Honda Passport

The Passport returned as a stubbier version of Honda’s Pilot SUV. They share a platform and the same smooth, refined 3.5-liter V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission. We measured 21 mpg overall. The five-seat, midsized Passport slots between the compact CR-V and three-row Pilot, and competes with the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano. Unlike the Pilot, we found the Passport’s ride to be rather stiff, but without a marked improvement in handling agility. The infotainment system is rather slow to respond and the push-button gear selector is tricky to use without looking down. The interior is roomy and full of handy storage places. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard, but blind spot warning comes only on more-expensive trims. An off-road oriented TrailSport trim is added as part of a mild 2022 freshening.

The Honda Passport was a midsized SUV produced by Isuzu, starting with the 1994 model, as Honda's first entry in the truck market for the United States, and only sold in the United States. Built and designed solely by Isuzu, who sold it as the Rodeo which was essentially a SUV wagon version of the Isuzu pickup truck. It was seen as a "quick fix" entry into the growing SUV market for Honda. Aside from a smooth engine and drivetrain, there's little to praise in this clone of the Isuzu Rodeo. Its V6 is strong and relatively economical. But the Passport remains a truck-based SUV of the old school. Sharp bumps elicit hard slams, and even smooth roads bring a busy ride. Handling is clumsy though predictable; part-time four-wheel drive is all that's available. The brakes are mediocre. The front seats are nicely shaped but too low. The rear seat is low, too, but roomy, and the cargo floor is easy to load. It was discontinued after the 2002 model year.