The timing service was a breeze, though I've been doing all mechanical work on all of my cars since my first one, so I'm not a complete novice.
@@mtnman1984 Thanks. I've worked on old iron but not the new stuff except for basic maintenance. The dealer charges a big number but they do the belt, water pump, tensioner and serpentine as part of the complete service. This time they found oil pump seals leaking and did that while they had the area opened up. I understand they have to make a living and I save $ through other means. The VCM always intrigued me although I've read sometimes mixed reviews on forums. At 182k miles with no issues other than the idle shake and occasional wonky transmission shift (I changed the 3rd gear clutch switch which was supposedly a fix but it wasn't). I also did the pedal recalibration but that only helps for a few days. I really think the ransom wonky shift has to do with the engine switching between VCM and non-VCM modes and it's "brain" getting confused. At this point we live with it. The cure was to buy a 2024 RDX for the wife.....
@@LongIslandMopars dealers always are the most expensive. All of those items you mentioned were included in the service kit I bought. I've owned Audis in the past. This car takes less than half the effort to work on. The VCM Tuner is worth a shot. They're cheap and fast to hook up. If it doesn't take care of the idle vibration, it will at least cause the car to drive better, especially around town. You'll use much less gas pedal travel for the same acceleration and the vibration from the 4 and 3 cylinder modes will be gone. After that, engine mounts may be worth a look. Your car is such high mileage that slightly rough idle could be a number of things: plugs, dirty valves (caused by the VCM), dirty injectors, throttle body service, etc.
@@mtnman1984 thanks bud. Plugs were changed, injectors flushed, and throttle body cleaned. No difference in performance. Car runs great except for the shake and occasional wonky shift. I may buy a muzzler since I bought my wife the new car. What's your recommendation?
I see these Honda’s all over the place and one neighbor has one that she absolutely loves (as a nanny it’s perfect for hauling kids stuff). Very utilitarian, much more so than competitors.
My wife drove a 2014 Grand Cherokee and it was starting to Grenade. We test drove a new GC but it was 55,000 compared to $42,000 passport. The Passport has been a good SUV. Comfortable and should be reliable for the next 10 years
Slightly used driver here. Got a 21 EXL with 18K miles for $28.5. Very happy with it. It has all the tech you would want and it is easy to use. I upgraded or downgraded the 20 inch wheels to 18 inch wheels..
I bought myself a Grey 2020 Passport Elite with 65k miles on it 1 owner no accidents for $24k. The Elite is definitely worth it 👌 While I'm not a fan of the trans buttons.. I love everything else. I don't want/need a 3 row Suv but wanted something a lil bigger than the CRV with a better/engine.. Heated & Ventilated seats Heated Steering Acceptable stock sound system Naturally aspirated V6 Ok gas mileage The vehicle looks very nice for it's class. Seating is comfortable I highly recommend buying the Passport used 3-4yrs old.. the Pilot & CRV get all of the attention so the initial depreciation Is big for that 3-4yr.. It can tow 5000lbs which is more than I'd need for what I'm planning .. I'm going to buy a pontoon boat soon which falls under what the Passport can tow easily.
@theobserver9565 well go ahead & shit on my parade buddy! Lol jk I honestly didn't know that.. I bought mine used so.. I wonder if I have it installed.. my Passport has the Tow Hitch & Wire Harness. So I wonder if mine has one Installed. How would I find out? For instance the dealer I purchased it from may not be aware it has one or not. I don't know what it would look like. Would the VIN number have it listed if it was searched in Honda's database?
The argument you guys say is spot on. I got a lightly used Pilot 2022 with 14,500 miles for a bargain. Its big, V6 and its to keep for at least 10 years.
We bought a 2019 Touring when then first came out. As noted a 6 cylinder that's been well sorted and a non cvt were factored in on the purchase. This suv eats miles and miles on the highway effortlessly. The v6 when required has lots of hp. Sport mode dramatically changes the transmission mapping for the I'm going now factor. An excellent day to day ride.
I really wanted to like this more, but my area Honda dealers are only discounting ~$1k and was a bit disappointed with the lack of head unit and instrument panel upgrade (compared to the Ridgeline) of which you interface on a day by day basis at an ~$45k price point. During a recent test drive of a Trailsport version we also noted the same wind and road noises creeping in. I did like the V-6 and 9 speed transmission combo, seat comfort and overall space. Bottom line for us, was it just wasn't compelling enough to buy new, especially knowing the rather steep depreciation that just a two year old model exhibits.
I just put down a deposit on white one - 5.4K discount but 1.5K in junk add on so net about 4K discount. Agree the NVH isn't great, my 2015 F-150 is quieter. But looking at consumer reviews on Edmunds, this is and the 4Runner seem to be the only models where there do not seem to be widespread complaints about QC issues. So yah, losing a bit on the value proposition in exchange for a bit more perceived reliability.
I have a '22 EX-L. I love it like a relative. In fact, I love it more than I love some of my relatives. You couldn't pay me to drive a Subaru or Mazda. Owning this car is like owning the Rock of Gibraltar with wheels.
i have the '21 EX-L of this. we have 3 kids and already have a minivan, and with a VCM disabler installed, it's a champ. the only things that you need to watch out for is the infotainment / speaker cracking due to bad connectors, and Honda having stupidly bad/faulty AC seals. besides that, regular maintenance and it's a solid choice.
