Is the Honda Passport still made by Isuzu?
The current Honda Passport is not built by Isuzu; it is manufactured by Honda in North America. The original Passport, sold in the early 1990s, was indeed a badge-engineered Isuzu Rodeo produced by Isuzu for Honda.
First-generation Passport (1993–1995)
Key facts about the first-generation Passport are that it was a badge-engineered version of the Isuzu Rodeo, produced for Honda by Isuzu, and it had a brief production run in the mid-1990s.
- It was essentially a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, customized for Honda marketing.
- Manufactured by Isuzu for Honda in North America, with model years 1993–1995.
- Sold in the United States and Canada as a rugged two-door/short-wheelbase SUV variant.
- The Passport nameplate was retired after 1995 and did not return until Honda revived it in 2019.
In short, the first-generation Passport represented a short-lived collaboration between Honda and Isuzu, using Isuzu’s production to supply Honda with a Rodeo-based sport-utility vehicle.
Modern Honda Passport (2019–present)
Key facts about the current Passport highlight a return of the nameplate as a Honda-developed model, with production handled by Honda itself in North America.
- The modern Passport is not built by Isuzu; it is manufactured by Honda.
- Production takes place in the United States at Honda Manufacturing Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama, alongside the Honda Pilot.
- It is built on Honda’s Pilot platform and configured as a two-row, more rugged SUV.
- The contemporary Passport debuted for the 2019 model year and remains in production through the 2024–2025 timeframe.
Today, the Passport is firmly a Honda product, with no current Isuzu involvement in its manufacture.
Summary
Historically, the Honda Passport’s origins split into two chapters: the original 1993–1995 model was an Isuzu-built badge-engineered Rodeo made for Honda; the ongoing 2019–present Passport is a Honda-made vehicle produced in Alabama, sharing the Pilot’s underpinnings. There are no Isuzu-built Passports in production today.
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.
Is the Honda Passport made by Isuzu?
The Honda Passport is a line of sport utility vehicles (SUV) from the Japanese automaker Honda. Originally, it was a rebadged version of the Isuzu Rodeo, a mid-size SUV sold between 1993 and 2002.
Who builds the Honda Passport?
Honda makes the Honda Passport, and it is currently assembled exclusively at the Honda Alabama Auto Plant in Lincoln, Alabama. Previously, from 1993 to 2002, the first-generation Passport was manufactured by Subaru Isuzu Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana.
- Current manufacturing: The current generation of the Honda Passport is produced in Lincoln, Alabama.
- Previous manufacturing: The first and second generations, from 1993 to 2002, were built in Lafayette, Indiana, through a partnership with Subaru Isuzu Automotive.
- Design and development: Honda's R&D and manufacturing teams collaborated on the design, with design work for the current models originating from Honda North America.
Did they stop making Honda passports?
The Honda Passport was discontinued in 2002 but was brought back in 2019 after a hiatus, and a redesigned fourth generation is scheduled for the 2026 model year. The original discontinuation was due to the introduction of the Honda Pilot and a shift in Honda's SUV strategy, but the nameplate was revived to meet renewed consumer interest in rugged, mid-size SUVs.
First generation and discontinuation
- The first-generation Passport was sold from 1993 to 2002.
- It was a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo and was a key part of Honda's entry into the SUV market.
- In 2002, Honda discontinued the Passport to focus on the new Honda Pilot, a car-based crossover with a focus on comfort and fuel efficiency.
Hiatus and revival
- The Passport name was absent from Honda's lineup for nearly 17 years, during which the company focused on other models like the CR-V and HR-V.
- As interest in more rugged, mid-size SUVs grew, Honda revived the Passport nameplate.
- The third-generation Passport, which is still in production, was released for the 2019 model year.
Current and future models
- The current Passport is a two-row, mid-size SUV built on the same platform as the Pilot.
- A completely redesigned fourth generation is slated to debut for the 2026 model year.
- This new generation will feature a more rugged design, updated technology, and enhanced off-road capabilities, according to Honda Newsroom.
