2000 Honda Passport: Specs, Reliability, and What Buyers Should Know

The 2000 Honda Passport was the final model year of Honda's mid-size SUV — a vehicle with an unusual origin story that shaped everything about how it drove, what it cost to maintain, and how it held up over time. If you're researching one today, either as a used buy or as a current owner, understanding what this truck actually is helps set realistic expectations.

What the 2000 Honda Passport Actually Is

The Passport wasn't built by Honda. It was a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, produced under a partnership between Honda and Isuzu. The two trucks shared a platform, body structure, and most mechanical components. Honda sold the Passport through its own dealerships with Honda badging, but under the hood and beneath the body panels, you're dealing with an Isuzu-derived vehicle.

This matters for ownership because parts sourcing, repair knowledge, and mechanic familiarity often extend across both nameplates. Shops experienced with Isuzu Rodeos of the same era generally understand the Passport as well.

Trim Levels and Configurations

The 2000 Passport was offered in two trims:

Both trims used the same 3.2-liter SOHC V6, rated at approximately 205 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic.

The 4WD system was a part-time setup, meaning it was designed for off-road or low-traction use — not for permanent use on dry pavement. Owners who regularly drove in 4WD on paved roads risked binding and drivetrain wear.

The EX trim added features like a power sunroof, leather seating, and a more complete audio system. Ground clearance was competitive for the era at roughly 8 inches, and the Passport could tow approximately 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Common Reliability Considerations 🔧

Because this vehicle is now over two decades old, condition varies dramatically. That said, there are patterns worth knowing:

Timing Belt: The 3.2L V6 uses a timing belt, not a chain. Timing belt replacement is a critical maintenance item — typically recommended every 60,000–90,000 miles depending on the source. A belt failure at operating speed can cause serious engine damage. On a vehicle this age, verifying whether the belt has been recently replaced is one of the first things a pre-purchase inspection should address.

Automatic Transmission: The 4-speed automatic in these trucks has a known history of issues, particularly when maintenance was deferred. Fluid condition and service history matter significantly for evaluating remaining transmission life.

Rust: Body and frame rust is a genuine concern on any vehicle from this era, especially in northern states, coastal areas, or anywhere road salt is used. Frame inspection matters on trucks intended for towing or off-road use.

Suspension Wear: Ball joints, tie rod ends, and wheel bearings see heavy use on body-on-frame SUVs. High-mileage examples commonly need suspension attention.

Oil Consumption: Some owners report moderate oil consumption from the V6 — not unusual for an engine of this age, but worth tracking between changes.

Fuel Economy

The 2000 Passport returned EPA estimates in the range of 15–16 mpg city and 19–20 mpg highway, depending on drivetrain and transmission. Real-world numbers depend on vehicle condition, driving habits, and whether the engine is running cleanly. These figures reflect what was typical for mid-size body-on-frame SUVs in 2000 — they're not competitive by modern standards.

What to Check Before Buying One Today

A used 2000 Passport is a 25-year-old vehicle. The checklist looks different than it would for a recent used car:

• Pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with this era of truck
• Timing belt service history (receipts or physical inspection)
• Transmission fluid condition and shift behavior under load
• Frame and rocker panel rust, particularly at seams and mounting points
• 4WD engagement and disengagement (if equipped)
• Evidence of coolant leaks or overheating history
• Odometer reliability — at this age, history documentation matters

VIN history reports can reveal accidents, title issues, and odometer readings, but they don't capture deferred maintenance or unreported damage.

Parts Availability and Repair Costs

Because the Passport shares components with the Isuzu Rodeo, parts sourcing extends across both platforms. Many mechanical components — gaskets, filters, belts, sensors — remain available through aftermarket suppliers. Body panels and interior trim can be harder to find in good condition.

Labor rates vary significantly by region and shop type. Repairs on older body-on-frame trucks can run longer than flat-rate estimates suggest when corrosion complicates disassembly — a common reality on 25-year-old vehicles in high-rust areas.

The Missing Pieces

How a 2000 Passport performs as an ownership proposition depends on things no spec sheet captures: how well the previous owner maintained it, what climate it lived in, how many miles it has accumulated, and what condition those miles left behind. Two Passports with identical odometer readings can be worlds apart mechanically. The vehicle's history, the integrity of its frame, and the condition of its drivetrain are what determine whether a given example is a reliable workhorse or an expensive project — and those answers only come from physically examining the specific truck in question.