Honda Passport

Honda Passport
Overview
Manufacturer	Subaru Isuzu Automotive
Production	1993–2002
Assembly	Lafayette, Indiana, United States
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Powertrain
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Chronology
Successor	Honda Pilot, Honda CR-V

The Honda Passport is a badge engineered version of the Isuzu Rodeo, a mid-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV). It was introduced in 1993 for the 1994 model year as Honda's first entry into the growing SUV market of the 1990s in the United States. The Passport was manufactured by Subaru Isuzu Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana.

The Passport was a part of a partnership between Isuzu and Honda in the 1990s, which saw an exchange of passenger vehicles from Honda to Isuzu, such as the Isuzu Oasis, and trucks from Isuzu to Honda, such as the Passport and Acura SLX. This arrangement was convenient for both companies, as Isuzu discontinued passenger car production in 1993 after a corporate restructuring, and Honda was in desperate need of an SUV, a segment that was growing in popularity in North America as well as Japan during the 1990s. The partnership ended in 2002 with the discontinuation of the Passport in favor of the Honda-engineered Pilot.

First generation (1994-1997)

First generation
Overview
Production	1993–1997 Chassis C_58E C_58V C_58W
Body and chassis
Related	Isuzu Rodeo
Powertrain
Engine	2.6 L 4ZE1 120 hp (89 kW) I4 3.2 L 6VD1 175 hp (130 kW) V6
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.5 in (2,756 mm)
Length	176.5 in (4,483 mm)
Width	66.5 in (1,689 mm) 68.5 in (1,740 mm) (EX)
Height	65.5 in (1,664 mm) 66.3 in (1,684 mm) (EX)

The first generation Passport was offered in three trims, the base model DX, mid-range LX, and upscale EX.^[1] DX models had a 5-speed manual, 2WD, and a 2.6 L I4 producing 120 hp (89 kW).^[1][2] LX models could be had with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission, optional 4WD, and a 3.2 L V6 engine producing 175 hp (130 kW) as standard.^[1][2] The upscale EX offered the 3.2L V6 and 4WD as standard.^[1] Some first generation Passports were equipped with a rear axle built by General Motors. Others had a Dana built "Spicer 44" rear axle.

Second generation (1998-2002)

Second generation
Overview
Production	1997–March 2002 Chassis _M58W CK58W
Body and chassis
Related	Isuzu Rodeo Isuzu Axiom
Powertrain
Engine	3.2 L 6VD1 205 hp (153 kW) V6
Dimensions
Length	178.2 in (2000-02) 177.4 in (4,506 mm) (1998-99) 184.1 in (4,676 mm) (1998-99 EX) 184.2 in (4,679 mm) (2000-02 EX)
Width	70.4 in (1,788 mm) 71.1 in (1,806 mm) (2000-02 EX)
Height	68.5 in (1,740 mm) (1998-99 LX) 68.8 in (1,748 mm) (2000-02)

Honda Passport frame rust

Many of the vehicles were subject to a safety recall because of severe rusting.

For the second generation (1998–2002) two trim levels were produced [LX] and upscale [EX], "EX" had the spare tire below the cargo area, and "LX" mounted in a swing carrier at rear. Minor changes for 2000 model included 2-tone exterior colors, and 16" wheels optional for "LX".

In 2010, a recall was issued for affected 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Passport for frames with severe rust issues.^[4] On September 22, 2010, NHTSA campaign number 10V436000 was issued to recall 149,992 vehicles because of excessive corrosion near the forward bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link.^[5] If the rust damage was severe, Honda bought back the vehicles from their owners.^[6] Under U.S. federal regulations, automakers are not required to correct problems on vehicles that are ten or more years old.^[7]

References