2001 Honda Passport: Specs, Reliability, and What Buyers Should Know
The 2001 Honda Passport occupies an interesting place in automotive history — it's a Honda badge on a vehicle that wasn't engineered by Honda. Understanding what it actually is helps set realistic expectations for anyone buying, selling, or already owning one.
What Is the 2001 Honda Passport?
The 2001 Honda Passport is a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, produced under a partnership between Honda and Isuzu that ran from 1994 through 2002. Honda sold the Passport in North America while Isuzu sold the mechanically identical Rodeo. The two share the same platform, engine, transmission, and most major components — so parts availability, repair knowledge, and reliability data for one generally apply to the other.
This is the second-generation Passport (1998–2002), and the 2001 model year sits near the end of its production run.
Engine and Drivetrain
The 2001 Passport came with a single engine option:
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.2L SOHC V6 |
| Horsepower | ~205 hp |
| Torque | ~214 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | 2WD or part-time 4WD |
The part-time 4WD system uses a traditional transfer case with 2H, 4H, and 4L modes. It is not an all-wheel-drive system — it's not designed for use on dry pavement in 4WD mode. Buyers coming from AWD vehicles should understand this distinction before daily driving one.
Trim Levels
The 2001 Passport was offered in two main configurations:
- Passport — base trim
- Passport EX — added features like leather seating, a sunroof, and upgraded audio
Neither trim was heavily optioned by modern standards, but the EX represents a meaningful comfort step up from the base.
Reliability: What the Record Shows 🔧
Because the Passport shares its mechanicals with the Isuzu Rodeo, reliability data from both nameplates is relevant. A few patterns are worth knowing:
Common issues associated with this generation:
- Automatic transmission wear — the 4-speed automatic in these trucks has a documented history of slipping and failure, particularly as mileage climbs or if fluid changes were deferred
- Timing belt — the 3.2L V6 is an interference engine, meaning a timing belt failure can cause serious internal damage. The service interval is typically around 60,000–75,000 miles, and any used example with unknown service history should have this addressed
- Rear differential and transfer case leaks — seals on both units can deteriorate with age
- Rust — frame and undercarriage corrosion is a real concern on examples from rust-belt states or areas with heavy road salt use
The engine itself, when maintained, tends to be reasonably durable. The drivetrain components around it require more attention.
What to Check When Buying a Used 2001 Passport
At this age — over 20 years old — condition matters far more than mileage as a standalone number. Key areas to inspect or have a mechanic evaluate:
- Timing belt replacement history — critical on an interference engine
- Transmission behavior — smooth shifts under acceleration and deceleration, no slipping or delayed engagement
- Frame condition — especially underneath, where rust can compromise structural integrity
- 4WD engagement — test all transfer case modes if the vehicle has 4WD
- Oil and fluid leaks — underneath and around the engine and differentials
- Service records — the more history available, the better the picture
A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from an independent mechanic remains one of the most useful tools for evaluating any used vehicle at this age and price point.
Parts and Repair
Because the Passport shares its platform with the Isuzu Rodeo, parts are generally available through both Honda and Isuzu/GM parts networks, as well as aftermarket suppliers. Labor costs for repairs will vary significantly by region and shop — a transmission rebuild or replacement, for example, can range widely depending on whether you use a dealership, independent shop, or specialty transmission shop.
Mechanics familiar with Isuzu trucks are equally capable of working on these vehicles, which can sometimes expand your repair options.
Fuel Economy
The 2001 Passport is not an efficient vehicle by any measure. EPA estimates for this generation generally fell in the range of 15–18 mpg combined, with real-world figures often coming in lower depending on driving conditions and vehicle condition. Fuel economy figures vary based on drivetrain configuration, driving habits, and mechanical health.
How This Vehicle Fits the Market Today 💡
The 2001 Passport occupies a budget used-vehicle tier. Asking prices vary considerably based on mileage, condition, region, and whether the seller knows what they have. Clean examples with documented maintenance history command more than high-mileage vehicles with unknown service records.
As a daily driver, the main tradeoffs are fuel costs, the age-related repair exposure common to any 20-year-old truck, and the limited modern safety features — no stability control, no backup camera, no ADAS systems.
As a secondary vehicle, occasional hauler, or light off-road truck, the platform has more appeal, particularly for buyers comfortable with older mechanicals and willing to maintain them.
What the right answer looks like depends entirely on your budget, your mechanical tolerance, your local market pricing, and what you plan to use the vehicle for — factors no spec sheet can weigh for you.