Can't say I'm much of a fan of the Passport when it had come out but seeing it for what it is & what it does I have Wayyy more confidence in it as a reliable daily vehicle with relatively low maintenance concerns especially compared to many of the stated competitors. It IMO is a very honest vehicle that does what it needs to well. IMO Mazda products are great NEW cars if your just city commuting/parking lot queen. Subaru's are alright all the way around but not for everyone depending on taste. The Korean options are hit or miss for mechanical reliability but have plenty of extra's that can be convincing if that's what your in the market for. I feel as though none of the US competitors really offer anything of note to make them a more desirable pick by comparison.
Just got an offer for $4K below MSRP on a 2025 Trailsport so Jack is correct, deals can be found. The discount makes the outdatedness a little more palatable. Wife says Pilot is too large for her. I sort of see this as the poor man's old school reliable option, the benchmark being a 4Runner. But equally equipped, the 4Runner is about $10K -$12K more and no power liftgate which is a deal breaker for the wife. Not difficult to find two year old used ones with 30K miles for about $10K off new. Fast forward a month later, we put a deposit down for a white one at that price with delivery expected in early November. Before that, we test drove a 4Runner. It had a more clumsy feel, the engine is loud under acceleration and the trunk space did not seem larger than the Passport. I didn't feel like the perceived better reliability was worth those tradeoffs, not to mention the 4Runners are more expensive.
It shouldn't be overlooked that there are some notable transmission issues out there on these Passports. I've been cross-shopping this with the Outback and 4Runner. Passport complaints with the transmission have gotten so loud that there's a class action lawsuit being filed. Some would argue the majority of complaints are misunderstanding how that ZF9 works, but it's become enough of a distraction that people are starting to dump these vehicles.
@@RaY_77W You might be right, but it's also too early to tell. My point was more about their advice to look for used models. I would be hesitant to buy one that isn't at least CPO / with an active warranty given the complaints.
my mom has one since new has 59,000kms on it now its a 2021 with the other front end style which i think looks better for a big city suv, we bought specifically because of the v6 this is my mothers last car and we just wanted a vehicle for her that will last 20+years honestly quality of this product is old school honda so it wont go bad this cant be said with the newer stuff that passport is one of the last old school build vehicles and people who want a long term vehicle should highly consider this product over anything else thats why you choose the passport 👍
My fav part about this channel is the foil between Mark and Jack. 1) Mark being a Lexus type guy and Jack being a Porsche type guy. 2) Mark has a LC500, which is 100% not Jack's type of car. He def rather a 718 GTS 4.0 instead. 3) Mark would find the Corvette interested but it's 100% not for him while Jack won't ever get over how much value the Corvette is despite not having Porsche prestige. 4) Mark can appreciate a Grand Highlander or Lexus Es300h for simplicity while Jack can only think about what BMW he could have gotten instead with a B58 😂😂😂
Thanks for this review. I had a 2022 Acura MDX until the pano roof leak. It had been garage kept until I got an RS5 Convertible. It was parked on a 4% incline with back of vehicle lower. If you google lots of manufactuerers have had trouble with leaks for a while so a design issue and it won't be fixed by buying a new vehicle. Got about 5" of water in the back by the spare tire. Only found the water by google search and going to front passenger pull out rubber mat and see if wet where the frame number is. So if your car has electrical gremlins, I'd look for water. Traded that for 2024 Mazda CX-5 because it has AC seats and sunroof. But I don't like it because suspension makes me and my son sick, and as others have said, it hops. So, what is my choice for an SUV wo Pano roof and AC seats, comfortable seats, sunroof (not pano), and good suspension? This and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Lightweight Edition $187,000. But I had 2 Honda Odyssey vans that I put over 300,000 miles on and I don't want to feel like I'm in a van again. And I do when I drove the 2021 Honda Passport. So, a very important review.
We've had our '22 Elite for 2.5 years now. Taken it on many road trips. We get about 24 MPG highway. Love driving it. Upgraded stereo is great. The driver assists are nice. The technology is a little lacking, but sufficient. Wish it had HUD, full LED lighting, 360 / better cams, and maybe full pano roof. While I like the 20" wheels, the 18s would be much more suited for city driving. Ours has the adjustable arm rests which is really nice. Also the ventilated seats are meh. My folks Telluride seats cool much better. Tech is better too.
Go for Acura versions. Selling prices are the same: hungrier dealers, large supply, better finance/lease terms. If used, Acura can be less (supply/demand quirk).
Vehicles like the Forester, the Acura MDX, the Acura RDX, the new Honda Pilot, the Subaru Ascent etc all have a rear hatch area height that MAXES out at 30”. This Passport on the other hand, has several inches MORE of rear hatch height. A big, square, massive, tall area in the rear. Most of the reviewers barely touch on this point, if at all. This lack of a height for the rear hatch area, is not a problem if all you put in the rear are short articles, but a serious problem if you have to fit in a 31” full-size dog crate, which fits like a dream in the Passport, but all others fall woefully short.
