What the 1997 Honda Passport offered

The 1997 Honda Passport was a mid-size sport utility vehicle built on the same platform as the Isuzu Rodeo, with a 3.2-liter V6 engine producing 215 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. It came as a four-door model only that year, with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Passport sat between Honda's smaller CR-V and larger Pilot (which did not debut until 2003), and it was designed to compete directly with the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Honda offered the Passport in two trim levels in 1997: the base EX and the higher-end LX. Both came standard with four-wheel drive, though two-wheel drive was not an option that year. The vehicle had a body-on-frame construction rather than the unibody design of modern SUVs, which meant it had a separate steel frame underneath the body panels.

Key Takeaways

  • The 1997 Passport used a 3.2-liter V6 with 215 horsepower paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
  • All 1997 Passports came standard with four-wheel drive; two-wheel drive was not offered that model year.
  • Honda sold two trim levels: the base EX and the LX, with the LX adding leather, power windows, and a power sunroof.
  • The Passport shared its platform and many mechanical components with the Isuzu Rodeo, though Honda handled the design and interior differently.

Engine and transmission choices

The 3.2-liter V6 was the only engine available in the 1997 Passport. This engine was borrowed from Isuzu and featured a cast-iron block with aluminum cylinder heads. It produced 215 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 230 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm—figures that were competitive for mid-size SUVs in the late 1990s but modest by today's standards.

Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The manual was lighter and offered slightly better fuel economy, while the automatic provided easier driving in traffic and off-road situations where smooth power delivery mattered. Fuel economy estimates for 1997 ranged from 16 to 18 miles per gallon depending on transmission choice and driving conditions.

Trim levels and standard equipment

The EX was the base trim and included power steering, power brakes with anti-lock braking (ABS), air conditioning, a cassette player, and cloth upholstery. It had manual windows and locks, and the interior was straightforward without extra conveniences. The EX came with a roof rack and running boards as standard.

The LX added leather seats, power windows, power door locks, a power sunroof, and an upgraded sound system with a CD player instead of cassette-only. The LX also included cruise control and a tilt steering wheel. Both trims had the same safety features and mechanical underpinnings; the differences were comfort and convenience items.

Four-wheel drive system and off-road capability

The 1997 Passport used a part-time four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case. In two-wheel drive mode, power went to the rear wheels only. When the driver engaged four-wheel drive, power split between all four wheels. The transfer case had a low-range setting for serious off-road work, which reduced engine speed and increased torque at the wheels.

The Passport had a body-on-frame design with a solid rear axle and coil springs, which gave it genuine off-road capability compared to car-based SUVs. Ground clearance was 8.6 inches, and the approach and departure angles were steep enough for moderate trail work. However, the Passport was not designed for extreme rock crawling or deep water fording—it was a capable weekend off-road vehicle rather than a hardcore expedition rig.

Interior space and seating

The Passport seated five people across two rows. The front seats were bucket-style with a center console between them, and the rear bench seat folded to create cargo space. Total cargo capacity behind the rear seats was about 37 cubic feet, which expanded to roughly 73 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The interior was functional rather than luxurious. Hard plastics dominated the dashboard and door panels, and the layout prioritized durability over aesthetics. The LX's leather seats and upgraded trim made the cabin feel more upscale, but even the LX was spartan compared to luxury SUVs of the era. Headroom and legroom were adequate for most adults, though very tall passengers might find the rear seat tight on longer drives.

Safety features and crash protection

The 1997 Passport came standard with dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a driver-side airbag. Side airbags were not standard that year. The body-on-frame construction provided a rigid structure, but the Passport's high center of gravity and truck-like handling meant it was more prone to rollover than car-based SUVs in emergency maneuvers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did not conduct crash testing on the 1997 Passport, so specific crash test ratings are not available. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) testing also did not cover this model. Buyers of used 1997 Passports should understand that safety standards and testing protocols have changed significantly since then, and this vehicle would not meet modern crash protection requirements.

What changed from 1996 and what came in 1998

The Passport debuted in 1994, so the 1997 model was in its fourth year of production. Changes between 1996 and 1997 were minor—mostly interior trim updates and slight adjustments to standard equipment. The engine, transmission, and chassis remained unchanged from earlier model years.

The 1998 model year brought more noticeable updates, including a revised front grille, new headlight design, and updated interior trim. The 1998 also saw the introduction of a two-wheel drive option, which was not available in 1997. If you are comparing a 1997 to a 1998, the mechanical differences are small, but the 1998 offers more flexibility in drivetrain choice and a slightly refreshed appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 1997 Honda Passport the same as the Isuzu Rodeo?

They share the same platform, engine, and transmission, but Honda and Isuzu made different design choices for the exterior, interior, and some mechanical details. The Passport has a distinct grille, headlights, and interior layout. Parts are often interchangeable, but they are not identical vehicles.

Can I get a 1997 Passport with two-wheel drive?

No. All 1997 Passports came standard with four-wheel drive. Two-wheel drive became an option starting in 1998. If you want a 1997 model, you will have four-wheel drive whether you need it or not.

How much fuel does a 1997 Passport use?

Fuel economy ranged from 16 to 18 miles per gallon depending on transmission type, driving conditions, and how the vehicle was maintained. The manual transmission was slightly more efficient than the automatic. Modern EPA testing would likely show lower numbers.

What is the towing capacity of a 1997 Passport?

The 1997 Passport could tow up to 3,500 pounds with the proper hitch and brake controller installed. Always verify the specific capacity with the owner's manual or a Honda dealer, as capacity depends on transmission type and other factors.

Are parts still available for a 1997 Passport?

Yes, because the Passport shares components with the Isuzu Rodeo and because Honda still stocks some parts for older models. Independent suppliers and salvage yards also carry used parts. Routine maintenance items like filters, belts, and fluids are widely available.