2000 Honda Passport

By Bob Storck

When Honda needed to move into the SUV field, they went to their partner, Isuzu, who provided a good match for their vaunted quality and reliability.

Passport has excellent interior room, especially in the rear seats, and generous cargo capability. The canted forward rear window gives the truck a clever styling flair, even making it appear smaller. There are many small touches, such as front vent windows.

Honda has had good success filling out their product line by badging the Isuzu Rodeo. Look for Honda to announce their mid-size SUV soon, and if so, the Isuzu relationship will go away.

The major changes this year are in option packages, mostly upscale and convenience items. A luxury EX-L version with leather and two-tone paint is new.

The four-speed automatic comes with a winter-start feature, which helps in slippery conditions. The driver can operate locking hubs from inside without getting dirty. A shift-on-the-fly capability allows shifting the transfer case without stopping.

The Passport is manufactured in a Lafayette, Indiana plant which Isuzu built along with Subaru. (see Rodeo for more details--click "Next," below)