@@alexanderlee6509 I measured the rear hatch height of the new Honda Pilot, and it was 28" tall on the sides, and barely touching 30" in the center. Honda did not do any favors to its customers here, from the perspective of the new Pilot being more utilitarian.
I was hoping Honda would release the next generation of either the Passport or Odyssey in their family hauler lineup for the next model year, but I guess they're focusing on the Pilot instead. They need some full size SUV or minivan with a hybrid powertrain already. The same goes with Acura too, the RDX is screaming for a new generation. Being a Honda fan sometimes it's frustrating to see they're being too conservative or slow to react.
Wasn't this review posted recently? I remembered Mark saying that he enjoyed driving it and doesn't feel like he's dying inside driving around in it. There's a new Passport around the corner too. Probably not V6 powered anymore
$43,000-$50,000 2 row V6 SUV/CUV, its really the Passport and the Chevrolet Blazer, at least that's the only two I see. Blazer isn't long for this world though, 2025 is supposedly the last year for it. I may be a GM fan, but my money hands down would go Passport if I had to decide between the two. If the Passport ends up with the updates the new Pilot has, it would be an even better sway towards the Passport as I think Honda did a great job on the new Pilot.
I like the Passport. I had considered one before landing on an RDX, and I would consider one again if something happened and I needed to find another vehicle in a hurry.
@savagegeese you mentioned the VCM issue a couple times. Do you know if people are putting the muzzlers on these units when bought new? or will that be a warranty issue?
Been researching alternatives for a new mid-sized SUV. Would have preferred a 4Runner but wife hates the shape. Everything else has compromises. Turbo (Toyota), direct injection, VCM, etc. Based on consumer reviews on Edmunds, a lot of the recent redesigned vehicles (Highlander, GH, Pilot, MDX) all seem to have QC issues. The number and types of complaints are quite shocking. The Passport seems to be almost as trouble free as the 4Runner. No surprise given the current gen has been out since 2019 and so they have had a chance to work out all the kinks. The compromise is that it is dated and hard to find a good bargain given tighter inventory (the number of available new Passports within 300 miles from home are 1/6 the number of available Pilots). I'm likely to pull the trigger on a Trailsport version of it.
I’m in the same boat although I’ll be picking up a used on in a few years. VCM, you can disable so with this J35Y6, you have the timing belt and direct injection to deal with. I see the timing belt as neutral as neglect of a timing chain will be more expensive and you get to do the water pump and valve adjustment at the same time. This engine is the last tried and true V6 out there.
You've implied that the body-on-frame chassis construction type--as opposed to unibody construction type--is what causes the "jouncy" feeling of a truck. Chassis construction type has nothing to do with ride quality. Trucks tend to feel rougher and bouncier primarily due to the effective spring rates necessary to support the rated loads, which are commonly much higher than they are in SUVs. Secondary factors include damping rates, and solid axles instead of independently acting suspension at each corner, and the actual weight being supported. There are many other small factors also, things like tire pressures and sidewall heights, friction at suspension mounts and joints, the suspension geometry itself, wheel-base length, etc., but none of them the are chassis construction type. The stiffness of the chassis is one of those little factors, but that's equally true regardless of construction type. It's hard to find body-on-frame construction in modern vehicle street cars, except for trucks. But there were plenty of body-on-frame cars that rode like your uncle's old '70s Cadillac. For example: you're uncle's old '70s Cadillac. You guys are pretty technically knowledgeable, so I'm wondering why you would say what you said.
Is the CX-50 a direct competitor to the passport? They’re priced over 10k apart. I’d argue it’s closer in competition to a CX-70, a two row suv that shares a platform with a 3 row and start just over 40k
I really was thinking of looking at the Honda cuv, especially with its more simplistic designs ie less electronic issues down the road. I'm so sick and tired of all black interiors. Ended up with a Venza LE with the boulder interior. Loving the 40+ mpgs
Pausing all of the 1000hp Corvette videos so I can study this important midrange SUV.
Still waiting for the Passport Type R
@@ftwtechyou joke but that would be kinda wild if they made a 600+ hp passport.
To be fair.. this is far more attainable
LT7 swap in a used Passport is the way.
@@LongerThanAverageUsername if they could do it with the NSX they sure as sh_it can with the passport
Finally, a true performance machine.
One I only DREAMED of
V6, non-CVT transmission, and independent rear suspension: not too many cars / suvs nowadays can say it has all 3 of these things.
Modern Honda v6 engines have cylinder deactivation. Not good.
Dodge Durango, Kia telluride, Hyundai palisade,
And nat asp!
@@kr9181 Yep VCM. Variable cylinder managment. Its bs to get extra 1 mpg. Causes carbon build up. You can buy tuners to disable it.
@@markwilliams6378 Ford explorer, plus that's even got more power and rwd facing engine
Tried and true is now a premium category
Just purchased the wife a base 2021 V6 AWD with 32K miles for $23.9. It works for her and it's a bullet proof drivetrain on a regular family hauler, worth every penny for my family.
Been seeing Ridgelines in my area with similar price and miles for sale. Its a good deal
Is that transmission bulletproof?
You got it for only 23 dollars and 9 cents?!??
Is it comfortable and quite?
That’s a good deal for a great suv
My wife putts one of these around, kids thrash it, extended warranty until 150k or 10 years, Living the dream man....living the dream...Taking it to home depot tomorrow (its Saturday after all)
Old school reference!
