1998 Honda Passport: Specs, Reliability, and What Buyers Should Know

The 1998 Honda Passport occupies an interesting corner of automotive history — a mid-size SUV that wore a Honda badge but shared its bones with the Isuzu Rodeo. If you're researching one as a used buy, trying to understand what you're working with mechanically, or just curious about how it stacks up, here's what you need to know.

What Is the 1998 Honda Passport?

The Honda Passport was sold in North America from 1994 through 2002. Despite the Honda name, it was built by Isuzu and mechanically identical to the Isuzu Rodeo. Honda and Isuzu had a long-standing manufacturing partnership during this era, and the Passport was essentially a rebadged version of the second-generation Rodeo.

This matters for anyone researching parts, repairs, or reliability data. Much of what applies to a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo applies directly to the 1998 Passport — including service bulletins, known issues, and compatible replacement parts.

Engine and Drivetrain Options

The 1998 Passport came with two engine choices:

The V6 was the more popular option and is more commonly found on the used market. Both engines used a traditional port fuel injection system — no direct injection complexity to worry about here.

Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic, depending on trim level. Drivetrain configurations included 2WD (rear-wheel drive) and part-time 4WD, using a traditional transfer case with high and low range. This was not an all-wheel drive system — it required the driver to manually engage 4WD and was not designed for continuous use on dry pavement in 4WD mode.

Trim Levels

The 1998 Passport was offered in two main trim levels:

• LX — Base trim, typically came with the 4-cylinder engine and more basic features
• EX — Upper trim, typically paired with the V6 and offered more interior features, alloy wheels, and available 4WD

Not every example you find will be the same. Mileage, condition, prior maintenance history, and which engine and drivetrain it carries will vary significantly from vehicle to vehicle.

Reliability: What the Record Shows

Because the Passport shares its platform with the Isuzu Rodeo, reliability patterns tend to mirror each other. At nearly 27 years old, any surviving 1998 Passport is a high-mileage, high-age vehicle. What matters most at this point is maintenance history and rust condition, not the original engineering reputation.

Known Issues to Be Aware Of 🔧

Owners and mechanics familiar with this platform frequently point to a few recurring concerns:

• Timing belt — The 3.2L V6 is an interference engine, meaning a timing belt failure can cause serious internal engine damage. These belts have a service interval (typically around 60,000–90,000 miles), and on a vehicle this old, verifying when it was last replaced is critical.
• Automatic transmission — The 4-speed automatic on these trucks has a mixed reliability reputation. Fluid condition and service history matter.
• Rust — Frame and body rust is a significant concern on any vehicle from this era, especially in northern states, coastal areas, or regions that use road salt heavily.
• Electrical gremlins — Aging wiring, worn sensors, and brittle connectors are common on 25+ year-old vehicles regardless of make.
• Suspension wear — Ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings will have significant wear on most examples at this age.

Fuel Economy

EPA estimates from the original model year put the 3.2L V6 Passport at roughly 15–17 mpg city and 18–21 mpg highway, depending on drivetrain. Real-world results varied then and vary more now with aging fuel systems and emissions components. These figures are from a different era of testing methodology, so treat them as rough benchmarks rather than precise expectations.

Buying a 1998 Passport Today

At this age, the 1998 Passport sits firmly in project vehicle or budget utility territory. Prices vary enormously based on condition, mileage, location, and seller — a rough runner might sell for a few hundred dollars, while a clean, low-mileage example with documented service history could command significantly more. Regional markets play a real role in pricing.

Before purchasing any example, a few things consistently matter:

• Pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with this platform (or Isuzu trucks generally)
• Timing belt documentation
• Frame and undercarriage inspection for rust
• Transmission behavior during a test drive
• Title history and odometer disclosure

Parts availability is generally reasonable because of the shared Isuzu Rodeo platform, but that can vary by region and supplier. OEM parts for a vehicle this age are largely unavailable new from Honda; the aftermarket and salvage yards carry the load.

What Varies by Situation 🗺️

Whether a 1998 Passport makes sense as a purchase depends on factors that look different for every buyer:

• Your state's emissions and inspection requirements — Some states require older vehicles to pass emissions testing; others exempt vehicles over a certain age. Requirements differ meaningfully.
• How you plan to use it — Light daily driving, off-road use, and towing each stress different systems differently.
• Your mechanical ability or access to a trusted shop — A vehicle this age will need ongoing attention.
• Local rust conditions — A Passport from Arizona and one from Minnesota are in fundamentally different physical condition, even with the same mileage.

The mechanical story on the 1998 Passport is consistent and well-documented. What changes is how that story intersects with your specific circumstances, location, and what you're trying to do with the vehicle.