[GaryDahl]

We know now that the Passport that was targeting the mid 30’s males but , the 30 year olds with 30+ years Experience “AKA seniors” are buying a BIG chunk of the Passport inventories, WHY?
Let’s see what everyone thinks, OKAY I will start..

I owned muscle cars in the last 50 years, but now I no longer drive in the fast lane, and I don’t like that mid life persona. I didn’t want something young looking “ crazy tail lights, goofy looking windows, cars that would fit in a Jetson cartoon”
Don’t like big power from little engines, Turbocharged/supercharged, in my muscle car days it was “no replacement for displacement” So, no F/I for this cat!
I was having issues with my 2017 CR-V and the heat SUCKS with Minnesota winters. I owned a 2016 Pilot Elite, “ 7 passengers for 2 people” opps, got good money for it in 2017. I own a 2017 HR-V ex-l, it is a AWESOME crossover, its my Wife’s favorite car “happy wife, happy life”.
My wife “Patty” said that I shouldn’t put up with a car that is plagued with issues plus having very little heat as my retirement car. So while having my CR-V serviced for my issue I made a point of seeing a new Passport. My first impression of the 2019 Honda passport was “holy crap, it looks just like an old-school SUV“. I seen myself getting older and running over curbs, hitting trash cans , and driving down the street with my blinker on and the gas door open. A big V6 that will create lots of heat, a transmission with gears that will tower 5000 pounds, and all wheel drive that will get me through Minnesota winters, awesome sound system that will play 60s music. On top of all this good stuff it is black on black and it will keep me out of my wife’s hair and into the garage for many entertaining hours during my retirement

 

[Homer]

We know now that the Passport that was targeting the mid 30’s males but , the 30 year olds with 30+ years Experience “AKA seniors” are buying a BIG chunk of the Passport inventories, WHY?

For those of us who have passed 60, what are we supposed to buy? The general trend is towards SUVs, so like everyone else, we are most likely to buy an SUV. This type of car happens to fit my lifestyle. I'm not into luxury vehicles (really didn't want leather), but wanted the latest safety and tech features.

Two cars ago I had an FJ80 Land Cruiser. Loved it. Once it was time to replace it, the Land Cruiser had morphed from a great utility vehicle into a very expensive luxury SUV. I decided to limit myself to a vehicle I could tow behind my motorhome (although I never did). I purchased a CR-V which I really like, but sometimes its just a tad too small when I am going on an extended road trip.

The passport gets me back to the size vehicle that works for me.

 

[SoundsGood]

I think it's the meds.

 

[GaryDahl]

I think it's the meds.

?

 

[stevenD]

Hey Gary, did you figure out a way to hook-up an 8-Track player? In another post here, I also mentioned the fact that although the original Honda press-release was targeting the 30-somethings age group, it seems like (in this Forum anyway) that the majority of the buyers are in the 50+ age group (like me!).
Anyway, here's what and how I ended up with a Passport:

In early 2018, my daughter was planning to go away to college and my wife suggested selling the 2016 Accord (Sport) that we had bought her (new). Well, I was tired of driving my 328 BMW Coupe and since it was the only of our three cars that was paid for, I suggested selling my BMW and driving our daughters car until she returns from college for summer 2019.

With the plan in place, I started my search, having had a 1998 4-Runner for 17 years, Toyota was my first thought, but after seeing how painfully overdue for an update it was, and the 17/20 mpg sealed the rejection. So I expended my search outward, to all the available SUV's and mid-size trucks, Nissan? - nope, Mazda? - nope, VW? - no way, Subaru? maybe, never had one but the Outback looked kinda cool, Highlander & Pilot?, both too big, too van-like and no off-road capabilities, Trucks? Tacoma not too bad but probably more truck-like than I needed, the Ridgeline? - beat the Tacoma in all the areas that mattered to me, but since I wanted to be able to sleep in what I bought (while camping), with a truck, I would also need a Shell, and a kit for the back, so Trucks were out.

Then I found the press release and all the specs and hopla surrounding the redesigned 2019 RAV4. Everything I was reading about it sounded good and I seriously thought that would be my next vehicle. Then it was released - ARGH! (Charlie Brown reference) and suddenly all the things being bashed, were things that were important to me.

