2001 Honda Passport: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Honda's larger SUV is a retrimmed Isuzu Rodeo and is built at the same Indiana plant. Passport comes in LX, EX, and luxury EX-L models with rear- or 4WD, an Isuzu V6, and ABS. LXs have standard manual transmission; others automatic. The 4WD isn't for use on dry pavement, but shifts with a dashboard button, has low-range gearing and, for '01, includes a limited-slip rear differential. Rear disc brakes now replace drums on 4x4s. All 2001 Passports add no-cost rear child-seat anchors, 8-speaker audio, and UV-reflecting front-door and tailgate glass. EX-L has leather upholstery, in-dash CD changer and, for '01, power driver's seat. Performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly 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 Buy is the car-based Lexus RX 300. Though it lacks a low range in 4WD mode, it's the most carlike to drive and offers all of the versatility of a truck-based model.

Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the best-selling Ford Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the Teutonic Mercedes-Benz M-Class; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.