Is the Honda Passport made by Isuzu?
In the current lineup, the Honda Passport is not made by Isuzu. The original Passport (1993–1998) was a badge-engineered Isuzu Rodeo built by Isuzu for Honda. The modern Passport (launched for the 2019 model year) is a Honda-designed, Honda-built model produced in North America.
What follows is a look at how the Passport came to be associated with Isuzu in its first generation and how Honda builds the revived model today, including where production takes place and what changed between eras.
Historical context: The original Passport era (1993–1998)
During the early 1990s, Honda needed a two-row SUV to complement its lineup. Rather than designing a new platform from scratch, Honda partnered with Isuzu to badge-engineer a version of the Isuzu Rodeo for the North American market. The result was the Honda Passport, sold through Honda dealerships but assembled by Isuzu in the United States.
- Generation: First generation, produced roughly 1993–1998.
- Platform: Based on the Isuzu Rodeo chassis and mechanicals.
- Manufacturer/assembly: Built by Isuzu for Honda, at Isuzu’s U.S. plant in Lafayette, Indiana.
- Branding and marketing: Honda-badged and sold as Honda, but not produced in Honda’s own factories.
- End of production: The model was discontinued in the late 1990s as Honda reorganized its SUV lineup.
Before listing, this paragraph explains what the list will cover: key production facts about the first-generation Passport, including platform, manufacturer, and assembly location.
The original Passport thus represented a rare collaborative arrangement: a Honda badge on an Isuzu-made machine, with manufacturing handled by Isuzu in the United States.
Legacy and branding
Even though Honda marketed the Passport as its own model, the vehicle’s origins are tied to Isuzu through engineering and production. That early arrangement ended well before the modern Passport returned to Honda’s lineup, and there was no direct Isuzu involvement in the 2019 revival.
Current generation: Production and location (2019–present)
In 2019, Honda reintroduced the Passport as a modern two-row SUV built on the Pilot’s platform. This time, Honda produced the vehicle in its own North American manufacturing network, marking a renewed and fully in-house approach to the Passport nameplate.
- Generation: Second generation, introduced for the 2019 model year and continuing beyond.
- Platform: Shares the Honda Pilot’s platform, but configured as a distinct two-row SUV with its own styling and features.
- Manufacturer/assembly: Built by Honda in its North American plants, notably at Honda Manufacturing Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama (USA).
- Branding and market scope: Honda-badged, marketed as a Honda product with Honda engineering and quality control.
- Current status: No Isuzu production involved; the Passport is now a pure Honda product.
Before listing, this paragraph explains what the list will cover: where the current Passport is built, and how its development differs from the original model.
Today’s Passport reflects Honda’s in-house development approach, leveraging its existing SUV architecture while offering a distinct two-row option in the mid-size segment.
Manufacturing footprint
The modern Passport is part of Honda’s North American manufacturing footprint, aligning with Honda’s U.S. production strategy for crossovers and SUVs. The Alabama plant is noted for producing several Honda models, including the Pilot, and later models such as the Passport, reflecting shared assembly lines and supply chains within a single facility.
Summary
In sum, the Honda Passport’s manufacturing story spans two eras. The original Passport (1993–1998) was a badge-engineered Isuzu Rodeo built by Isuzu in the United States for Honda. The current Passport (2019–present) is a Honda-designed, Honda-built model produced in North America, with no ongoing Isuzu involvement. The name now represents a Honda product that sits on its own two-row platform, distinct from the Isuzu collaboration of the 1990s.
Conclusion
The evolving history of the Honda Passport highlights how branding, platform sharing, and manufacturing partnerships have shifted over time. If you’re evaluating a Passport for purchase or just seeking background, you can be confident that the modern Passport is a Honda product built by Honda, while the original model belonged to a brief era of collaboration with Isuzu.
What is the most common problem with the Honda Passport?
The most common problems with the Honda Passport include infotainment system malfunctions, such as the display going blank and speakers crackling, and issues with the 9-speed automatic transmission, which can include delayed or harsh acceleration. Other frequent complaints involve body hardware issues like a rear hatch that won't open and occasional electrical problems with features like the fuel filler pipe or air bags.
Infotainment and electrical issues
- Display screen and audio: The infotainment screen may go blank, and speakers can crackle or pop.
- Fuel system: Some models have had issues with a faulty fuel filler pipe, leading to fuel leaks.
- Body and interior: Common problems include a rear hatch button that breaks, a gas smell inside the vehicle, and fading or peeling paint.
Transmission problems
- 9-speed transmission: Some owners report delayed, harsh, or erratic shifting with the 9-speed transmission, particularly in models from 2019-2022.
- Engine and related systems:
- Varnish buildup: This can cause a ticking noise from the engine.
- Oil in spark plug tubes: This can lead to misfires.
- Timing belt: Newer models have a timing belt that requires replacement, which is an expensive but necessary maintenance item to prevent engine failure.
Other potential problems
- Steering: Some 2023 models have been recalled for a risk of steering loss due to a loose ball joint.
- Brakes: Some reports mention premature brake wear and issues with the ABS light coming on.
- Vibration: Some owners have experienced vibration, particularly at highway speeds.
Which Honda SUV is made by Isuzu?
Honda Passport
First released for the 1994 model year, the original Honda Passport was actually a rebadged version of the Isuzu Rodeo delivered as part of a partnership between the two car companies.
Where are Honda passports manufactured?
Alabama
Honda is calling the new Passport its “most off-road capable” SUV ever and the Passport TrailSport Honda's “ultimate adventure vehicle.” The new vehicles are built exclusively at the 4.9-million-square-foot Alabama facility.
Who makes the Honda Passport?
More than 4,500 Honda associates in Alabama have the exclusive responsibility to manufacture Honda light trucks including the Passport, Pilot, Odyssey and Ridgeline along with TrailSport models.
