1997 Honda Passport: Specs, Features, and What Buyers Should Know

The 1997 Honda Passport occupies an interesting spot in automotive history — a midsize SUV that wore a Honda badge but was built on a platform shared with the Isuzu Rodeo. If you're researching one today, whether as a used purchase or to better understand a vehicle you already own, here's a clear-eyed look at what it is, how it's built, and what shapes ownership.

What Is the 1997 Honda Passport?

The Honda Passport was produced from 1994 to 2002. Honda did not engineer or manufacture the Passport independently — it was a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, built under a partnership between Honda and Isuzu. The 1997 model year is a second-generation Passport sharing its frame, engine, and drivetrain with the Rodeo of the same era.

This matters to buyers and owners because:

• Parts and repair information often cross-references Isuzu Rodeo components
• Mechanics familiar with Isuzu trucks may be equally equipped to work on the Passport
• Reliability patterns and known issues from one model often apply to both

Engine and Drivetrain

The 1997 Passport was offered with two engine options:

The 3.2L V6 was the more common choice and came standard on higher trims. Both engines pair with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, depending on trim and configuration.

Drivetrain options included rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a part-time four-wheel drive (4WD) system. The 4WD setup uses a traditional transfer case with low-range gearing — designed for off-road or low-traction use rather than continuous all-weather driving like a modern AWD system. Engaging 4WD on dry pavement can cause drivetrain binding and wear.

Trim Levels

The 1997 Passport was sold in two main trims:

• LX — base trim, typically with the 4-cylinder engine and more modest features
• EX — upper trim, typically with the V6, leather seating, and additional convenience features

Not every combination of engine, transmission, and drivetrain was available on every trim, and inventory will vary significantly among used examples today.

Known Mechanical Considerations 🔧

Because this vehicle is now nearly 30 years old, condition varies widely. Several mechanical areas come up frequently in owner discussions and repair records:

Timing belt: The 3.2L V6 uses a timing belt rather than a chain. Timing belt replacement is a maintenance item with a defined service interval — if the history is unknown on a used example, this is a priority to address. A snapped timing belt on this engine can cause significant internal damage.

Rust and frame condition: Like many trucks and SUVs from this era, the Passport can be vulnerable to rust, particularly in regions that use road salt. Frame integrity, wheel wells, and rocker panels are areas worth inspecting closely on any example.

4WD components: Transfer cases, front axle actuators, and vacuum lines associated with the 4WD system can degrade with age. Verifying that 4WD engages and disengages properly is part of any reasonable pre-purchase inspection.

Automatic transmission: The 4-speed automatic has a generally acceptable reputation for its era, but fluid condition and service history matter significantly in a vehicle this age.

Fuel Economy

EPA estimates for the 1997 Passport reflect the standards and testing methodology of the mid-1990s. Real-world fuel economy figures for used vehicles depend on engine condition, maintenance history, tire condition, driving patterns, and regional fuel blends. As a general reference point, V6 4WD SUVs of this era typically returned figures in the 15–20 mpg range combined — but individual results vary.

Buying a 1997 Passport Today

When evaluating any used vehicle this age, several factors shape what you're actually getting:

Mileage is only one data point. A low-mileage example that sat unused for years can have more problems than a higher-mileage vehicle that was regularly driven and maintained. Rubber seals, hoses, and belts degrade with time regardless of use.

Service records matter more than average. At nearly 30 years old, the Passport's condition is almost entirely a function of how it was maintained and stored.

Inspection before purchase by a mechanic familiar with older trucks and body-on-frame SUVs is worth the cost. Issues that are inexpensive to address before purchase can become negotiating points — or reasons to walk away.

Parts availability is a real consideration. Because the Passport shares components with the Isuzu Rodeo, parts sourcing draws from both supply chains. Common wear items are generally still available, but some components may require searching.

Ownership Costs and Registration

What you'll pay to own, insure, and register a 1997 Passport depends heavily on your state, county, driving history, and how the vehicle is used. Registration fees vary by state and sometimes by vehicle weight or age. Insurance rates reflect the driver's history, the vehicle's value, and local risk factors. Repair costs depend on your region, the shop, and what specifically needs attention.

Some states apply different emissions or safety inspection standards to older vehicles — a factor worth checking with your local DMV before purchase if you're unsure.

The Variables That Determine Your Outcome 🚙

Two buyers looking at 1997 Passports can end up with very different experiences based on:

• The specific example's maintenance history and storage conditions
• Whether the 4-cylinder or V6 is present, and whether 4WD was included
• Their state's inspection, registration, and emissions rules
• Local parts availability and mechanic familiarity with this platform
• How the vehicle will be used — daily driving, occasional use, off-road, towing

The 1997 Passport is a straightforward body-on-frame SUV from an era when these vehicles were simpler to work on than today's crossovers. Whether that simplicity and the specific example you're looking at adds up to a sensible choice depends entirely on the details of that vehicle and your own situation.