Dad life. The good life
"I don't know if we'll have enough TIME."
bed bath and beyond!
And on Sunday, say hello to 9000 rpm, going to get an early morning coffee and croissant at sun rise with the S2000.
Love my 2022 Trailsport. You can't even compare it to the CX50, Outback, etc. It's so much bigger than all of those. I cross shopped them all and this is kind of in a class of it's own for 2 rows. We can fit two car seats in the 2nd row AND my wife can fit in between them to to entertain.
I can definitely compare it to the 4Runner, and you know who comes out on top.
@@epicmickey2351 4Runner cost way more
@@epicmickey2351depends on what you want to do. They both will last a long time with proper care. Side gig as a trail guide? 4Runner? Go see grandma or get groceries? Passport. Had a ‘06 Pilot until this year and sold it with 298k miles on it. Both brands last. Our family has always preferred Honda interiors and driving dynamics. So, to each his own. My next vehicle may be a new 4Runner or Land
cruiser . IDK. Still have some years and miles to rack up on what I have.
I mean the CX-70 kind of now competes...😂
I had two car seats plus an adult in the back of my Outback all the time...
8:15 You just know the guy in the STI was like: "What the fuck is that maniac in the Honda doing?"
😂 Just blowing by cars, tires screaming, engine spinning, the vistas a blur... 😈 yes yes... 😜
My favorite part of the whole vid.
Probably scared the shit out of that guy.
He probably couldn't even see him through the vape cloud.
The Subaru didn't yield either. No surprise.
Leased my second Passport in a row this past November. There is nothing else in the market like it. Wife loves it and it is awesome for long trips. Does the job.
Y lease
You guys are the reason I bought one a few years ago. Fits what I need, and the V6 is a nice extra when everything else is turbo 4cyl
I don’t think you’re making excuses. Having an NA v6 is a big deal for a lot of people. It’s what made me trade in a taco for a frontier.
I have a 2020 Elite I bought last year to replace my aging but still very clean '13 RDX. I love it, bought for the V6, 5 seats, heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats and the interior room. I cross-shopped the CX5, CX50, Blazer and even an SQ5. In Blue with black trim, it stole my heart. Plan to keep it for a long time.
It's simply a utilitarian vehicle, but what sets it apart is the J35 engine. Bulletproof. If you take a Honda out of ECO mode, VCM doesn't engage and you can turn off the start/stop (although in our Odyssey it is pretty seamless).
That's not true that VCM won't engage when eco mode is off, at least not on the Ridgeline. The only was to disengage it is with an aftermarket device like S-VCM. The device is only about $100 and easy to install though.
Such a shame honda saves their best engine for the most soulless vehicles
My accord has it :) @@kinglumpy6145
Why am I so entertained by reviews of the suv I own lol
I own a 2020 AWD Elite and I absolute love mine. I bought it second hand in 2022 and I couldn’t be happier. I do wish it had a 360 camera I absolutely love it.
Wife drives a '22 Trailsport. We also use it to go camping and to haul our dog around here in NM. I'm pleasantly surprised at how well it handles more moderately challenging off-road trails like Cinnamon Pass in CO. It's just a really good SUV.
Yeah people like to complain that it's not an off roader, which yeah of course it's not going to be rock crawling or doing 50mph off road in the desert. But all you need for a good majority of realistic off road scenarios is some clearance and better tires. Honda's AWD systems helps too.
I have a 2023 model and I absolutely love it. It’s my daily driver that drives great!
Well said, and i agree on all points. I purchased a 2019 Passport in the "Elite" trim in 2020. And now, 4yrs and 60k miles later I have zero regrets. People constantly get in the car and assume it's brand new. The Elite trim really pumped up the luxury perception of this model, I think.
If you don’t need the third row, the Passport is the choice. The rear seat leg room is awesome.
All the car channels posting about the ZR1, I see a Savage geese notification and get excited only for the Honda passport to rear it's reasonably priced and midrange head
midrange head 🥺
These are among my favourite type of SG vids. Mark and Jack going back and forth, lots of perspectives, tonnes of info and insight, no BS - and Mark ripping up on a STI.
I have a 2021 AWD Touring with about 30K miles. I've owned about 7 different cars in my lifetime, and I dread the day that I will no longer find a V6 with an automatic transmission for a vehicle this size. I love my Passport. It's a unicorn. It checks every box I care about: road-trip-worthy, handles inclement weather easily, off road decently, comfortable on the highway, and comfortable on the terrible city streets with potholes, etc. I'm driving my Passport until it dies.
I really appreciate the fact that Honda is still putting NA V6s in their SUVs. That alone is enough to make me want to consider this vehicle and others in their lineup.
We love our ‘22 Trailsport. We use it for a daily driver, with occasional mild offroading and trailering our dirtbikes, gear, and people to various tracks. We have also occasionally pulled our 4500lb toyhauler & bikes with it when our primary truck was in the shop. Having moved from a large 4-door v8 pickup to this, after 60,000 miles, we can say this is a great vehicle. Hoping to get another 300,000 out of it. :)
I like to start my day by clearing the pipes from last night’s Arby’s binge while watching Savage Geese 👍
TMI! 🙂
Gross
@@hereigoagain5050not enough information if you ask me
Don't forget to visit Mark's new Shrimp Scampi restaurant!
