The 2000 Passport was Honda's mid-size SUV built on a truck frame, positioned between the smaller CR-V and larger Pilot

The 2000 Honda Passport is a body-on-frame sport utility vehicle that Honda produced as a rebadged version of the Isuzu Rodeo. It came with either a 3.2-liter V6 engine producing 215 horsepower or a 2.2-liter four-cylinder with 135 horsepower. The V6 was the more common choice and significantly more capable for towing and off-road work. You could get it with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, and it came standard with two-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive.

The Passport sat in Honda's lineup as a truck-based alternative to the unibody CR-V. It was larger, heavier, and more rugged than the CR-V but smaller and less luxurious than the later Pilot. Production ended in 2002, so any 2000 model is now over 20 years old and will show its age in both mechanical systems and interior materials.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2000 Passport came with a 3.2-liter V6 or 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, with the V6 offering significantly better power and towing capacity.
  • It was built on a truck frame with body-on-frame construction, making it more capable off-road than the CR-V but less refined on pavement.
  • Four-wheel drive was optional and uses a part-time system, meaning you engage it manually for rough terrain rather than having it always active.
  • At over 20 years old, any 2000 model will need a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on rust, transmission condition, and suspension wear.
  • Fuel economy was poor by modern standards—expect 15 to 18 miles per gallon in real-world driving depending on engine and transmission choice.

Engine and transmission choices and what they mean for performance

The V6 engine in the 2000 Passport delivered 215 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque, making it capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. The four-cylinder produced 135 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of around 2,000 pounds. If you plan to tow anything substantial or want responsive acceleration, the V6 is the only realistic choice. The four-cylinder was adequate for highway driving and light hauling but felt underpowered for a vehicle this size.

The five-speed manual transmission was available only with the V6 and offered direct control and slightly better fuel economy than the automatic. The four-speed automatic was the more common pairing and was generally reliable, though it shifts more frequently on the highway than modern automatics. The four-cylinder came exclusively with the automatic. For a 20-year-old vehicle, transmission condition matters enormously—a rebuild or replacement can cost $2,000 to $4,000, so have any automatic transmission inspected by a specialist before purchase.

Four-wheel drive system and off-road capability

The Passport's four-wheel drive system is a part-time design, meaning you shift into four-wheel drive manually when you need it rather than having it engaged automatically. This system works well for off-road driving and poor weather but should not be left engaged on dry pavement, as it can cause binding and accelerate tire wear. The transfer case lever is located on the floor between the front seats, and switching between two-wheel and four-wheel drive takes a few seconds.

The truck-based chassis and body-on-frame construction gave the Passport genuine off-road capability that the CR-V lacks. Ground clearance was 8.6 inches, and the approach and departure angles were reasonable for light trail work. However, the suspension was designed for load-carrying rather than comfort, so the ride on pavement is noticeably stiffer than a unibody SUV. Expect more body roll in corners and a bouncier feel on bumpy roads compared to modern vehicles.

Fuel economy and running costs for a 20-year-old SUV

The 2000 Passport achieved 15 to 18 miles per gallon in mixed driving, depending on which engine you had and how you drove it. The V6 automatic typically returned around 16 to 17 mpg, while the four-cylinder was slightly better at 17 to 18 mpg. These figures are significantly worse than a modern CR-V or RAV4, so budget accordingly if you plan to drive this vehicle regularly. At current fuel prices, the difference between this and a newer SUV can easily exceed $1,500 per year if you drive 12,000 miles annually.

Beyond fuel, maintenance costs for a 20-year-old vehicle are the real concern. Timing belts, water pumps, suspension components, and brake systems all age regardless of mileage. The Passport's truck-based design means parts are often cheaper than for car-based SUVs, but labor costs are the same. Plan for regular maintenance of $500 to $1,000 per year for a vehicle in good condition, and significantly more if major systems need attention.

What to inspect before buying a used 2000 Passport

Start with the undercarriage and frame. Rust is the primary killer of 20-year-old vehicles, especially in areas with winter salt or high humidity. Look underneath for rust holes, particularly along the frame rails, fuel tank, and suspension mounting points. Surface rust is normal; structural rust that has created holes or thinned the metal is a reason to walk away. Have a mechanic inspect the frame with a lift if you cannot see the underside clearly yourself.

Check the transmission by test-driving the vehicle through a full range of gears. Automatics should shift smoothly without hesitation, clunking, or slipping. Listen for grinding or whining noises from the transfer case when you engage four-wheel drive. Inspect the suspension by looking at the shock absorbers and struts for leaking fluid, and have the vehicle aligned to check for excessive wear on bushings and ball joints. The steering should feel responsive without excessive play.

Examine the interior for cracks in the dashboard, worn seat fabric, and functioning climate control. The air conditioning system in a 20-year-old vehicle may need refrigerant or compressor work, which can cost $500 to $1,500. Check all windows, locks, and the power steering fluid level. Have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a mechanic familiar with older vehicles—this typically costs $100 to $150 and can reveal problems that will cost thousands to fix later.

Comparing the 2000 Passport to other used SUVs from that era

The 2000 Toyota 4Runner was the Passport's primary competitor and offered similar truck-based construction with a reputation for longevity. The 4Runner typically commands higher prices on the used market because Toyota's resale value holds better, but mechanically they are comparable vehicles. The 4Runner's V6 produced 215 horsepower like the Passport's, but the 4Runner's engine has a stronger reputation for reliability over 200,000 miles.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee from the same era offered unibody construction, which meant a smoother ride but less off-road capability. It was more car-like to drive but less capable in rough terrain. The CR-V, Honda's own competitor to the Passport, was smaller and more fuel-efficient but lacked the towing capacity and off-road ability. If you want truck-like capability, the Passport competes well with the 4Runner and Jeep. If you prioritize fuel economy and on-road comfort, a CR-V or early RAV4 would be better choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many miles is too many for a 2000 Passport?

Mileage matters less than maintenance history for a 20-year-old vehicle. A well-maintained Passport with 150,000 miles is a better buy than a neglected one with 80,000 miles. Focus on service records showing regular oil changes, transmission fluid service, and major repairs. If records are missing or the vehicle has been sitting unused for years, expect hidden problems regardless of mileage.

Can I use the four-wheel drive system on pavement?

You can, but you should not leave it engaged for extended highway driving. The part-time system is designed for off-road use or poor weather traction. Driving on dry pavement in four-wheel drive causes the front tires to fight the steering and accelerates wear. Engage it only when you need extra traction, then switch back to two-wheel drive when conditions improve.

What is the difference between the Passport and the Isuzu Rodeo?

The 2000 Passport is mechanically identical to the Isuzu Rodeo—Honda straightforward rebadged the vehicle and made minor cosmetic changes. The Passport had different grille styling, interior trim, and badging, but the engine, transmission, frame, and suspension are the same. Parts are interchangeable between the two, so finding replacement components is straightforward.

Should I buy a 2000 Passport if I want to tow a trailer?

Only if you have the V6 engine and automatic transmission. The V6 can tow 3,500 pounds, which is adequate for a small utility trailer or boat. The four-cylinder should not be used for regular towing. Verify that the specific vehicle has the towing package, which includes a heavier-duty transmission cooler and reinforced frame points. Have the transmission inspected before towing anything heavy.

How much should I expect to pay for a 2000 Passport in good condition?

Prices vary significantly by location, condition, and mileage, but a well-maintained 2000 Passport typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000. Four-wheel drive models command a premium over two-wheel drive. V6 models cost more than four-cylinder versions. Get a pre-purchase inspection before committing to any price, as hidden mechanical problems can quickly erase any savings compared to a newer vehicle.