Vehicle Overview
The Honda Passport sport utility vehicle is essentially a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo. HondaÂ’s larger SUV carries on without major change for 2002. Four-wheel-drive models have all-disc antilock brakes and a limited-slip differential. Available in LX, EX and upscale EX-L trim levels, the Passport is built in Indiana.
Honda sold 21,892 Passports during 2000 — a slight drop from 1999, according to Automotive News. A Passport replacement could emerge by the 2003 model year, possibly stemming from the design of the Acura MDX.
Exterior
Built with body-on-frame construction, the four-door Passport LX model measures 184 inches long overall with a 106.4-inch wheelbase. The EX or EX-L models are 6 inches shorter, because the spare tire stows under the vehicle rather than on the tailgate. A 4WD Passport is 68.8 inches tall and 70.4 inches wide. The side-hinged tailgate swings open to the left, and the separate rear window swings upward. Ground clearance is 8.2 inches on the EX model, which uses 16-inch tires rather than the 15-inchers equipped on the LX version. Skid plates go under the radiator, fuel tank and 4WD transfer case.
The Passport features softer edges than some SUVs. Flared wheel wells are integrated into the body, and character lines highlight the bumpers and bodysides. All Passports have a roof rack and body-color bumpers, and the EX adds a power moonroof, fog lights and rear privacy glass. The EX Luxury Package adds lower two-tone paint with color-matched bodyside moldings and fender flares.
Interior
Five occupants get two front bucket seats and a three-place, 60/40-split rear bench that folds down. Leather upholstery is standard on the EX and EX-L models, but the LX has cloth. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, a cargo net and cover, and an eight-speaker audio system. Power mirrors are heated on the EX, and the EX-L has a four-way power driverÂ’s seat.
Under the Hood
HondaÂ’s 205-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 engine teams with either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission. Both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available. A dashboard button engages the 4WD system, which has a Low range but is not intended for use on dry pavement. The Passport can tow as much as 4,500 pounds. Antilock brakes are standard, and side-impact airbags are not available.
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