Honda Passport
| Honda Passport | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Subaru Isuzu Automotive |
| Production | 1993–2002 |
| Assembly | Lafayette, Indiana, United States |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact 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 |
The Honda Passport was a badge engineered version of the Isuzu Rodeo released in 1993 and sold by Honda in the United States as their first entry into the growing SUV market of the 1990s. However, it was made in Lafayette, Indiana by Subaru Isuzu Automotive, Inc.[1]
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 sport utility vehicles, a segment that was growing in popularity in North America as well as Japan during the 1990s. Honda's capability to develop their own sport utility vehicles such as the Honda CR-V and Acura MDX as well as General Motors' increasing influence over Isuzu would lead to the conclusion of the partnership in 2002 with the discontinuation of the Passport in favor of the Honda-engineered Pilot.
First generation
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production |
1993–1997 Chassis C_58E C_58V C_58W |
| Body and chassis | |
| Related | Isuzu Rodeo |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
2.6L 120 hp (89 kW) I4 3.2L 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) |
Second generation (1997-2002)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production |
1997–2002 Chassis _M58W CK58W |
| Body and chassis | |
| Related |
Isuzu Rodeo Isuzu Axiom |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.2L 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) |
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".
Some first generation were equipped with a rear axle built by General Motors. Others had a Dana built "Spicer 44" rear axle.
In 2010, A recall was issued for affected 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Passport for frames with severe rust issues. NHTSA Campaign ID number: 10V436000
References
- ↑ Truett, Richard Truett (October 21, 1993). "Expert Reviews: 1993 Isuzu Rodeo". Orlando Sentinel.
