[blankenshiplaura]

Is the Passport actually MORE that the pilot?

No. Pilot MSRP is slightly higher. But negotiated market prices (current supply and demand) can get you an equivalent Pilot trim for less. Passport will eventually be discounted.

 

[mhall]

I want to wait to see them on the road, maybe for them to offer a beige interior and get realistic pricing

 

[patriciafry]

I test drove the Passport Elite AWD yesterday locally. I've purchased 4 vehicles in the past from this dealership and the guy made it sound like they'd be doing me a favor by selling me a Passport at MSRP "for the next several months." They know I'm actively car shopping, have no trade and could pay cash, but they let me walk out without wanting to negotiate at all. Funny thing is, I don't think they have sold any of their first batch of Passports yet this week and within 20 miles, there are 3 more dealerships that all have them in stock too. Something doesn't add up.

 

[tonya71]

I test drove the Passport Elite AWD yesterday locally. I've purchased 4 vehicles in the past from this dealership and the guy made it sound like they'd be doing me a favor by selling me a Passport at MSRP "for the next several months." They know I'm actively car shopping, have no trade and could pay cash, but they let me walk out without wanting to negotiate at all. Funny thing is, I don't think they have sold any of their first batch of Passports yet this week and within 20 miles, there are 3 more dealerships that all have them in stock too. Something doesn't add up.

They are all trying to hold the MSRP line for now. From what I understand , Honda is only making 45 thousand of them this year.

I had the same experience. I have made a very reasonable offer given the competition and Pilot selling prices. It appears the three Honda lots in my area aren't moving them either.

I don't think Honda is serious about building sales of the passport.

The obviously didn't invest much in design as it is basically a six inch shorter pilot with big wheels, same engine and transmission.

I doubt they will spend much in advertising it. It had been launched but I don't see it on tv.

I think they figure let's make a few, price them high, throw them out there and see if people will bite. Keep them priced high. Use them as CRV and Pilot bait. And if we sell a few, cash in on a big profit margin vs CRV and Pilot.

I can see the execs sitting around the table laughing.... her hee look at those Americans. They are paying more for less car with worse gas mileage and they never take it off road.

This is just a test pilot to see if there is a market. If they sell without marketing and discounts .... maybe they will get serious and invest some time developing a truly unique Passport.

If they don't..... I doubt the Passport line will continue past three years.

 

[lopezalexandria]

I have pretty much decided on another vehicle based on my inability to give a rats a$$ about hype. Perhaps next time. Other items that made it easy To move on included their transmission issues which may be a thing of the past but happened nonetheless And possible new model issues even though this is just a chopped pilot. Oh the black does not amuse me at all either. This just gets easier.

 

[tonya71]

I have pretty much decided on another vehicle based on my inability to give a rats a$$ about hype. Perhaps next time. Other items that made it easy To move on included their transmission issues which may be a thing of the past but happened nonetheless And possible new model issues even though this is just a chopped pilot.

Don't blame you. The ONLY thing that keeps the Passport as a potential for me is 5000 lb towing capacity.

If I didn't need tow capacity there are many more attractive vehicles out there at more reasonable price.

For me the Highlander or Ascent are looking better every day.

 

[mhall]

I wish Toyota would start offering Carplay, I would be all over a highlander

 

[tonya71]

I wish Toyota would start offering Carplay, I would be all over a highlander

They will have it very soon. 2020 Highlander is getting a big redesign and is sure to have Apple car play. I expect it to be unveiled at the spring New York Auto show. Likely available on lots by fall.

 

[tonya71]

I wish Toyota would start offering Carplay, I would be all over a highlander

I would take a good look at the Subaru Ascent too. It has CarPlay. Drove a base model today. Very good ride. I am going to drive top of the line next week.

 

[mhall]

I really wanted the Passport but with the ridiculous pricing and no beige, they are starting to lose me

 

[patriciafry]

Don't blame you. The ONLY thing that keeps the Passport as a potential for me is 5000 lb towing capacity.