Have 2022 Trailsport that I bought for two reasons. It's huge interior space and that J35 V6 V-Tec naturally aspirated engine. All the rest is just icing on the cake. Sometimes simple is better.
I love the Honda V6. My parents bought a brand new 2007 Accord with a V6 back in the day, and it still is one of the most effortless cars i've ever driven. Also, it still drives fantastic 17 years later.
My 2003 Accord EX V6 still going strong. Just changed all six iridium spark plugs. Couple more years and i won't even have to get an emissions test (25+ years old vehicles exempted).
Nothing beats that wonderful V6!!!
Just bought this in Canada in the blue. There was no negotiating on price, but it is kind of a vehicle in its own league. I live in butt ass cold Alberta Canada so this will be perfect for the winter. Rock solid build quality for sure. I got motorcycles to have fun, this will haul me and the wife and all of our crap and a motorcycle to someplace nice for vacation….
Honda V6 and ZF9 combo is working great for me, would recommend.
My 2019 Elite has 120k miles and i drive 500 miles a week and lots of cross country roadtrips and its so comfortable.
Last of the vtech V6. Collector’s item
MDX still has VTEC.
Good review. We purchased a 2021 Passport Touring ( 2WD). The normally aspirated V6 and 9 speed transmission were major factors plus it has a mini spare and jack as opposed to the anemic tire pump that was in our 2015 Acura TLX. We keep our vehicles a long time and truly enjoy the vehicle.
I see a J35 quipped car, I press like.
Hope you guys can/will do a video when the new redesign model drops.
CX5 Carbon Turbo for about $36k is a really good purchase. Lots of power, and good amenities including acoustic glass (which makes the Bose sound system sound really good). Might be my next purchase
This has everything good about cars before 2020.
Hi guys, I'm the owner of a '21 Ridgeline Sport (base), and I love the thing. The main draw was the engine and transmission, plus being the base model there is a lack of creature comforts that you would expect on most modern vehicles, meaning less stuff to break. I really feel like Honda deliberately went classic with these vehicles, at least as classic as they could get.
Also I DO take the Ridgeline into the desert 3+ times a year and I can attest to its modest off-road capability. That's why when cross-shopping with the Crosstrek, the transmission in the Ridgeline was such a big draw for me, as well as the old J series V6.
Love your guy's reviews, particularly the newer love letter to the NSX, my all time dream car. Keep up the great work and I look forward to your next video. Drive safe!
I did the timing job on our Crosstour in three hours. I had never done one before and had a good beer buzz going the whole time. Love working on Hondas. I also disabled the VCM at 30K miles.
What did you use to disable it. We have a 2013 RDX with 182k miles. Has the typical idle shake that I've lived with for years. Just had the dealer do the timing belt for the second time (very expensive but I've only done a timing chain on old cars, never a belt on a modern car). I heard of the VCM muzzler but never bought one. I'd like to do away with the VCM and hopefully get rid of the idle shake.
@@LongIslandMopars our Crosstour is also a 2013. I use the VCM Tuner. It's a small variable resistor that plugs into one of the coolant temp loops just under the throttle body. 30 second install. The timing service was a breeze, though I've been doing all mechanical work on all of my cars since my first one, so I'm not a complete novice.
@@mtnman1984 Thanks. I've worked on old iron but not the new stuff except for basic maintenance. The dealer charges a big number but they do the belt, water pump, tensioner and serpentine as part of the complete service. This time they found oil pump seals leaking and did that while they had the area opened up. I understand they have to make a living and I save $ through other means. The VCM always intrigued me although I've read sometimes mixed reviews on forums. At 182k miles with no issues other than the idle shake and occasional wonky transmission shift (I changed the 3rd gear clutch switch which was supposedly a fix but it wasn't). I also did the pedal recalibration but that only helps for a few days. I really think the ransom wonky shift has to do with the engine switching between VCM and non-VCM modes and it's "brain" getting confused. At this point we live with it. The cure was to buy a 2024 RDX for the wife.....
@@LongIslandMopars dealers always are the most expensive. All of those items you mentioned were included in the service kit I bought. I've owned Audis in the past. This car takes less than half the effort to work on. The VCM Tuner is worth a shot. They're cheap and fast to hook up. If it doesn't take care of the idle vibration, it will at least cause the car to drive better, especially around town. You'll use much less gas pedal travel for the same acceleration and the vibration from the 4 and 3 cylinder modes will be gone. After that, engine mounts may be worth a look. Your car is such high mileage that slightly rough idle could be a number of things: plugs, dirty valves (caused by the VCM), dirty injectors, throttle body service, etc.
@@mtnman1984 thanks bud. Plugs were changed, injectors flushed, and throttle body cleaned. No difference in performance. Car runs great except for the shake and occasional wonky shift. I may buy a muzzler since I bought my wife the new car. What's your recommendation?
First class content, guys. Really, really good stuff.
I see these Honda’s all over the place and one neighbor has one that she absolutely loves (as a nanny it’s perfect for hauling kids stuff). Very utilitarian, much more so than competitors.
