2002 Honda Passport: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The oldest of Honda's SUVs is a retrimmed Isuzu Rodeo and is built at the same Isuzu-run Indiana plant. Passport will be replaced for 2003 by Honda's new Pilot SUV, though Isuzu says Rodeo will continue into the 2003 model year. Honda will sell Passport alongside Pilot beginning in the summer of 2002 until Passport supplies run out. Pilot is based on the MDX from Honda's upscale Acura division. Passport comes in LX, EX, and luxury EX-L trim. All use an Isuzu V6. LXs are available with manual or automatic transmission, the others with automatic only. Passport's 4WD must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing and a limited-slip rear differential. Antilock brakes are standard, and 4WD versions have 4-wheel disc brakes. Exclusive to the EX-L are standard leather upholstery, power driver seat, and in-dash CD changer. Passport's 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 Buys are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.

Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.