The 2016 Honda Passport was never built

Honda did not make a Passport in 2016. The Passport nameplate was discontinued after 2002, and Honda did not revive it until 2019. If you are looking at a vehicle listed as a 2016 Passport, it is either mislabeled or you may be thinking of a different Honda model from that year.

In 2016, Honda's mid-size SUV lineup included the CR-V, Pilot, and Ridgeline. The CR-V was the most popular compact SUV option, while the Pilot offered three rows of seating for larger families. If you are researching what Honda had available in 2016, one of these models may be what you are actually looking for.

Key Takeaways

  • Honda stopped making the Passport after 2002 and did not bring the name back until 2019.
  • In 2016, Honda's SUV options were the CR-V, Pilot, and Ridgeline — not the Passport.
  • If you found a vehicle labeled as a 2016 Passport, the listing may contain an error or the vehicle may be a different model year.
  • Checking the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) will confirm the actual year and model of any Honda you are considering.

When the Passport was actually produced

The original Honda Passport ran from 1994 to 2002. It was a compact SUV built on a truck platform, positioned between Honda's smaller vehicles and the larger Pilot (which launched in 2003). The Passport shared its frame with the Isuzu Rodeo and was marketed as a rugged, off-road capable option.

After 2002, Honda discontinued the Passport for 17 years. The company focused on the CR-V for compact SUV buyers and the Pilot for those wanting more space. When Honda brought the Passport back in 2019, it was a completely redesigned vehicle — larger, more modern, and based on a different platform than the original.

What Honda was selling in 2016

Honda's 2016 SUV and crossover lineup consisted of three main models. The CR-V was a compact crossover that seated five and was one of Honda's best-selling vehicles. The Pilot was a three-row SUV that could hold up to eight passengers and was designed for families needing more cargo space. The Ridgeline was Honda's truck, which some buyers confused with an SUV because of its body style.

All three of these 2016 models are still common on the used market today. If you are shopping for a 2016 Honda SUV, you will find many examples of each. The CR-V tends to hold its value well and has lower fuel costs, while the Pilot offers more seating and towing capacity.

How to verify the actual year and model of a Honda

If you are looking at a Honda and the year or model seems unclear, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) will tell you exactly what it is. The VIN is a 17-character code found on the driver's side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver's door jamb, or in your insurance documents.

The 10th character in the VIN indicates the model year. For 2016 Hondas, this character is the letter "G". You can also use the VIN to look up the vehicle's history on sites like NHTSA.gov or Edmunds, which will show you the correct year, model, engine size, and trim level. This is especially useful if a listing seems to have incorrect information.

The 2019 Passport and later models

When Honda brought back the Passport name in 2019, it was a completely different vehicle from the 1994–2002 original. The new Passport is a mid-size SUV that sits between the CR-V and Pilot in size. It has a body-on-frame design (like a truck) rather than the unibody construction of the CR-V, which makes it more capable off-road.

The 2019 and later Passports are marketed toward buyers who want a more rugged, adventure-focused SUV. They have higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and skid plates as standard features. If you are interested in a Passport, you will need to look at 2019 or newer model years.

Where the confusion might come from

The mix-up between a 2016 Passport and other Honda models usually happens in a few ways. Someone listing a vehicle for sale might have made a typo and written "Passport" when they meant "Pilot" or "CR-V". Online search results sometimes pull up unrelated vehicles if the search terms are broad. Or a buyer might remember a Passport from years ago and assume Honda was still making them in 2016.

Always check the vehicle's title, registration, and VIN before making any decisions. These documents will show you the true year and model. If a seller cannot provide clear documentation, that is a red flag worth taking seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a 2016 Honda Passport anywhere?

No. Honda did not manufacture a Passport in 2016. The model was discontinued in 2002 and not brought back until 2019. If you see a 2016 Passport listed for sale, the listing contains an error.

What Honda SUV should I look at if I want a 2016 model?

Your options are the CR-V (compact, five seats), the Pilot (larger, up to eight seats), or the Ridgeline (truck-based). The CR-V is the most affordable and fuel-efficient. The Pilot offers more space. Check what features matter most to you and compare the three.

Can I find a used 2019 or newer Passport?

Yes. The Passport returned in 2019 and Honda continues to make it. Used 2019 and later models are available on the market. They are larger and more off-road focused than the original 1994–2002 Passport.

How do I know for sure what year and model a Honda is?

Check the VIN. The 10th character tells you the year (G = 2016). You can also look at the title, registration, or use the VIN to search NHTSA.gov or Edmunds for the vehicle's full details.