2000 Honda Passport: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A new top-trim model and minor front and rear appearance alterations make news for the 2000 Passport. This is Honda's version of the Isuzu Rodeo and it returns LX and ritzier EX models with rear- or 4-wheel drive, and adds the new luxury EX-L. The EX-L comes with leather upholstery, two-tone paint, color-matched fender flares and bodyside moldings, and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Also for 2000, 2WD LXs join other models with standard 16-inch wheels (versus 15s).
The only engine is an Isuzu-designed V6. LXs come with manual transmission and offer an optional automatic that's standard on other models. Towing capacity is 4500 pounds. Passport's 4WD system isn't for dry pavement but shifts between 2WD and 4-high via a dashboard button; it also has separate low-range gearing. All Passports have standard antilock brakes and a left-hinged tailgate below a glass liftgate. EX and EX-L models stow their spare tire under the rear cargo floor; the LX has a swing-away external carrier.
Passport is built alongside Rodeo at the Subaru-Isuzu plant in Indiana, though the Isuzu version outsells it almost 3 to 1. Rodeo for 2000 offers an electronically controlled shock absorber system, but Passport's performance and accommodations otherwise mirror those of comparably equipped Rodeos.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys include the Ford Explorer, the Lexus RX 300, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Explorer and M-Class are more traditional SUVs with full off-road capability and V6 and V8 engines. RX 300 is a car-based SUV that lacks a low range in 4WD mode, but is the most carlike to drive. Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the slightly more expensive Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner. If you are on a Budget take a look at the old standby Jeep Cherokee. It is cruder than the rest but offers go-anywhere ability, utility, and a low price.