Somewhere around that time (Sept 2019) I was at the Honda dealer getting an oil change for the Accord and I while chatting up the Receptionist, she mentioned that Honda has a new one coming out soon and I recall thinking: "yeah right", a Honda SUV with off-road capabilities?!#$%!

I saw the that teaser-trailer was released showing the overview of the Passport driving on dirt roads, I thought, hmm, this looks interesting, then the major press release at the end of Oct-2018 and the showing at the LA Auto Show (Nov-2018) The Passport was my new targeted vehicle.

With my daughter not returning from college until May-2019 and my wife's last payment on her Lexus in Apr-2019, my target date for purchase was early May-2019, I still went and test drove one on Feb 1st (3-days before the official sales release date), which pretty much convinced me that the Passport was the "one".

Knowing my buying period was still months away, I began contacting various (at least 6 or 7) Honda dealers probing for discount pricing. With none of them willing to sell sub-MSRP, it was frustrating, but I was still "ok", due to my timing.

Then I realized I could get a decent discount going through the Navy Federal Credit Union Buying Service and coupled with the fact that there was only one vehicle Modern Steel Gray w/Blk interior, AWD Touring model within 800 miles of my location and faced with the fact that if I waited another 6 weeks to buy (as planned), I might have to settle for different colors or the more expensive Elite model (I'm a card-carrying member of the Hate-Black Rims Club) I decided it was in my best interest to buy now (March-2019) and I lived happily ever after...

 

[GaryDahl]

That was a great write up, thanks for the write-up.

 

[SoundsGood]

did you figure out a way to hook-up an 8-Track player?

Ahh, fond memories of hearing a song's volume fade out in the middle of the song... then fade back in to full volume again... and thinking nothing of it.

 

[GaryDahl]

Ahh, fond memories of hearing a song's volume fade out in the middle of the song... then fade back in to full volume again... and thinking nothing of it.

I remember “reverbs” and quardphonics.?

 

[SoundsGood]

Remember this?:

http://enciclopediadecromos.tumblr.com/image/179304627090

 

[Passporter]

So I have time to purchase and was kinda waiting for the rav4 trd is suppose to hit the streets this fall. Haven’t been to the rav4 forums yet. Save me a trip please what’s a matter with them. Thanks

 

[GaryDahl]

So I have time to purchase and was kinda waiting for the rav4 trd is suppose to hit the streets this fall. Haven’t been to the rav4 forums yet. Save me a trip please what’s a matter with them. Thanks

I’m sure they are a great SUV, I think there is a lot of brand loyalty on this forum. I am to new have any brand loyalty, I was a FORD guy for 35 years. I got unhappy with Ford and choose Honda because I liked the looks, Patty loved the CR-V. I’m not much for Hyundai or Nissan. VW is too expensive to fix.
I have no information about the RAV4.

 

[Passporter]

I’m sure they are a great SUV, I think there is a lot of brand loyalty on this forum. I am to new have any brand loyalty, I was a FORD guy for 35 years. I got unhappy with Ford and choose Honda because I liked the looks, Patty loved the CR-V. I’m not much for Hyundai or Nissan. VW is too expensive to fix.
I have no information about the RAV4.

Gotcha, actually sitting here at a diner and there’s a rav4 next to my truck. I didn’t even know they changed the look. I like the older rav4 look better! Scratch that off my list. You were a ford guy? Me to. Love the truck but need something smaller for when I go to the city. I have a trailer for the dozen times (or so) a year that I really need a truck!
Here’s a pic next to the new ugly rav4

 

[Pdog]

We know now that the Passport that was targeting the mid 30’s males but , the 30 year olds with 30+ years Experience “AKA seniors” are buying a BIG chunk of the Passport inventories, WHY?
Let’s see what everyone thinks, OKAY I will start..