If I didn't need tow capacity there are many more attractive vehicles out there at more reasonable price.

For me the Highlander or Ascent are looking better every day.

I like the Ascent but it seems big. Based on the 2020 Lagecy that they announced today, I’m thinking the 2020 Outback is going to be a nice alternative with that turbo boxer on what I think will be a XT model. Who knows...

 

[kristy75]

I liked the Ascent, but the one thing that scared me away was the CVT transmission.

 

[tonya71]

I like the Ascent but it seems big. Based on the 2020 Lagecy that they announced today, I’m thinking the 2020 Outback is going to be a nice alternative with that turbo boxer on what I think will be a XT model. Who knows...

I drove an Ascent today. It is big but drives a bit sporty. The boxer engine sits lower and creates a lower center of gravity. The AWD is perhaps even better than the Honda.

They had a hot looking forester on the floor but can't tow enough for me.

Good luck. Keep me posted on what you find.

 

[tonya71]

I liked the Ascent, but the one thing that scared me away was the CVT transmission.

Educate me on CVT transmission. Some hondas have it too right? I hear others are weary of them too. Why?

 

[aarondixon]

Same Dealer experiences here in So. Cal. - its like they have been ordered not to discount - so that all the masses of people flooding their dealerships to buy one of these groundbreaking vehicles will be happy paying full price.

This is like the story of the Emperors' New Clothes: Honda does NOT want you to see they took the same Engine, Transmission, Seats, Dash, Electronics, Platform, Wheels & Tires, put them on a kindanew body - with all the same Paint Colors and hope that you are so impressed with a 2-1/2 cu ft trunk - that you will shell out top dollar...!

Meanwhile Honda sold 80,000 LESS Accords and Civics last year and sales declined in the billions, yet they can't give a guy a $3-grand discount on a supposedly "new" car..

sad...

 

[lopezalexandria]

I am probably going to keep 18,000 dollars and just buy a 2018 RDX with about 20,000kms.
I just don't need the towing capacity and will have a good start for my next vehicle.

 

[andrearobinson]

I am probably going to keep 18,000 dollars and just buy a 2018 RDX with about 20,000kms.
I just don't need the towing capacity and will have a good start for my next vehicle.

You know, that's what being here and doing research is all about.

BTW, my 2014 RDX has been a champ. The major competition to a new Passport for me is the fact that my RDX is such a winner. And at only 70,000 miles, I feel guilty about trading it in.

 

[hensonstephanie]

Paying full MSRP on a short Pilot, that gets worse MPG, no ATC to get you to the claimed
5000 towing, or wiring harness, ( all 3 should be part of a package ) a non Honda transmission
that still has issues. No 18s on the lower trims, black LX mirrors on all trims, the larger Odyssey
gets the new Honda 10 Speed that is much better and gets better MPG. So much for Passport!
So now the lower trim Pilot with the Honda made 6 speed, and LE plus AWD Highlander with 20/27 MPG is beginning to look good now.

 

[shane05]

Test drove an Elite and LOVED it. Sat down to negotiate and ended up frustrated. Walked out. They wanted MSRP PLUS they low-balled my trade big time and refused to budge. NET would have been like giving them $4,000 OVER MSRP to drive off in the Passport.

Called 3 other dealer in the area and NONE were willing to budge off MSRP.

Bought a Mazda CX-5 GTR instead. Have had it for 3 days and must say, it is a terrific vehicle! The new 2.5T engine makes all the difference.

 

[patriciafry]

Test drove an Elite and LOVED it. Sat down to negotiate and ended up frustrated. Walked out. They wanted MSRP PLUS they low-balled my trade big time and refused to budge. NET would have been like giving them $4,000 OVER MSRP to drive off in the Passport.

Called 3 other dealer in the area and NONE were willing to budge off MSRP.

Bought a Mazda CX-5 GTR instead. Have had it for 3 days and must say, it is a terrific vehicle! The new 2.5T engine makes all the difference.

That is also on my list to check out! I LOVE that red paint. A head turner for sure. Also plan to check out the RDX.