My wife drove a 2014 Grand Cherokee and it was starting to Grenade. We test drove a new GC but it was 55,000 compared to $42,000 passport. The Passport has been a good SUV. Comfortable and should be reliable for the next 10 years
Slightly used driver here. Got a 21 EXL with 18K miles for $28.5. Very happy with it. It has all the tech you would want and it is easy to use. I upgraded or downgraded the 20 inch wheels to 18 inch wheels..
Yeah honestly I am very tempted to purchase one simply because it has a good ole V6
Watching this while at work at a Honda dealership
what are you offering off a new passport?
Watching this sitting in a Honda service department waiting for my Honda company car to finish its A12 service.
I’m not even joking.
The best car i have ever owned
I bought myself a Grey 2020 Passport Elite with 65k miles on it 1 owner no accidents for $24k.
The Elite is definitely worth it 👌
While I'm not a fan of the trans buttons.. I love everything else.
I don't want/need a 3 row Suv but wanted something a lil bigger than the CRV with a better/engine..
Heated & Ventilated seats
Heated Steering
Acceptable stock sound system
Naturally aspirated V6
Ok gas mileage
The vehicle looks very nice for it's class.
Seating is comfortable
I highly recommend buying the Passport used 3-4yrs old.. the Pilot & CRV get all of the attention so the initial depreciation Is big for that 3-4yr..
It can tow 5000lbs which is more than I'd need for what I'm planning .. I'm going to buy a pontoon boat soon which falls under what the Passport can tow easily.
The Passport is only rated to tow 3500lbs unless you get the transmission cooler installed.
@theobserver9565 well go ahead & shit on my parade buddy!
Lol jk I honestly didn't know that.. I bought mine used so.. I wonder if I have it installed.. my Passport has the Tow Hitch & Wire Harness. So I wonder if mine has one Installed. How would I find out? For instance the dealer I purchased it from may not be aware it has one or not. I don't know what it would look like.
Would the VIN number have it listed if it was searched in Honda's database?
The argument you guys say is spot on. I got a lightly used Pilot 2022 with 14,500 miles for a bargain. Its big, V6 and its to keep for at least 10 years.
You can disable the VCM with a $100 module that takes 5 mins to plug in.
And believe me, the best $100 spent
Install a VCM disabler, and buy one of these lightly used. "mid 30's" would be for a Trailsport. Go with an EX-L.
Praise the geese for not bandwagoning in nonsense telemarketing of car that is not even rolling yet.
1000HP!!!
And #over9000 lb-in of torque!
We bought a 2019 Touring when then first came out. As noted a 6 cylinder that's been well sorted and a non cvt were factored in on the purchase. This suv eats miles and miles on the highway effortlessly. The v6 when required has lots of hp. Sport mode dramatically changes the transmission mapping for the I'm going now factor. An excellent day to day ride.
I'm cross shopping this with an Urus
Got the 22 elite in 23 for 42 with taxes and fees. Love it
These are quirky and cool looking for what they are. I wouldn't mind dailying one honestly.
I test drove a trailsport and its fantastic going over potholes...modern engineering at its finest
I look forward to shopping for one of these in 2033
I really wanted to like this more, but my area Honda dealers are only discounting ~$1k and was a bit disappointed with the lack of head unit and instrument panel upgrade (compared to the Ridgeline) of which you interface on a day by day basis at an ~$45k price point. During a recent test drive of a Trailsport version we also noted the same wind and road noises creeping in. I did like the V-6 and 9 speed transmission combo, seat comfort and overall space. Bottom line for us, was it just wasn't compelling enough to buy new, especially knowing the rather steep depreciation that just a two year old model exhibits.
I just put down a deposit on white one - 5.4K discount but 1.5K in junk add on so net about 4K discount. Agree the NVH isn't great, my 2015 F-150 is quieter. But looking at consumer reviews on Edmunds, this is and the 4Runner seem to be the only models where there do not seem to be widespread complaints about QC issues. So yah, losing a bit on the value proposition in exchange for a bit more perceived reliability.
I was waiting for a video to drop yesterday. I need car videos to feed my life force
I have a '22 EX-L. I love it like a relative. In fact, I love it more than I love some of my relatives. You couldn't pay me to drive a Subaru or Mazda. Owning this car is like owning the Rock of Gibraltar with wheels.
This vehicle intrigues me as something I could buy new and keep for 20 years.
The best things about these Hondas are their thoughtful interiors, smooth powertrains, and serviceability.
i have the '21 EX-L of this. we have 3 kids and already have a minivan, and with a VCM disabler installed, it's a champ. the only things that you need to watch out for is the infotainment / speaker cracking due to bad connectors, and Honda having stupidly bad/faulty AC seals. besides that, regular maintenance and it's a solid choice.
Can't say I'm much of a fan of the Passport when it had come out but seeing it for what it is & what it does I have Wayyy more confidence in it as a reliable daily vehicle with relatively low maintenance concerns especially compared to many of the stated competitors. It IMO is a very honest vehicle that does what it needs to well. IMO Mazda products are great NEW cars if your just city commuting/parking lot queen. Subaru's are alright all the way around but not for everyone depending on taste. The Korean options are hit or miss for mechanical reliability but have plenty of extra's that can be convincing if that's what your in the market for. I feel as though none of the US competitors really offer anything of note to make them a more desirable pick by comparison.
