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Honda Passport History
Honda Passport
Before Honda got in the truck building business, the Japanese automaker relied on its Isuzu rival to supply it the models needed to help it compete in the competitive and lucrative sport/utility vehicle segment. The first model supplied was based on the Isuzu Rodeo and called the Honda Passport. The Passport's lifespan extended from 1994 to 2002 when it was finally replaced by the Honda Pilot, an in-house designed and built vehicle.
Though not as refined of an SUV as Honda would have liked to have made available to its customers, the Honda Passport filled an important niche. The Isuzu Rodeo was well received by many enthusiasts, thus Honda found itself with a decent model to supplement its production line.
The Honda Passport was sold through two model cycles, 1993-1997 and 1998-2002. The first generation model offered both 2.6L I4 and 3.2L V6 engines while the second generation Passport kept the V6, but dropped the smaller engine. Though a capable powerplant, the I4 engine wasn't powerful enough for the Passport, while the V6 was upgraded to allow it to go from producing 175 hp to 205 hp.
Both the Isuzu Rodeo and the Honda Passport were available in either rear or four wheel drive models. Designed to compete against the Ford Explorer, Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder, the Passport 's off-road capabilities were actually quite good. Five speed manual transmissions was standard equipment on the base model while an automatic was optional with the base package but standard for the top of the line Honda Passport.
Among the notable attributes of the second generation Honda Passport was its robust frame and anti-lock braking system while rack and pinion steering and a coil spring suspension system helped to improve the Passport's ride. Perhaps the most desirable asset of the Honda Passport was the vehicle's towing capacity - with an enhanced brake package in place, the SUV could pull as much as 4500 lbs. Only the Honda Pilot can match those towing numbers today!
Though long out of production, Honda Passport and for that matter Isuzu Rodeo owners enjoy keeping up their rides. First generation models with high miles on the odometer have basically lost their book value, but second generation models can still be had for just a few thousands dollars. Thanks to customization including side step plates, hood scoops, door visors, roof racks, rear bumper guards, wiper cowls, split hood kits and more, your Honda Passport can be personalized to look, feel and drive the way that you want, providing an intrinsic value well beyond what any pricing guide suggests.
Before Honda got in the truck building business, the Japanese automaker relied on its Isuzu rival to supply it the models needed to help it compete in the competitive and lucrative sport/utility vehicle segment. The first model supplied was based on the Isuzu Rodeo and called the Honda Passport. The Passport's lifespan extended from 1994 to 2002 when it was finally replaced by the Honda Pilot, an in-house designed and built vehicle.
Though not as refined of an SUV as Honda would have liked to have made available to its customers, the Honda Passport filled an important niche. The Isuzu Rodeo was well received by many enthusiasts, thus Honda found itself with a decent model to supplement its production line.
The Honda Passport was sold through two model cycles, 1993-1997 and 1998-2002. The first generation model offered both 2.6L I4 and 3.2L V6 engines while the second generation Passport kept the V6, but dropped the smaller engine. Though a capable powerplant, the I4 engine wasn't powerful enough for the Passport, while the V6 was upgraded to allow it to go from producing 175 hp to 205 hp.
Both the Isuzu Rodeo and the Honda Passport were available in either rear or four wheel drive models. Designed to compete against the Ford Explorer, Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder, the Passport 's off-road capabilities were actually quite good. Five speed manual transmissions was standard equipment on the base model while an automatic was optional with the base package but standard for the top of the line Honda Passport.
Among the notable attributes of the second generation Honda Passport was its robust frame and anti-lock braking system while rack and pinion steering and a coil spring suspension system helped to improve the Passport's ride. Perhaps the most desirable asset of the Honda Passport was the vehicle's towing capacity - with an enhanced brake package in place, the SUV could pull as much as 4500 lbs. Only the Honda Pilot can match those towing numbers today!
Though long out of production, Honda Passport and for that matter Isuzu Rodeo owners enjoy keeping up their rides. First generation models with high miles on the odometer have basically lost their book value, but second generation models can still be had for just a few thousands dollars. Thanks to customization including side step plates, hood scoops, door visors, roof racks, rear bumper guards, wiper cowls, split hood kits and more, your Honda Passport can be personalized to look, feel and drive the way that you want, providing an intrinsic value well beyond what any pricing guide suggests.
