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

The 1998 Honda Passport occupies an interesting place in automotive history — a midsize SUV sold under the Honda badge but built by Isuzu. If you're researching one as a used purchase, trying to understand what you're looking at mechanically, or just piecing together the ownership picture, here's what you need to know.

What Is the 1998 Honda Passport?

The Honda Passport was a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, produced through a partnership between Honda and Isuzu. Honda sold it in North America from 1994 through 2002. The 1998 model falls in the second generation (1998–2002), which brought a mild refresh over the first-generation design.

Despite the Honda nameplate, the Passport shares its platform, drivetrain architecture, and most mechanical components with the Isuzu Rodeo of the same era. Parts, service bulletins, and repair histories from the Rodeo are largely applicable. This matters when researching reliability data or sourcing parts — you'll find more information and inventory if you search both nameplates.

Engine and Drivetrain

The 1998 Passport came with one powertrain option in most configurations:

The part-time 4WD system uses a shift-on-the-fly setup for 4WD High, with a manual transfer case shift required for 4WD Low. It is not an all-wheel-drive system — it's designed for low-traction or off-road use, not everyday pavement driving in 4WD mode. Driving in 4WD on dry pavement can stress the drivetrain.

Fuel economy by today's standards is modest. Expect figures in the range of 15–18 MPG combined, depending on driving conditions, drivetrain configuration, and vehicle condition. These numbers reflect EPA estimates from that era, which used a different testing methodology than modern ratings.

Trim Levels

The 1998 Passport was offered in two main trims:

• LX — Base trim with standard features
• EX — Upper trim with leather seating, upgraded audio, and additional comfort features

Both trims were available in 2WD and 4WD configurations, though availability varied by market and dealer inventory.

What to Know Before Buying a Used 1998 Passport 🔍

A vehicle this age — now over 25 years old — comes with ownership considerations that differ significantly from buying a newer used car.

Age-related wear is the baseline assumption. Rubber components (bushings, seals, hoses, belts), cooling system parts, and brake components should be inspected carefully. Even well-maintained examples have likely had multiple rounds of wear-item replacement by now.

Known mechanical areas to scrutinize:

• Timing belt — The 3.2L V6 is an interference engine, meaning a failed timing belt causes serious engine damage. Verify replacement history. Interval guidance at the time was typically around 60,000–75,000 miles, but a belt that old should be considered due for inspection regardless of mileage.
• Transfer case and front differential — On 4WD models, fluid condition and service history matter. Neglected transfer cases on these trucks are a documented issue.
• Frame and undercarriage rust — Depending on where the vehicle was operated, rust can be a structural concern, not just cosmetic. Vehicles from salt-belt states (upper Midwest, Northeast) warrant a thorough undercarriage inspection.
• Automatic transmission — These transmissions can be durable with proper maintenance, but fluid change history is worth verifying.

Recalls and TSBs: The 1998 Passport had several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued over the years covering issues like fuel systems, electrical, and suspension components. You can look up recall and TSB history through NHTSA's public database using the VIN. Outstanding recalls, if any still apply, are generally addressed free of charge at a dealership regardless of ownership history.

Parts Availability

Because the Passport shares DNA with the Isuzu Rodeo, parts availability is broader than the Honda name alone would suggest. Many components cross-reference directly. Aftermarket support exists for common wear items. That said, some Honda-specific trim pieces, badges, and interior components may be harder to source than mechanical parts.

Title, Registration, and Insurance Considerations

At 25+ years old, some states classify vehicles by age for registration or emissions purposes. A few states exempt older vehicles from certain emissions testing requirements — but rules vary widely. Some states also have classic or antique vehicle registration categories that may apply, typically carrying different fee structures and sometimes use restrictions.

Insurance for an older vehicle like this is often structured differently than for newer cars. Agreed value vs. actual cash value coverage becomes relevant — a 1998 vehicle's market value may be low, which affects how a total loss claim is handled. What coverage makes sense depends on the vehicle's condition, how it's used, and your state's minimums.

The Variables That Shape Every Outcome

How a 1998 Passport performs as a daily driver, what it costs to maintain, what it's worth, and whether it passes your state's inspection all depend on factors no general article can settle:

• Maintenance history of that specific vehicle
• Geographic history (rust exposure, climate wear)
• Your state's emissions and inspection requirements
• Local parts and labor costs, which vary considerably
• How the vehicle will be used — occasional weekend driving versus daily commuting puts very different demands on a 25-year-old SUV

The mechanical picture is knowable. The right call for your specific vehicle, budget, and situation is the part only you — and a mechanic who can put it on a lift — can work out.