Just got an offer for $4K below MSRP on a 2025 Trailsport so Jack is correct, deals can be found. The discount makes the outdatedness a little more palatable. Wife says Pilot is too large for her. I sort of see this as the poor man's old school reliable option, the benchmark being a 4Runner. But equally equipped, the 4Runner is about $10K -$12K more and no power liftgate which is a deal breaker for the wife. Not difficult to find two year old used ones with 30K miles for about $10K off new.
Fast forward a month later, we put a deposit down for a white one at that price with delivery expected in early November. Before that, we test drove a 4Runner. It had a more clumsy feel, the engine is loud under acceleration and the trunk space did not seem larger than the Passport. I didn't feel like the perceived better reliability was worth those tradeoffs, not to mention the 4Runners are more expensive.
It shouldn't be overlooked that there are some notable transmission issues out there on these Passports. I've been cross-shopping this with the Outback and 4Runner. Passport complaints with the transmission have gotten so loud that there's a class action lawsuit being filed. Some would argue the majority of complaints are misunderstanding how that ZF9 works, but it's become enough of a distraction that people are starting to dump these vehicles.
I think they fixed these issues as the model years increased, I think this 24 model should be solid enough
@@RaY_77W You might be right, but it's also too early to tell. My point was more about their advice to look for used models. I would be hesitant to buy one that isn't at least CPO / with an active warranty given the complaints.
No issues with my 21 Pilot or 23 Passport.
@@21Piloteer glad to hear it! It’s still my top choice in my car search, but the complaints I started to read gave me some pause.
10 speeds are having issues as well. Many other issues with new Pilots. Many videos on issues.
my mom has one since new has 59,000kms on it now its a 2021 with the other front end style which i think looks better for a big city suv, we bought specifically because of the v6 this is my mothers last car and we just wanted a vehicle for her that will last 20+years honestly quality of this product is old school honda so it wont go bad
this cant be said with the newer stuff
that passport is one of the last old school build vehicles and people who want a long term vehicle should highly consider this product over anything else
thats why you choose the passport 👍
My fav part about this channel is the foil between Mark and Jack.
1) Mark being a Lexus type guy and Jack being a Porsche type guy.
2) Mark has a LC500, which is 100% not Jack's type of car. He def rather a 718 GTS 4.0 instead.
3) Mark would find the Corvette interested but it's 100% not for him while Jack won't ever get over how much value the Corvette is despite not having Porsche prestige.
4) Mark can appreciate a Grand Highlander or Lexus Es300h for simplicity while Jack can only think about what BMW he could have gotten instead with a B58 😂😂😂
Thanks for this review. I had a 2022 Acura MDX until the pano roof leak. It had been garage kept until I got an RS5 Convertible. It was parked on a 4% incline with back of vehicle lower. If you google lots of manufactuerers have had trouble with leaks for a while so a design issue and it won't be fixed by buying a new vehicle. Got about 5" of water in the back by the spare tire. Only found the water by google search and going to front passenger pull out rubber mat and see if wet where the frame number is. So if your car has electrical gremlins, I'd look for water.
Traded that for 2024 Mazda CX-5 because it has AC seats and sunroof. But I don't like it because suspension makes me and my son sick, and as others have said, it hops. So, what is my choice for an SUV wo Pano roof and AC seats, comfortable seats, sunroof (not pano), and good suspension? This and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Lightweight Edition $187,000.
But I had 2 Honda Odyssey vans that I put over 300,000 miles on and I don't want to feel like I'm in a van again. And I do when I drove the 2021 Honda Passport.
So, a very important review.
You get this if you want a simple old-school and the biggest for the price family hauler.
We've had our '22 Elite for 2.5 years now. Taken it on many road trips. We get about 24 MPG highway. Love driving it. Upgraded stereo is great. The driver assists are nice. The technology is a little lacking, but sufficient. Wish it had HUD, full LED lighting, 360 / better cams, and maybe full pano roof. While I like the 20" wheels, the 18s would be much more suited for city driving. Ours has the adjustable arm rests which is really nice. Also the ventilated seats are meh. My folks Telluride seats cool much better. Tech is better too.
Everyones doing videos on the new 1,000 HP Corvette and the boys are reviewing a basic hauler.
And that's why we love SavageGeese.
Savagegeese is for the people
Go for Acura versions. Selling prices are the same: hungrier dealers, large supply, better finance/lease terms. If used, Acura can be less (supply/demand quirk).
I would only lease an Acura. They do probably have better lease deals than Honda simply for the fact that most people buy their Honda's
Plus the only MDX to get is the Type S which will set you back $76,000 so
Vehicles like the Forester, the Acura MDX, the Acura RDX, the new Honda Pilot, the Subaru Ascent etc all have a rear hatch area height that MAXES out at 30”. This Passport on the other hand, has several inches MORE of rear hatch height. A big, square, massive, tall area in the rear. Most of the reviewers barely touch on this point, if at all.
This lack of a height for the rear hatch area, is not a problem if all you put in the rear are short articles, but a serious problem if you have to fit in a 31” full-size dog crate, which fits like a dream in the Passport, but all others fall woefully short.