I owned muscle cars in the last 50 years, but now I no longer drive in the fast lane, and I don’t like that mid life persona. I didn’t want something young looking “ crazy tail lights, goofy looking windows, cars that would fit in a Jetson cartoon”
Don’t like big power from little engines, Turbocharged/supercharged, in my muscle car days it was “no replacement for displacement” So, no F/I for this cat!
I was having issues with my 2017 CR-V and the heat SUCKS with Minnesota winters. I owned a 2016 Pilot Elite, “ 7 passengers for 2 people” opps, got good money for it in 2017. I own a 2017 HR-V ex-l, it is a AWESOME crossover, its my Wife’s favorite car “happy wife, happy life”.
My wife “Patty” said that I shouldn’t put up with a car that is plagued with issues plus having very little heat as my retirement car. So while having my CR-V serviced for my issue I made a point of seeing a new Passport. My first impression of the 2019 Honda passport was “holy crap, it looks just like an old-school SUV“. I seen myself getting older and running over curbs, hitting trash cans , and driving down the street with my blinker on and the gas door open. A big V6 that will create lots of heat, a transmission with gears that will tower 5000 pounds, and all wheel drive that will get me through Minnesota winters, awesome sound system that will play 60s music. On top of all this good stuff it is black on black and it will keep me out of my wife’s hair and into the garage for many entertaining hours during my retirement

I think Honda hit the bulls eye! Like the Forbes article stated this is a modern marvel. Just like each of you are. I think I enjoy reading your perspectives and thoughts almost as much as riding in my passport. I have appreciated how your over analyze everything even spreadsheet man. I have a new group of geeky friends that over analyze as much as I do but bring passion and enthusiasm for life.
Thanks!

mar·vel
/ˈmärvəl/Submit
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verb
1.
be filled with wonder or astonishment.
"she marveled at Jeffrey's composure"
synonyms: be amazed, be filled with amazement, be astonished, be surprised, be awed, stand in awe, wonder, be full of wonder, stare, gape, goggle, not believe one's eyes/ears, not know what to say, be dumbfounded; More
noun
1.
a wonderful or astonishing person or thing.
"the marvels of technology"
synonyms: wonder, miracle, wonderful thing, amazing thing, sensation, spectacle, phenomenon; More

 

[stevenD]

So I have time to purchase and was kinda waiting for the rav4 trd is suppose to hit the streets this fall. Haven’t been to the rav4 forums yet. Save me a trip please what’s a matter with them. Thanks

Well, off the top of my head: nearly every Reviewer commented on the excessive engine noise, they redesigned the motor to put out 203hp, yet it is geared to feel about the same as the competitors 180hp engines, no leather option is available, the interior feels and looks cheap and gimmicky, a loaded Adventure model has an MSRP of about $38k and the dealers are NOT dealing (stop me if you've heard this one before) the final nail in the RAV4 coffin for me, was when Motor Trend (I think it was them) did a comparison of (8) 2019 small SUV's and RAV4 finished in 4th place! The winner: CRV...

 

[Passporter]

Well, off the top of my head: nearly every Reviewer commented on the excessive engine noise, they redesigned the motor to put out 203hp, yet it is geared to feel about the same as the competitors 180hp engines, no leather option is available, the interior feels and looks cheap and gimmicky, a loaded Adventure model has an MSRP of about $38k and the dealers are NOT dealing (stop me if you've heard this one before) the final nail in the RAV4 coffin for me, was when Motor Trend (I think it was them) did a comparison of (8) 2019 small SUV's and RAV4 finished in 4th place! The winner: CRV...

Actually had time while waiting for dinner and did a quick glimpse at Toyotaforum. Within the 1st ten posts was engine noise, jerky transmission and a horrid smell that doesn’t go away. One post said they bought a passport?

 

[stevenD]

Actually had time while waiting for dinner and did a quick glimpse at Toyotaforum. Within the 1st ten posts was engine noise, jerky transmission and a horrid smell that doesn’t go away. One post said they bought a passport

I think that was me....lol

 

[KenA]

At 35, I suspect I'm out on this one.

 

[SoundsGood]

At 35, I suspect I'm out on this one.

Sorry kid.

 

[stevenD]

At 35, I suspect I'm out on this one.

It's ok, no age discrimination in here...lol

 

[DavidCSmithDP]

44 here, and I think the Passport nailed it with my chosen group... I'm a DINK* and I feel like it was made for me.

*Dual Income No Kids