That is exactly relevant to us as we will be taking our 82 lb golden retriever on road trips and he will need a crate that size.
@@alexanderlee6509 I measured the rear hatch height of the new Honda Pilot, and it was 28" tall on the sides, and barely touching 30" in the center. Honda did not do any favors to its customers here, from the perspective of the new Pilot being more utilitarian.
Finally, a worthy successor to the fabled V10 Honda pilot
I was hoping Honda would release the next generation of either the Passport or Odyssey in their family hauler lineup for the next model year, but I guess they're focusing on the Pilot instead. They need some full size SUV or minivan with a hybrid powertrain already. The same goes with Acura too, the RDX is screaming for a new generation. Being a Honda fan sometimes it's frustrating to see they're being too conservative or slow to react.
Are the engines with VCM system reliable beyond 100k miles?
Definitely for a good price it's nice. I would tune out the VCM and just enjoy it
Wasn't this review posted recently? I remembered Mark saying that he enjoyed driving it and doesn't feel like he's dying inside driving around in it. There's a new Passport around the corner too. Probably not V6 powered anymore
would you consider highlander a direct competitor?
Confused…your relationship with Aaron Link, how is this not a ZR1 top speed run video around Milford?!?
$43,000-$50,000 2 row V6 SUV/CUV, its really the Passport and the Chevrolet Blazer, at least that's the only two I see. Blazer isn't long for this world though, 2025 is supposedly the last year for it. I may be a GM fan, but my money hands down would go Passport if I had to decide between the two. If the Passport ends up with the updates the new Pilot has, it would be an even better sway towards the Passport as I think Honda did a great job on the new Pilot.
I like the Passport. I had considered one before landing on an RDX, and I would consider one again if something happened and I needed to find another vehicle in a hurry.
Pity they didn’t sell these in Australia…
A new appliance is born
You just can't go wrong with any Honda! Civic ePhev, CTR, Jazz, CR-V, Passport, etc...
@savagegeese you mentioned the VCM issue a couple times. Do you know if people are putting the muzzlers on these units when bought new? or will that be a warranty issue?
Been researching alternatives for a new mid-sized SUV. Would have preferred a 4Runner but wife hates the shape. Everything else has compromises. Turbo (Toyota), direct injection, VCM, etc. Based on consumer reviews on Edmunds, a lot of the recent redesigned vehicles (Highlander, GH, Pilot, MDX) all seem to have QC issues. The number and types of complaints are quite shocking. The Passport seems to be almost as trouble free as the 4Runner. No surprise given the current gen has been out since 2019 and so they have had a chance to work out all the kinks. The compromise is that it is dated and hard to find a good bargain given tighter inventory (the number of available new Passports within 300 miles from home are 1/6 the number of available Pilots). I'm likely to pull the trigger on a Trailsport version of it.
I’m in the same boat although I’ll be picking up a used on in a few years. VCM, you can disable so with this J35Y6, you have the timing belt and direct injection to deal with. I see the timing belt as neutral as neglect of a timing chain will be more expensive and you get to do the water pump and valve adjustment at the same time. This engine is the last tried and true V6 out there.
You've implied that the body-on-frame chassis construction type--as opposed to unibody construction type--is what causes the "jouncy" feeling of a truck.
Chassis construction type has nothing to do with ride quality. Trucks tend to feel rougher and bouncier primarily due to the effective spring rates necessary to support the rated loads, which are commonly much higher than they are in SUVs. Secondary factors include damping rates, and solid axles instead of independently acting suspension at each corner, and the actual weight being supported. There are many other small factors also, things like tire pressures and sidewall heights, friction at suspension mounts and joints, the suspension geometry itself, wheel-base length, etc., but none of them the are chassis construction type. The stiffness of the chassis is one of those little factors, but that's equally true regardless of construction type.
It's hard to find body-on-frame construction in modern vehicle street cars, except for trucks. But there were plenty of body-on-frame cars that rode like your uncle's old '70s Cadillac. For example: you're uncle's old '70s Cadillac. You guys are pretty technically knowledgeable, so I'm wondering why you would say what you said.
Guys, the Passport is the Pilot VP. Big. Reliable. Easy to service. What's not to love?
Well Done.
Is the CX-50 a direct competitor to the passport? They’re priced over 10k apart. I’d argue it’s closer in competition to a CX-70, a two row suv that shares a platform with a 3 row and start just over 40k
We were trying to name off roady 2 row suvs 🤣
I really was thinking of looking at the Honda cuv, especially with its more simplistic designs ie less electronic issues down the road. I'm so sick and tired of all black interiors. Ended up with a Venza LE with the boulder interior. Loving the 40+ mpgs
Best sounding npc car
You can fit knickknacks, but what about paddywhacks?
Amazing how Honda and Nissan are now offering more old school drive trains than Toyota
Why did you guys take down your Blazer EV video?
Too much drama
@@savagegeese Isn't drama good for online engagement? Or did GM just get uppity? Lol...
I have deliberately not watched the other channels on the new corvette ZR1 so that I can see the Savagegeese presentation.
Men buy it guys. Holy crap. It has some essence of masculinity for an SUV.
*opens the video silently praying it still crosses over like a psychotic high school wet dream Civic*